Cape Town takes its coffee seriously. Very seriously. In a city where mornings often begin with a mountain hike, a cold Atlantic swim, or a slow stroll through a neighbourhood market, good coffee is practically civic institution.
Fortunately, the city’s café scene has evolved far beyond simple caffeine stops. From minimalist roasteries tucked into backstreets to design-led cafés with cult pastry followings, Cape Town now rivals many of the world’s great coffee cities. And often with considerably better views.
I have never considered myself a true ‘coffee snob’. But with so many places serving such good quality coffee, it is hard not to be!
Whether you’re after the perfect flat white, a relaxed brunch spot, or simply somewhere to pause between sightseeing adventures, these are some of our favourite coffee shops in Cape Town.
Best coffee shops in Cape Town – Malay Coffee Shop
The Malay Coffee Company, perfectly situated in Cape Town’s city centre, gives coffee-lovers something new to try with their Malay-style coffee and daily home-made salomies, sandwiches and sweet eats.
As well as the delightful waft of brewing coffee that hits you as you walk in, freshly baked muffins and a warm, welcoming atmosphere encapsulates this cosy space. The décor interior of the Malay Coffee Company is all hand-made by owner Muneeba Allie’s husband, Rayaan. Which gives it a homey feel and a personal touch.
The lunch menu consists of Cape Malay-inspired cuisine. The more substantial meals like akhni (similar to biryani), lasagne, and curry can be ordered (preferably the night before). Or one can pick up some samoosas, Malay-style koeksisters, and smoked chicken tuna sandwiches for a lighter bite. The food is well-priced and filled with flavour. It is a great option for your morning coffee or a lunch time stop!
Rosetta Roastery is one of Cape Town’s exclusive single origin roasteries. Sourcing single origin coffee from South and Central America, Africa and Asia. They claim to “source and roast the world’s finest coffees, each as full of character as the people who drink them”. I have to agree! You can enjoy these one-of-a-kind coffees at their trendy location in the Woodstock Exchange, where baristas treating each pour-over almost like a science experiment. Its compact space adding to the quietly obsessive coffee focus
Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or an amateur chicory drinker, this stylish coffee bar aims to introduce you to something new. “Coffees are orchids, not aspirins”. I’ll remember that the next time I am on to my third cup of the morning!
Where: 66 Albert Road, Woodstock Exchange, Woodstock
Best coffee shops in Cape Town – Bootlegger Coffee Company (Sea Point)
If you are an early riser and serious about that first cup of coffee, then look no further than The Bootlegger Coffee Company. If you get there before 8:30am you can enjoy a cuppa for a special price. I like the sound of that! You might love the coffee so much that you’ll decide to stay for breakfast,. This is a wise choice as The BCC food-offering is definitely worth trying.
The menu boasts freshly squeezed juices, homemade Ice Tea and their signature granola, as well as farm-fresh eggs and a variety of other locally produced goodness. You can’t go wrong with their spinach, mushroom and roasted rosa tomato omelette, or the Eggs Benedict with salmon trout.
The list of options doesn’t stop there however. Their lunch and dinner menu offers ample choice. From burgers, open sandwiches and salads, to ribs, fillets and schnitzel – this place has a bit of everything!
My favourite part of their awesome website reads: “Coffee snobs – the blend displays hints of toasted hazelnut, caramel and a subtle touch of dark chocolate”. It’s made with perfection, served with love and enjoyed in a glass.”
When can I go? Sunday to Thursday 6.30am to 10pm; Friday 6.30am to 11pm; Saturday 7.30am to 11pm
Truth Coffee: Steampunk Style & Cult Espresso
Truth is a themed café, and a rather eye-catching one at that. Where copper pipes, vintage gears, and the smell of freshly ground coffee create instant atmosphere. And from staff wearing hats and waistcoats to the mad scientist looking coffee machines. Think Sherlock Holmes crossed with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! The coffee is as distinctive as the place – with the hiss of espresso machines echoing through the cavernous interior. They recommend a “Sunrise Espresso” which consists of a double shot with a dash of orange juice. Truth believes that “coffee in a cup should deliver on the promise of the aromas of freshly ground coffee”. And it does just that. If the Sunrise Espresso isn’t your thing, try their Silky Vengeance (Espresso, cold milk, ice, blended), Potion Coffee (200 ml Straight-up 18 hrs cold brew) or the Battle Brew Coffee (Americano, butter, MCT oil, blended).
They serve signature breakfasts like the Herby Stack Omelette, Truly Scrambled Eggs and French Toast Truth Style. Plus an array of All-day options including an Open Avo Sandwich and a BLT; as well as some delicious lunch dishes like the Steamdog, a burger of your choice, or one of their tasty salads.
When can I go? Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6pm; Saturday 8.30am to 6pm; Sunday 8.30am to 2pm
Haas Collective – Bohemian Charm in the City Centre
Haas Collective is now located in Cape Town’s city centre, with the smell of buttery pastries drifting onto Bree Street. And takes great care in sourcing the finest beans from around the world to make a variety of single origin coffees. Coffee-lovers can choose from a complex Haas blend, or an Ethiopian, Guatemalan or Columbian single origin coffee.
As the name suggests, Haas Collective offers more than a delicious cup of coffee. But rather it’s a space where one can appreciate art and collectables as well. Look out for the quirky details on your crockery, made especially for Haas, like ants crawling on your side plate. Or a skull on a coffee cup.
If that is not enough, you’ll find a variety of mouth-watering breakfasts and lunches on the menu. Try the French toast with cinnamon, banana and honey (with added bacon!). The chicken bunny chow, one of the tapas platters, or a chocolate square to sweeten the deal.
Best visited hungry, and preferably without strict self-control
Cape Town’s coffee scene evolves constantly, but these cafés continue to stand out for atmosphere, consistency, and genuinely excellent coffee.
And in Cape Town, great coffee is rarely far from excellent food, spectacular scenery, or a good glass of wine – which is partly why so many of our clients end up wishing they’d stayed longer.
Planning time in Cape Town?
Cape Town’s coffee scene is woven into the rhythm of the city itself — from quiet mornings beneath Table Mountain to bustling neighbourhood cafés filled with locals, remote workers, and post-hike brunch crowds.
At Cedarberg Africa, we help travellers experience the city beyond the obvious, pairing exceptional hotels and memorable restaurants with the cafés, markets, wine estates, and hidden corners that give Cape Town its personality.
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“Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town” was written by Tasha of Cedarberg Africa
Tasha is part of Cedarberg Africa’s specialist travel team and has a particular love for Cape Town’s creative neighbourhoods, food scene, and quietly excellent coffee culture. Always on the lookout for places with character – whether it’s a hidden café down a side street or a beautifully designed boutique hotel – she enjoys uncovering the spots that give the city its distinctive energy. When she’s not helping clients plan journeys across Southern Africa, she can usually be found browsing local markets, or escaping to the country for the weekend.
