Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town: A Coffee Lover’s Guide
Cape Town has a thriving coffee culture, much like other major cities. So, naturally, we set out to find the best coffee shops in the city we’ve fallen in love with. From cycle-friendly cafés in Hout Bay to speciality coffee shops in Sea Point, we’ve got you covered—wherever your trip takes you in the Mother City.
What we look for in our coffee shop recommendations:
The coffee has to be good, of course!
The vibe of the place: is it relaxing, comfy, inviting
Laptop friendly. Not all of these places are, but sometimes, if you need to get work done, space, comfort, and good wifi are very important
Our list:
Rosetta
Pauline’s
Naked
Ollie’s
Platō
South Yeaster Bakery
Origin Coffee Roasting
Olympia Cafe
Arthur’s Mini Super
Giovanni’s Deli
Rosetta Roastery
📍 Locations: Bree Street & Silo District
Rosetta Roastery serves expertly brewed coffee in a bright and airy space on Bree Street. There's outdoor seating on the corner of this bustling street, making it a great spot for people-watching. They also have a second location in the Silo District.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pauline’s
📍 Locations: Sea Point & Green Point
Famous for their legendary cinnamon buns and smooth speciality coffee, Pauline’s offers a relaxed, light-filled space with a charming courtyard. It’s a laptop-friendly café, though the WiFi can be a bit slow.
We loved their breakfast menu at the Sea Point branch—especially the breakfast bun, which is a welcome comfort option to start the day, and the miso mushrooms were packed with umami goodness.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Naked Coffee
📍 Location: Sea Point
A modern, spacious coffee bar in Sea Point that takes third-wave coffee seriously. It’s a great brunch spot with excellent coffee and a laptop-friendly atmosphere.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ollie’s
📍 Location: Sea Point
A speciality coffee shop inside Pas Normal Studios’ cycle clubhouse. Whether you’re a cyclist or not, it’s a great place to stop for coffee. Browse their stylish atelier or grab a coffee out front and watch the world go by. Laptop friendly.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Platō Coffee
📍 Location: Sea Point | De Waterkant | Riverlands | Rondebosch | Canal Walk
With 70 locations across South Africa, Plato Coffee is a reliable go-to for a quality brew. They take coffee seriously, with a menu that details everything from espresso shot quantities to microfoam volume. Their main roastery is in George, along the Garden Route.
South Yeaster Bakery
📍 Location: Hout Bay
A fantastic bakery serving excellent coffee alongside naturally leavened pastries. It’s a favourite among cyclists passing through Hout Bay—but worth the visit even if you're just there for the coffee. We loved it so much, we went back multiple times! It’s laptop-friendly with comfortable indoor seating.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Origin Coffee Roasting
A laid-back café and barista school set in a historic brick warehouse. It’s a solid choice for coffee lovers, though the space can get quite warm in summer if you’re near the kitchen. Conveniently located in De Waterkant.
📍 Location: De Waterkant, Cape Town
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Olympia Café
📍 Location: Kalk Bay
A no-frills, much-loved local gem housed in an old fish-and-bait shop. We enjoyed the laid-back vibe and paired our coffee with buttery croissants and apricot jam. If you're cycling through Kalk Bay or just looking for a relaxed seaside meal, this is a great stop.
We’re already planning a return visit to try their plated breakfasts—they looked incredible coming out of the kitchen!
🔗 Instagram | Website
⏰ Opening Hours:
Café: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last orders at 9:00 PM)
Bakery: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Arthur’s Mini Super
📍 Location: Sea Point
A great spot for coffee, a snack, or even a glass of wine. By day, it’s a relaxed café, but come evening (Tuesday–Saturday), a disco ball transforms the space into a fun, casual hangout.
Not our top pick for coffee, but the 250mb/s WiFi was reliable—worth noting if you're looking for a place to work while in Sea Point.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mini-Bar (Tuesday – Saturday): 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Giovanni’s Deli
📍 Location: Green Point
A Cape Town institution since 1989. Part Italian café with window seating and high stools, it’s also a deli (it’s in the name) stocked with fresh meats, cheeses, and made-to-order sandwiches. Grab a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino, or pick up supplies for a braai or beach picnic.
Perfect for an on the go espresso.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Best Coffee in Cape Town Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
Final Note
Whether you're after a strong espresso, a relaxed brunch spot, or a cyclist-friendly café, Cape Town has no shortage of incredible coffee shops. We hope this guide helps you find your perfect brew in the Mother City!
☕ Did we miss your favourite coffee spot? Let us know in the comments!