10 of the Best Coffee Shops Cape Town Has To Offer
30. Mar. 2022
You may not know it, but Cape Town is a coffee-lovers paradise that can go toe to toe with the cafes of Italy and bistros of France. Cape Town has become one of the greatest coffee cultures in the world. With best-in-class coffee farming in South Africa’s backyard and easy-access to quality beans from neighboring countries, it’s no wonder your morning cup of coffee tastes better in Cape Town. It could be the views of False Bay and Table Mountain too.
With the emergence of coffee culture throughout the city, many picturesque coffee shops have opened their doors to showcase the best beans the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bold cup of black coffee, a lively latte, or a creative space to work from during the day – there’s a coffee shop in Cape Town for that.
We’ve listed ten of our favorite coffee shops in Cape Town to sip and work from. Each one, different, unique and offers an outstanding cup of coffee. Want to spend a month in Cape Town and try all ten? We’ve got you covered. Try Remote Year’s 1 month trips in Cape Town.
Truth Coffee
If the promise of a phenomenal cup of coffee doesn’t inspire you to visit Truth, the ambiance sure will. Located on Buitenkant street in Cape Town, Truth coffee has repeatedly been named one of the best coffee shops in the world. Built within a refurbished warehouse, the exposed metal piping and old machinery of Truth, gives it an eclectic flair with a steampunk vibe. In addition to enjoying a masterfully blended cup of coffee and being a creative space to work from, the extensive breakfast and brunch menu (complete with their chaka-shuka, a South Africa twist on traditional egg shakshuka), will leave you full and satisfied.
Address: 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Neighborhood: City Centre
Naked Coffee
Just as the name implies, Naked Coffee removes the frills and leaves a solid foundation of amazing coffee. Leave the distractions behind and focus on your upcoming project (and an exceptional cup of coffee). Naked Coffee’s decor is the perfect balance of naturals– with pops of color spotted beautifully in their menu. The ambiance is perfect for connecting to wifi, sipping on a wonderful cup of coffee, and working through your lunch break. Speaking of lunch break, make sure to order their famous acai bowl, or garden salad for fuel as you work.
Address: 2 Wisbeach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa
Neighborhood: Seapoint
Bean There
Step inside Bean There to find a vintage bicycle hanging on the wall, pops of color on the bar stools, and pictures of coffee farms framed throughout the shop. One of the most important factors that makes Bean There familiar with their brew is personally knowing every local farm they source their beans from. Each vendor is fair trade certified and holds a strong connection to the shop. Located in Cape Town’s city center, work alongside the shop’s giant window and order one of their famous iced coffees. Combine the art deco aesthetic with friendly and hospitable staff, you’ve got a charming place to work. Best of all, after your work day is done, head over to the many landmark attractions (like Greenmarket Square) right outside.
Address: 58 Wale Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa
Neighborhood: City Centre
Tribe
Located in the popular neighborhood of Woodstock, Tribe is a dynamic coffee shop. It combines the energy of a soothing workspace with the liveliness of a cultivating community space. The dark blue accents, paired with chill indie music set the tone for a great mindset heading into your next project – as you plug in alongside like-minded remote workers. Regulars here continuously brag about Tribe’s iced coffee and bacon – so you might want to order the two, and fit right in! An overall great space, with a welcoming atmosphere, it’s surely a vibe that will calm you through any upcoming project deadline.
Address: The Woodstock Foundry, 160 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915, South Africa
Neighborhood: Woodstock
Paulines
Named after the owner’s grandmother, Paulines coffee shop had a mission before opening its doors – to create a space that feels like home (or more specifically, your grandmother’s home). You’ll always walk into warm smiles and the smell of fresh baked pastries at Paulines. The decor is minimal, and the ambiance is more Scandinavian in style. White walls, cups, mugs, and bowls, dress the light wood counters, complemented with beige textured walls. Steps away from Rocklands Beach, Paulines is an intimate space, with a quaint outdoor patio. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table (we recommend coming early), you’ll love working in a quieter atmosphere (especially outside) with its cozy vibe. When you’re there, be sure to order the cheese and peppadew toasties with a signature cup of flat white coffee.
Address: 277 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Neighborhood: Seapoint
Espresso Lab
Espresso Lab’s location is a tranquil oasis in the midst of the lively Woodstock neighborhood. In a location known for its collection of bars and breweries, this coffee shop is a perfect escape when you need to finish a spreadsheet (or two). Best of all, when you close your laptop, you end your day in the center of it all – a workday at Espresso Lab means a happy hour at the neighboring Woodstock Beerhall. After ordering a perfectly balanced blend of Ethiopian drip coffee, find yourself a picnic bench outside and get to typing!
Address: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Neighborhood: Woodstock
Rosetta Roastery
Located right inside the Silo district in the heart of V&A Waterfront, the coffee, views, and comfortable wooden benches perched along the wall - are sure to keep you coming back (again and again). Voted South Africa’s best coffee shop by The Coffee Magazine, Rosetta Roastery sources coffee beans from all over the world: Peru and Costa Rica, to Ethiopia and Kenya. While they have a variety of locations around the city, the Silo location may be the best spot to work from. You're not only close to the city’s liveliest attractions, but it houses some of the best views of False Bay too!
Address: Inside The Yard Restaurant Silo No.4 Silo District, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Neighborhood: V&A Waterfront
Deluxe Coffeeworks
Sitting right on Church Street (with a second location on Bo-Kapp) is the neighborhood coffee shop Deluxe Coffeeworks. This coffee shop is convenient, homey, and inviting in all the best ways. Put down your laptop at the wooden bar overlooking the street and work as you take in the sites of Cape Town. The phenomenal house blend, friendly staff, and calm workspace, make Deluxe Coffeeworks one of the highest rated spots in town to work from. Plus! Being in the heart of the City Centre, Deluxe Coffeework’s location provides you the best access to Cape Town’s top attractions and restaurants.
Address: 25 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Neighborhood: City Centre
Native Coffee Roasters
Next to the V&A Waterfront, Native Coffee Roasters is the perfect mix of beach town vibes and modern aesthetic. Perched up against the waterside inside the restaurant Ginja, this coffee shop is the perfect place to bring your laptop and take in the best views of the city. If the view of the waves have you day-dreaming of surfing, head inside! The intimate feel of the restaurant offers a peaceful atmosphere. Plus, the Ginja menu is full of South African favorites, like onion bajii and grilled line fish (fresh from the ocean) .
Address: 37B Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Neighborhood: V&A Waterfront
Shift Espresso Bar
With five locations, including the V&A Waterfront in Greenpoint and near the Waterway House, the Shift Espresso Bar is a great coffee break no matter where you’re working from. While each Shift Espresso Bar is different and unique in it’s own way – it’s up to you to discover which location in the city fits your perfect vibe for a workday. However in each location you’ll have the chance to discover something truly unique and local to South Africa – the red cappuccino! Made with Rooibos tea and topped with frothy milk, it’s a signature South African twist on a London Fog.
Address: 4 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Neighborhood: De Waterkant
Whether you’re a fan of one coffee shop in Cape Town, or you’re ready to try them all, these ten coffee shops hold a special place in the heart of locals and tourists alike. Between the quality of the coffee, the vibrancy of the local shops, and the community surrounding each coffee shop’s success – this is only the beginning of the amazing coffee culture you can enjoy in Cape Town, South Africa.
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