Cape Town Cafes You Need To Try Before Everyone Else Finds Them

The Gardeners Cottage Restaurant - Leafy brunch classic that locals are rediscovering

Tucked inside the leafy grounds of Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, The Gardeners Cottage Restaurant feels like a country escape inside the city. Think ivy on the walls, dappled sunlight, and tables scattered under trees.

Why it is trending: Even though it is not new, locals are flocking back thanks to a renewed love for slow brunches, pet friendly gardens, and under the radar spots. Its strong 4.5 rating from more than 1600 reviews and steady recent feedback show it is having a second wave of popularity, especially on sunny weekends.

What to order:

• Classic eggs Benedict or a full farmhouse style breakfast
• Freshly baked scones or cake with cream and jam
• Good quality coffee or a pot of tea for long catch ups

Best for: Slow weekend brunch, family meetups, and anyone wanting a green, tranquil break from the city buzz.

JARRYDS. - Big city brunch energy in Sea Point

JARRYDS. in Sea Point is where Cape Town’s brunch culture feels the most like a buzzing inner city cafe. Expect queues, big portions, and a mix of locals, freelancers, and visitors.

Why it is trending: JARRYDS. has long been popular, but it keeps climbing thanks to consistent quality and social media friendly plates. With a 4.5 rating from more than 3000 reviews and fresh reviews rolling in, it is a reliable go to for people chasing that "serious brunch" experience.

What to order:

• Pancakes or French toast stacked high for Instagram ready photos
• Shakshuka or a loaded breakfast burrito
• Strong flat whites and iced coffees for post promenade walks

Best for: Brunch missions after a Sea Point Promenade stroll, group breakfasts, and anyone who likes a loud, energetic cafe vibe.

Bootlegger Kiosk Waterfront - Compact newcomer with a prime harbor view

Bootlegger Kiosk Waterfront is a compact, grab and go style kiosk in the V&A Waterfront area, part of the popular Bootlegger Coffee Company family.

Why it is trending: As a newer opening with an impressive 4.9 rating, it is drawing attention from people who want specialty level coffee without committing to a full sit down meal. Its location near the water and shopping action makes it a convenient caffeine stop that is only going to get busier as word spreads.

What to order:

• A flat white or cortado made with Bootlegger’s signature roast
• Quick pastries or a muffin to go
• Iced coffee before or after a harbor cruise

Best for: On the move coffee, digital nomads dashing between meetings, and early birds exploring the Waterfront before the crowds.

Origin Coffee Roasting - Inner city coffee pioneer still pulling crowds

Origin Coffee Roasting in De Waterkant is one of Cape Town’s original specialty coffee temples. Set in a converted warehouse, it is serious about beans, roasting, and barista craft.

Why it is trending: Even as newer roasters pop up, Origin stays in the conversation thanks to its training programs, rotating single origins, and consistent 4.5 rating from over 1000 reviews. Coffee curious locals and visitors keep returning, and recent reviews show it is still a go to for people who care about how their coffee is made.

What to order:

• A tasting flight or pour over to explore different origins
• Espresso based drinks pulled by highly trained baristas
• Bags of beans to take home, with staff helping you choose a roast

Best for: Coffee geeks, remote workers looking for a focused atmosphere, and anyone wanting to understand Cape Town’s specialty coffee scene from the inside.

Café Crave - Under the radar city cafe with loyal regulars

Café Crave is a central city spot that balances everyday affordability with cafe comfort. It is not flashy, but it has a loyal base that keeps its 4.5 rating strong.

Why it is trending: As office life and urban foot traffic pick up, more people are rediscovering simple, reliable cafe spaces. Café Crave’s steady stream of recent reviews shows its popularity is building with locals who want a casual, unfussy stop in the city.

What to order:

• Solid breakfast plates and toasted sandwiches
• Cappuccinos and lattes that hit the spot
• Light lunches that work for quick office breaks

Best for: Everyday coffee runs, low key meetups, and budget friendly lunches in the city.

How to cafe hop Cape Town like a local

• Pair neighborhoods: Do JARRYDS. for brunch, then wander Sea Point and the Promenade. Another day, combine The Gardeners Cottage Restaurant with a walk through Newlands Forest.
• Mix old and new: Balance pioneers like Origin Coffee Roasting with newcomers like Bootlegger Kiosk Waterfront to see how the scene is evolving.
• Time it right: Popular brunch spots fill up fast. Go early on weekends or aim for late morning on weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

Why use MapsBuddy for Cape Town cafes

Cape Town’s cafe scene shifts quickly. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, review momentum, and new openings so you can find the spots that are trending now, not six months from now. Use this guide as your starting point, then keep checking MapsBuddy to stay a step ahead of the next wave of hidden gem cafes in the city.