10 top coffee shops in Cape Town

We’ve found some of the best roasteries and cafés in Cape Town for that perfect cup of coffee

Double or nothing, coffee is social and economic currency the world over; whether you're working or playing.  Of course, if you're reading this, you're probably doing both; and if you're in Cape Town, you definitely want quality. Scan our list of the best coffee spots in Cape Town for a roast that'll never be served with peas.  

1. Haas
Specialising in rare and exotic coffees, Haas is as unique and intriguing as the beans that stock the shelves. It’s no surprise they are the only outlet in the country to boast Kopi Luwak, a coveted Indonesian bean best known for its, er, special journey (it’s eaten by the Asian Palm Civet and then thoroughly washed and lightly roasted only once it’s passed through the animal’s digestive tract). Make sure to pay a visit to the Haas Design Collective, adjacent to the coffee shop, which sells handmade, designed artworks.
Opening times: Mondays – Fridays: 7am to 5pm | Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 8am – 3pm.
67 Rose Street | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town | +27(0) 21 422 4413

2. Bean There
We can say with tried and tested confidence that Bean There produces some of the best coffee in town. Apart from the fact that they source their coffee ethically – they travel to farms and communities to hand select their single origin beans – they also take care to roast their beans on site in small batches, so cuppa addicts get an exclusive optimal roast that is second to none. What’s more, the eclectic mix of African inspired trinkets and art create the perfect atmosphere for creatives to brainstorm, or any regular Joe to sit back and watch the activity outside.
Opening times: Mondays to Saturdays: 7:30am – 4pm.
58 Wale Street | Cape Town | +27 (0) 87 943 2228

3. Jason Bakery
Expect to find groups of Cape Town’s young professionals huddled together over their first cup of coffee of the day at this city bowl bakery. Visitors can also enjoy the delicious breads and pastries on offer. You’ll have to get there early if you want to try the bacon croissants – best served warm out the oven, these delicious, buttery treats disappear in a flash. If there a little later, sit down and enjoy their bistro style lunch menu.
Opening times: Mondays to Fridays: 7am – 3:30pm | Saturdays: 8am – 2pm.
185 Bree Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5644

4. Deluxe Coffeeworks 
Unashamedly popular for all the right reasons, Deluxe Coffeeworks sits in the centre of the city, just near Greenmarket Square, and draws the who's who of busy bees to its fragrant space. Good music, great hosts, fantastic coffee. Deluxe coffee is served in lots of cool places including Field Office, Superette, Yourstruly, Brew Mobile and Jason Bakery.
Opening times: Mondays to Fridays: 7am – 5pm | Saturdays 9:30am – 2pm.
25 Church Street | City Bowl | Cape Town | +27 (0)72 903 0319

5. Truth.
We tell no lies when we say that gourmet coffee is a cult in Cape Town. Truth takes this to heart, irreverently giving its blessed blends names like Vengeance, Resurrection and Donde's Chaos. Their decaf is dubbed Antithesis, reflecting the owner's deference to market supply and demand. Free Wi-Fi for three hours, tasty wraps and a good place to network professionally.
Opening times: Mondays to Fridays: 7am-5:45pm | Saturdays and Sundays: 8am-2pm.
Prestwich Memorial | 1 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 2945

6. Origin Coffee Roasting
The godfather of gourmet coffee in the Mother City, Origin was here as an inner-city first. It has a wide variety of beans from this continent and abroad, and roasts them on site. Its cool interiors include an upstairs and a downstairs area with a warm New York style. It’s popular with the freelancing crowd, and tea drinkers visit for the exotic teas as this coffee roastery has its own built-in teahouse replete with decorative orchids. Sit down, taste, and take away (both coffee and bags of the beans themselves).
Opening times: Mondays to Fridays: 7am-5pm | Saturdays: 9am-2pm.
28 Hudson Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 421 1000 

7. Giovanni's Deliworld
For an authentic Italian energy, visit Green Point on a sunny day. You'll be rubbing elbows with friendly locals who enjoy tasty food, gourmet coffee and great vibes. Just go easy on the espressos, they're potent.
Opening times: Mondays to Sundays, 7:30am – 9pm.
103 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 434 6893

8. Knead
Perched as a look-out that gazes over the wide open blue of the Indian Ocean in Muizenberg, Knead knows how to serve coffee, whether the surf's up or the rain is coming down. They do it so well, they have branches in Wembley Square, Gardens, Kloof Street in the city centre and Dean Street, Newlands. You're guaranteed a coffee made with as much love as their breads and freshly made meals, no matter where you are.
Opening times: Mondays to Sundays, 8am-5pm.
Surfer's Corner, Beach Road | Muizenberg | +27 (0)21 788 2909

9. Peacock
With 30 years experience in caffeine highs, Peacock is the place to sip some Arabica proudly. Conveniently, they have branched out to Noordhoek, Pinelands, Tableview and Rondebosch. As the newest shop is in the massive Canal Walk mall, Peacock has extended their stock to include coffee and tea accessories. 
Opening times: Mondays to Fridays: 7:30am – 6:30pm | Saturdays, 8:30am – 3pm.
Shop 123 LL Canal Walk | Century City| +27(0) 21 555 3613

10. Porter Estate Produce Market
Oh my, my. If you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, take a trip to this Saturday market  in Constantia, and slug back a big, strong farm-style coffee in an enamel coated steel cup. Add condensed milk to sweeten the sting, and Piet's your uncle - no more grumps or groans. It's aptly titled 'moerkoffie', and if you survive its sting, you won't need a translation. 
Opening times: Saturdays from 9am – 1pm.
Crysalis Academy | Tokai Manor | Tokai Road | Tokai | +27 (0)82 334 5434

For those interested in the bean behind the blend, have a look at our amazing artisan coffee roastery listing, and for more quick glances and countdowns, check out Cape Town's Top Tens.

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