A café with a vintage aesthetic and New York style foods

Play a friendly game of chess while enjoying good coffee, art and bagels

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 April 2022

Sonder Café, in Observatory, was born out of the need for connection, and was dreamt into being during the pandemic. It came from the realisation that all people, even strangers, have complex lives and we all need to connect. And are coffee, music, art and games not tools to do just that? With a quirky aesthetic and New York style foods, it is a place where all are welcome. 

Sonder Café first opened in January 2021. Image: Nikita Zintle (@nikita_mahlati) 

FEEL AT HOME IN THE VINTAGE DECOR

Sonder is all about togetherness, and the decor makes you feel at home from the moment you walk through the door. The tables will remind you of a comfortable kitchen nook and the vintage knick-knacks will take you back to your grandparent’s house. 

Play a friendly game of chess while drinking coffee with a friend. Image: Sonder Café

Every spot in Sonder is an Instagram photo waiting to happen. The walls are covered in old posters and artworks, everything from classical portraits to modern murals of mystical women. This is an artist's haven. Tennis rackets transformed into mirrors add a delightfully quirky touch. 

The space is filled with bright green plants. Image: Nikita Zintle (@nikita_mahlati) 

TRY THE NEW YORK-STYLE SANDWICHES

Sonder specialises in classic New York-style bagels and sandwiches (and cute little puns). Try the Hamela Anderson (a bagel with gypsy ham, cheddar and mustard) or the Salmon Hayak (a sandwich with smashed avo and smoked salmon ribbons). 

The menu is jam-packed with breakfast and lunch options and it's quite affordable too. Image: Sonder Café

You can also try the vegan salads, fresh croissants, smoothie bowls or treat yourself to a Lindt chocolate brownie. 

The smoothies and smoothie bowls have vegan options too. Image: Sonder Café

HIRE THE VENUE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

Looking for a venue for your next birthday bash, baby shower, supper club or even a Christmas party? Sonder Café doubles as an event space, and is available for hire from 4pm on weekdays, 2pm on Saturdays or for the entire day on Sundays.  

The full hire includes a fully-stocked cash bar, 2 employees and a qualified photographer. Catering comes at an additional cost. Image: Sonder Café

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

Sonder Café is open: Tuesday to Friday, 7.30am - 4pm; Saturday, 8am - 3pm
Find Sonder Café: 79 Lower Main Road | Observatory | Cape Town
Price range: From R35
Contact Sonder Café on: 079 094 7662 | Website | Facebook

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By Lara van Zyl

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