A cocktail bar with an all-day café culture

Cocktails, pap and chakalaka, hip hop and loungey vibes at Café Noir

Last updated: Friday, 1 July 2022

Origin Coffee by day, Café Noir by night, this cocktail and coffee bar embraces the all-day café culture. It goes from a chilled day-time vibe to serving deep-fried pap and chakalaka and cocktails infused with imphepho – and it's open almost to midnight.

Café Noir is an extension of Origin Coffee Roasting. Image: Cafe noir by Origin

LIVE THE EUROPEAN CAFE LIFESTYLE

This gem in De Waterkant first opened in March 2022. It was inspired by the all-day cafés in France and Italy and was built on the foundation of one of the best coffee roasters in the country (Origin Coffee Roasting), in collaboration with founder Joel Singer and two-time national cocktail champion Nicholas Crouse. 

During the day it’s a vibey café, serving one of the city’s best cups of joe, and at night the space is completely transformed, with moody lighting and funky music (from classic hip hop to jazz and blues). 

Crouse describes the evening vibe as “dining and indulging”. Image: Café Noir by Origin

POP BY FOR A NIGHTCAP

At night, Café Noir turns into a trendy cocktail bar that’s great for an after-work pick-me-up or a nightcap with friends. You can order any classic cocktail, including a finely perfected espresso martini and irish coffee, or one of their signature cocktails such as the Strawberry & Green Tea Cocktail with imphepho flowers (in some African cultures imphepho is traditionally burnt to cleanse and ward off bad spirits). 

Café Noir also serves a curated list of wines and craft beers. Image: Café Noir by Origin

YOU’LL LOVE THE UNIQUE AFRICAN DISHES

Café Noir’s Chef Aye specialises in African food, experimenting with flavour to recreate some nostalgic flavours. Some of the iconic dishes are seared beef with crispy kale and the popular Rooibos kombucha pork belly (the kombucha is made by the chefs). 

The pap and chakalaka is another popular dish. The pap is slow cooked and deep fried. Image: Cafe Noir by Origin

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

Café Noir is open: Wednesdays to Saturdays, 6pm - 11.30pm
Find it: 28 Hudson Street | De Waterkant | Cape Town
Price range: From R75 for food and R45 for drinks
Book: Book for Café Noir
Contact it on: 021 421 1000, Instagram: @cafenoir_byorigin

-

By Lara van Zyl

---

DISCOVER MORE IN DE WATERKANT

This East city dive bar serves bunny chow on Wednesdays.

Luxury meets comfort at this rooftop terrace and lounge.

You’ll love the Asian-inspired desserts at Café Chiffon.

Go on a flavour-filled exploration of Vietnam at this street-food spot.

Discover new spots in and around Cape Town. 

---

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.