Hidden Gem: Martins Bakery

Although well known to the Diep River locals, Martins Bakery is one of those gems everyone should know about.

Located on Main Road in Diep River, Martins Bakery is one of those stores  you’d want to thank the baked goods gods for. A popular spot for Diep River residents and kids from the local schools, Martins Bakery is somewhat iconic in its own right for their superb treats that only leave you wanting.

Martins was founded almost 50 years ago by Firmino Martins and formerly traded as “Steurhof Café”  a local convenience store for the surrounding community. The business was later taken over by Firminos successor, John Martin, who opened up the bakery in 1983 to continue his father’s legacy within the family business. John left his job as a banker to run the shop with his wife Teresa and it has only grown from strength to strength into the flourishing business it is today.

The European styled bakery is reminiscent of something out the opening scenes of a 1950's movie. The quaint bakery is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods -  enough to overide any willpower you had to resist when you walked through the doors. Typically, one would expect to be served over the counter, however, Martins decadently displays their treats on multiple wooden tables, and invites guests to help themselves before heading to the till. This laid back approach adds to the rustic and homely aesthetic that the bakery carries.

When it comes to local bakeries in Cape Town, the general  assumption is if you’ve tried one you’ve tried them all (they all have the basics: plain donuts, koeksisters and cinnamon donuts) But Martins Bakery has an almost endless variety of products. They specialise in a selection of Sourdough breads, 12 different variants of rye breads, carb free bread, quiche, traditional ciabatta, focaccia, portuguese bread made with sweet potato, deli products (German, Italian and Portuguese), raisin and rosemary breads and many sweet treats such as croissants, pies, muffins biscuits sweets, cakes, tarts, brownies, crunchies meringues YOU NAME IT.

In addition to the Bakery, Martins sports a little coffee shop just adjacent to the bakery specializing in an array of delectable coffees, a scrumptious breakfast offering and a sandwich menu to rival even our favorites. With all their meals served with their in house freshly baked bread (with gluten and wheat free loaves on offer for our more health conscious counterparts) it's hard to even imagine having ever eaten a sandwich anywhere else. The dining area with large windows where the sun streams in, allows for a very well lit area. That, coupled with the minimalist decorative features and a buffet dessert table that screams EAT ME, it’s the ideal setting for breakfast dates and the perfect Instagram shot.

We love Martins Bakery. Not only are the staff friendly and efficient, the little bakery at 43 Main Road Diep River is family run, filled to the brim with decedent treats, heavenly breakfasts and so much more. What's not to love!

Our favorite treat is their Pecan Brownie. That melt in your mouth dense texture is to die for. Our favorite off the Coffee Shop menue would have to be the Smoked Chicken Fillet drizzled with sweet chilli dressing, sundried tomato and mixed greens served on ciabatta.

Pop in at Martins Bakery and indulge!

By Kirsten Adams

Images: Baily Schneider