The best Cape Town breakfast restaurants and cafés – 2022

Discover the coolest Cape Town breakfast spots to kick-start your day in the most delicious way.

If you’re like us and like to start your day (really) well-fed, there are some places that will absolutely make your morning.

From beautiful bowls of granola to hangover fry ups (and everything in between) we’ve rounded up our favourite Cape Town breakfasts, where the food is both delicious and highly Instagrammable.

LAST UPDATE – January 2022

The City Bowl and surrounds

Swan Café

Inspired by owner Jessica Rushmeres’ childhood in France, Swan Café brings the heavenly world of French Crêperies to life in the heart of the Mother City. The Cape Town breakfast scene will quite simply not be the same without them.

Swan Café’s delicious food, central location, beautiful interior and convivial atmosphere makes Eatsplorer swoon. This uber chic café offers both savoury and sweet crepes, the one more inspired than the other.

The savoury selection includes a bacon, egg and tomato breakfast galette, a croque-monsieur, and a galette with a chicken-and-creamy mushroom filling. Speciality galettes feature delectables such as truffled cauliflower, and blue cheese with pear and prosciutto.

A foray into the sweeter side of things have you discovering classic cinnamon sugar with lemon, ever-popular Nutella, and a crêpe filled with home-made salted caramel and apples, our personal favourite.

Address: Corner Buitenkant & Barrack Street, Cape Town, visit website

Hemelhuijs

Favourite Cape Town breakfast haunt Hemelhujs could not be more appropriately named. From Dutch it translates to house in heaven, which is where you’ll be when you take a bite of their delicious breakfasts.

Uber creative owner Jacques Erasmus made sure that the atmosphere is refined, carefully designed to create a transportive experience. The interior constantly evolves with the seasons through Jacques’ creative hand. But the interior isn’t the only art in this restaurant.

The food at Hemelhuijs is flavourful, creative and honestly one of the best breakfasts you will find in town.

You could treat yourself with their stunning Hemelhuijs Shakshuka, boerewors in a spicy tomato smoor topped with a poached egg. Or loose yourself in total indulgence with a delicious rosti with soft poached eggs and salmon (we order ours with the addition of avocado and Hollandaise sauce on the side). Heavenly.

Address: 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town, visit website

Our Local

A new hotspot of those in the know, this nursery, cum antique shop, cum café has Cape Town vibes written all over it. Creative, quirky and stylish without unnecessary glitz and glam it is all about the breakfast here.

At Our Local in Kloofstreet a ten meter long kitchen table forms the centre piece between a slew of plants, some soft seating, water features and even hanging chairs. All for sale of course.

This workshop space turned hot social spot is the brain-child of the Yours Truly team, so you can be assured that great coffee accompanies some truly fresh and delicious breakfast options.

Whilst Yours Truly created the space and shop, Our Local is an independent venture situated within the space and the food magic happens under the keen eye of head chef and co-owner Shayne Schutte.

Look forward to the Shakshuka with eggs poached in a sauce of tomato and chili with chunks of creamy feta. Creamy Chicken Livers on Toast, or the crowd-pleasing Arnold Bennett, an open-faced omelette with creamy poached haddock and parmesan, come highly recommended too.

This wonderfully eclectic venue is also available for hosting birthday parties and events – breakfast celebration anyone?

Address: 117 Kloofstreet, Cape Town, visit website

Café & Terrace at Labotessa Boutique Hotel​

On the cobbled historic Church Square in Cape Town, just across from the Grootte Kerk you will find the Labotessa Boutique Hotel.

Housed in a lovingly renovated Dutch Townhouse building painted a dreamy Wedgwood blue, it is the harmonic blend of art, history, luxury and nonchalant sophistication.

This historic building is nestled amongst trees and a scattering of potted shrubs, forming an intimate terrace garden with a trickling fountain in front of the café.  A calm oasis in the heart of the most historic part of the vibrant Mother City.

The café occupies a double-volume light-filled space on the ground floor and is a shining example of modern Dutch style. A winding wrought-iron staircase leads you to the upper level and an enormous Vermeer enlargement on the wall dramatically overlooks the space.

A bit of an insiders secret, you don’t have to fight the masses here but the convivial hum of happy diners against jazzy tunes makes for a most delightful vibe. The perfect spot to meet up with friends and while away the time over a drawn-out brunch.

We say go for a local favourite, the shakshuka, or the perfectly decadent waffles. But if eggs Benedict is what your heart desires you will be happy to know that here you will find the perfect version.

End the delightful breakfast with a slice of traditional Dutch apple tart with coffee. Come now, we know you want to.

Address: 5 Church Square, 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre, visit website

Jason Bakery

They don’t quite make them like Jason. Born from the mind of baker-biker-boy Jason Lilley, Jason Bakery’s dedication to creating delicious, authentic baked goods the right way, allowed it to grow a fierce reputation for its mix of tantalising sweet and savoury treats.

It all started with a hole in the wall underneath what used to be Jardin Restaurant on the corner of Bree and Bloem Street and very quickly became a favourite Cape Town breakfast stop.

The popularity grew so big that Jason Bakery was expanded to take up the entire ground floor. Yet, Jason is a creative man, so it did not stop there and next came a location in Buitenkant Street and then a restaurant proper in Green Point.

Sadly with the onset of Covid-19 the original spot in Bloem Street was closed, but we are relieved to report that Jason Bakery is still turning out those delectable croissants that made him famous from his restaurant-bakery in Green Point.

Whether you’re ordering the ever-popular eggy, chorizo and egg wrapped in a crispy pastry casing, baked shakshuka, a spicy tomato and red pepper stew with two baked eggs topped with parmesan and coriander, or a simple tangy avo smash topped with a soft egg and chilli flakes, you’ll walk away wondering what dish you should try next time.

Or just go straight for what made Jason Bakery famous in the first place, make a foray into the baked goods. Be careful, it’s addictive!

Address: 83 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town, visit website

Discover the Eatsplorer guide of best Coffee Shops in Cape Town. We have sipped and tasted our way through the Mother City to bring you the ultimate list of only the best.

The General Store

The General Store, easily identifiable by its wooden facade, is a small café and grocer owned by Colette Robert. This Silwood trained chef drew inspiration from the original grocers and general stores of yesteryear, but created a fresh contemporary interpretation.

White walls and shelving with utilitarian elements of timber, concrete and white tiles marry together with clean design to form the backdrop to seriously great food.

During the week at lunch-time this thimble-sized store draws in hungry office workers from adjacent downtown offices. They eagerly line up for the incredibly fresh and delicious platters, heaped with salads that can be paired with proteins such as grilled salmon or chicken.

But don’t discount this understated little spot when on the hunt for breakfast. They serve an utterly delicious start to the day, from home made granolas and oats with fruit, to poached eggs and smashed avo on toast.

And you might even be tempted to dive into the brownie-jar to end things off on a sweet note.

Address: 22 Bree Street, Cape Town, visit website

Between Us

Twins Jessie and Jamie Friedberg, originally responsible for creating the instantly popular Skinny Legs in Loop Street, has created their second restaurant in upper Bree Street and it is a beauty.

Exposed white-washed stone work, Shaker style wooden furniture, ultra-modern hoop lighting and exotic flowers in an airy open-plan space forms the backdrop to a food offering that hinges on the twins’ own personal flavours.

This is a great spot to gather with friends over a leisurely breakfast, albeit not the most economically priced menu in town, the focus is on quality and carefully sourced ingredients.

The breakfast menu is divided into 1) grains, with items such as activated granola, fresh fruit and grapefruit curd, 2) Eggs, featuring Persian herb frittata and their famous muddled eggs and 3) baked, for some richer choices including brioche toast and scones with clotted cream.

Address: 176 Bree Street, Cape Town, visit website

Honest Chocolate Café

Honestly, who can feel bad about indulging in chocolate this good? This trendy spot, a favourite with Cape Towns’ hip crowd is the physical manifestation of ethically inclined local chocolate brand Honest Chocolate.

Their chocolate is dairy-free, ethically sourced and made with organic pure roasted coco beans. Only the tiniest bit of unrefined brown sugar, or coconut blossom sugar is added and that’s it. This crowdfunded café is a celebration of chocolate treats, baked or otherwise.

Pop in here for a quick decadent boost to the start of your day. The bran muffin with dark chocolate nuggets is a must (ask for it to be lightly warmed) and their hot chocolate is arguably the best in town.

Some steadfast fans swear by the ‘bunny chow’ made with banana bread with a chocolate spread centre. We would forego the ice cream that it is served with for a breakfast option, but hey, don’t let us stop you.

Address: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town, visit website

Molten Toffee

This hip little Cape Town breakfast spot first opened in Kloofstreet and then expanded to a second location in Longmarket Street. It is not the kind of place for extended family brunches on Sundays.

This is rather an any-day-of-the-week kind of place where you head for a meet-up with friends, or when you want to catch up on work with a side of breakfast.

The décor is simple with a trendy design vibe and lots of light streaming in through the large windows. Art is changed on a monthly basis, showcasing the work of some upcoming Capetonian artists.

Owner Robbie Gorelick loves music and coffee equally, so there is a lot to appreciate about both these elements at Molten Toffee.

Freshly squeezed juices keep the health-conscious hydrated and you can build your own breakfast from elements on the compact menu, which always arrives at the table fresh and carefully plated.

Their little egg fritattas are the perfect small meal in a few bites, or just hone in on one of the best toasted sandwiches in the Mother City, you won’t regret it, we promise.

Addresses: 45b Kloof Street & 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town, visit Facebook page

Ground Art Café

Clinging to the hill that bridges De Waterkant and Seapoint you will find Ground Art Café, a contemporary spot with a fantastic view, better vibes and even better coffee.

As the name might suggest, here it is all about the art of young emerging local artists that the café supports through a rotating gallery wall that changes ever so often.

Their website continues the art-loving and you are able to purchase or order all previously displayed work online.

The coffee is as artful. If you like to start your day with some of the best coffee in Cape Town this could well be your spot. Ground Art Café is home to their own unique blend of Brazilian and Ethiopian coffee, African Aribaca, roasted by their artisan roaster. The result is a delicious, low caffeine and healthy coffee that we love.

Not unlike the coffee, Ground Arts’ food is both super delicious and healthy with a mix of paninis, egg dishes and some of the best of Cape Town’s wood fire baked pastries.

We suggest the rustic eggs with crispy pancetta and the in-house gluten-free banana bread with dark chocolate chunks is an absolute must.

Address: 160 Strand Street, Cape Town visit website

Loading Bay

If you are after a Cape Town breakfast that won’t leave you feeling quilty and great design makes you tick, you will appreciate a thing or two about Loading Bay. Centrally located in the De Waterkant area this is a great place to start your day.

Part hip fashion store with Aesop products and trendy menswear, part awesome eatery, this hot spot will have you munching on healthy breakfast options made with the freshest produce.

Whether you are into a sin-free homemade granola, or a naughty but still-good-for-you freshly baked Danish cinnamon bun, you will always be assured a great vantage point to enjoy some people-watching.

Address: 30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, visit website

Power and Glory

Here the atmosphere is powerful and the food is glorious, albeit simple.

This gritty hipster hideout bar/restaurant at the intersection of Kloof Nek and Burnside might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think breakfast, but as you sit back, people watching the busy intersection with Seinheuwel completing the backdrop, you’ll wonder why you never did have breakfast here before.

The Power and the Glory doesn’t complicate things, but simplicity shouldn’t be underestimated, because P&G’s breakfast is just what you need, no more, no less.

Whether its simple boiled eggs with roast tomato served on a rustic tin plate, or a delicious free-range chicken and mayo on sourdough sandwich, P&G don’t disappoint.

But you would be remiss if you don’t try one of their signature pretzel bun hotdogs, who are we to say that it’s not appropriate for breakfast?

Address: 13D Kloofnek Road Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, visit facebook page

Green Point, Sea Point and Atlantic Seaboard

Giovanni’s

The labour of love of two Italian brothers Giovanni and Nicholas, this Greenpoint staple is an Italian Deli in every sense of the word.

Filled to the brim with classic Italian cured meats and other Mediterranean staples of the Italian kitchen. Here one could satisfy almost any deli food desire and be on your way. Or, you could stop to enjoy a delicious coffee at Giovanni’s recently renovated coffee bar.

Treat yourself to one of their delicious freshly baked breakfast pastries, or assemble a sandwich from their rich selection of fresh Italian ingredients. Ranging from sliced Parma ham to sun-dried tomatoes bursting with flavour, to authentic provolone picante it is sure to satisfy any craving.

It won’t be long before Giovanni’s becomes one of your must-stops as well.

Address: 103 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town visit website

Kleinsky’s Delicatessen

Bagels. The famous bun with a hole. Fast, easy, filled with tasty ingredients. Efficient and delicious, and ever since the opening of Kleinsky’s, now also a popular Cape Town breakfast choice. While New York comes to mind for these delectable delicacies, Cape Town now has its own bagel bastion.

Kleinsky’s Delicatessen brings a slice of New York down to Cape Town. Whilst the menu is not restricted to bagels it is undeniable that Kleinskys’ bagels are an important part of their great reputation.

The delicatessen offers both classics, such as smoked salmon with cream cheese and red onion, as well as more adventurous takes on the iconic delicacy. A great example is the sushi inspired California bagel which features cream cheese, salmon, wasabi, sweet soya dressing and pickled ginger.

And if you don’t quite feel like having a bagel, Kleinsky’s still got you covered as you delight yourself with potato hash and other items from their Jewish inspired breakfast menu.

Address: 92 Regent Rd, Sea Point, and 32 Parliament St, CBD, Cape Town, visit website

Jarryds Espresso Bar + Eatery

A great hangout for sunny weekend mornings, Jarryds’s espresso bar and eatery in Sea Point is situated in the glass-ceilinged courtyard of the Amalfi hotel.

Jarryd Segal and his brother Ariel returned a couple of years ago after living in Australia, to make their mark on the café and coffee scene in the Mother City.

The style of this restaurant is contemporary, masculine and friendly with good coffee and great breakfast options. Enjoy from eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, to smoothie bowls, waffles and pancakes.

Following the success of the Sea Point spot a second location was opened in Bree Street but this incarnation is more suitable for week day breakfasts and work-related meet-ups.

The brothers have been busy with more brands added to their list of hospitality offerings. They have put their magic touch on cool spots such as Social, a speakeasy style bar and eatery, and Bentleys Bread Company. We expect to see more coming from their stable in the years to come.

Addresses: 90 Regent Road, Sea Point & First floor 114 Bree Street, CBD, Cape Town, visit website

Arthur’s Mini Super

If you haven’t yet been to this cute little deli-café in Seapoint, where have you been?  The talk of the hip crowd in the Atlantic, this fifties inspired Cape Town breakfast spot is well-loved for its quirky style and delicious coffee.

Run by the individualistic duo Stephanie Anastasopoulos and Will Hobson, it is to be expected that here they do things differently.

You can shop organic veg whilst grabbing your morning fix, or come for a chatty brunch over the weekend. Just know that it will be buzzing and you may well have to wait to get a seat at one of the little tables.

The gluten-free granola and yogurt are packed with nuts and totally superb, and the eggs Benedict is served with the choice of ham or bacon. Both delicious, but what you really should be there for is the toasties. Arguably the best in town.

Address: 15 Arthurs Road Seapoint, Cape Town, visit website

Scheckter’s Raw Gourmet Health Food

It isn’t easy to find a Cape Town breakfast that is not laden with crispy bacon, or pork sausages.

But this well-loved little café in a sunny spot on the Fresnaye side of Regent Road offers a vegan breakfast so good, it even has meat loving fans. This is testament to their delicious food, cooked or otherwise.

The ‘raw’ part of the name is a bit of a misnomer, but owner Tony Scheckter explains that for him it means natural, authentic, honest, plant-based, cruelty-free and nutrient dense food.

He opened the restaurant after returning from a stint living in New York, where imaginative healthy options where more available, and drew inspiration from working on his family’s organic farm in the UK.

The result is a lip-smacking good menu with breakfast options such as buckwheat granola breakfast pots, sprouted Essene bread with an array of toppings, matcha flapjacks with strawberries and delicious smoothies.

Address: 98 Regent Road, Seapoint, Cape Town, visit website

Southern Suburbs

Gardener’s Cottage

An oldie but a goodie. Even after more that 25 years this popular restaurant of Lee Barty does not disappoint. Ask any Southern Suburbs local and they will concur, this is a Cape Town breakfast spot that always hits the mark.

Situated in the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, entering the Gardener’s Cottage feels like a warm embrace of welcome from your slightly artsy, plant loving aunt. An aunt that just so happens to have a penchant for feeding people and is the most amazing cook.

Renowned for their amazing selection of wholesome breakfast fare, from scrambled eggs and sausage to a uber delicious banting Benedict, served on a bed of roast tomato and creamed spinach. This is obviously a popular breakfast spot for families, friend get-togethers and for those with lovely animals on leads.

Whatever you choose to eat, rest assured you will feel looked after, and above all will not leave hungry.

Address: Montebello Design Centre, 31 Newlands Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town, visit website

Nest Deli Constantia Uitsig

Feeling peckish? Take a step out of the city into the sweeping vistas of the Constantia Winelands and start your day with a delicious bite to eat from the Nest Deli at Constantia Uitsig.

Situated in a converted labourers’ cottage, the view isn’t the only thing splendid about this deli. The Nest offers a delicious variety of farm-fresh breakfast options done well. Favourites include a 3 egg frittata with your choice of filling, or French toast with crispy fried bacon and a homemade coulis with whipped cream.

Next time you feel like flying the coup, take an off-the-beaten-track food adventure and visit the Nest. Then end off with a sweet treat of American style ice cream from Kristen’s Kickass Ice Cream, situated in a neighbouring cottage on the farm. You won’t regret it, we promise.

Address: Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, visit website

The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort

Part of the coveted Relais & Châteaux hotel group, the white-washed Cape Dutch-era Cellars-Hohenort hotel has a sprawling nine acre garden of which a large portion is dedicated to an extensive kitchen garden.

The fresh herbs and produce grown here are precisely what ends up on your plate.

Breakfast is served in the bright light-filled conservatory located in the Cellars building. The restaurant spills out on to the garden and is just the perfect choice for a scrumptious, leisurely breakfast in genteel style.

Don’t miss the homemade scones, or the baked granola with stewed fruit.

Address: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town, visit website

Chardonnay Deli

Chardonnay Deli is one of those kind of places that make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Partly because it is situated in a renovated historic farm house on the oak lined rural stretch of Constantia Main Road, but especially because the sweet scent of freshly baked goods and the deep aroma of coffee fills the air as you walk in.

The dark walls, reclaimed wooden counters and unfussy styling adds to the feeling of warmth both inside and on the wonderful tree encased outdoor terrace.

Owner Charmaine Anne Lilje has done apprenticeships under the likes of Olympia Café’s Kenneth McClarty, Franck Dangereux and Luke Dale-Roberts. This is clearly evident in the quality of the healthy and homemade products. Delectable breads and pastries are displayed in straw plaited baskets, and generously displayed on the counter tops and shelves.

This modern day farm stall and restaurant wrapped into one has a sense of abundance. Its warm and wholesome attitude is just as evident in the delicious farm style breakfasts. Even the homemade granola, innovative smoothies and large selection of homemade rustic cakes will keep you coming back for more.

In winter a roaring fire will keep you cosy.

Address: 87 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town, visit website

Jonkershuis

If you are looking for a Cape Town breakfast in a historic setting, this is as good as it gets. Just the perfect spot for the whole family, Jonkershuis is situated on the oldest wine-producing wine farm in South Africa.

The big drawcard here is the original Cape Dutch architecture and endless views of the valley, vineyards and False Bay. The perfect backdrop to enjoy whilst listening to the rustling of the leaves of the age old oak trees you sit beneath.

Here children can roam free without a worry, playing hopscotch up and down the gravel walkway, and adults can hold a conversation and revel in the peaceful atmosphere.

Inside old Cape-Dutch austerity provides a sense of stepping back in time, and in winter a flickering fireplace keeps you company.

The breakfast menu includes typical favourites from English breakfast to eggs Benedict.

Address: Groot Constantia, Groot Constantia Road, Cape Town, visit website

Bistro Sixteen82

Edged by vineyards and framed by mountains, the setting of Bistro Sixteen82 on Steenberg Estate is hard to beat. This is a haven for weekend brunchers and quite understandably so.

The huge glass panels and windows of this modern structure makes the most of the location, creating a terraced space that invites nature in, wherever you sit.

It is an elegant restaurant, but not pretentious. Ease into a relaxed convivial vibe and the happy sounds of kids exploring the surrounding indigenous garden that features reflective water and sculptural metal artworks.

This is the kind of place that puts you in the mood for bubbles at breakfast. Listed as one of the Worlds 20 Best Winery Restaurants, you can bet that it will have food worth celebrating. Executive Chef, Kerry Kilpin makes sure of it with her passion for everything seasonal, flavourful and fresh.

Address: Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town, visit website

Kalkbay

Olympia Café

In charcterful Kalkbay you will find this gritty quaint cafe, with croissant doorknobs and an old sign hoisted over the door. The sign reads Olympia café, and it resides at the entrance of Kalkbay’s most celebrated breakfast location.

Olympia Café is steeped in history and character and has long been the no 1 Cape Town breakfast spot of Kalkbay locals.

Opened in 1997, the Olympia Café can be defined by four things. Its delicious breakfast food, storied past, stellar location and famous mussels.

The delicious breakfast food can be contributed in no small part to the variety of fresh pastries produced daily. This is the type of place where you come for breakfast and stay for lunch. Who can resist their signature large steaming bowl of delicious, fresh mussels after all?

Address: 134 Main Road, Corner Windsor and Main, Roads, Kalk Bay, Cape Town, visit website

Northern Suburbs

Groot Phesantekraal

If you are looking for a farmers breakfast with panache, look no further. Groot Phesantekraal Restaurant is situated in an old stable, dated 1767 on a working wine farm just outside Durbanville.

Fresh modern interior touches contrast with the original stone floor and wooden mangers, with historic photographs and bespoke blue Dutch tiles against the walls.

The perfect Cape Town breakfast spot for a drawn out boozy brunch, you can choose to sit inside, or outside on the grassed terrace against the backdrop of spectacular Boland mountains.

The menu changes seasonally and even the hearty, wholesome breakfast fare are designed to complement the farm’s wines.

Country inspired dishes with an edge of refinement such as brioche French toast, soft mushroom polenta, homemade granola and a three-egg omelette ensure that we keep coming back.

Address: Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville, Cape Town, visit website

Photography: Liezel Norval-Kruger, Micky Hoyle, Swan Café, Jason Bakery, Hemelhuijs, Smak, Molten Toffee, Harvest Café and Deli, The General Store, Nourish’d Café, and Juicery, Between Us, Honest Chocolate Café, Ground Art Café, Loading Bay, Our Local, Power and Flory, Giulio’s, The Kitchen, Giovanni’s, Kleinsky’s Delicatessen, Jarryds, Espresso Bar + Eatery, Scheckter’s Raw Gourmet Health Food, Maison J, Nest Deli Constantia Uitsig, The Conservatory at The Cellars-Hohenort, Chardonnay Deli, Jonkershuis, Bistro Sixteen82, Café Blouberg, Olympia Café