In this earlier post, I shared my favorite restaurants for a nice Cape Town dinner, but I also discovered many great places for breakfast, coffee and lunch in the Mother City. Today I’ll share my very favorites, to put on your must-try list!
1. Loading Bay
Loading Bay can be found in the trendy Waterkant area and is a spot I visited several times during my last trip. I enjoyed a perfect ice coffee, a lovely granola bowl with labneh from their all-day menu, ate their famous cinnamon bun (inspired on the Swedish fika version) and had a nice salad of the day for lunch. This pretty spot is combined with a just as pretty store and is fully packed every single day. Not surprisingly, because food and service are very good and it’s easy to spend a few hours on the leather couches or on the mini terrace in front.
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2. Kauai
Kauai is a chain with many locations in South Africa and Cape Town. It can be described as a healthy fast food chain, without always mentioning the healthy aspect (and that – to me – is kind of a relief). On the menu you find all kinds of bowls, wraps and salads, but also tons of smoothies and juices, all prepared in front of you. It’s a perfect energy boost and one that’s very affordable too.
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(left: Dear me, right: Lola’s)
3. Food Market
The very touristic Victora & Alfred Waterfront is still worth a visit and I have to say: this part of the city has been revamped and expanded for the better. The best addition to me – it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise – was the food market with all kinds of mini restaurants. I enjoyed the freshly rolled spring rolls from LUA with a different dip for each roll, but the Lamb Fold Over flatbreads did look very appetizing as well.
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4. The Codfather
I mentioned The Codfather in this post too, but if you’re ever in Camps Bay during lunchtime, you must really pay them a visit. Take a seat at the sushi bar and try as many different dishes as you can stomach, all prepared right in front of you. My very favorite was the tuna tataki sushi with a very addictive ponzu sauce, but the raw salmon with fish eggs and Japanese mayo came close second.
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5. Lola’s
Lola’s has been on Long Street for years and still is a very nice place to spend a few hours. The coffee is good, clientele is a varied mix of locals and visitors and the atmosphere is relaxed. Also: their breakfast is worth mentioning: especially the homemade granola and freshly baked croissants.
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6. Orchard on Long
In the same street as Lola’s, you can find Orchard on Long, a pretty little smoothie bar (not surprising that lots of photo shoots take place here), where they also sell some to-go meals. I can wholeheartedly recommend their fruity breakfasts: especially the Bali bowl with granola, lots of fruit and coconut yoghurt.
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7. Skinny legs
The name Skinny Legs (who thinks of names like this?) and the somewhat distant waiters aside, this is a lovely, stylish place for breakfast. On the all-day breakfast menu (yes, I was sold already) you find amazing little buckwheat pancakes with ricotta, mint and honey and just as delicious French toast from sourdough bread, with blueberries and mayle syrup.
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8. Jarryds
In the upcoming Sea Point area resides the unexpectedly large Jarryds: a gorgeous, stylish restaurant where you’re welcome all-day. The atmosphere is buzzing, the menu is too-good-to-choose-from and the prices are surprisingly affordable. I can really recommend the Mediterranean Bowl for lunch: with burned eggplant, falafel, creamy zucchini hummus and za’atar yogurt.
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