We opened this blog up to the office to find out everyone’s favourite breakfast and brunch spots and it’s fair to say, we’re a team that loves to eat! It was hard to choose just ten of our favourites hangouts in the city but somehow, we managed to whittle down the list. And as we’re based on the ground in Cape Town, it would be rude not to have tried all of them, at least once! Read on to find our ultimate list of Mother City breakfast places…
1. Jarryds
Sea Point and CBD
With fresh, local ingredients, fair trade coffee and a menu bigger than you could shake a stack of pancakes at, there really is something for everyone at Jarryds. For the health nuts who’ve just enjoyed a run along the prom or a yoga session at one of the many Sea Point studios, there’s an array of smoothie bowls, overnight oats and summer fruit carpaccios that won’t undo all your hard work. For those after something a little more, ahem, indulgent, there’s a vast selection at the Benedict bar (pro tip: swap your toast for hash browns for additional extravagance) or, if you’ve got a sweet-tooth, the french toast with white chocolate and cornflake crunch is unmissable. There’s a reason Jarryds remains a firm favourite with Capetonians and with a new outlet in CBD, more people than ever can sample their delicious fare.
2. Jason Bakery
CBD and Green Point
Jason Bakery has reached almost a cult-level status amongst Capetonians and we’re pretty sure you might even have already heard of it. At the original Bree Street location, you can still expect to see huge lines along the street waiting for the local favourite, Jason’s ‘Doughssant’ (their take on Dominique Ansel’s famous ‘Cronut’). As well as delectable pastries, visitors can also enjoy a host of breakfast dishes ranging from homemade granola, to baked shakshuka to green pancakes. And if you’d like to to continue the experience after you’ve finished munching at the breakfast bar, buy a freshly-baked loaf or a pastry from the takeaway hatch for your kitchen at home.
3. Starlings Cafe
Claremont
If you’re looking for a local spot with homemade fare, you can’t go wrong with Starlings Cafe in Claremont. Its star selling point is the beautiful garden, a warming sun-trap in the summer months where you can sit and relax under shady green trees as you break your fast. Top dishes include anything with eggs (they’re always cooked to perfection), and the homemade Bulgarian yoghurt with banana and berries is not to be missed either. Ensure you don’t leave without checking out the cake counter – it’s always filled to the brim with freshly-baked treats of the indulgent kind.
4. Olympia Cafe
Kalk Bay
The Olympia Cafe is such a Kalk Bay establishment that it’s almost impossible to imagine the area without it (it’s definitely one of the firm favourites amongst our team!). If you’re making an early morning visit out to see the penguins at Boulders Beach or for a surf at Muizies then be sure to stop in. The menu changes regularly but for breakfast you can expect omelettes, frittatas and a whole host of pastries and croissants, as well as some of the best coffee this side of the city. Eco-warriors can also rest assured that Olympia is in line with their green ethos, only using free-range poultry and sustainably sourced fish, and cutting out single-use plastic as much as they can. Our top tip? Make sure you pop around the corner to the Olympia Bakery to pick up bread and baked treats for the road.
5. Oranjezicht City Farm
Waterfront
Now for something a little bit different! Not just a cafe, Oranjezicht City Farm is a sprawling market based at Cape Town’s waterfront (not in Oranjezicht as the name might suggest…) and is packed to the brim with incredible foods, beautiful flowers and locally grown produce from the urban farm itself. The benefit to the market layout is that there’s something available for everyone, whether you’re craving a Hoghouse Bakery pasteis de nata, or a virtuous Shakedown Smoothie bowl. As well as on-the-spot breakfast items, you can pick up a host of gourmet food items such as freshly grown fruit and veg, artisan cheese and perfectly cured deli meats. It really is weekend heaven.
6. Pot Luck Club
Woodstock
Already one of Cape Town’s favourite restaurants, Pot Luck Club has now upped its offerings to include an incredible Sunday brunch menu. Guests will have a chance to sample 11 of the eatery’s delectable dishes, including the famous fish tacos, wild mushroom bruschetta and naartjie and yuzu sorbet. As well as the food, there’s also the option to add all-you-can drink MCC or Bloody Marys to your brunch. The bubbles are Graham Beck’s finest from the Robertson Wine Valley, and the Bloody Marys are build your own: choose from a selection of home-flavoured vodkas such as smoked jalapeno or olive and go wild with additions such as crispy bacon and celery.
7. Harvest
Bo-Kaap
Set in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling Bo-Kaap this is another fab spot for the health-conscious amongst you. Expect healthy spins on traditional classics such as quinoa porridge with coconut and turmeric, and eggs Benedict on courgette fritters. As well as being deliciously healthy, the vibe is laid back and views of the city and mountain are incredible, making this a pretty fabulous breakfast spot. Harvest also has access to an impressive rooftop and talks are underway to start hosting yoga classes, first Thursday events and market days so watch this space!
8. Kleinsky’s
Sea Point and CBD
Ok, we know we’ve mentioned eggs Benedict a lot (can you tell it’s one of our favourites?!) but we can’t write a breakfast guide and not mention the Benny on offer at Kleinsky’s! Rather than being served on a traditional english muffin, this establishment goes rogue and pops it on top of a beautifully golden potato latke – divine. This Jewish-style deli definitely isn’t short on tasty treats and as well as our favourite dish, you can expect to find freshly baked bagels with a multitude of fillings (lamb bacon anyone?) and challah french toast. And whilst there are some healthy options on the menu, this is where we come for our real comfort food fix.
9. Scheckter’s Raw
Sea Point
Another great spot for those looking for a virtuous bite in the morning, Scheckter’s Raw is a mecca for vegans and health nuts alike. Owner Toby returned to South Africa after years of living in New York and spotted a gap for a cafe focussed on whole, organic foods. Sweet tooths can enjoy pumpkin pie flapjacks and organic maca waffles topped with vegan ice cream, whilst those inclined towards the savoury will find vegan tofu scrambled ‘eggs’ served with gluten free toast and sauteed mushrooms. There’s also a tasty line of freshly made smoothies such as the Kale Kleanse, the Beet Boxer and the Ginger Ninja to name a few. You’re guaranteed to walk away feeling guilt-free and sated.
10. Clarke’s
CBD
Popular with tourists and locals alike, Clarke’s has developed a bit of a cult following in the city. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, it can cater for whatever you’re in the mood for – although we happen to think it shines brightest at breakfast and brunch. With its chilled-out, American diner vibes it’s almost always packed to the rafters and has a great atmosphere.The menu is filled with freshly baked croissants, eggs every which way, and an unmissable brioche french toast. On a warm, sunny day, we opt for the outdoor tables, a prime location for people-watching and brekkie-munching!
