With cafés, fine-dining establishments, wine bars, restaurants and coffee shops packed into a few walkable blocks, Bree Street has become a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Stretching just over a mile, this vibrant strip in the heart of Cape Town’s inner city has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s most exciting culinary and lifestyle hotspots.
Rodeo Drive, Fifth Avenue and Bond Street. What do they have in common? They’re world-famous for retail, fashion and luxury, and have enhanced the allure of Los Angeles, New York City and London as destination cities.
Now Cape Town has its own contender: Bree Street.
Ranked 11th on Time Out’s 2024 list of the Coolest Streets in the World, Bree Street has a vibrant mix of art galleries, niche boutiques, bespoke design ateliers, sophisticated wine bars and, most notably, restaurants with impressive culinary prowess.
But while this success might seem organic, Bree Street’s transformation into a world-class destination is anything but accidental, according to the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), which has managed and promoted investment into the Cape Town CBD for the last 25 years.
‘Years of work to ensure safety, cleanliness and a welcoming and business-friendly urban environment have paid off. What we’re seeing now is the return on that investment – with thriving businesses, foot traffic and a growing buzz,’ says Tamra Capstick-Dale, board member and managing director of consultancy Corporate Image, whose Cape Town office is based just off Bree Street.
GO-TO FOR CULINARY VENTURES
What makes Bree Street such a compelling location for entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector?
‘Bree Street offered something different from day one,’ says Paolo Carrara, director at PAN Collection Hospitality, which owns several restaurants in Bree Street, including Iron Steak, Burger & Lobster, Hacienda (coastal Mexican), Scala Pasta Bar, Nikkei Japanese Peruvian, Yatai Ramen Bar, and very recently, MARU Korean Steakhouse. ‘It naturally attracted a quality-driven crowd, from locals to international visitors, and felt like the right place to introduce new, creative food concepts.’
He adds that Bree Street’s drawcard lies in its diversity, from fine dining to street food, and from art to boutique retailers. ‘Guests are looking for a full experience from the vibe to the service as well as an international level of food. We design our spaces to match that energy.’
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants. These limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Carrara confirms a noticeable increase in foot traffic and customer interest in recent years – growth that mirrors the street’s rising fame. ‘Without a doubt, Bree Street is now a true culinary destination.
The density of great restaurants, the commitment to quality and the constant innovation have made it a must visit spot for food lovers. Time Out’s accolade had a real impact – not only did they put Bree Street on the map internationally, but they raised expectations and standards locally, too.’
FOODIE HUB
For Matt Manning, Chef Patron at Grub & Vine, the attraction is both aesthetic and strategic. ‘It’s undoubtedly one of the top foodie locations in South Africa. There’s a line-up of great restaurants, it’s central, buzzing and very walkable … and it’s a Cape Town street that is also very easy on the eye with its mix of colourful buildings and view of Signal Hill.’
His fine-dining restaurant has expanded into a broader ecosystem, including Culture Wine Bar and The Blue Room (a live jazz and cocktail lounge) – all housed at 103 Bree Street. ‘There’s real synergy between our spaces,” he says. “And we’ve definitely seen a steady uptick in interest and support each year since the Covid-19 pandemic.’
Dominic Wood, a British entrepreneur who fell in love with Cape Town and moved to the city in 2024 to open a premium wine bar, is a case in point. He and his wife, Lisa, chose a heritage building in the heart of Bree Street as the location of plush, multi-storey Tannin. The beautiful, hugely popular venue finally opened in mid-2025 following a challenging renovation and loads of red tape.
For the Woods, it all amounted to location. ‘We wanted to build something that’s here to stay.’
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Both Manning and Carrara agree that Bree Street isn’t just feeding the appetites of foodies – it’s feeding economic momentum, too.
‘Bree’s success has a ripple effect,’ Carrara explains. ‘It draws people into the CBD, supports tourism, creates jobs and stimulates broader investment. It’s a perfect example of how well-supported urban spaces can contribute to the wider city economy.’
Manning agrees. He believed Bree Street is ‘an important street for Cape Town’ as it is a hub for local businesses. ‘We don’t see many big international chains here – it’s mainly South African-run businesses. That’s important because it means jobs, creativity and reinvestment stay local. Bree Street plays a key role in the city’s identity, both economically and culturally.’
The economic viability of Bree Street has also attracted investment worth billions of rands: two mixed-use developments, collectively worth nearly R2.5 billion, are set to come on stream next six to nine months. They will include two luxury high-rise hotels (including One on Bree and trendy international hotel brand Mama Shelter Cape Town), retail outlets, branded prestigious residences (including Mama Shelter Residences) as well as commercial office space.
Both developments are set to become striking CBD landmarks and will add to Bree Street’s reputation as a must-visit Cape Town destination.
Concludes Capstick-Dale: ‘As Bree Street continues to attract local and international visitors and investors, its rise is a testament to what’s possible when public and private partners work together to create a destination – not just a street,’ concludes Capstick-Dale.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Cape Town calls for no cuts to municipal funding in 2026 National Budget
Picture: Young Urbanists
