Cape Town is a city that has firmly established itself on the global coffee map, with a thriving specialty coffee scene that is constantly pushing boundaries and innovating.
From the bustling streets of the CBD to the trendy spots on the Atlantic Seaboard, you’re never too far away from a good cup of joe in Cape Town.
Coffee is taken seriously in the Mother City, with most roasteries sharing a passion for great coffee and a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Here are some of Cape Town’s innovative cafés and roasteries:
Espresso Lab Microroasters
Located in The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Espresso Lab Microroasters is dedicated to finding the optimal way to enjoy coffee. They source small lots of freshly harvested coffee and develop roasting profiles that reflect the terroir and origin of the coffee, resulting in a complexity of flavour and a balance between sweetness and acidity.
From growing and harvesting to processing and shipping, conscientious choices are made throughout the coffee chain to ensure the flavours in the cup are of the highest quality.
The brand showcases coffees from traceable farms, estates and cooperatives, always striving for sustainable, fair and equal trade. With a commitment to quality and attention to detail, this roastery takes pride in being part of the specialty coffee community, highlighting the hard work and labour of coffee farmers worldwide.
- Location: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
- Times: Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm | Saturday: 8am to 2:30pm
- Website: espressolabmicroroasters.com

The Strangers Club
The Strangers Club in Cape Town is more than just a café – it’s a creative hub that celebrates the exchange of stories and ideas. Inspired by a club that existed in Panama in the early 1900s, The Strangers Club brings together contemporary Cape Town with authentic Africa.
Owned by Adam Reilly and Emma Vith, this tranquil space features a menu that is just as beautiful as it is delicious. With a focus on specialty coffee, The Strangers Club works closely with Rosetta Roastery to serve single-origin coffees from different regions of Africa, South America and Indonesia.
The menu also includes gourmet sandwiches, freshly pressed juices, smoothies, and treats. Beyond the café, the courtyard, lounge, and gallery are available for private functions, making The Strangers Club a unique and versatile space for gathering, sharing and meeting.
- Location: 1 Braemar Rd, Green Point
- Times: Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm | Saturday: 9am to 2pm
- Website: facebook.com/thestrangersclubct

The Coffee Lounge
The Coffee Lounge, located in the Manhattan Suite Hotel in Century City, is a paradise for coffee connoisseurs. Serving a diverse menu, this fully halaal café offers a wide variety of teas and coffees, including rooibos-based drinks, matcha lattes, chai variations and its famed turmeric alternatives.
This coffee destination is so popular, it has been making its rounds on TikTok, reigniting its popularity. Whether you’re looking for a light breakfast, finger foods, hearty main courses or a sweet treat to complement your coffee, The Coffee Lounge has you covered.
With its cute froth designs, this coffee hotspot provides the perfect escape for coffee lovers.
- Location: Manhattan Suites and Conferencing, Century City
- Times: Monday to Thursday: 7am to 9pm | Friday to Saturday: 7am to 10pm | Sunday: 7am to 6pm
- Website: instagram.com/thecoffeeloungect

Also read: The Coffee Lounge: Where foodies, sweet tooths and coffee lovers unite
Ground Art Caffe
Ground Art Caffe, situated in De Waterkant, is a combination of the artistic endeavours of baristas, chefs and art curators. Coffee, food and art are given equal respect and attention to detail, as they believe each is an art in itself.
The café’s own unique African Arabica coffee is sourced and roasted by a dedicated artisan roaster, using only top scoring beans and micro-roasting methods to create healthy, low-caffeine, naturally sweet and most significantly, fresh coffee.
In addition to the coffee, the menu focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients of local and European origin, and the café offers stunning views of Table Mountain, all-day natural light, free Wi-Fi and a dedicated wall for art exhibitions.
- Location: 160 Strand St, De Waterkant
- Times: Tuesday to Friday: 7am to 3pm | Saturday: 7:30am | Sunday: 8am to 1pm
- Website: groundartcaffe.co.za

Naked Coffee
If you’re looking for a fresh cup of coffee on the Atlantic Seaboard, consider heading over to Naked Coffee, located on the Seapoint strip. Naked is a popular cafe that exudes warmth and comfort.
The decor features recognisable green tiles and slick black touches while maintaining a relaxed vibe that encourages people to linger. The spot is known for its calm energy, ocean-scented air and generous servings.
The banana bread is a must-try and pairs perfectly with the rich espresso, making this spot a regular haunt for many. The beautifully decorated spot is conveniently close to the promenade, so you can grab your coffee to go and take a stroll next to the sea.
- Location: 2 Wisbeach Rd, Sea Point
- Times: Monday to Saturday: 7am to 5:30pm | Sunday: 7am to 3pm
- Website: instagram.com/nakedcoffee_

Ground Culture
Ground Culture is both a local coffee spot and a platform that aims to connect and support small businesses in and around Cape Town. Its owners believe in reinvesting profits into local entrepreneurs and making a positive impact on the community.
With all packaging being 100% biodegradable, Ground Culture is making an effort to be environmentally conscious. However, competing against larger companies can be a challenge for small businesses.
Ground Culture aims to unite these businesses to stand up and fight together. By purchasing products from local entrepreneurs and sharing their stories, Ground Culture believes we can all support the growth of the economy and aid in the creation of jobs and entrepreneurial development in the city.
- Location: Shop 5, 170 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Times: Monday to Wednesday: 8am to 5pm | Thursday to Friday: 8am to 9pm | Saturday to Sunday: 8am to 3pm
- Website: groundculture.co.za

Also read: Ground Culture serves roasted coffee and small business empowerment
The House of Machines
The House of Machines (THoM) is a unique establishment that was created to be the essential meeting house for a community. THoM exists to serve a deceptively simple goal: bring together passions for finely curated, well-crafted and purposefully made things.
THoM is a place where all things motorcycles and riding, live music, cocktails, craft beer, bold coffee and classic apparel come together. From this diverse blend of interests, a unique and authentic Cape Town spot was built.
This establishment offers a little bit of everything, from motorcycles to live music and great coffee. What’s more, THoM is home to a coffee brand called Evil Twin, which offers a unique taste of coffee on Shortmarket Street.
- Location: 84 Shortmarket St, City Centre
- Times: Monday to Friday: 7am to 2am | Saturday: 9am to 2am
- Website: thehouseofmachines.com

Morale Coffee To Go
Morale Coffee To Go is a charming coffee cart that’s hard to miss when travelling west along the R44 towards Riebeeck Kasteel. Nestled among giant hay bales, the coffee cart offers a true country vibe that’s perfect for its surroundings.
The tented VIP coffee lounge and table and chair setting provide a stunning view of the wheat and canola fields, along with the mountains. The baristas, Clayton and Levi, serve a variety of refreshing drinks.
In addition to great coffee and frozen drinks, they also offer breakfast buns, hot dogs and boerie rolls, as well as freshly baked muffins, mini quiches and classic South African roosterkoeks.
- Location: R44
- Times: Every day 7am to 4pm
- Website: instagram.com/moralecoffeetogo

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Picture: Ground Art Caffe / Facebook