There isn't much more that says Cape Town local like ordering a flat white with oat milk.

Here are 10 of our favourite legendary coffee shops in and around town.

Ground Art Caffe

THE best coffee in Town. Hands down. This central spot in the bustling De Waterkant district takes “corner café” to a whole new level! Part art gallery part café, Ground Art is a favourite among locals and tourists alike for its Insta-worthy breakfasts of gourmet oats, avo toast, bloomin’ good bagels and of course, its incredible array of home-brewed cuppas.
Recommendation: Big community vibes in this legendary cafe. The family that runs it is friendly and open and Winston definitely makes the best flat white in town. They roast their own beans and bake their own biscotti cookies

Origin Coffee Roasting

Chances are if you’re a coffee lover and you’ve been to Cape Town, you would have tried at least one brew from Origin. Their HQ is in the forever cool De Waterkant District, where an industrial chic interior and sensational cuppas have been all the rage since 2006. Can’t get enough of their internationally sourced brews? The locale offers an epic barista training programme to anyone interested, so you can learn to make your own.

Cuppa to try: The espresso tasting board – seasonal blend and espresso of the day. When in Rome, right?

Lello’s Caffè Espresso Bar

Traditional Italian espresso bar (they even have chairs on the sidewalk). One of the best, Italian-styled coffee's in Town!

Note: The Lelo’s staff regard “Flat white” as a swear word. They stick with traditional Italian cappuccino’s or espresso.

Rosetta Roastery Cafe

If you’re not too busy snapping away at the contemporary minimalist decor of this central hotspot, then you’ll find yourself absorbed in the wonderful café menu offering an array of cool and classic cuppas. Situated on bustling Bree and in the stylish Silo District, Rosetta is known for being one of the best, award-winning coffee shops in Cape Town – and one sip of their next-level brews and you’ll see why. They source speciality grade, single origin coffees from South and Central America, Africa and Asia, micro-roasting each one to best present its unique personality.

Cuppa to try: A classic Cortado so you can really taste the beans.

Pauline's Sea Point

It’s quaint, minimalist, and extremely Insta-worthy. And those are the draw cards EXCLUDING the incredible coffee and scrumptious range of dishes. Tuck into freshly-made avo toasts and oat bowls with a hot cuppa to kick-start your day in the best way.

Recommendation: World class coffee! Try their signature buns. They come fresh out the oven around 9AM so be sure to get there early.

Plato

Great spot to answer some emails & enjoy a world-class cup of coffee!

Recommendation: Super nice coffee, with a very fitness orientated vibe, being in the building as the Motley Crew gym.

Truth Coffee Roasting

Spanning two levels, offering six seating areas and boasting a lengthy menu, Truth HQ on Buitenkant Street is a coffee-lovers dream. The steampunk vibe adds an edge to the busy space, where freshly brewed cuppas, served in extremely innovative ways, are the order of every day. Truth specializes in selecting and roasting the world's most exclusive coffees, and was voted the world's best coffee shop by The Daily Telegraph for two consecutive years. What more do you need to know? They also offer barista courses for those looking to learn more about the craft of coffee making.
Cuppa to try: Abid Clever Dripper – Black Honey Blend or Single Origin filtered at your table. They also offer an AWESOME hour long, micro barista course and cupping. Really cool experience.

Naked Coffee

A great spot on the Atlantic Seaboard to grab a cofffee and get some work done during load shedding (controlled power distribution in South Africa).

Houtbay Coffee

It may be a bit of a drive from the city, but trust us, the extra 20 minutes travel time will be beyond worth it. Situated inside an old storage shed in the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay, this small spot is the definition of a hidden gem with a capital G. An eccentric owner, sensational coffee and a lovely, laid back ambience are only a few of the aspects that have earned this café a 10/10 in our books. And we know this feature isn’t about food, but you’re crazy if you leave without trying a freshly baked almond croissant. Sorry, not sorry.

Cuppa to try: A flat white, sit down, and a sweet treat never hurt anyone

Siki's kofee kafe

The Coffee King of Khayelitsha. The man responsible for bringing quality coffee culture to the townships, Siki is an entrepreneur and all-round legend! Check out Siki's Coffee in the heart of the Khaye Township on an ABCD Concepts Authentic Township Experience or his new store in the Southern Suburbs.

Cuppa to try: Ask Siki himself to choose his favourite grind. His number one changes like the seasons but he always seems to be on the money!

The Best Coffee in Cape Town