Few places do brunch quite like Cape Town, whether it’s a classic eggs benedict paired with a mimosa overlooking the sea, or a stack of flapjacks topped with crispy bacon and dripping with goodness in the city centre. Here is a guide to some of the locals’ top places for a dose of their favourite meal – the best brunch spots in Cape Town.
1. Jason Bakery
Over the past couple of years, pastry and doughssant king, Jason Lilley, has expanded his bakery to several locations across Cape Town, all offering the perfect cup of coffee and mind-blowingly good food. The original bakery on Bree Street has cult-status and after a single visit, you’ll understand why. Popping by for brunch, choose from a selection of favourites like poached eggs on freshly-baked sourdough and apple pie oats, or indulge in a decadent peanut butter and bacon croissant. While it isn’t quite brunch, if you find yourself awake early enough on a Saturday morning, dash over to grab yourself a doughssant (doughnut x croissant). They create a new flavour each week and usually sell out by 11am – they’re that good!
Address: 185 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Mon – Fri: 7am – 3pm | Sat: 8am – 2pm
Address: 83 Main Road, Green Point
Open: Tues – Fri: 7am – 4pm | Sat: 8am – 4pm | Sun: 8am – 3pm
2. Four & Twenty Cafe & Pantry
Set in the charming Chelsea Village of Wynberg, the warm energy of this Cape Town favourite hits you from the moment you walk in. Always busy – with queues of visitors often occupying the sidewalk outside (especially over weekends) – the restaurant describes itself as a “slice of Parisian pie”. With its beautiful courtyard and quirky finishes, they’re known for their all-day breakfasts and whimsical pastries. While the menu often changes according to seasons, their speciality benedicts are firm favourites – the perfect hollandaise-covered poached eggs paired with toppings like buttery edamame beans and exotic mushrooms, sesame-crusted bacon, and truffled aubergine. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, tuck into a stack of flapjacks complete with sticky fruit compote and a dollop of mascarpone.
Address: 23 Wolfe Street, Wynberg
Open: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm | Sun: 9am – 4pm
3. Syrup
A dream discussed amongst friends almost eight years ago, Syrup is a new member to the list of best brunch spots in Cape Town. Grounded in the motto “eat well, do good”, Syrup is a non-profit restaurant that donates all of its profits towards projects that make a local and global impact. Not only do you get to satisfy that brunch craving, but you also leave knowing that you contributed towards a greater cause. Wondering what to try on their breakfast-focused menu? For a simple yet delicious option, the Morning Glory – a fluffy waffle topped with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese. Or go for the Skillet Scramble – layered breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage crumbles, chorizo, topped with cheddar cheese and served with a side of their speciality salsa.
Address: 231 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Mon – Fri: 7am – 3pm | Sat: 8am – 3pm | Sun: 9am – 3pm
4. The Pot Luck Club
The brainchild of world-famous chef, Luke Dale-Roberts, The Pot Luck Club sure knows what they’re doing when it comes to brunch. Every Sunday guests are treated to a brunch made up of a collection of dishes served on platters with the option to add bottomless bubbles (a must if you ask us). With uninterrupted views overlooking the city and mountains, expect to tuck into dishes like club fish tacos, fresh oysters, seared duck breast with cauliflower tabouleh and black garlic emulsion, and sage madeleines. If you’re looking for a special way to spend your Sunday or are purely craving the ultimate brunch, look no further!
Address: The Silo, The Old Biscuit Mill, 373-375 Albert Rd, Woodstock
Open: Sundays only from 11am
5. Hemelhuijs
So much more than your average brunch spot. Hemelhuijs is an oasis in the middle of the city with an ever-changing interior space, incredible food and an array of amazing drinks. If the idea of being surrounded by fresh flowers with a cup of coffee in hand watching the city go by appeals to you, then this spot is for you. A somewhat hidden gem to many locals, Hemelhuijs is all about fresh produce and only the best local ingredients. With a menu that changes with the seasons, their dishes are packed with bold flavours and are created to bring back childhood memories while bringing a new, exotic flair. If you see “toasted mosbolletjie loaf” on the menu, be sure to order it – you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm | Sat: 9am – 3pm
6. Mulberry & Prince
For the complete weekend brunch experience with a close friend or two, nothing beats Mulberry & Prince. Step inside and be transported to an elegant, modern world brushed with dusty pink, marble countertops and copper accents. Skip the coffee for a grapefruit mimosa or freshly-squeezed cloudy apple juice. We love the “Chicken & Waffles”, buttermilk fried chicken, Belgian waffle and warm maple butter – American comfort food at its best! After one bite you’ll understand why Mulberry & Prince has found themselves on our list of best brunch spots in Cape Town.
Address: 12 Pepper Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Saturday and Sundays only: 10am & 12pm (two seatings)
7. Jarryds
On the lookout for a seriously Instagrammable brunch? Serving up food that almost looks too good to eat, this is where the young and hip head for brunch. Offering an extensive menu ranging from healthy smoothie bowls to fluffy omelettes and just a good ol’ bacon and egg roll, everything is executed with a lot of care here. The Strawberry Superfood smoothie bowl is any health lover’s dream (served with vanilla bean yoghurt, raw almonds, mixed berries and raw super-seed granola), and the Smoked Salmon Rosti Stack is an absolute winner.
Address: 90 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Open: Mon – Sun: 7.30am – 4pm
Address: 114 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Tues – Sun: 7.30am – 4pm | Sat: 8am – 2pm
8. Loading Bay
An elegant light-filled restaurant just a couple of minutes from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Loading Bay is the ideal brunch spot with its all-day menu. Daily offerings range from light options like fruit salad with lemongrass syrup and millet porridge to more hearty dishes like zucchini rosti with a panko egg, or their breakfast roll served on a freshly-baked brioche bun. On a sunny day, enjoy your brunch on their balcony and watch the bustling city go by while sipping on, arguably, one of the best cups of coffee in Cape Town.
Address: 30 Hudson Street, De Waterkant
Open: Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 5pm | Sat: 8.30am – 3pm | Sun: 9am – 2pm
9. Clarke’s
We love Clarke’s for all meals, but we really love them for their brunches. This diner-inspired restaurant with its relaxed, cool atmosphere is a Bree Street icon. Opening its doors in 2011, they’ve been in the business for a good couple of years. The result: seriously tasty dishes that will no doubt have you coming back for more. Perennial favourites include their Hash Eggs (toasted cauliflower and potatoes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce) and Huevos Rancheros (organic black beans slow-cooked in red wine, beer and smoked tomatoes served with fried eggs and avo). You may find yourself queueing over the weekend, but it’ll be worth it.
Address: 133 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 12am | Sat: 9am – 12am | Sun: 9am – 3pm
10. Between Us
While it can be a little tough giving away a hidden gem, it’s also one of our favourite things to do. If you’re looking for brunch in a beautiful space serving up fantastic food, then give Between Us a visit. No detail has been left unturned here – from the gorgeous interiors to the beautiful ceramics, fresh flowers and quality dishes. Twin sisters Jesse and Jamie have turned an old Victorian house into a foodie’s dream. Cosy up with a warm bowl of rhubarb porridge or enjoy a healthy serving of scrambled eggs with double mushroom butter – yum!
Address: 176 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre
Open: Mon – Sat: 8am – 4pm (breakfast & lunch) | Tues – Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm (dinner)
So whether you’re after bottomless bubbles, the classic eggs benedict or something a little more adventurous, be sure to try one of our best brunch spots in Cape Town – we know you’ll thank us a ‘brunch’ later. Think we missed out one? Let us know your favourite place to brunch in the comments below.
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