Breakfast (and, at the weekend, brunch) is indeed the most important meal of the day for most Capetonians, who love nothing more than to start the morning with something lip-smackingly delicious, ideally shared with family or friends. From wholesome oats and healthy smoothie bowls to freshly-baked bagels, spicy Huevos Rancheros and sugary-sweet French Toast, all washed down with excellent coffee and perhaps a cheeky Mimosa or Bloody Mary, the options are sheer endless – but we’ve whittled it down to our absolute favourites.
Mulberry & Prince
Serving the most important meal of the day, all day every day, Bree Street’s Mulberry & Prince is a gloriously decadent affair, from the trendy interiors to the concise and highly indulgent menu – featuring the likes of Burrata & truffle scrambled eggs on challah bread, buttermilk fried chicken on a Belgian waffle with maple butter, and an irresistible Nutella French Toast comprising brioche, spiced vanilla custard and cornflakes.
https://www.mulberryandprince.co.za/
Clarke’s
A Cape Town institution, Clarke’s has a devoted following, thanks to its convenient Bree Street location, cool atmosphere and awesome food. The all-day breakfast is served from 8am and features everything from freshly baked croissants and eggs every which way to Huevos Rancheros and Kimchi fried organic rice. From 11am there’s also oozing toasted sandwiches. For the perfect hangover cure, order the potent Bloody Mary.
https://www.clarkesdining.co.za/
Jarryds
This vibey Sea Point café knows how to do breakfast and brunch right. From healthy oats and smoothie bowls to bagels, Turkish eggs and breakfast burgers, there’s something for every taste. Portions are huge, the coffee strong and fairtrade, and the Mimosas bottomless (if you so wish). Add contemporary interiors and super friendly staff, and it’s clear why this is one of Cape Town’s hottest breakfast destinations.
https://www.theamalfi.co.za/eat-drink
Jason Bakery
Jason Lilley’s carb heaven has reached almost cult-level status amongst Capetonians, and no wonder – the heavily inked, biker-mad ‘Captain Bread‘ (his Insta-name) really knows how to bake. His original bakery on Bree Street closed down in 2020, but the bigger Green Point store is still going strong. Jason’s Saturday Doughssant (his take on a Cronut) is legendary, as are the bacon croissants, and, well – just about everything else on the drool-worthy menu.
https://jasonbakery.com/
Coco Safar
A self-proclaimed ‘culinary couture‘ café, Sea Point’s Coco Safar spells nirvana for those with a sweet tooth. Served until noon, the breakfast menu features classics with a certain je ne sais quoi – think French Toast on artisanal sourdough, with warm berry compote, caramelized banana, crème fraîche, and pure maple syrup from Québec. Then there are the croissants, which Food & Wine USA has declared to be amongst the most perfect in the world. Resistance is futile. https://cocosafar.online/
Kleinsky’s
Serving what many consider to be Cape Town’s best bagels (hand-rolled, slow-fermented overnight and boiled in malted water before baking), this Jewish-style deli in Sea Point brings a slice of New York to the Mother City. Hugely popular with locals, expect to queue at the weekend – but the salmon and cream cheese bagels and hot pastrami on rye are totally worth it. http://www.kleinskys.co.za/
Our Local
A wonderful antique store/greenhouse/café hybrid, this Kloof Street gem aims to bring people together around one table in an offbeat setting. Menu highlights include the signature Arnold Bennett, Shakshuka and speciality open toasts – and there are always yummy cakes on display, too.
https://www.ourlocal.co.za/
Paris Cape Town
A recent addition to Cape Town’s thriving bakery scene, French owner Laurent Bazaudun’s café has brought Parisian savoir faire to Sea Point’s Main Road. Word about his mouth-watering pastries and baguettes spread fast, with many a French expat declaring his croissants to be the best this side of Paris. The patisserie opens at 7am and closes when the last pastry flies off the shelf – one for early risers.
