The Coffee Stops Worth Exploring Along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard
One of the best ways to start a Cape Town morning includes a walk along the Atlantic seaboard with a good coffee in hand. From serious espresso bars to neighbourhood cafés where the coffee comes with something to nibble on, the stretch from Green Point to Hout Bay has plenty to choose from.
Here are just a few stops worth adding to your next coffee crawl.
Pauline’s, Sea Point
A local favourite that has grown into something of an Atlantic Seaboard institution, Pauline’s combines uniquely sourced coffee with a menu designed for staying a little longer. Its Sea Point outpost on Main Road is particularly well placed for pairing a coffee run with a walk along the promenade. The bakery is part of the appeal, too – particularly its fika buns and sourdough offerings.
Ollies Specialty Coffee x Pas Normal Studios
For something a little more unexpected, head to Main Road, where Ollies Specialty Coffee operates alongside cycling brand Pas Normal Studios. It is a natural meeting point for the neighbourhood's cycling and coffee communities, but you certainly don't need to be on two wheels to enjoy the stop. The flat white comes highly regarded, making this one for anyone who likes their coffee with a little culture around it.
Shift Espresso Bar
Small, focused and coffee-first, Shift Espresso Bar is the sort of place to visit when you are after a good espresso rather than a lengthy brunch. Its Main Road location makes it an easy stop before or after exploring Green Point. It is also one of the Atlantic Seaboard's more understated specialty coffee options.
Morning Mojo
For coffee with a change of scenery, Morning Mojo at Maiden's Cove is a strong contender. The setting does some of the work here: grab a coffee and take in the ocean and mountain views before continuing along the coast. The coffee comes from the brand's own Woodstock roastery, giving this scenic stop some substance beyond the view.
Platō Coffee (Camps Bay)
Platō's Camps Bay outpost is another easy choice when you want to combine good coffee with a coastal morning. Located at The Bay Hotel on Victoria Road, it puts you within walking distance of the beach and the bustle of Camps Bay. It is especially useful for an early start, with the café opening from 06:00 on weekdays.
Houtbay Coffee
As you head further south, Houtbay Coffee brings the focus back to the bean itself. The Mainstream Shopping Centre spot doubles as a coffee roastery, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the craft behind the cup rather than simply the café aesthetic. It is one of the more established coffee names in Hout Bay and remains a dependable choice for the final leg of an Atlantic Seaboard drive.