The 19 best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town

If you know, you know. And boy, do locals know just how good The Pot Luck Club Sunday Brunch is! Recently reopened after a subtle refurb, The Pot Luck Club’s Sunday Brunch is a skyline treat where sunlit tables serve up city views and the kitchen slides out a multi-course set menu built for sharing. Exact dishes tend to change with the seasons, but look forward to the likes of West Coast oysters given an Asian punch, creative takes on the signature taco, and the lush ‘Arnold Bennett’ open omelette with smoked haddock. There’s a seasonal salad, followed by the ‘main course – often Kosmas’ take on duck – followed by a platter of desserts. It’s worth paying extra for the bottomless bubbles and DIY Bloody Mary station. Festive Sunday vibes come guaranteed!

The Old Biscuit Mill, 373–375 Albert Road, Woodstock

Kleinsky’s is always buzzing with customers awaiting their beloved bagels. This Sea Point establishment changed Cape Town’s bagel game, and while it may now have stiff competition, Kleinsky’s always delivers exactly what it promises: New York-style bagels filled with scrumptious cream cheeses, veggies and meats. Looking to mix it up? They also offer mushroom latkes and Eggs Benedict, rugelach pastries and pierogis. Dine in or take away, the choice is yours – Kleinsky’s is spacious, but the bagels also travel well.

92 Regent Rd, Sea Point

The Breakers Brunch at Tobago’s brings Dubai-style indulgence to the Atlantic Seaboard, where you can settle in for an afternoon of sunshine seas, DJs on the decks, and a parade of plates made for lazy Saturdays. To eat, expect a showy spread: iced seafood and sushi, live grill stations of prawns and lamb cutlets, luxe salads, and petite desserts paraded around the crowd in tiers. Drinks come easy with free-flowing cocktail and bubbly packages, plus alcohol-free options. Breakers Brunch runs on select Saturdays, so keep an eye on socials.

Radisson Collection Waterfront, Beach Road, Granger Bay

It’s hard not to fall in love with this charming neighbourhood spot, where glass-case bakes and a delicious menu bring a steady hum of regulars. If your palate prefers savoury, start with the Fire Eggs: a hot-pressed breakfast toastie for spice lovers, packed with free-range scrambled eggs, white cheddar, wild rocket, spicy chilli mayo and crispy onions. Sweet tooth? Don’t skip Norfolk Deli house-favourite Birthday Cake. They’ll pop in a candle and the whole shop erupts into an enthusiastic happy-birthday sing-along.

6 Norfolk Road, Sea Point

A firm favourite with locals, Starlings hides behind a thick hedge on Belvedere Road, opening into a rambling Victorian cottage with wooden floors, pressed ceilings and a secret garden that feels miles from Claremont’s bustle. For breakfast you’ll want to start with the classic eggs Benedict on sourdough, or French toast piled with seasonal berries and mascarpone. Not your vibe? Try the corn-fritter stack with bacon and avo, or a simple plate of buttermilk scones with jam and cream. Lighter plates run to house granola, yoghurt and citrus. Coffee is taken seriously here, and plays nicely with the fresh bakes on display. It’s walk-ins only, and weekend queues form fast. Grab a garden table if the sun’s out, or a fireside perch in winter.

94 Belvedere Road, Claremont

Is it a general store? Is it a deli? A café? The truth is, Kiosk is a little bit of each, and that’s why locals love it. From shelves filled with everyday goods to the bustling coffee counter and wood-fired oven, it ticks all the right boxes. Breakfast options range from house granola with fruit and Greek or coconut yoghurt to warm oats with dates and cinnamon, avo toast with pistachio dukkah, and an egg-and-bacon toastie. Later, you can order ‘pizza sandwiches’ on fired Neapolitan dough: classics like Margherita and Double Pepperoni, or the superb Breakfast version with bacon and egg. The coffee is solid and there’s an excellent selection of Nigiro teas.

15 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens

This cosy corner café on Sea Point’s Main Road is all warm woods, ’60s-style lamps and lush hanging plants. Expect retro comfort with a side of street bustle. At Maggy Lou's The menu leans firmly into crowd-pleasing territory: the beef-and-mushroom prego rolls are gaining cult status, the Big Glizzy hotdog is a must, and nothing sets you right for the morning-after-the-night-before like the Hot Fried Korean Chicken sambo. Pastries and breakfast plates fly out with takeaway coffees from the street hatch; it’s walk-ins only, pet-friendly, and open from early till late.

 206 Main Road, Sea Point

The Lebanese Bakery is your go-to in Claremont (but there’s another branch in the East City) for saj and pitas hot out of the oven. The store is a buzz at lunchtime, but don’t overlook the breakfast options here too.  Shakshuka is a perennial crowd-pleaser, but also look to the Hawawashi – spiced mince in a pita bread – or the Breakfast Manakish, where a cheese manakish flatbread comes topped with free-range eggs, za’atar and harissa. Table and counter seating is limited, but you can also order to go.

Corner Belvedere and Imam Haron Road, Claremont

7 Constitution Street, Cape Town

Channelling all the feels of a traveller’s salon into a Green Point homestead dating to 1828, The Stranger’s Club was founded by Emma Vith, with a courtyard eatery stitched to a store of South African makers. Food is fresh, unfussy and specific: smashed avo on sourdough with lemon and chilli; burrata toast with slow-roasted tomatoes and basil oil; trout toast with crème fraîche and dill; grain bowls (think quinoa, roast veg, tahini-lemon); and panini like prosciutto, fior di latte and rocket. The coffee is great, but also consider the cold-pressed juices. It’s walk-in friendly and sun-dappled; perfect for a mid-morning linger with friends.

1 Braemar Road, Green Point

This dreamy white-brick café is awash in natural light: perfect for grabbing a quick bite with friends or lingering all day over a steaming mug of coffee as you work or read a book. Oh, and as for the food: at The Ladder you could tuck into a flaky croissant stuffed with egg and bacon or tackle a stack of grilled veggies and tempeh. Pair them with a fluorescent-coloured iced drink – though be sure to save room for the cream cheese-frosted carrot cake.

136 Bree Street, Cape Town

Step off Kloof Street into Our Local and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered some flea market – and that’s in a very, very good way. Rustic wooden tables extend through the open space, chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, antique collectables adorn shelves and leafy plants transform the space into a forested oasis. Offering a delightful menu for weekday breakfast and weekend brunch, Our Local satisfies vegetarians and carnivores alike with crowd favourites like its Reuben toasties and shakshuka smashed avo with Danish feta. Feeling thirsty? Wash it down with a breakfast cocktail or two.

117 Kloof Street, Gardens

Don’t be fooled by the size of this tiny neighbourhood deli: Arthur's Mini Super brings big-sandwich energy just a short way from the Sea Point Prom. The signature breakfast toastie is your go-to: cheese, tomato, egg and bacon on white, built with proper ingredients. Free-range eggs from Eggcellent Eggs and dry-cured bacon from Richard Bosman. Add a coffee and you’re set for the day; grab-and-go works, but there are some tables if you choose to linger...

Arthurs Road, Sea Point

The dusty-pink doors at Mulberry & Prince open onto a chic gallery-like room of velvets, stained glass and copper-topped tables: SoHo meets the Mother City CBD. The all-day brunch is an indulgent affair: Shally’s buttermilk pancakes piled with banana, raspberries and whipped honeycomb butter (with warm house syrup); golden chicken-and-waffles; a punchy Pastrami Benedict; and Turkish eggs with garlicky labneh. Lighter plates include a burrata-truffle scramble and Moroccan eggs Florentine. It’s daytime-only, with speciality coffees (try the Ceremony matcha) and a sunny Pepper Street perch that will encourage a little lingering. Book ahead on the weekends.

12 Pepper Street, Cape Town

Fancy some delicious breakfast or brunch accompanied by the most breathtaking views of False Bay? Dixies in Glencairn has all that and more. A favourite amongst cyclists and walkers who use the Deep South main road as their playground, Dixies offers up breakfast options such as the most delicious buttermilk flapjacks and Eggs Benedict. For the more adventurous, there is the Carnivore's Choice breakfast, but you may need to go for that walk or cycle first to work up an appetite...

134 Main Rd, Glencairn

Max’s Bagels is a hip, hole-in-the-wall establishment on Bree Street that sells boiled bagels by day and natural wine by night. Your task is simple: choose your favourite flavour of handmade bagel and fill it with your selected toppings – from smoked trout and cream cheese to pesto, fennel, and avocado, you can’t really go wrong. Seating is limited at Max’s – there are only a few bar seats inside and a handful of small street-side tables – but you can always take your bagel to go for a morning on the town or beach breakfast.

120 Bree Street, Cape Town

Tucked into a heritage Cape house, Between Us has an earthy feel and its constantly evolving menu is fittingly rooted in seasonal, sustainably procured ingredients. Check out the innovative twists on breakfast classics, like polenta pancakes, activated granola with grapefruit curd, porridge with poached plum, or herb frittata with smoked salmon. Each dish is a sensory delight, as good to look at as it is to eat. You might even be tempted to linger so long you’ll be here all the way till lunch or dinner.

176 Bree St, Cape Town

Ambient lighting and dreamy shades of pale pink and evergreen set the tone at this trendy spot. Sonny and Irene elevates your favourite breakfast dishes with creative twists, the real highlights of the menu are its extensive egg-based offerings. Pick your chosen style – fried, boiled, scrambled, or poached – and top ’em with lip-smacking combos such as halloumi and salsa verde, mushroom and truffle cream or sun-dried tomato pesto and goat cheese.

19 Kloof Rd, Sea Point

This family-run establishment is perfect for any season: it opens up from cosy spots in front of fireplaces to a sun-dappled patio complete with macramé swing chairs. The only challenge with Kanela is that you’ll probably want to order the entire menu. Stay warm with one of their soothing loose-leaf tea blends, refresh with a smoothie or tuck in to their selection of freshly baked cakes, tasty toasts, smoothie bowls and gooey toasted sandwiches.

78 Regent Road, Sea Point

Watch the bustle of the city go by with a foamy cappuccino (or a fizzy champagne cocktail) in hand through the floor-to-ceiling windows at this urban oasis. While Hemelhuijs serves lunch and dinner too, their all-day breakfast is arguably the star of the show. The elegant menu reflects South Africa’s diverse terrain: find twists on national faves like mosbolletjies – an Afrikaner sweet bread – which can be enjoyed with Karoo honey or toasted with eggs. Dishes like foraged mushrooms and smoked trout should keep those looking for savoury stuff satisfied.

71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town

If your body has been begging you for a bit of cleansing goodness, Nourish’d is your spot. With locations in both Kloof and Observatory, Nourish’d will leave you feeling exactly as the name suggests. Take the time to read through the stellar smoothie and cold-pressed juice options, all of which will surely boost any mind-and-body reset. And if you’re after more than a liquid diet (we don’t blame you) then grab a wrap, toast or bowl stuffed with rainbow vegetables before taking a seat at the outside wooden bar and engaging in some serious self-care – courtesy of plant-based goodness and Capetonian sunshine.

177 Kloof Street, Gardens

2 Hill Road, Green Point

A favourite for Cape Town’s plant-based food lovers, Scheckter’s Raw has a few spots around town, but our pick is the spacious branch in Sea Point. Stop in to indulge in some life-giving delights like chai chia, açaí bowls, pumpkin pancakes and golden milk; or if you’re already running late for yoga class, check out their refrigerator of pre-made selections and cold-press juice cleanses and grab some gourmet health food on the go.

98 Regent Rd, Sea Point

At once a café and a clothes shop, Loading Bay is your go-to for everything ethical, earthy and chic. It’s a calming space with a carefully put-together menu that reflects the flavours of the seasons and the land. Seasonal produce is transformed into mouth-watering dishes that turn the typical health-food vibe up a notch: think roasted root vegetables with goat’s cheese and seasonal greens brightened by citrus and chilli. The freshly baked sourdough is an absolute must.

30 Hudson St, De Waterkant

Step into Swan Café and you might, you just might, be tricked into believing you’ve been swept away to the streets of Paris. Dimly lit and with walls lined with dramatic paintings, this crêperie oozes Parisian cool. Order either a sweet crêpe or a savoury galette – perhaps one of each if you’re hungry enough – then sit back and enjoy a taste of France whilst sipping on a mimosa or one of Swan’s elegantly blended teas.

Corner Buitenkant and, Barrack St, District Six

This Kloof Street establishment embodies the spirit of an old-school diner. Slide into a cosy yellow booth or grab a street-side table (complete with mountain views) as you dig into one of Egghead’s breakfast classics. The name might give away its specialities – the stand-outs are egg rolls served up with bacon, houmous or smoked salmon – but this buzzing breakfast joint also offers dishes for non-eggheads to indulge in: dig the tofu scrambles.

34 Kloof Street, Gardens

This historic Tamboerskloof establishment dates all the way back to 1904 and remains a neighbourhood treasure with deep roots in the area. At The Blue Café produce is bought from local residents and neighbours pack out the joint. We say you should join ’em: pull up a seat at a pavement table and start your morning with a flat white or a cleansing turmeric tea, then tuck into simple but tasty stuff like scrambled eggs, creamy oats and freshly baked pastries.

13 Brownlow Road, Tamboerskloof

Feeling a bit fancy? CT brunches don’t get much fancier than Kloof Street House’s notorious Saturday-morning jazz sessions. Sip on your chosen poison – whether that’s a gin and cucumber cocktail, Bloody Mary or bottomless mimosas – while listening to electro-jazz in an enchanting garden. The food selections boast hearty classics done right: things like mushroom or bacon bennies, eggs, salmon and wasabi on toast, to name a few. This place is (rightly) popular, so do try and snag a table in advance.

30 Kloof Street, Gardens

No two ways about it: Jarryds is a Cape Town classic. Dawdle through an all-day brunch over mimosas, all while tucking in to creative twists on classics like eggs benedict, huevos rancheros and shakshuka. Egg-dodgers can find joy in crowd favourites like the breakfast burgers, mushrooms on toast and quinoa bowls, plus some ace light-dining options like smoothie bowls and ginger-poached pear with oats. Tables are first-come, first-serve, so arrive early on weekends to get yourself a seat.

90 Regent Road, Sea Point

A favourite of Salt River and Woodstock residents, cosy café Freddie Freeloader is a perfect spot for brekkie and a relaxed cup of coffee. Its simple-yet-delicious creations include wraps, toasties, bagels and croissant sandwiches, alongside rotating daily specials. Food and coffee are taken equally seriously in this home-grown establishment, which never skimps on quality.

72 Salt River Road, Salt River