Housed in the historic Old Linden Hotel, The Whippet is a bright, airy café that celebrates Linden’s farming heritage while serving some of the city’s most acclaimed coffee. Recognised internationally, it was voted one of the Top 100 Best Coffee Shops in the World in Madrid, Spain, 2025. The café effortlessly combines a nod to the suburb’s past with a modern, design-conscious vibe, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
The vibe
At 10 am on a Wednesday, The Whippet in Linden is relatively busy. Most tables inside have people at them, which is unsurprising since the café strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and thoughtful detail. During the week, the café attracts a mix of business people and casual diners, while on weekends, families, runners, and even furry friends fill the sunlit space.
The interior walks the line between industrial edge and inviting warmth with exposed brick, golden light fixtures, and sleek wood panelling that nods to the building’s 1950s roots. The cafe's design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a community space that reflects the neighbourhood and its people, and you get a sense of that when you walk in.
The food
The Whippet offers an all-day brunch menu, so expect everything from the traditional big farm breakfast and eggs Benedict to smashed burger tacos and rump steak sandwiches.
The Buttermilk Chicken Benedict is a best seller, and with good reason. Golden, crispy chicken paired with perfectly poached eggs and a luxuriously smooth hollandaise, all perched on a toasted English muffin. The portion is generous enough to count as a full-on brunch feast, and you can take it up a notch by adding avocado or bacon for extra indulgence.
The Salmon Rosti Breakfast is a lighter but no less satisfying option. Crisp potato rostis are layered with silky smoked salmon trout, creamy avocado, and a perfectly soft fried egg, finished with a zingy lime mayo. It’s fresh, well-balanced, and a great pick if you’re after something a little less indulgent than the Buttermilk Chicken Benedict.
The drinks
As one of the Top 100 Best Coffee Shops in the World, there’s no visiting the Whippet without trying one of their coffees. A highlight from the coffee menu was the Pistachio Cappuccino. A creamy, nutty twist on the classic infused with pistachio flavour and topped with roasted pistachio nuts. It’s a new addition to the menu and feels like a little indulgence in a cup, perfect for treating yourself.
The real surprise was the Matcha Latte, which might just be the best in Johannesburg: smooth, earthy, and perfectly balanced. For a refreshing boost, I’d also recommend the Flu Fighter Smoothie, a zesty blend of lemon, honey, pineapple, and ginger that feels as good as it tastes.
And of course, brunch wouldn’t be complete without bubbles. The Whippet has you covered with a wine and mimosa bar, alongside cocktails (both alcoholic and zero-proof), plus the usual beers, ciders, and spirits.
For something a little different, try the Pairing Table, where select dishes are matched with wines, cocktails, and beers for a thoughtful food-and-drink experience.
Time Out tip
The Whippet gets especially busy on weekends, so arrive early if you want a sunny table (and don’t leave without trying their famous croissants at the counter, they sell out fast).