Looking for the perfect café at which to enjoy a quick breakfast or lingering lunch? Whether you prefer a leafy table tucked away in the suburbs or a spot in the bustling local mall, we’ve saved you the search by compiling a list of great cafés in your area. For this list, we consulted the 2015 Eat Out 500 (the top restaurant in South Africa featured in Eat Out magazine).

Afro-boer (The Willows)

This modern café offers breakfast favourites such as eggs Benedict, as well as a variety of baked goods including wholewheat bread with farm butter, fresh croissants and savoury quiches. Try the cauliflower soup with chilli butter or choose from a range of freshly baked pies and about 10 sandwich options. The average meal is R45.

Sandwich at Lucky Bread Company. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant

Lucky Bread Company (Brooklyn)

Grab a quick bite from their selection of artisanal breads, including sourdough, ciabatta, French loaf, seed and rye, or enjoy a leisurely sit-down with a choice of gourmet sandwiches. Toppings include gypsy ham, smoked pork and peppered salami, or bacon, mozzarella, emmentaler, mustard mayo and micro greens. Make your own sandwich when you opt for a platter of selected breads, meats and dressings. The average main meal is R50.

Petit fours at MyDarlings Patisserie. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant

My Darlings Patisserie (Brooklyn)

This patisserie-style coffee shop has become a popular spot for lingering lunches, quick coffees, and amazing cakes and baked goods. Highlights include eggs Benedict (classic or with creamed spinach), biltong and blue cheese quiche, and chicken Mandalay salad. If you’re looking for something sweet, their red velvet cake is a great choice. The average main meal is R50 and corkage is R40.

Pure Café (Colbyn)

Described as bright and breezy with a joyful buzz, Pure Café uses only the freshest ingredients. Order the Big Boy breakfast with two eggs, streaky bacon, lamb sausages, grilled balsamic cherry tomatoes, basil and toast. Other favourites include the zesty zucchini wrap with feta, mint and yoghurt, and the Royal Mzansi salad with marinated biltong, avo, parmesan, pumpkin seeds and rocket. The average main meal is R80 and corkage is R40.

Salt Eatery. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant

Salt Eatery (Hazelwood)

Owner-chef Wessel van Jaarsveld channels his fine-dining experience to present a modern, innovative menu that is iconic as it is addictive. Create your own artisan snack board with charcuterie, cheese, bread and condiments or indulge in a variety of plates, sides and sliders. Highlights include the home-cured salmon, horseradish and soy mousse with dill pickles; oxtail-stuffed squid with pearl barley and pickled tomatoes; and parmesan and black truffle fries. The average main meal is R100 and corkage is R35 for wine and R45 for sparkling wine.

For this list, we consulted the 2015 Eat Out 500, the top restaurant in South Africa featured in Eat Out magazine.