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While bubble waffles might be having a moment in the popular consciousness, the mille-crêpe cake is a much more elegant trend, and the good news is that Cape Town now has its very own café dedicated to serving these layered pancake towers. Localli opened its doors in St. Georges Mall in the City Bowl last month and has been quietly creating a following of French-pastry enthusiasts.

If you’re yet to be introduced to this French marvel, a mille-crêpe cake (‘thousand crêpe’ cake) is comprised of usually around 20 delicate, paper-thin pancakes with a light crème patisserie spread between them.

The counter of crêpe cakes at Localli. Photo supplied.

As for the flavours, Localli offer creations that are handmade daily and free of artificial additives. Think crème brûlée with a crunchy caramelised top; a chocolate option with 85% dark chocolate; fresh strawberries and cream; spicy rooibos and masala chai; and even a trendy green-tea matcha crêpe cake. You can get yours by the slice.

The 85% dark chocolate crêpe cake at Localli. Photo supplied.

Almost all the ingredients used are locally sourced, including flour from Heidelberg and Swellendam, rooibos tea from the Cederberg, and UTZ-certified chocolate. The Localli team also sells South African drinks only, such as Uber Iced Rooibos, coffee and teas grown in KwaZulu-Natal, and The Duchess Gin & Tonic. If you’re just passing through, you’ll also be able to stock up on honeys and other products from local producers.

The UTZ Certified hot chocolate at Localli. Photo supplied.

Also exciting: Localli will be launching a bubbly bar on 1 September, where locally produced MCCs will be available to pair with your choice of crêpe cake.

(If you’re further up country, The Whippet has been known to serve up a 40-layer mille-crêpe cake. We’ll just leave this information here.)

The entrance to Localli. Photo supplied.

Brought to you by Retail Capital, sponsors of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award.

Want to find more new restaurants in your city? Check out our new restaurants section.