Loop Street, the slightly shy and artier cousin of Long and Bree streets, has seen a new wave of restaurants open along its bustling stretch. From all-day breakfasts and lunchtime hotspots to old hidden gems nestled in between, here’s where to eat what on Loop Street.

Coffee

No. 4: Seattle Coffee Co.

This branch of the popular coffee company sits on the Foreshore-end of Loop Street and offers caffeine-lovers ethically sourced brews in all forms. The coffee shop also stocks some eats made on-site, including muffins, sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.

No. 59: Anthony’s Golden Cup

This tiny little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop emits the scent of freshly brewed beans. It’s been open for 60 years and owner Anthony Swartz still serves every cup with a smile.

Easy-going breakfasts and lunches

Pizza prepared and served at Giulio’s. Photo supplied.

No. 16: Giulio’s

This City Bowl lunch spot specialises in hearty Italian-inspired café food. Breakfasts might feature scrambled eggs with parmesan on a toasted croissant or brioche French toast; while lunches are a hearty affair with a harvest table, paninis, pizzas and fresh pastas. This spot is perfect for a working lunch with free WiFi available.

No. 58: The Hide Out Café

At this unassuming little spot you’ll find laidback eats like scrambled eggs with all the trimmings; toasted sarmies and fries; and salads filled with bacon, feta and avo. There’s also a small deli section with fresh breads – including gluten-free options – and spreads.

No. 61: 61 + ate

This is a calm spot for lunch, with a small menu and its walls decorated with local artwork. Head here for a harvest table feast, lovely soups, and easy-eating sarmies. There’s also an all-day breakfast menu with options like homemade beans on toast, scrambled eggs with roasted tomatoes, or a smoked salmon rosti with horseradish crème fraîche.

No. 99: Solo

This gallery cafe adjoining 99 Loop Gallery is a hit on First Thursdays, but it’s also a hidden gem for those seeking out a great mid-week breakfast or lunch. The menu is compact but not without some inspired dishes. Think pinotage beef short-rib gnocchi, smoked seafood chowder, or a buttermilk fried chicken burger with garlic aioli. The all-day breakfasts also deserve a special mention, with options of sweet grains, five different kinds of waffles, and beautiful egg dishes.

Pinotage braised beef ragu prepared and served at SOLO. Photo supplied.

No. 113: Cafe du Cap

This cosy spot offers home-made, wholesome eats perfect for comforting out-of-office lunches. The menu features breakfasts ranging from salmon with scrambled eggs to croissants; while lunches feature quiches, sourdough toasties and a harvest table and salad bar.

Cakes prepared and served at Café du Cap. Photo supplied.

No. 168: Homage 1862

Set in an historic building, Homage 1862 draws crowds with its glorious fresh produce, great vegan and vegetarian options, as well as mouth-watering meatier dishes. Think miso salmon, buddha bowls, wood-fired ribeye, and stunning salads. The chocolate fondant also gets a thumbs up.

Miso Salmon dish prepared and served at Homage 1862. Photo supplied.

No. 179: Frater House

The large space is bright and airy, making for a perfect spot to perch and work – they have free WiFi, too. The menu features local produce and ingredients like fish tacos with snoek, yellowtail fishcakes and delicious curry-spiced fries; meaty options like Karoo lamb skewers with black garlic flatbread; and vibrant salads. If you’re after something on-the-go, the sandwich selection is ideal.

A dish served at Frater House. Photo supplied.

After-work drinks

Corner of Loop and Riebeek streets: Sea Street at Radisson Blu Hotel

This lounge and bar is situated inside the refurbished Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town. Bar food offerings include gourmet hotdogs, smokey ribs, chicken waffle sandwiches and prawn mac ’n cheese. As for the bar, it’s stocked with easy-drinking local wines available by the glass, local and international gins, and craft beers.

No. 32: The Village Idiot

This Loop Street favourite is a great stop for post-work dinner and drinks that will head into a night of dancing. The hungry can tuck into some South African-themed braai boards with pork ribs and burgers. There’s also a great balcony for lingering, a pool table, and a roaring fireplace for chilly evenings.

A dish prepared and served at The Village Idiot. Photo supplied.

No. 63: Yours Truly

This hip hangout is a leafy little oasis in the centre of town. While good lunches include salads and sandwiches, it’s the beer and pizza that will make you want to linger. On Thursdays there are live DJs, making it a good spot to ease your way into the weekend ahead.

Coffee and treats at Yours truly. Photo supplied.

No. 91: The Honeybadger

Situated at boutique hostel 91 Loop, this spot is a popular place for drinks and First Thursdays. The fun drinks menu offers a good range of affordable wines and beer, as well as cocktails. If you’re feeling a little peckish, tuck into jaffles, chicken wings or pizzas. And, if you spend the night in the hostel, you can refuel on one of the ‘Morning after’ brekkies and a Deluxe coffee the next day.

Pizza prepared and served at The Honeybadger. Photo supplied.

Treats and bakery fare

No. 16: The Velvet Cake Co.

This colourful café offers all things cake. Enjoy a slice of something rainbow-coloured and layered, or indulge in a dainty cupcake and to-go coffee for a quick sugar fix. There are also cheesecakes and delicious little cake cups on offer – try the lemon meringue version.

Cakes served at Velvet Cake Co. Photo supplied.

No. 210: Euro Haus Bakery

Formerly Marcelinos, this German bakery offers easy-going baked goodies, coffee, and all-day breakfasts. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a slightly less hipster ambience and a quieter place to enjoy their morning.

Healthy eats

No. 30: JiJi Juice Bar

This little juice bar offers some delicious fresh cold press juices, iced teas, milkshakes and smoothies. You’ll also be able to stock up on your monthly juice cleanses. Or you can stop by for one of their health-boosting shots.

No. 70: Skinny Legs Café

This pretty café has been around for years and it still keeps regulars happy with its all-day breakfasts, good coffee and healthy lunches. The menu also caters for the gluten-intolerant and vegans, with options like coconut quinoa with cinnamon and baked fruit; buckwheat pancakes with minted peas and feta; and even a vegan risotto made from sunflower seeds and seasonal veggies.

No. 83: Marrow

This gem joins the block of hot new restaurants that have opened this season. The broth bar is making waves with its beautiful, wholesome bowls of bone broth, offering options for meat-lovers and vegans. Opt for a clear, white, green, brown, or golden broth, with additions such as roasted chicken, aubergine, steamed white fish, venison, or kimchi. They also offer takeaways and refreshing tonic drinks.

A dish served at Marrow. Photo supplied.

No. 179: Wild Sprout

This lovely new whole-food eatery offers delicious food perfect for a quick, healthy lunch. There’s a harvest table, which has already become a popular choice, as well as other winners, like the sugar- and gluten-free banana bread. Opt for the fully-loaded version served with nut butter, fresh banana and cinnamon. There are also several ‘mylk’ drinks on the menu which are made from vegan milks (almond and/or hemp).

Meaty fare

No. 112: House of H

Heavy-hitting meaty fare is what you’ll get at this edgy spot. Prepare yourself for generous portions of burgers, slow-roasted brisket, sirloin, rump, and good ribs. There’s also the option of salads and a cheese board, to balance everything out.

A dish prepared and served at House of H. Photo supplied.

No. 179: Banks Burger

This trendy fast-casual burger brand has now opened its second branch in the city bowl. House-ground beef patties are propped up on homemade buns with all the trimmings – including home-made ketchup, cheese, and a Banks Burger secret sauce. Avoiding gluten? They’ve got you covered with a bunless option. There’s also a falafel burger for vegetarians.

A burger prepared and served at Banks Burgers. Photo supplied.

Coming soon

No. 33: Monk’s

Cape Town’s favourite Chinese delivery service will be taking over the space formerly occupied by Jason Lilley’s Bardough. The Monk’s team is still busy designing the space, but the new spot will operate in a click-and-collect format similar to the Mowbray branch.