Whether you enjoy a cuppa, a koffie, kofu, or just plain ikhofi, locals can take pride that Cape Town’s vibrant café culture has earned it global recognition as one of the world’s top cities for coffee, according to US culinary magazine Food & Wine. The Mother City secured a spot on the magazine’s 2024 list of the top 10 cities for coffee. This ranking is determined by votes from over 180 ‘food experts’.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says, “Cape Town’s recognition as one of the world’s best cities for coffee is a testament to our local coffee community’s passion, creativity, and resilience. From the exceptional roasters to the skilled baristas, our city’s coffee scene reflects the vibrant and diverse culture that makes Cape Town so special. We invite local and global coffee lovers to come and experience the rich flavours, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments that await them in the Mother City.”

Cape Town’s thriving coffee culture extends beyond its cafés with unique experiences and initiatives that unite communities. The I Love Coffee Group, one of South Africa’s largest coffee shops run by the deaf community, has become a force for positive change since its inception in 2016. It’s no surprise that it’s Eat Out Head of Owned Brand’s Melissa Cumming’s favourite spots. “Their coffee is delicious (we buy their beans for home use, too), and so is their food! I’m not sure if he’s still there, but their pastry chef used to work at the Mount Nelson and they have amazing cakes and pastries.”

 

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Eat Out Social Media Manager, Ishani Chetty loves Egghead Diner in Kloof Street. “I love the vibe and relaxed energy that this bustling coffee spot has to offer. The 80s retro interior has a comforting ambience with its low lighting and cosy feel, whether it’s in summer or winter, this is one of my favourite spots to grab a coffee. I like the smooth, richness that the coffee has while not being too strong. My go-to order is a red espresso or cappuccino with an ‘Egghead’ roll   – their classic hothead bun made with scrambled eggs, fresh chilli, chives, spring onion and paired with Dijon mustard.”

 

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Tarryn Corlett, Head of Events at Eat Out adores Good Riddance in Kommetjie. What’s great about it? “It’s their whole laid-back vibe, friendly staff and baristas, their decor, the food and most of all their delicious creamy coffee and chocolate brownies!” she says. Her order is a single-shot latte and always cow’s milk!

 

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Tessa Purdon, Eat Out’s Head of Content has a soft spot for Rosetta Roastery in Bree Street. “I love the atmosphere at Rosetta. While the décor is calming on my nervous system – think sleek and minimalist, It’s all about the coffee – they have a true dedication to the craft and source their coffees from such diverse places. Depending on my mood, my go-to orders are an almond milk flat white (double shot) or an iced Americano with a splash of cow’s milk. Great with one of their vegan chocolate cookies. Did I mention it’s also a great spot for people-watching?”

 

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Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out Chief Judge can’t go without a WCafe fix. “My go-to is definitely a Woolworths coffee! I might be biased but I do love it.” Her go-to order? An almond milk flat white.

 

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Eat Out’s Head of Sponsorship, Kylie Chevallier is another WCafe fan. “If I am on the road, I will always rely on a WCafe for an excellent coffee, so that would be my go-to anywhere in Cape Town, or nationally. When I’m at home in Somerset West, I love Ground Central. There are few other close contenders but Ground Central’s roast is perfectly balanced! The owner is there every day, they roast their coffee beans on site and I have never had an average coffee there.”

 

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This recognition by Food & Wine not only celebrates our coffee scene but is also a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our city and its people. “We look forward to welcoming coffee enthusiasts who want to experience the magic of Cape Town’s coffee culture firsthand,” emphasises Enver.

Where’s your favourite coffee spot in the Mother City?