Craving that strong coffee after your morning cycle or wanting a wholesome post-jog breakfast? Not all restaurants turn their noses up at spandex and takkies. We’ve tracked down five great cafés and eateries around the country that are conveniently located near your gym or hiking route and also serve up great post-exercise grub.

Bootlegger Coffee Company (Bantry Bay and Sea Point, Cape Town)

This spot is seriously popular with the locals and on any given day you are bound to see promenade walkers, cyclists and gym bunnies getting their coffee fix. The Sea Point branch is a quick walk from the promenade and Sea Point pools and is just across the road from BUC fitness club. The Bantry Bay spot is also a perfect stop after a scenic cycle or long walk from Camps Bay. Their coffees are great and their salmon rösti – with poached eggs, cottage cheese, Franschhoek salmon trout and chives on a potato rösti – is a real winner.

Breakfast at Bootlegger Coffee Company. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Fresh at Paul Cluver (Elgin, Western Cape)

The winner of best country-style restaurant at Eat Out’s Best Everyday Eateries, is not only great for families but perfect for adventure seekers, too. The peaceful restaurant is the ideal spot for relaxing lunch after taking advantage of the exhilarating mountain biking trail on the Paul Cluver farm. For your post-ride bite to eat, look forward to wholesome dishes such as acorn-fed pork, bobotie, fresh line fish, and risottos with seasonal ingredients.

The tables outside at Fresh at Paul Cluver. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Surf Riders Food Shack (Addington Beach, Durban)

The Golden Mile stretch is a popular running and cycling route. Take a dip in the sea or have your morning surf and head to this spot to refuel with a delicious poached egg breakfast (the avo benedict with salmon is a firm favourite) or sip on an ice-cold craft beer. The buzzing spot is also dog-friendly.

A refreshing drink at Surf Riders Food Shack. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

tashas (Constantia, Cape Town)

Constantia Valley’s green belt is occupied by a number of leafy trails in the area where you can hike, walk your dog, or explore the natural suburban jungle. Head to the De Hel Nature Area, the Alphen Trail, or Brommersvlei Walk (to name a few) and work up an appetite before heading to tashas for brunch. The delightful Constantia Village branch serves up hearty and healthy breakfasts such as the avo and ricotta village breakfast served with a refreshing tomato cocktail, or caramelised banana oats with a muesli topping.

A mushroom omelette at tashas. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Voodoo Lily Café (Birdhaven, Johannesburg)

Just a stone’s throw from Planet Fitness Wanderers and Acrobranch Melrose in James and Ethel Park, is this laid-back eatery. Serving up light and wholesome food, it’s a great spot to grab a bite and a refreshing juice after a hectic gym session. For some extra energy, tuck in to the shakshuka with poached eggs, spicy pepper and tomato salsa, and homemade pita bread. There’s also a tasty carb-free smoothie for those banting.

Outside tables at Voodoo Lily Café. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.