9 South African coffee shops that are better than Starbucks
So, Starbucks is coming to South Africa. But who needs Starbucks when we’ve already got amazing coffee shops? We’ve put together a list of 10 of South Africa’s best spots for your caffeine fix.
- Department of Coffee – Khayelitsha, Cape Town
The Department of Coffee is the first artisan coffee shop in Khayelitsha. From espressos to flat whites and even cold coffees for those hot summer days, this coffee shop not only makes delicious drinks, but is also a showing of great entrepreneurial spirit.
Where: VPUU Building, Corner of Ntlazane Road and Khwezi Crescent, Llitha Park
- 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters – Parkhurst, Joburg
This coffee shop has received hat-tips from many of South Africa’s top food publications. It uses 100% Arabica coffee and some delicious nibbles to boot.
Where: 4th Ave Coffee Roasters can be found at Corner 11th Street and 4th Ave, Parkhurst
- The Haas Collective – BoKaap, Cape Town
This quaint little shop specialises in rare and exotic coffees. It is located next to the Design Collective which sells accessories and artwork. It also offers the “suspended” coffee options which means you can pay for your coffee and one (or two) more. You take yours with you, and the suspended one goes to a less-fortunate person who may not have the cash for a warming cuppa Joe.
Where: Haas can be found at 67 Rose Street, BoKaap, Cape Town
- Doubleshot – Plettenburg Bay
This funky joint was voted in the top three by the New York Times and will serve up everything from flat whites to cortados. There are also some snacks on offer if you are feeling indulgent.
Where: Checkers Centre, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay
- Vovo Telo – Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is no longer the sleepy town it once was and that’s partly down to this little coffee shop that’s been serving up brews since 2006. They have since expanded to Cape Town, Jozi and Pretoria and also offer some light snacks and artisan breads.
Where: Pickering Street and Richmond Hill in PE
- The Bean Green Coffee Company – Durban
This family owned business uses exclusive Ethiopian beans for its brews and their website says: “Everything is pretty straightforward here. The only complexity comes from the depth of flavour our coffee has to offer.” One of their bean blends, The Bluff Bru won the Cafe Society award in Durban for 2009 and 2010.
Where: Helen Joseph Rd, Durban
- Freedom Cafe – Durban
What do you get when you upcycle a shipping container? Freedom Cafe, of course. Before upcycling was even a thing, Freedom Cafe had done it. It offers delicious food to pair with the delicious coffee.
Where: 37 – 43 St Mary’s Avenue, Greyville
- Strictly Coffee – Robertson
You can find good coffee almost everywhere in South Africa these days. Strictly Coffee is a boutique coffee roaster that is in pursuit of the perfect cuppa. Fresh roasted beans from all over the world makes this an incredible experience.
Where: Coffee can be found at 5 Voortrekker Road, Robertson
- Deluxe Coffee Works – Franschhoek
Deluxe Coffee is also found in the Cape Town City Centre (and all over South Africa, in fact), but Franschoek offers a more relaxed setting to enjoy your cuppa. The beans are all freshly roasted and if you are that way inclined, you can head to the many wine farms after you’ve had your brew.
Where: 19 Huguenot St, Franschhoek
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