Coffee shops in Rondebosch

Caffé Sienna is tucked away near the Rondebosch railway station. They serve a range breakfasts and lunches, from french toast and cooked breakfast to toasted and gourmet sandwiches. The food is well-priced and the drink options are quite standard.

They serve cold juices and milkshakes as well as a range of teas and coffees. Caffé Sienna is open from 7am to 4pm every weekday; 8am to 12pm on Saturdays and they are closed on Sundays. Find them at 1c Duke Road in Rondebosch.

Phone: +27 (0)21 685 8845 | email: kim@gsdesign.co.za

Cocoa Wah Wah

This streetside coffee shop is a hub for university students and people looking for a vibrant spot to work or enjoy a quick cuppa joe. The food and drinks are affordable and the atmosphere is youthful.

Grab a slice of cake or a giant cookie from the counter, or sit down for a hearty cooked meal such as a burger or pasta dish. Cocoa Wah Wah offers an extensive breakfast menu, complete with benedicts and french toasts. They also serve a range of savoury lunch options such as tramezzinis, pizzas and grills. Try a sweet dessert after your meal, such as flapjacks, cheesecake or a lemon meringue.

The drinks selection is just as impressive. Teas, coffees and milkshakes are standard everywhere, but Cocoa Wah Wah also offers cocktails, fruit crushes and a selection of local craft beers.

Cocoa Wah Wah is open from 7am to 11pm every day of the week. Find them at 18 Main Road in Rondebosch.

Phone: +27 (0)21 686 3639 | email: enquiries@cocoa.co.za

Common Ground Café

This church coffee shop offers panoramic views of Devil’s Peak and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a nice space for a bite to eat and a good coffee, but the standout feature of Common Ground is that all the profits go to Common Good, an NPO that addresses education, employment and early childhood needs in Cape Town.

They serve the usual hot and cold beverages and also have an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. From omelettes and croissants to gourmet sandwiches and quesadillas - you’re bound to find something tasty that will satisfy your hunger.

The Common Ground Café is open from 7am to 4pm every weekday; 8am to 2pm on Saturdays and 8:30am to 2pm on Sundays. Find them at 23 Milner Road in Rondebosch.

Phone: +27 (0)21 686 0154 | email: cafe@commongroundchurch.co.za

Kauai

This franchise is known for its health-conscious menu and delicious smoothies. It’s a great spot for a healthy lunch or to grab a takeaway drink with your friends. Kauai serves non-traditional all-day breakfasts such as smoothie bowls and breakfast wraps. They also offer a tasty range of savoury wraps and salads that are perfect for lunch.

They probably have the largest range of smoothies available, from fruit smoothies to protein-packed power smoothies. Kauai is also known for its health juices that are blended from raw ingredients.

Although they don’t serve tea or coffee, they do have a coffee and date smoothie that is perfect for any health fanatic. Kauai is open from 9am to 9pm from Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10am to 8pm on Sundays. Find them at the Rondebosch Main shopping centre on Main Road in Rondebosch.

Phone: +27 (0)21 689 1237

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant & Tea Garden

This quaint little spot tucked away behind the grand Rhodes Memorial on the slopes of Devil’s Peak is a great spot for afternoon tea. It offers superb views of the Southern Suburbs, from Woodstock to Rondebosch, as well as views of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountain ranges in the distance.

The shady spot has all the normal cold and hot beverages on offer, from juices and milkshakes to coffees and herbal teas. The Rhodes Memorial tea garden serves a variety of food options, from breakfasts and light lunches to curries and confectionaries. No matter how hungry you are, you’ll find something to suit your appetite.

The tea garden is open every day of the week, from 9am to 5pm. Reservations should be made on the weekends and on public holidays. Find them at the top of Rhodes Memorial Street, behind the University of Cape Town, just off the M3.

Phone: +27 (0)21 687 0000 | email: info@rhodesmemorial.co.za

Social Bean Café

Situated in the Riverside Mall, Social Bean Café serves breakfast and lunch along with a range of teas and coffees. They also offer catering services and main meals such as Thai green curry and cottage pie.

The Social Bean Café is open from 7am to 5pm every weekday; 7:30am to 2pm on Saturdays and 8:30am to 2pm on Sundays. Find them at Riverside Mall, Main Road, Rondebosch.

Phone: +27 (0)21 686 4180 | email: info@socialbeancafe.co.za

Vida e Caffè

There are two of these streetside Portuguese franchises in Rondebosch. They offer the usual teas, coffees and hot chocolates. Try their special blend of coffee - a mix of Arabica beans with a low caffeine content that’s delicate on the palette.

Another must-try is their iced coffee (or gelado). They blend their branded coffee with ice cream to make a creamy and smooth drink that is perfect for a hot day. Vida also serves fruit smoothies and juices.

Admittedly, Vida e Caffè is more suited to takeaways but they do offer seating for the more patient patrons. Try some of their sweet and savoury snacks, such as homemade muffins, pretzel rolls (paozinhos), and sandwiches.

The Vida e Caffè at 41 Main Road is open from 7am every day of the week; they close at 6pm on weekdays, 5pm of Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. The Vida e Caffè on the corner of Campground Road and Austwick Road is open 24-hours a day.

Phone: +27 (0)21 686 2439 (Main Road) or +27 (0)21 685 4030 (Campground Road)