When the rain starts falling in Cape Town, there's something undeniably comforting about settling into a cosy café with a great coffee, a warm pastry, and nowhere else to be.
From crackling fireplaces and vintage interiors to neighbourhood spots filled with books and plants, these are the cafés that make winter one of the best seasons to explore the city.
The Strangers Club, 1 Braemar Road, Green Point
Hidden away on a quiet street in Green Point, The Strangers Club feels more like someone's beautifully curated home than a café. Wooden floors, vintage furniture, oversized couches and a roaring fireplace create one of the city's cosiest spaces to escape the rain. Order a coffee, settle in with a book and watch the weather roll by through the windows.
Perfect for: Reading, slow mornings and fireplace vibes.
Platō Coffee, 121 Kloof Street, Gardens
One of Cape Town's newest coffee success stories, Platō has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about cafés. The minimalist design, quality coffee and relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite among creatives, remote workers and anyone looking for a stylish winter coffee stop.
Perfect for: Excellent coffee and people-watching along Kloof Street.
Sonder Café, 27 Hudson St, Schotsche Kloof, Bo-Kaap (and Observatory)
Filled with plants, local artwork and shelves of second-hand books, Sonder is the kind of place where hours disappear. Their Ethiopian and Burundi coffee blend pairs perfectly with New York-style bagels and freshly baked sourdough sandwiches, while smoothies, juices and teas cater for every taste. If you're closer to the city centre, their newer Bo-Kaap café offers the same welcoming atmosphere.
Perfect for: Breakfast meetings, working remotely or escaping a cold afternoon.’
Truth Coffee Roasting, 36 Buitenkant St , City Centre
Few cafés in Cape Town are as instantly recognisable as Truth Coffee. The dramatic steampunk-inspired interior, industrial décor and award-winning coffee have made it an institution. By day it's one of the city's best places for a serious coffee; later on, the venue transforms with cocktails, mocktails and a lively after-dark atmosphere.
Perfect for: Coffee lovers looking for an unforgettable setting.
777 Coffee Roastery, 66 Keerom St, City centre
If your ideal coffee shop is all about expertly roasted beans and an unpretentious atmosphere, 777 Coffee Roastery deserves a place on your winter list. Expect quality brews, knowledgeable baristas and a neighbourhood feel that keeps regulars coming back.
Perfect for: Specialty coffee enthusiasts.