Sometimes all one needs to head about town is a mission: and finding the best bakeries in Cape Town is a delicious mission indeed.
Whether you are a local or just visiting Cape Town, these sweet and savoury treats are worth getting out of your way to try out – that way you enjoy the treat and burn the calories. Alternatively, you can make a note to pop in and try out some of our suggestions below the next time you are in the area. From us at Getaway, here is a selection of some of the best bakeries in Cape Town – we hope you treat yo self.
1. Jason’s Bakery
Jason’s Bakery is known for their twists on classic pastries. Every Saturday Jason’s creates a new doughssant (croissant plus doughnut) so they always keep you guessing and coming back for more! They have seating outside which makes it a great meet up spot and you can also order a takeaway over the counter. Everyone in the office agrees this bakery is a definite winner.
Contact: jasonbakery.com, 0214245644
When to go: On Mondays and Tuesday, they are open from 9 am to 3:30 pm and they close at 10 pm on Wednesday. They open from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and they are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
2. New York Bagels
New York Bagels is Africa’s only dedicated Bagelry, specializing in traditional boiled and baked New York-style bagels, offering 13 different varieties. This unique family-run deli is known worldwide for its traditional Jewish specialties such as chopped herring, blintzes, babkas and baked cheesecake. All of New York Bagels products, including all bakery and confectionery items, smoked salmon, brisket and pastrami and a host of other delicacies, are produced on site.
Contact: 021 820 4359, [email protected] or visit their Facebook page, New York Bagels Cape Town
When to go: You can catch them quite early as they open at 7 am to 4 pm. They are located on 44 Harrington Street.
3. The Velvet Cake Company
The Velvet Cake Co opened its doors in January 2012 and has been creating a large variety of innovative cakes for trendy South Africans who are looking for a novel food experience. They create celebration cakes and transform them into extraordinary and delicious treats. They also opened a cake-to-go emporium in April 2014, taking the experience of cake to the next level! They promise you trendy cakes that “will take you on a magical cake experience.”
Contact: thevelvetcakeco.com, 0219140482
When to go: On Monday to Friday they are open from 9am to 4pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays and closed on Sunday. They are located on 16 Loop street, CBD and have another brance on 10 Bella Rosa in Rosenpark.
4. Queen of Tarts
Queen of Tarts offers delicious light meals and snacks as well as sweet and savoury goodies to take home. They offer a range of savoury and sweet items including tarts (big and small), cheese platters, snack platters, sandwiches platters, pavlova’s, meringues, cakes, cupcakes and brownies. They make savoury tarts with a green salad that goes for R70, the filling change daily and there is always a vegetarian option. They also offer baking classes for “beautiful baking” – call them to enquire about availability.
Contact: 0214482420, queenoftarts.co.za.
When to visit: They are open on Monday to Friday at 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm and closed on Sundays. They are located on 213 Lower Main Road in Observatory.
5. Knead Bakery
Knead Bakery has a variety of food and breads. They are famous for their varieties of rye bread like their buttermilk rye bread, and have vast options, especially if you are Banting. This bakery is also an ideal place to meet up with people and or catch up with an old friend. The area has a fantastic vibe and their staff is friendly – their prices are quite affordable too.
Contact: Browse kneadbakery.co.za for various branches, but the Knead Bakery Cafe on Kloof is definitely worth checking out.
When to go: They are open from Monday to Sunday from 7.30am to 6pm.
6. The Sweetest Thing Patisserie
Although they are further out in Simon’s Town, our editor Sonya Schoeman, says their treats are worth every mile. She particularly likes their cakes and always calls them for special occasions. They have a variety of treats such as the custard fruit tart, cheesecake and red velvet cupcakes. If you are not interested in sitting here, Simon’s Town has plenty to offer so you could just order your treats as takeaway and go enjoy them with a sea view.
Contact: 0217864200, [email protected]
When to go: They are open from Monday to Sunday 8am to 5pm. They are located on 82 St George’s Street.
7. Loaves on Long
Between tall skyscrapers in the “big bad city” lies a quaint little bakery called Loaves on Long. Run by Lyndal Wakeford and Ciska Rossouw who recently decided to take the plunge and give their dreams all they’ve got. Walking into the shop one is greeted by the tempting smells of beautifully baked breads and buttery pastries. At the back is the open baking section inviting guests to engage and interact with the baker. Flooded with natural light this space feels warm and accepting. Easy to enjoy any of the mouthwatering dishes from the compact yet satisfying menu.
Contact: 021 422 3353, loavesonlong.co.za
When to go: Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 6pm, Saturday from 8am to 4pm and closed on Sundays. They are located on 33 Long street Cape Town.
8. Dinkel Germany Bakery
Dinkel is a traditional German bakery selling freshly baked breads, cakes and cookies. Their coffee shop serves great German breakfasts and daily lunch choices. Other than bread and pies, the menu includes many delicious German products, based on traditional recipes, as well as all time favourite local goodies. They specialize in wheat-free products, made out of rye or spelt flour, suitable for all those who can not enjoy those normal store breads and for those who like to eat less gluten.
Contact: 0214243217, [email protected]
When to go: They are open from 8am to 5 pm during the week and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. They are located on 91 Kloofnek Road 8001 Tamboerskloof.
9. Coimbra
Our Copy Editor, Michelle Hardie, swears by Coimbra’s pecan nut pie, “it is so delicious and they don’t skimp on those pecan nuts!” she adds. They also make organic artisanal bread, a Banting range of bread, cheesecakes, gluten-free bread and cronuts, as well as many other treats.
Contact: 0216833083 or check out their Facebook page, Coimbra Bakery
When to go: They are open from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm on weekends – including Sundays. They are located on 152 Imam Haron Road in Claremont.
10. Tessa’s bakery
From the red velvet cheesecake to the chocolate and carrot cheesecake right through to the new range of Over the Top cheesecakes, Tessa’s is making good old favourites great again. Their cupcakes are sold along their variety of cakes custom-made for each client.
Contact: tessasbakery.co.za, 0215516107
When to go: They are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 2pm and closed on Sundays. They are located on Unit 5, The Gables, Prime Park on Printers Way in Montague Gardens.
11. Rosa’s
Rosa’s is a traditional bakery which not only offers oven-fresh products but good service.They are also a German bakery serving croissants, breads and others specialities. They have varieties of baked products that cater for breakfast, lunch or just for a sweet snack. They also offer lovely cakes and platters for different occasions.
Contact: 0214244467, [email protected]
When to go: They are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm and Saturdays from 7am to 2pm and closed on Sundays. They are located on 70a Shortmarket Street. You can also find us Saturday and Sunday on the Flea Market in Milnerton.
12. Hoghouse
Although this off-the-beaten-track spot specialises in beer, barbeque & bread, our Digital Content Manager, Kati Auld, swears by their pasteis de nata and says they’re well worth the drive. Ndabeni is a bit excluded from the activities and restaurants but there is a reasonable expectation that this spot might have brought some much needed life to the area. If you are not keen for the industrial vibe, then certainly head to their other branch at Spier wine farm in Stellenbosch where you’ll have the same menu in a more scenic vineyard set-up.
Contact: hhbc.co.za, 0218104545
When to visit: They are open from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. They are located 42 Morningside Street in Ndabeni.
Over to you:
What is your favourite bakery (whether included on this list or not) and what special dish from there do you recommend?
