Cape Town central’s seaside suburb has had its ups and downs. It’s super popular again these days, with many new spots alongside the old favourites. Ice-cream seller Tasia Donaldson gives us a local’s tour
Image: @4otomo (Instagram)
Co-owner of the Dairy Den
Sisters Tasia and Lexi opened their ice-cream parlour in October last year, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, Andreas Spheris, who arrived from Greece in 1947 and started making ice cream. ‘What I remember growing up is my ice-cream birthday cakes. My dad would make them himself every year and all my friends would love them.’ The sisters chose Sea Point for their business because ‘it always feels like being on holiday there. It is definitely on people’s radar these days. You can pretty much get anything you want along the main road. Regent Road is more hipster, The Point Centre is more family friendly. It’s great to see people walking around everywhere. There is so much choice for dining out, from the established places like Posticino to trendy new ones like Three Wise Monkeys. For dessert, the obvious choice is a gourmet soft-serve from Dairy Den!’ 148 Main Road, 0764019895
Local cuisine
‘Mykonos Taverna helps me get my Greek food fix. On the last Saturday of the month there’s dancing and plate breaking included!’ 343 Main Road, 0214392106.
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Grab a coffee
‘Bootleggers is my favourite. If you’re there early enough they run a morning special of coffee for R14.’ 39 Regent Road, 0214340060. ‘You can also get a great coffee with a delicious muesli biscuit at The Cascades boutique hotel.’ 11 Arthurs Road, 0214345979
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Social scene
‘Jerry’s, famous for its burgers, also has a really vibey bar which locals love going to for a drink.’ 148 Main Road, 0214331700. ‘The Sea Point promenade is very popular. It’s especially beautiful early in the morning or as the sun sets.’
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Unique finds
‘Mash boutique (85 Regent Road, 0212861270) and Live, Love & Stuff (67 Regent Road, 0214331908) both have a beautifully curated selection of items. Decor, jewellery, clothing, gifts – mostly locally designed and made, which I love. The Mojo Market also has lots of restaurants and small shops to look through.
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Worth a stop
Coco Safar Emporium serves up coffee, chocolate, patisserie, rooibos floats and eye-popping decor. Coco Safar is located in the Artem Center (former Adelphi Center). The nice breakfast and lunch selection suits most dietary requirements, including those with a sweet tooth. Everything at Cooc Safar, from the tables to the pastry has been made by local artisans, hand crafted, and stitched with detail. Coco Safar creates home-brewed rooibos teas served as rooibos latte’s, rooibos floats and tonics. Their Earl Grey sorbet ice cream is a must try! Artem Centre, 277 Main Road, 0214331336
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Mojo Market Seapoint. The Marketing manager, Pam Warrington says: ‘The market was the brainchild of Graeme Robinson and Robbie Lessem, who own the Mojo Hotel above the market. With prime sea-facing property, they decided to transform what was a conventional retail space into a creative market, focusing on food and locally designed goods. I have my usual large flat white every day at the Bagel & Coffee Company. The baristas are friendly and the Wi-Fi is free. I am also an ice-cream addict and Baskin Robbins serves the best pralines and cream I’ve ever tasted – like tiny angels dancing on your tongue. I love going for cocktails at the market’s bar, but it also has a wide selection of craft beers. There is lots of space, you’ll always find a seat and with live music every night and sea views, there really is no better place to sip a strawberry daiquiri.’ 30 Regent Road, 0647768832
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