As busy Cape Town Central City staffers, we work, live, eat and breathe the inner city. Here we let the cat out of the bag and share our favourite go-to retailers where we catch essential down-time, a Cup of Joe or a bite to eat.
OFFICE OF THE CEO
Tasso Evangelinos, CCID CEO
VIXI Social House, 49 Bree St
“I love the vibe at VIXI’s as well as the good food. There’s positive energy from staff, management and customers, which adds to the engaging atmosphere. Their Mediterranean menu is well-rounded – the ribs are excellent.”
Other faves: New York Bagels (44 Harrington St) & Dias Tavern (5 Caledon St)
Christa Maans, PA to the CEO
Food Lover’s Eatery, Icon Building
“There’s is a lovely selection of food, and it is budget friendly. They also expanded their range during the lockdown to include some fresh produce such as red meat and poultry and have weekly specials on these items.”
Other fave: Lunchworks (22 Waterkant St)
Stephen Willenburg, Business Manager
Villa 47, 47 Bree St
“I enjoy Villa 47 for their quick, friendly service and good food. They also have great coffee. I’ve enjoyed regular commuter breakfasts there with my bike-to-work group.”
Other fave: Deluxe Coffeeworks (25 Church St)
Mary-Ellen Joseph, Finance & HR Assistant
Seattle Coffee Co, 4 Loop St
“Seattle gives me a feeling of being safe and loved. It has this toasty vibe where I feel relaxed and like I’m calming down for a second to take a break and breath.”
Other fave: Food Lover’s Eatery (Icon Building)
I Love The Dough
URBAN MANAGEMENT
Kally Benito, Manager
Nando’s, cnr Waterkant & Long streets
“I love their pap, relish, chicken and spinach; it’s a staple diet for half of Africa. They’re also efficient, friendly and there’s a great atmosphere. I like that they’ve got tables where the sun comes through as you enjoy your meal.”
Other faves: Café Frank (160 Bree St) & I Love The Dough (101 Bree St)
Carlisle Marankey, Precinct Manager
Nom Nom, 166 Long St
“They’re perfect for summertime visits and make the best heat-quenching double-thick milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Nom Nom also has a great menu with a variety of food options.”
Other fave: Mariams Kitchen (31 Heerengracht St)
Tjing Tjing Torii
COMMUNICATIONS
Sharon Sorour-Morris, Manager
Tjing Tjing Torii, 165 Longmarket St
A stylish ode to Japanese easy dining, this neon-bright eatery is a little slice of Japan in the heart of Cape Town. I love its exquisite décor, which is an instant mood-lifter. Then there are the to-die-for dumplings, ramen noodle bowls, bento boxes … this is destination dining at its best!
Other fave: Hemelhuijs (71 Waterkant St)
Aziza Patandin, Project Coordinator
Kauai, Portside
“This my ultimate eatery in the CBD! I love the warm bowls and, of course, their refreshing smoothies. I especially like that they have a variety of options such as gluten-free, vegetarian and low-carb. The venue also has attractive outdoor seating.”
Other fave: Seattle Coffee Co (4 Loop St)
Scott Arendse, Online Coordinator
Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room, 133 Bree St
“I love the vibe of Clarke’s, and the varied menu, too. My go-to option is the cheeseburger meal. The brioche bun is amazing and flaky and the burger itself is juicy. Let me not get started on the fries …”
Other fave: Pilcrow & Cleaver (32 Piazza, Parliament St)
Simangele Mzizi, Staff Writer
The Electric, 48 Canterbury St
“You won’t miss The Electric with its bright-yellow building in the East City. I highly recommend their fresh juices. Did I also mention that the shop is mostly a plastic-free zone, has cool merchandise and is dog and bike-friendly?”
Other fave: Swan Café (cnr Buitenkant & Barrack streets)
Lunchworks
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Pat Eddy, Manager
Seattle Coffee Co, St Georges Mall
“Seattle’s coffee is the best in town. This is where I get my daily fix or where I go after my walks around the CBD – it’s very central. The shop’s perfect for quick meetings, too.”
Other fave: Lunchworks (22 Waterkant St) & Heritage Coffee Shop (Company’s Garden)
Shanien Rich, Social Worker
Vida e Caffè, 4 Adderley St
“This Vida was renovated not so long ago. It looks beautiful and inviting. I love the sandwiches, they’re always worth it and they always have combo specials. Plus, all their food is Halal.”
Other fave: Bootlegger Coffee Company (50 Harrington St)
Headman Siralarala, Field Worker
RocoMamas, 9 Buitenkant St
“I enjoy their smash burgers and ribs. The place is perfect for a day out with family or friends. I also like that it’s Halal and close to public transport.”
Other fave: Mugg & Bean (2 Riebeek St)
Mark Williams, Field Worker
House of Coffees, cnr St Georges Mall & Shortmarket St
“This is my favourite place to sit, have meetings or have a hot or cold beverage. I like that it’s a place where you meet people from all walks of life. Plus, it’s near my all-time favourite space, Greenmarket Square.”
Other fave: Food stalls at the Grand Parade
Stellski Coffee Bar
SAFETY & SECURITY
Muneeb Hendricks, Manager
Stellski Coffee Bar, 59 Loop St
“Stellski rates highly in my book. It’s a small little shop with great toasties and coffee. They have two awesome staff members, Irene and Austin, and the owner, Megan, regularly sends out weekly specials.”
Other fave: Molten Toffee (161 Longmarket St)
Alec Van De Rheede, Assistant Manager
Food Lover’s Eatery, 2 Hertzog Blvd
“The front section, where the seating is, is breath-taking with the planted area. It’s the one place where people from different walks of life come together to chat and enjoy a meal.”
Other fave: Mountain View Take-Aways (171 Long St)
Tinus Jenkins, Night Manager
Cappadocia, 210 Loop St
“This new Turkish restaurant is strictly Halal with mouth-watering dishes and a beautiful interior. The owner, Huseyin, is on hand to welcome you personally. I enjoy the ambience inside or on the deck while drinking well-brewed Turkish coffee.”
Other fave: Clay Cafe In The City (199 Bree St)
Gary Dyssel, Night Manager
Madam Taitou, 77 Long St
“I love this Ethiopian restaurant. It’s completely different from anything I’ve ever seen or tasted. Inside it’s like you’re sitting in a forest and there are sounds of birds chirping; the set-up is amazing.”
Other fave: Club 169 (227 Long St)
Images: Stellski Coffee Bar, Lunchworks, Tjing Tjing Torii, I Love The Dough