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In 2023, we began the process to make the circle of the Awards even bigger. It has been a mammoth task and we are thrilled to finally share with you 100 Top Cafes in South Africa.
Believe me when I tell you that I agonised over these lists for WEEKS. I went through the 1800+ votes (times 3, because you could vote for 3 per person) from you meticulously. There are so many deserving spots. Then to get them into categories?! What constitutes a cafe? What constitutes a region/city?
The Top 10 are not ranked in any particular order in each section.
So to answer the questions that we've been asking ourselves:
How did we define a Café?
For these lists, we defined them as places that serve excellent coffee, create amazing food on site, and are (for the most part) only open during the day. There WILL be exceptions! And we also created the Top 10 Coffee Bars Countrywide to take into account those that specialise in just serving coffee and already prepped snacks. Next year we hope to have a Top 10 Mobile Coffee Spots too.
How did we define the areas featured?
The idea behind the Awards to give kudos to as many deserving places as possible so with that in mind, we tried to create regions/hubs so that a large portion of the map has been covered. Have we inadvertently left places out, it is highly likely, but this is part of the growing process and we're excited to see where and how this platform evolves. You've got to start somewhere!
Why are there three categories in the Western Cape?
Well guys, over 40% of the total votes came from this province and we love to see the passion!
Why aren't all these Cafes linked yet so I can go find them?
We're working on it!!! Promise.
Thank you once again to our Sponsors who make the the Awards and this Top 100 possible.
Headline Partner: FNB
Red Espresso, La Marzocco SA, Ciro Coffee Academy, Bühler, Hario, Zuka Green Coffee, Morrico Imports, Hostex2024, BWT water + more, Koldserve
RAW Coffee
Origin Coffee Roasters, De Waterkant
Ground Art Caffe, De Waterkant
Defined as a place that serves coffee and nibbles, no full kitchen or focus on food menu. It’s all about the coffee experience.
Bluebird Coffee Roasters - Howick
Bean There Coffee - 44 Stanley, JHB
Deluxe Coffeeworks - Church Street
The Hoedspruit Cafe, Hoedspruit
Maria’s Superior Coffee, Graaff Reinet
A touch broader than the general definition of 'Winelands', but encompasses good coffee throughout the grape growing regions.
The Blue Crane & Butterfly, Stellenbosch
Beans About Coffee, Riebeeck Kasteel
Alchemy Coffee Roasters, Bellville
Blue Door Coffee Roasters, Simonstown
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People in the smaller towns are fiercely loyal and that's why you'll likely see a couple outlets of these homegrown, local coffee businesses.
Bloemfontein Coffee Roasting Co
Highland Coffee Roastery, Clarens
Liriek Cafe, Bloem
Faith Brew Coffee, Klerksdorp
Jaru Coffee, Bloem
Noi Coffee Bar, Ladysmith (We know, not NW or Free State, but deep central KZN)
Mastertons Coffee & Tea Specialists, PE
Hand Made Coffees, East London
The Barista Sisa, Grahamstown
Ginger&Co, East London
Now Coffee, Durban North
Humble Coffee, Central
Lineage Coffee, Hillcrest
African Roots Cafe, Umhlanga
Skyline Coffee, Salt Rock
Colombo Coffee, Durban North
Gatvol Coffee, Glenashley
Coffeeberry Cafe, Pietermaritzburg
Barn Owl Tennis Club, Central
