How could we have compiled our list of the best coffee shops in South Africa so early in the year, with four months remaining? Good question. You will also notice that we have not traveled as widely this year, and most of the coffee shops are closer to home in Durban. The reasons for all of this will be revealed in the coming weeks, but for now, let’s take a closer look at our favourite South African coffee spots for 2023.
1) Leopard Rock Coffee Shop – Oribi Gorge, KZN
If you are wanting the best coffee with the best view, then look no further. Sitting out on the deck at Leopard Rock Coffee Shop is one of the most amazing experiences. Besides the great food and coffee, the view is breathtaking, the birdlife astounding and the peaceful and tranquil vibe is addictive.
Head down the N2 south towards Port Shepstone. Take exit 45 for R102 toward Kokstad and then turn back onto the N2. Turn right at the signs for Oribi Gorge and continue for another 16 km. The coffee shop is on your right. It can be rather chilly when the wind is blowing, so take something warm to wear, even on a hot day. Be prepared to spend a great deal of your time just sitting here, sipping coffee.
2) VT Coffee – Curry’s Post, KZN
We stopped briefly at VT Coffee on a day trip through the KZN Midlands. Serving wonderful Terbodore Coffee, as well as products labeled as “not coffee”, the Café has a drive-through and an outdoor seated area, as well as an upstairs covered deck.
The food menu is small but delicious. At the end of the day, most people go there for the coffee, and this is most certainly fabulous! A pleasant way to spend an autumn day absorbing the warmth of the sun and drinking the best coffee from a local roastery!
3) The Daily Coffee Café – Kathu, Northern Cape
In a small Northern Cape town, where coffee shops are limited, The Daily Coffee Café is an oasis in a desert! It is a coffee shop that Gary and his colleagues love, and visit at least once a month on their travels in the Northern Cape.
Priding themselves on their New-York-meets-Karoo décor theme, the Café is part of The Daily Coffee Group franchise which was established in 2013. Their blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans are sourced in Uganda and Ethiopia, and their coffee is top class.
In addition to a full house of coffee options, The Daily Coffee Café offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, making it a “must” if you are looking for a delicious meal as well as a cup of the best coffee in the region.
4) The Bean Green Coffee Roastery – Durban, KZN
Nestled in the suburb of Glenwood, The Bean Green Coffee Roastery is one of the longest running micro-roasteries in KwaZulu-Natal. Owned and managed by father and daughter team, Pete and Mel Winter, the business is renowned in the Durban area, and the roastery supplies coffee beans to many other establishments across the city and province.
The Bean Green uses only the best coffee beans from Ethiopia in their café, and sells the roasted beans to customers in different sized packs.
If you are looking for the best coffee in the Glenwood area, then the Bean Green has what you’re after – a small, friendly, dedicated team who deliver amazing cappuccinos and the like, Monday to Friday from 06:30 until 14:00. The Roastery is busy in the early mornings with its regulars choosing to start their day with their favourite cuppa. Patrons can choose to sit inside or at the tables out on the street pavement.
5) The Whistling Kettle Coffee Shop – Kimberley, Northern Cape
Gary is particularly fond of this coffee shop situated at 8 Mac Dougall Street, Kimberley, Northern Cape. He is also partial to their coffee, served with scones, jam and cream.
This establishment may be small, but they serve the best coffee in the area, the owners are friendly and the service is great! It’s one of those places that helps you enjoy the journey.
Breakfast and lunch are also served. Well worth a visit if you’re passing through Kimberley.
6) The Coffee Tree – Durban, KZN
Judd Campbell’s gem of a café is also located in Glenwood. There are a couple of tables inside, however we always prefer sitting on the deck in the gardens across the street. The coffee is spectacular, and can be accompanied by breakfast, brunch or delicious pastries.
In the evenings, a range of unique tasting pizzas is served. For example, have you ever tried steak, potato and salsa verde on a pizza? Customers are encouraged to bring their picnic blankets and enjoy these tasty delights whilst sitting outside on clear, warm evenings.
The Coffee Tree is open Monday to Fridays from 06:30 – 20:00.
7) The Glenwood Bakery: The Glenwood Café – Durban, KZN
Another vibey café in the suburb of Glenwood, is The Glenwood Bakery. Known particularly for its wide range of artisanal breads and pizzas, the Bakery also serves amazing coffee alongside their breakfasts, lunches and dinners (Dinners are served Monday and Friday nights only).
The Bakery has two cafés – one in Glenwood and one in Morningside. We have only eaten at the Glenwood Café and have never been disappointed. The cafés use Bean Green coffee beans, which are always a hit. You can choose to sit inside or at one of the tables out on the covered pavement. We always leave feeling relaxed and content, thanks to the great coffee and laid back atmosphere.
8) Mugg & Bean – Emalahleni, Mpumalanga
We’re usually not fans of large franchise groups, but when in Emalahleni, this Mugg & Bean café ticks all the boxes. The coffee is always fantastic and the waitrons are wonderfully cheerful and friendly. Gary often travels to this part of Mpumalanga for work, and returns without fail to this branch of the large franchise.
The usual Mugg & Bean menu accompanies the coffee, but it is the excellent service and best coffee in the area that keeps him returning.
9) Go Fresh Café – Hillcrest, KZN (Still our top choice for the best coffee in South Africa!)
For our last Saturday breakfast together in South Africa, we chose to return to our favourite Café. The amazing artisan breakfast, accompanied by a large cappuccino is a great way to start the day. We have many happy memories of time spent at Go Fresh Café – sometimes indulging in their delectable cheese cake, and other times their tasty toasted sandwiches served on ciabatta bread.
Dogs on leads are always welcome, and when sitting outside, it is normal for a rooster and hen to come strutting past you as you enjoy your meal.
It is also normal for us to order more than one cup of coffee!
How do these compare with our 2022 list? Take a look for yourselves.
What’s Next?
Parsons Pursuits is moving north! Our next post, regarding coffee, will be from a small island in the North Atlantic Ocean, known mainly for its love for tea, but coffee ranks highly too.
