The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Stellenbosch

When it comes to caffeine, Stellenbosch has more than a few gems up its sleeve. From hidden streetside hatches to speciality coffee shops and casual cafés, you’re spoilt for choice of where to find your perfect flat white, cortado or double-shot macchiato, with skilled baristas brewing up a storm. We asked a bunch of locals where they get their morning caffeine fixes and got a wide range of recommendations, uncovering local roasteries, one-man-band baristas-turned-entrepreneurs, and a plethora of scenic settings to match the range of coffees on the brew.

Our panel of Stellenbosch insiders included: chefs Fabio Daniel, Callan Austin and Eric Bulpitt; restaurateur Darren Badenhorst; Kris Snyman from Quoin Rock; and Retha Erichsen and Marisa Beyers from Babylonstoren.

Republique Café

A definite destination for serious coffee aficionados, Republique’s first year has put them on the Stellenbosch map (with a Best New Coffee Shop award from Coffee Magazine). In the historic Fidders building on Andringa Street (the block between Church and Plein Streets), its street-side tables are perfect for watching the world go by, and the comfy banquettes inside lure you to linger on chilly days. One of the most frequently recommended spots by our panel of Stellenbosch insiders, chef Fabio Daniel says, “Republique is always a unique experience with their ModBar setup and staff with a passion for the coffee industry.”
The coffee Their Republique house blend (with a profile of malt chocolate and toasted nuts) is made from specialty beans, sourced from Colombia and Brazil, and roasted for them by Cedar Coffee Roasters. They also offer a curated selection of single-origin coffees, regularly refreshed with the latest releases from specialty roasters. The state-of-the art La Marzocco ModBar brings the latest technology and minimalist design to the brew; or choose alternative brew methods such as a V60 pour-over, Kyoto-style cold brew, or Aeropress. Their first bottled cold brew is well worth hunting out from the fridge, too. (They also take tea seriously, with Nigiro loose-leaf blends and staff training sessions from Mingwei Tsai himself).
The vibe A friendly and welcoming joint in the heart of town, you can gather with friends for coffee and pastries and light lunches, or plug in for a caffeine-fuelled work session. And their seasonal Friday night Apero evenings get into weekend mode with espresso martinis and live music. Keep an eye out for coffee-centric events and workshops, too.
The service Expert baristas and engaging, knowledgeable staff with a passion for bean and brew.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 064 726 4480
Where to find it 19 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch

Ya-Ya Café

High ceilings and tall arched windows invite the sunshine in at Ya-Ya Café, a family-owned cafe at the lower end of Dorp Street (near the Rupert Museum). Raw brick walls, wooden furniture and plenty of plants create a relaxed feel, and it’s popular…. Kris Snyman says, “Go to Ya-Ya at around 11am in-between breakfast and lunch seating to make sure you get a spot.” Their  signature artisan roast is matched with freshly baked cakes, wood-fired breads, a varied lunch menu and all-day breakfasts (Fabio Daniel recommends the French toast, Marisa Beyers orders the poached egg with herbed mushrooms and truffle oil).
The coffee Their skilled baristas know their craft, serving up everything from a classic flat white to a mean cortado or a matcha latte, and a signature cold brew, using their own artisan coffee roast which you can buy to take home.
The vibe Laid-back but buzzy, the chic interior is the place to grab a table away from traffic noise, although on a sunny day the pavement tables among verdant pots of plants are also tempting. Plug points and wifi make it as popular with remote workers as it is with groups of friends looking for a sociable meeting place.
The service Friendly and welcoming. If you’re in a hurry, bear in mind that the popularity can slow things down at busy lunch services.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Contact 021 883 2977
Where to find it 8 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch
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Coffee at Justice

Skilled Stellenbosch barista Justice Shamba originally set up his own tiny coffee shop with the help of the Stellenbosch community during the pandemic, and has built up a local family of devoted coffee aficionados since then. Now with a hatch onto Andringa Street from inside the Art by Mies gallery, with several pavement tables, it’s ideal for a quick caffeine fix and a chat as he brews up his pick of Terbadore coffee beans. “A perfect spot for a morning coffee before work, making for a great start to the day, says Marisa Beyers
The coffee Justice uses Terbodore beans for their heritage and consistent quality. He’s known for his mean cortado which he calls The Justice, but does an equally fine cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato or espresso. And a fine line in foam art.
The vibe All about the coffee (Justice doesn’t serve food), this is a place for a quick caffeine fix before work, or a mid-morning catch-up with your friendly barista and a spot of people-watching at a pavement table.
The service Always happy to chat about the art of coffee, Justice is the man behind the machine (with the assistance of the cheerfully smiling Natalie), serving up your choice of brew with friendly and personable efficiency.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 2pm
Contact 067 241 6103
Where to find it 20 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch

Deluxe Coffeeworks

What started off in 2009 as a hole-in-the-wall coffee stop in Cape Town’s Church Street has now grown into a six-shop (plus one in the UK and two in Namibia) coffee company. Its Stellenbosch branch still offers an authentic coffee experience in the historic Smidswinkel warehouse-style building, with two high bars and barstools to perch on and a couple of outdoor bench tables, too. Chef Eric Bulpitt says, “This place is minimalist and such a chilled spot”.
The coffee Deluxe sources the most imaginative, unique and interesting blends of coffee from around the world, with beans from Burundi and Colombia recently added to the list. You can also purchase a bag of beans or freshly ground coffee to take home.
The vibe The focus is coffee without any frills. So, don’t expect Starbucks-style extras, it’s all been stripped away in favour of good coffee. Although if you get there early you might be lucky enough to score a chocolate croissant or an almond pastry (they sell out fast).
The service The baristas are expertly trained in the art of roasting and coffee-making, and are always available to guide you through Deluxe’s range.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm
Saturday, 8am – 1pm
Contact 021 883 3126, judd@deluxecoffeeworks.co.za
Where to find it Corner Dorp and Aan-de-Wagen Streets, Stellenbosch

Balance Coffee Roastery

When you combine a love of good coffee and a passion for mountain-biking adventures, the natural conclusion is to open a coffee roastery and shop at the entrance gate to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (in what used to be the Jonkershoek Tea Room)… at least it was for Dirk du Toit (aka Coffee-Dirk). As the gatekeeper of Jonkershoek, the no-frills, on-demand specialty coffee roastery can usually be found surrounded by bikes of all descriptions (there’s even one inside hanging on the wall), as it attracts a growing crowd of fellow adventurers. And the views are worth the drive on their own. “Balance Coffee Roastery is ideal for a coffee before or after a hike, jog or cycle in the reserve,” says Marisa Beyers.
The coffee The single-origin coffee is changed regularly. It ranges between Uganda, Brazil, Rwanda, Guatemala and Colombia, all in pursuit of Dirk’s primary goal of exploring the world of coffee.
The vibe Coffee-sack cushions on stools and benches, bicycle on the wall and chilled but action-ready vibe, this is a fuelling stop for before and after hitting the trails, with pastries (and a legendary homemade toasted banana bread) on hand for essential carbs. And there’s a fireplace for winter, so it’s a cosy spot to hang out, even when you aren’t looking for an adrenaline fix after your coffee.
The service Friendly baristas whose passion shines through latte art and big smiles.
Opening times Daily, 7am – 5pm
Contact 084 583 7360 (WhatsApp)
Where to find it Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch

Luc’s Coffee Bar

For an on-the-go coffee pitstop right on Dorp Street, you can’t do better than Luc’s. The young barista and entrepreneur takes over a pavement corner (just outside the Art & Wine Lounge) with a mobile machine and a cluster of tables, as a skilled and cheerful one-man coffee show. When the weather doesn’t play ball, you’ll find him inside the Art & Wine Lounge, where you can settle on a couch and cosy up with your super-smooth flat white.
The coffee Luc uses a Ugandan medium roast from local roastery, Balance Coffee, and takes pride in all the arts of making a great coffee, including steaming the milk just right.
The vibe Relaxed, and ideal for either a quick re-fuelling stop or a leisurely chat with your neighborhood barista – and looking out over a particularly scenic stretch of Dorp Street. The crunchies come highly recommended for an accompanying sweet treat.
The service Super-speedy in delivering a perfectly poured flat white, or a reviving espresso, Luc still always has time to chat.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm
Contact lucscoffeebar@gmail.com
Where to find it 158 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

La Coco C

A fresh and breezy breakfast and lunch café where the focus is on healthy and nutritious dishes, La Coco C is also spot on for excellent coffee. Its Plein Street neighbour, Dusk’s chef Callan Austin, says he visits daily. “They have friendly staff and great coffee! I’ll order a cortado or plain black coffee with half the amount of water, nice and strong!”
The coffee The regular flat whites, cortados and cappuccinos hit the spot just right, using coffee beans from Ethiopia sourced by Bourbon Bean. And with its guiding health focus, La Coco C is the place to go if you’re looking for almond milk, macadamia milk or oat milk alternatives with your coffee. Their sugar-free protein iced coffee, made with a special espresso powder, milk and Metalab protein, is a creamy summer taste (and health) sensation.
The vibe A relaxed café atmosphere with doors opening wide onto the street-side terrace where a few tables are perfectly placed for enjoying the Plein Street buzz.
The service Helpful staff keep everything running smoothly however busy it gets.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 081 880 3093
Where to find it 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch

Hygge Hygge

Named for the Danish lifestyle trend called hygge (pronounced “hooga”) that’s all about creating a cosy environment (a hug if you like), this Stellenbosch café is styled according to its principles. Candles, cushions, plants, food for the soul, everything pretty and picture-perfect. Sisters Carla and Lara le Roux bought the cafe in 2024 from the founders (also two sisters) and have poured their hearts into continuing the hygge legacy and elevating it into a peaceful sanctuary for every occasion. In season you might also discover dishes made using fresh fruits like apricots, plums, figs and pomegranates from their family farm near Uniondale.
The coffee The excellent coffee is sourced from local roastery, Balance Coffee, in Jonkershoek.
The vibe A haven where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the laughter of friends, and flickering candlelight sets the mood for intimate dinners, Hygge has big windows wide open onto Church Street, and pavement tables too. It’s a place to catch up with friends over breakfast, lunch, coffee or cocktails and to celebrate the simple pleasures of life.
The service Friendly and accommodating.
Opening times Monday + Tuesday, 8am – 5pm
Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 9pm
Sunday, 8am – 2pm (all-day breakfast)
Contact 066 426 9023
Where to find it 11 Church Street, Stellenbosch

Plato

A hidden gem of a coffee hatch-style shop just off Dorp Street, Plato shares space with a beauty salon called Revel. You’ll find a few tables on the stoep beside the hatch and more seating tucked away under a wide spreading tree at the back, or order your coffee while you’re having a pedicure! The community vibe envisaged by founders Stephan and Petrus Bredell remains strong in this branch, with a loyal bunch of regulars, and baristas passionate about their craft. This is another spot that was rated by several of our Stellenbosch insiders.
The coffee You’ll get to know the Greek philosophers as you place your order… the Socrates is four ristretto shots with 410ml micro foam, whereas the Aristotle is just three shots with 180ml foam. The long menu has a cup to please the pickiest of aficionados, and if you’re after a mocha, try the Dirty Caribbean (coconut, chocolate, espresso and micro foam).
The vibe A place where the in-the-know coffee community gathers for a regular caffeine fix. They don’t serve food besides the odd cookie or pastry; the appeal is all in the coffee.
The service The cheerful baristas delight in adding a feelgood message to your takeout cup, and however busy it gets, there’s always a laid-back vibe.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 6am – 6pm
Sunday, 7am – 6pm
Contact 079 574 0897
Where to find it 15 Krige Road, Stellenbosch

The Meeting Place

As the name says, this is a place for social gatherings over a cup of coffee, or a full-on breakfast, lunch or dinner. At the heart of historic Dorp Street with a wide front terrace surrounded by plants, mismatched wooden tables, and more seating in a courtyard, it feels welcoming and homely. Inside there are loads of different nooks to settle into, or bar stools to perch on, plus there’s a book-swap corner (and The Secret Bookstore will be opening at the back soon).
The coffee Double shot comes standard on the well-crafted range of coffees.
The vibe Relaxed and unhurried, this is a delightful spot to linger over your coffee and soak up the street-side setting and historic surrounds under the oaks with a casual plate of café food. Regular live-music evenings amp up the mood.
The service Friendly service where you can settle in and feel at home.
Opening times Monday, 8am – 3pm
Tuesday – Friday, 8am – 10.30pm
Saturday, 8.30am – 10.30pm
Sunday, 8.30am – 2pm
Contact 021 883 3977
Where to find it 87 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

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