In this latest article in an ongoing series, Elite Traveler takes a closer look at Cape Town’s expanding casual dining scene in search of the very best restaurants and cafes. Here are the best brunches in Cape Town.
Starlings
A light all-day breakfast at Starlings | ©Starlings
The original Starlings café in Claremont was, and to an extent still is, a local secret. Hidden behind a large hedge on the quiet Belvedere Road, it is a wonder how anyone found this quaint spot.
Once it was discovered, people kept coming back for more and more. The eggs benedict is renowned for being one of the best in the city and the selection of fresh juices is out of this world.
Now, Starlings have gone somewhat mainstream by opening up a café in the new Labotessa Hotel. This luxury resort, which featured on Elite Traveler recently, is set in a beautiful 17th-century building and Starlings blends into it perfectly. Diners can enjoy an all-day breakfast menu, including the famous eggs benedict and freshly made juices before heading out to experience the local shopping.
Harvey’s at Winchester Mansions
The Courtyard at Harvey’s | ©WinchesterMansions
Turn brunch into a formal affair at the luxurious Winchester Mansions, where every Sunday the hotel’s restaurant Harvey’s puts on a generous selection of culinary delights to a backdrop of live jazz.
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The appropriately named Jazz Brunch includes a Sunday newspaper and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Guests are invited to sit in the tranquil shaded courtyard, offering respite from the sounds of the city and the heat of the sun. There is a wide selection to choose from at the brunch buffet including fresh pastries, cheeses, traditional breakfasts and even sushi. To top it off, there is also a selection of decadent desserts.
Renowned artists have strutted their stuff at this popular event and brunches can book up well in advance for popular performers.
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The Pot Luck Club
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Widely considered to be one of Cape Town’s coolest restaurants, The Pot Luck Club is further evidence of the culinary genius of top chef Luke Dale-Roberts. While he pushes the boundaries of molecular gastronomy at his restaurant The Test Kitchen, here Dale-Roberts offers a more approachable menu whilst maintaining the highest quality.
The Sunday brunch is an eclectic affair and consists of a collection of dishes served on a platter. Diners begin with the ‘Salty’ platter including fresh oysters and buffalo mozzarella with hazelnuts and Parma ham. Next is the ‘Sweet’ platter, then an ‘Umami’ selection and an appropriate ‘Sweet Ending’.
Although the food itself is reason enough to visit, there is also an option to upgrade to bottomless sparkling wine and a DYI Bloody Mary station. To top it all off, the restaurant’s location at the top of The Silo means it boasts 360-degree views of Cape Town, making it arguably the most scenic dining spot in the city.
Loading Bay
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For the ecologically-minded, Loading Bay is the place to be. This contemporary brunch spot not only boasts a wide selection of holistic offerings but implements a strict “ground to plate” methodology. They only use suppliers who support the three pillars of regenerative farming: soil health, animal welfare and social fairness.
The menu includes delectable offerings such as the popular Breakfast Burger, made of bacon, egg, cheese and grilled banana. There are also a number of lighter options including a selection of grain and nut bowls and plant-based dishes.
Setting the Loading Bay apart from the rest, the brunch spot also doubles up as a boutique, allowing customers to browse high-quality clothing from ethically-conscious brands before and after their food.
Mulberry & Prince
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Cornel Mostert and Cynthia Rivera cut their culinary teeth working in some of the best restaurants in New York, Chicago and Copenhagen before returning to Cape Town to open Mulberry and Prince.
An ode to their experiences in the US, the Sunday brunch is stacked full of American comfort food made with high-quality ingredients. Choose from the big plates such as the BreakFEAST, which includes everything one could hope for in a cooked brunch.
Alternatively, head to the sweet section for some of the best French toast you’re likely to get in Cape Town or the delectable salted caramel apple pie waffle for a twist on an all-American classic. Add on bottomless mimosas to make this stylish brunch a celebratory affair.
