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Cape Town, South Africa

The guide to Cape Town’s 5 essential bakeries (and must-try pastries)

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • The guide to Cape Town’s 5 essential bakeries (and must-try pastries)

Essential bakeries and must-try pastries in Cape Town

Cape Town is home to some amazing bakeries, each offering delicious treats that you won’t want to miss. In this guide, we’ll take you through Cape Town’s essential bakeries and their must-try pastries, that will leave you craving for more. So, grab your coffee, and let’s dive into the world of flaky croissants, buttery tarts and heavenly cakes that make Cape Town’s bakery scene truly special.

Coco Safar

Located in Sea Point, Coco Safar is a luxury café and pâtisserie that combines the art of French pastry with South African flair. The bakery’s standout creation is the canelé, a caramelised custard pastry with a soft and tender interior. Coco Safar’s croissants and pain au chocolat, are also must-try pastries, boasting buttery layers and flaky perfection. What makes Coco Safar stand out is their attention to detail, from the presentation of their pastries to the unique, immersive coffee brewing methods. It’s a little slice of Paris in Cape Town.

Coco Safar
395 Main Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Coco Safar

Jason Bakery

Jason Bakery in Green Point is a local favourite, and for good reason. Their Saturday doughssant – a mix between a doughnut and a croissant – has people lining up early, with flavours changing every week to keep things exciting. The bakery also excels in sourdough bread, with a crust that’s perfectly crisp and an inside that’s wonderfully chewy. We love the bakery’s laid-back atmosphere and their classic cheese & tomato toastie, made with their famous sourdough bread. Jason Bakery is the perfect spot to pop in for a quick coffee and sweet treat or for a leisurely lunch.

Jason Bakery
83 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Jason Bakery

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Charly’s Bakery

Charly’s Bakery in the city centre is iconic, known for their unique “mucking afazing” cakes. Charly’s Bakery has been creating delectable treats since its establishment in 1989 by Charly and Jacqui Biess. The bakery’s playful exterior, with its bright pink facade and whimsical graffiti, perfectly captures the fun and creativity found inside. Their famous Charly’s cupcake is a must-try – these generously sized cupcakes come in a variety of fun flavours and are decorated with playful designs that are almost too pretty to eat. Also grab a few pigs ears for the road – these puff pastry treats are delicious!

Charly’s Bakery
36 Canterbury St
District Six
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Charly’s Bakery

Bentley’s Bread Co. Bakery

Hidden away in Woodstock you’ll find Bentley’s Bread Co. Bakery. Founded by passionate bakers who believe in the art of traditional bread-making, this bakery is known for its artisanal sourdough loaves, crafted with care and natural ingredients. But for us, the real winner here is the apple crumble tartlet and the carrot cake – packed with all the right flavours and ridiculously moist, don’t miss out on this one! The rustic, cosy interior makes Bentley’s Bread Co. Bakery a great place to relax with a coffee and a fresh pastry. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the love and care in every bite.

Bentley’s Bread Co. Bakery
1 Searle St
Woodstock
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Bentley’s Bread Co. Bakery

Proof Bakery

Proof Bakery is a small artisanal bakery with a big reputation for its exceptional bread and pastries. Proof is committed to using organic and locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports local farmers but also ensures products are free from additives and preservatives. We highly recommend their chocolate croissants, it’s light airy texture combined with the rich flavours of butter and chocolate just hits the spot. Their pain au levain – a traditional French sourdough – is another favourite, with a rich, complex flavour that comes from careful, slow fermentation.