Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s 5 best delis (and what to order)
Exploring Cape Town’s deli delights
Cape Town is packed with fantastic delis. Here you’ll find delis with character – from tiny family-run delis specialising in hand-crafted sandwiches, cold meats and artisanal cheeses to modern hotspots reimagining traditional tastes. The smell of fresh sourdough, the sight of a well-stocked cheese counter, the sound of a barista steaming milk – it all adds to the experience. We’ve rounded up our favourite delis, along with the standout items that keep people coming back. If you love good food, quality ingredients and the charm of a well-run deli, these spots belong on your list.
01
Giovanni’s
Giovanni’s has been a staple in Cape Town since 1989 and we think it’s Italian deli heaven. Founded by Giovanni Esposito at the age of 25, Giovanni’s began as a small deli offering freshly prepared meals, local breads, cheeses and charcuterie. In 1991, a coffee bar was added, expanding its range to include espresso-based beverages and a variety of pastries. Start at the cheese and meat counter, where you can sample premium Italian cheeses and cured meats – some of our favourites include Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. The freshly baked breads, which form the basis of their delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, are not to be missed – especially the ciabatta!
Giovanni’s
103 Main Rd
Green Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Giovanni’s
02
Norfolk Deli
Norfolk Deli is one of the Sea Point neighbourhood spots we always look forward to visiting. Stepping into this inviting space, you’ll experience an ambience that’s both relaxed and distinctly local. The interior of Norfolk Deli is designed to foster a cosy and communal atmosphere. Open shelves line the walls, displaying a curated selection of imported and local goods, including fresh breads, rusks and cookies. But the real showstopper here is their famous Crookie, a delightful hybrid of a flaky croissant with a biscoff or chocolate chip cookie baked inside. This deli is also the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and one of their toasted sandwiches – the french onion grilled cheese is a winner. Norfolk Deli’s approach is refreshingly honest: it’s about good food, good service and a sense of community that makes you feel like a regular from your very first bite.
Norfolk Deli
6 Norfolk Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Norfolk Deli
03
Lello’s Deli
Lello’s Deli is a family-run Italian delicatessen established by the Turilli family. The deli is named in honour of the family’s patriarch, Raffaello Lello Turilli, who emigrated to Cape Town after World War II and inspired his descendants with his passion for Italian cuisine. Lello’s Deli offers a selection of authentic Italian products, including artisanal meats, cheeses, fresh produce and homemade sauces. In addition to the deli, the Turilli family operates Lello’s Caffè at 5 Jarvis Street, just a short walk from the deli. Lello’s caffè serves traditional Italian espresso, sweet treats such as cornetti filled with pistachio crema, slices of apple cake made from a family recipe and seriously good panini sandwiches like the schiacciata panini – made with 48-hour fermented Tuscan-style bread and filled with ingredients like slow-cooked pork, mortadella from Bologna and fresh mozzarella.
Lello’s Deli
106 Vos St
De Waterkant
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of My Kitchen
04
Sans
Sans is a concept store that focuses on slow fashion, eco-friendly products and organic produce. The name Sans, which comes from the French term meaning without, symbolises the store’s minimalist aesthetic and focus on sustainability. Inside, you’ll find open shelving that showcases an array of organic produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads and ethically sourced meats. The home goods section features a curated assortment of kitchen tools, books, clothing and skincare items, all aimed at promoting mindful living, featuring brands like Aesop and Perfumer H. Needless to say, this is your one-stop shop to pick up not only locally sourced produce and your daily freshly baked bread but also shop for all the eco-friendly home goods you can imagine.
Sans
277 Main Rd
Sea Point
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Sans
05
Olive Branch Deli
Olive Branch Deli brings a refreshing Mediterranean influence to Cape Town’s deli scene, which we found truly unique. The deli has a truly warm and inviting atmosphere, with shelves stocked full of Mediterranean delicacies such as Greek coffee, Cypriot halloumi, baklava, hummus, Greek yoghurt, olive oil and a variety of legumes and seeds. The emphasis is on high-quality, thoughtfully selected products that cater to a range of tastes. We love the Spice Apothecary display with a large selection of herbs in glass containers that you can pick and choose from. Also, look out for the African Oils oil selection, they are hard to miss with their colourful labels – the smoked olive oil infused with chilli & garlic and the apricot kernel oil is a must!
Olive Branch Deli
Lifestyle on Kloof Centre
50 Kloof St
Gardens
Cape Town
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Olive Branch Deli
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