The African Voyager

Garden Route, South Africa

Top brews: the 5 best specialty coffee shops along the Garden Route

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Top brews: the 5 best specialty coffee shops along the Garden Route

Sip your way through the Garden Route: coffee spots worth discovering

The Garden Route is known for its breathtaking views and captivating charm, but did you know it’s also home to some of the best specialty coffee shops in South Africa? This picturesque stretch of coastline is home to coffee spots that serve exceptional brews in unique settings. These are the places where the beans are thoughtfully sourced, the baristas bring their A-game and the ambience will leave you feeling like you never want to leave. Get ready to sip, savour and discover just how fantastic the Garden Route’s coffee culture really is.

Pause Coffee Roastery

Pause Coffee Roastery is where exceptional coffee meets an inspiring story. This small, owner-operated roastery is the brainchild of Wessel Kruger, an engineer-turned-coffee maven who transformed his home roasting passion into a thriving business in 2016. What sets Pause apart isn’t just the coffee, although it is arguably some of the best along the Garden Route. It’s their ethos. The team is deeply committed to ethical and sustainable farming, a principle that ensures their beans are not only high quality but also harvested with care for both the environment and the community. The roastery’s industrial-chic interior, with exposed beams and plenty of natural light, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy their cold brew – smooth, refreshing and ideal for sunny Garden Route days.

Pause Coffee Roastery
13 Montagu St
Blanco
George
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Pause Coffee Roastery

C&P Coffee Roastery

C&P Coffee Roastery is a hidden gem that every coffee lover should seek out. Their philosophy is simple yet meticulous – crafting coffee in small batches so every bean is roasted to perfection. The café space, which doubles as a roastery, is warm and inviting, with the scent of freshly roasted coffee wafting through. We particularly loved how the space felt like both a cosy neighbourhood spot and a destination for serious coffee drinkers. Pairing your brew with one of their flaky pastries creates the perfect treat for any time of day. If you’re exploring the Garden Route, pop in – you’ll leave with an appreciation for their craft and, without doubt, a craving for more.

C&P Coffee Roastery
12 Church St
Mossel Bay Central
Mossel Bay
South Africa

Photography courtesy of C&P Coffee Roastery

Brothers Coffee

If you’re looking for something truly off the beaten path, look no further than Brothers Coffee. Situated on a smallholding outside Groot-Brakrivier, Brothers Coffee has a story as rich and complex as the beans they roast. Founders Ben and Sunel Ferreira bring with them over a decade of experience living in East Africa, the homeland of coffee itself. Their time in Uganda and South Sudan exposed them to some of the most exceptional coffees in the world – a passion they’ve carried right into their Garden Route roastery. What first began as a quest for personal enjoyment has blossomed into an award-winning operation, twice nominated as one of South Africa’s best coffee roasteries. The roastery itself is a relaxed escape, offering stunning views of the valley that pair wonderfully with their signature Bugolobi Blend.

Brothers Coffee
8 Rheeboksfontein
Freimersheim Rd
Groot-Brakrivier
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Brothers Coffee

Krust Café

If there’s one place in George where locals and visitors gather for consistently great coffee and great breakfasts, it’s Krust Café. This café combines a welcoming ambience with a menu that keeps people coming back. The setting is cosy in winter, with a fireplace to set the mood and buzzing in summer with the sunny days out on the terrace. This trendy spot serves up freshly brewed specialty drinks alongside an ever-changing menu of baked goods and light bites. Their latte art is Instagram-worthy, but it’s the taste that will keep you coming back. Krust Café’s coffee hits all the right notes – smooth, robust and brewed just the way you like it.

Krust Café
118 Park Street
George
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Krust Café

The Merchant Coffee

If there’s one spot where coffee meets community in Mossel Bay, it’s The Merchant Coffee. Spread across two locations in Mossel Bay, both cafés provide a welcoming space that combines modern industrial aesthetics with a bit of rustic charm. Exposed brick walls, dark wood accents and comfortable seating create a unique atmosphere. Large windows invite natural light, giving the space a cosy yet lively vibe. Their connection to Brothers Coffee, a local roastery famed for its artisanal coffee beans, means you always get a nice cup of freshly grounded coffee. The result? Coffee with character and depth. Our favourite spot is the outdoor deck area – the perfect place to sip a good cup of coffee while watching the bustle of Mossel Bay go by.