Updated 30 Jan 2024
In this blog we explore the best places for a breakfast in Stellenbosch, including wine farms, cafes and restaurants.
Breakfast is widely considered to be the most important meal of the day. As it breaks our nightly fast and gives us the fuel we need to seize the day.
This is especially true if you are on holiday, as holidays are packed with activities to ensure you see as much as possible. This is why having breakfast in Stellenbosch is important as it gives you the energy needed to see everything the area has to offer, like its renowned wine route.
While there are many bed and breakfast accommodations in Stellenbosch like 10 Alexander, sometimes these meals leave much to be desired. Luckily, there are many great places to have breakfast in Stellenbosch, though this can make choosing where to go difficult. Therefore, we decided to put this list together with our picks for the four best places to have breakfast in Stellenbosch. To ensure you start your day with the best breakfast possible.
Since breakfast is such an important meal and variety is the spice of life. We decided to update this list, so you have even more options when deciding how to start your day. Last updated 31 May 2023
Covered in this blog:
- Basic Bistro
- Java Bistro
- Manor Kitchen
- Postcard Cafe
- The Blue Crane & The Butterfly
- Ya-Ya Cafe
- Aunty Sophie se Kombuis
- Bootlegger Coffee Company
Basic Bistro
The Basic Bistro is a cosy bistro-style restaurant in the heart of Stellenbosch. This bistro encapsulates the local heritage, with its Cape-Dutch architecture, and a charming interior that is intimate and cosy. This streetside establishment also has a covered patio to enjoy the fresh air and watch the streets of Stellenbosch.
This is our top pick for breakfast in Stellenbosch as they offer a fantastic breakfast menu. This menu includes classics like the farmer’s breakfast and the full breakfast. While also showing some unique items like the grenade, a slice of rustic ciabatta that comes stacked with bacon strips, mashed avo, 3 soft fried eggs, and cheddar cheese. They also offer a range of delectable french toasts, with both savoury and sweet options. They also have a low carb and healthy, and vegan section of the menu, so there is something for everyone.
The Basic Bistro is open from Monday to Friday from 07:30-23:00, and from Saturday to Sunday from 09:00-23:00. The Basic Bistro is the perfect place for breakfast in Stellenbosch. With fantastic meals that despite the name are anything but basic.
Reviews
Simona Marinkova
“Cute little bistro. The menu has good vegan and vegetarian options. We enjoyed avocado and mushroom toast. The staff was a friendly blond lady (I don’t know her name sorry), very attentive and welcoming. I’d recommend this place, located in the centre of Stellenbosch.”
Christelle Els
“One of our favourite restaurants in Stellies – especially for dinner! My favourites are the bella (mushroom) burger and the drunken thai noodles. Their famous wafer chips with balsamic is also delicious! The atmosphere is cosy and the waiters are very kind and organised. We also love the authentic vibe – just pure good and homey food. Be sure to reserve a table to avoid disappointment!”
Joni Rice
“Absolutely beautiful place to have a meal that makes you feel like you’re in your home away from home. Went with some friends and we each had spectacular meals. The service was absolutely outstanding and on point in every way. I was ready to marry the Thai Drunken noodles dish that’s how phenomenal it was!!! Be sure to book a reservation and enjoy!!”
Java Bistro
The Java Cafe/Bistro is another great streetside cafe for breakfast in Stellenbosch. Located on Church str, the streetside tables shaded by umbrellas offer a glimpse into the heart of Stellenbosch. The interior has a cosy contemporary aesthetic with a coffee bar along the wall ready to supply your morning coffee to start the day.
People with a passion for food built Java Bistro, and its menu shows it. Their breakfast menu alone is a testament to this. They offer all the classic breakfasts like omelettes and their English breakfast. Alternatively, they also offer more delectable variations on the classics like their salmon royal benedict breakfast, which is two poached eggs with smoked salmon, asparagus and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. All of their breakfasts, excluding the sunrise breakfast, even come with a complimentary cup of house filter coffee or Ceylon/Rooibos tea.
The Java Cafe/Bistro is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00-22:00, serving breakfast until 12:00. With 15 years of experience Java Cafe/Bistro won’t disappoint, offering fantastic breakfasts that will ensure you start your day the right way.
Real reviews
Felicite Labuschagne de Jongh
“Java Cafe has truly impressed with their exceptional poached eggs and delectable breakfast croissants. The eggs were perfectly cooked, achieving that ideal balance between a runny yolk and firm whites. The croissants were flaky and buttery, adding a delightful touch to the meal. What sets Java Cafe apart is not just their outstanding menu but also their impeccable service. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. From friendly greetings to prompt service, their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident. If you’re a breakfast enthusiast looking for a place that excels in both culinary craftsmanship and attentive service, Java Cafe is undoubtedly a must-visit.”
Cameron Parry
“CHICKEN STACK – Incredible meal! My wife had the chicken wrap ???? and was great meal for us and our friends. The waiter was friendly, but the true highlight was the quality of food. Thankful for the meal and the price was relatively good. Parking is a nightmare, but worth walking around.”
Maike Versfeld
“We had a great dine in experience here. The food and wine prices are very affordable if compared to other similar places. We had each a main course, a bottle of wine to share, a dessert and a cappuccino/coffee. The food doesn’t take long and is well presented. Friendly waiters and good relaxed atmosphere. They have different specials especially during the week. We will definitely be back.”
Manor Kitchen
If you’re looking for a breakfast buffet then Lanzerac’s Manor Kitchen is for you. This hotel restaurant is located on the historic Lanzerac wine estate in the breathtaking Jonkershoek Valley. The open and expansive interior is nothing short of grand, with large windows and sparkling chandeliers. You can even catch a glimpse of what goes on in the kitchen through the large-scale windows, to tease your tastebuds.
Manor kitchen offers a breakfast buffet that is sure to give you all the fuel you need for your day, with food that is worthy of a 5-star rating. Additionally, they have a standard breakfast menu for those who don’t have the appetite for a buffet. Which has the standard breakfast offerings, and some local dishes like the smoked snoek bowl. They offer a range of vegan and gluten-free dishes and substitutions ensuring anyone can enjoy their delicious food.
The Lanzerac Manor Kitchen is open every day from 07:00-23:30, with breakfast served daily from 07:00-10:30. The Manor Kitchen is a great place to start the Stellenbosch wine route while having a hearty breakfast that epitomises fine dining. They truly offer the best buffet breakfast in Stellenbost, which is sure to satisfy the most ravenous of appetites.
Manor Kitchen Reviews
Wambui Kimani
“I celebrated my birthday here with the high tea on a Saturday afternoon. The staff were lovely and attentive. The food was of a good portion, and tasty, and they made the appropriate adjustments for those with dietary requirements without a hassle. The room was beautiful and bright, and there was an incredible piano player who added to the ambiance. Dietary restrictions: Some of us were vegan and they made the appropriate substitutions (with prior warning) with no issues.”
Diana Olivier
“The setting is beautiful. The trees and squirrels running on the lawn make it a peaceful and idyllic place to go for a great lunch staff and service is friendly and professional. The food and wine selection is diverse with something for everyone. Beautifully presented food that tastes so good. It is a bit expensive but it was worth every cent.”
Monica Stoimenova
“Absolutely everything about our experience was amazing! The food was extremely good and it didn’t take a long wait at all. The wine top level. The service was just outstanding and the atmosphere high class! Would love to return to this place one day.”
Postcard Cafe
Another fantastic wine farm breakfast in Stellenbosch can be found at the Postcard Cafe. Located on the Stark-Condé wine farm in the Jonkershoek Valley, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This combined with a scenic dam provides the perfect backdrop for a perfect breakfast in this cosy rustic café.
The Postcard Café offers a range of breakfast options that highlight local flavours. These include smoked Franschhoek trout and freshly baked croissants with homemade jam and butter. They also have vegan options like a Dalewood Jersey yoghurt, with homemade granola and fruit compote, or a spring vegetable minestrone soup that is perfect for those cold cape mornings.
The Postcard Café is open every day from 09:00-16:00. They truly offer a great breakfast experience to kickstart your day exploring the Stellenbosch wine route, while showcasing the natural splendour of the area.
Postcard Cafe Reviews
Ayanda Mbangeni
“I had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, prepared perfectly, and the service was exceptional. Muntu, one of the staff members, was incredibly friendly and attentive, making our visit truly enjoyable. The entire team here made us feel welcomed and went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this place for its fantastic food and outstanding staff hospitality.”
David Molotsi
“Great views, we were welcomed well in the restaurant even thou we did not make a reservation before we arrived. All waiters was very kind and made sure we got our food within less than 10min. Beautiful atmosphere, great experience, very calm and surreal experience definitely worth a visit.”
Mari Hamman
“What a stunning place. Beautiful views, amazing food. Friendly team. Just loved this gem of a place and cannot wait to go back there. The photos do not do this place justice.”
The Blue Crane & The Butterfly
If you are looking for a healthy breakfast in Stellenbosch then the Blue Crane & The Butterfly may be the place for you. Located on Church Str, this restaurant is centrally located for your convenience. There is some outdoor seating to watch the town go by, but the interior stuns. One section has a stylish industrial aesthetic and the other is a modern plant utopia that is truly peaceful.
This restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast options. These include healthier options like home-toasted granola and bircher muesli. However, they also have a number of delicious treats like waffles, chorizo pork sausage & scrambled eggs, and bacon & melted gruyere croissant that is divine. They also have a selection of home-baked goods like brownies if you feel you deserve a sweet treat.
The Blue Crane & The Butterfly is open Monday to Friday from 07:00-17:30, Saturdays from 08:00-16:00, and Sundays from 08:00-12:30. Breakfast is served until 12:00 every day, so you are sure to be able to enjoy your breakfast here.
The Blue Crane & The Butterfly Reviews
Jacques Schroder
“Excellent coffee. Good service and a friendly smile. We were greeted immediately upon entering by a friendly lady at the counter. As it was our first time we asked about their house roast beans and were informed that the ladies husband roasted them fresh each day. The coffee was exceptional and prepared well. Milk foam was of a good texture and the coffee had an all round full bodied taste. I ordered the large latte.”
Kristal Klingenberg
“Lovely staff and great service. Beautiful place. Food was amazing. Cakes are divine. A must visit! You’ll be missing out if you don’t. Best breakfast and lunch place in Stellies! A hidden gem.”
Bronwyn Mostert
“What a lovley little hidden gem. Would definitely go back to try more of their cakes which are unique and great value for money. Staff were friendly and attentive. The beautiful interior turns into a bit of a greenhouse, but staff did their best to keep us cool. Took an extra slice of the coffee peacan and blackberry cake for the road.”
Ya-Ya Cafe
Next on our list is Ya-Ya Cafe which is located close to the edge of town close to the R310. This cafe is a great spot for breakfast in Stellenbosch as it has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It has a light, open, and casual aesthetic that helps you feel comfortable and at home while enjoying your meal.
Don’t let the casual aesthetic fool you though as the food at this cafe will blow you away. They have a wide selection of breakfast classics including beautifully crafted omelettes and a classic breakfast fry-up. They also offer some creative twists on the classics like their deconstructed avo toast. Additionally, there is plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth with flapjacks and a selection of cakes available.
Ya-Ya Cafe is open from Monday to Friday from 07:00-17:00, and on Saturdays from 08:00-16:00. This cafe is a great place for a casual breakfast with friends, that will make you feel welcome. All while watching the town pass by from the openly designed interior.
Aunty Sophie se Kombuis
If you want some fresh air and some beautiful natural scenery with breakfast in Stellenbosch. Then Aunty Sophie se Kombuis may be perfect for you. This wonderful restaurant is located on the edge of town close to the Hottentots-Holland Mountain catchment area. The restaurant has a great deal of outdoor seating and some indoor seating, all creating a wonderful rustic aesthetic.
The food at this restaurant is proudly South African homestyle cooking. They have a number of breakfast staples like the farmhouse breakfast, eggs benedict or custom omelettes. Alternatively, for a South African breakfast, you can enjoy their breakfast rooster, which is a roosterkoek topped with eggs and bacon.
Aunty Sophies is open every day from 07:30-16:30, with breakfast served until 11:30. This is a wonderful venue that celebrates the natural beauty of the Stellenbosch area. All while providing a hearty breakfast just like your favourite aunt would provide
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Last but certainly not least on our list is the Bootlegger coffee company cafe. This modern cafe is located in the centre of the town and has a contemporary minimalist aesthetic. This is a great spot for breakfast in Stellenbosch as you are sure of a steady supply of coffee with your meal.
Bootleggers cafe offers a wide variety of foods, including burgers and wraps however, we are here for their breakfast offerings. These include classics like avo toast, homemade granola, and a breakfast bagel. There are also their more substantial offerings like the bootlegger which is a generous twist on the farmhouse breakfast.
This cafe is open from Monday to Friday from 06:30-17:00 and Saturday to Sunday from 07:00-15:00. Additionally, they serve an all-day breakfast, meaning you can get your favourite breakfast meals at any time of day. Ensuring you get the energy you need no matter what time you start your day.
These are our picks for the eight best places to have breakfast in Stellenbosch. So if you want to be sure that you start your day on the right foot. Grab one of these unforgettable breakfasts, that will give you all the fuel you need for a busy day.