Discover Muizenberg’s Top 5 Coffee Gems

November 19, 2024

Where Exceptional Brews Meet Genuine Connection

When you think of Muizenberg, the iconic beach, the colourful beach huts and the laid-back surfer vibe likely come to mind. But tucked away in this coastal gem, a different kind of magic is brewing - one that has nothing to do with waves and everything to do with community.


Venture just a few blocks from the sand and you'll discover a collection of local coffee spots that are redefining the café experience in Muizenberg. These aren't your average grab-and-go joints; they're neighbourhood hubs where baristas remember your name, local regulars feel like family, and your morning cup of joe comes with a healthy serving of belonging.


 1. Joon: This Mother-Daughter Restaurant Is Serving Up More Than Just Coffee
A view of the entrance to JOON restaurant in palmer road, muizenberg.

Location: 40 Palmer Road, Muizenberg 


(It's Like a Warm Hug in a Cup, with Extra Love on Top!)


Move over, generic coffee chains! Joon is proving that family-run spots have more heart than your entire Pinterest board.


Why You'll Love It:

  • The coffee beans are sourced from Coffee Guy Roasters which feels like a warm welcome home served with a side of family stories
  • Where your dog gets as warm a welcome as you do (sandy paws and all!)


Must-Try:

  • Their signature flat white (at times crafted with June & Lindsay's personal touch)
  • Fresh muffins that taste like childhood memories
  • Shortbread that's dangerously close to the counter (resistance is futile!)
  • Locally roasted coffee beans


Bonus:

  • Quiz nights that are more fun than your family game nights
  • Live music that makes every event feel special
  • The kind of community vibe that makes a "regular customer" feel more like "extended family"


Step into Joon and you'll discover what happens when a mother-daughter dream team pours their heart into every cup. We don’t just source the finest beans from the Coffee Guy,  but it's where June and Lindsay Homan turn ordinary moments into celebrations. Whether you're planning a baby shower, having a first date, or just need a coffee that comes with a side of belonging, Joon's got your back. It's not just serving cups of joe; it's serving up a slice of home – with extra love on top, an excellent spot to bond and connect with family.


2. Empire Café: Where Coffee Meets Community

A close up of the serving counter at Empire cafe in Muizenberg.

Location: 11 York Road, Muizenberg


(And Yes, The Pastries Are Worth Breaking Your Diet For!)


In a world of cookie-cutter coffee chains, Empire Café is that rare unicorn where your barista might just become your therapist (without the hourly rate!)


Why You'll Love It:

  • Coffee that's more than your daily caffeine fix - it's crafted with care
  • A vibe that's less "pretentious coffee shop" and more "your coolest friend's living room"
  • Staff who'll remember your name AND your complicated order (we're looking at you, half-caf-extra-hot-oat-milk people)
  • The kind of place where "regular" isn't just about the coffee size


Must-Try:

  • Their signature dark roast (partnered with Conversations Coffee, because great minds drink alike!)
  • The infamous "pastashinata" (worth breaking your "no carbs" resolution for)
  • The delightful house-made cheesecakes (especially the lemon meringue)
  • Fresh croissants that could make a French baker weep with joy


Bonus:

  • Experience the real-life version of Cheers (minus the beer, plus excellent coffee)
  • Join a community where WiFi isn't the only way to connect
  • Witness the daily miracle of turning caffeine into friendship
  • Take home their signature blend (because your home coffee maker deserves better)


Once you visit Empire Café you'll find yourself in a space where the coffee is bold, the pastries are homemade, and the community is genuine. It's where your morning ritual becomes less about grabbing coffee and more about belonging. When regulars take home boxes of pastries to share with friends, they're not just sharing treats – they're sharing a piece of what makes Empire Café special: a place where every cup comes with a side of connection.


3. Harvest: The Real Secret Behind This Cafe's Success Isn't the Coffee

Inside Harvest cafe in muizenberg, downstairs a view of the serving counter.

Location: 4 York Road, Muizenberg


(Spoiler: It's Better Than Free Wi-Fi!)


Just as the beach huts add their splash of character to the shoreline, Harvest Cafe has mastered something impressive - they've cracked the code to genuine human connection.


Why You'll Love It:

  • Your name isn't just scribbled on a cup - it's actually remembered (shocking, we know!)
  • Staff who care more about your life updates than your Instagram feed
  • A place where "the usual?" comes with actual eye contact
  • Coffee is great, but the conversations are better


Must-Try:

  • Locally-roasted coffee (because local beans is lekker)
  • House-made pastries that aren't just for your social media
  • Morning chats with the owner who's like the neighbourhood's favourite friend


Bonus:

  • Witness a rare species: genuinely happy cafe workers in their natural habitat
  • Join a community where "How are you?" isn't just a greeting
  • Be part of the revolution against robotic customer service
  • Find out why regulars come for the coffee but stay for the connection


At Harvest Cafe, the owner stands behind the counter each morning, not because he has to, but because he genuinely wants to hear about your daughter's college journey or your battle with that stubborn tomato plant. When he took a two-week break, customers noticed - but didn't leave. Why? Because this cafe isn't just selling coffee; they're serving up something far more rare in today's world: authentic human connection with a side of awesome coffee.


4. Muiz Kitchen: This Volunteer-Run Café Is Serving Up Hope By The Cupful

A view of the stylish Muiz kitchen front room in Muizenberg.

Location: 150 Main Road, Muizenberg 


(Where community spirit rivals the beach views)


Move over, ordinary coffee shops! Muizenberg Community Kitchen is demonstrating that the best brew comes with a side of purpose.


Why You'll Love It:

  • The coffee is crafted with precision (and yes, they actually weigh each portion!)
  • A vibe that's more "community living room" than "coffee shop"
  • Baristas who serve up connection alongside your coffee
  • Where your coffee choice helps change lives


Must-Try:

  • Their intentionally textured coffee (each cup is a labour of love)
  • The unique maca-powered boost in your brew
  • Simple, delicious food that feeds both body and soul
  • The warm fuzzy feeling of supporting a good cause


Bonus:

  • A space where volunteering creates opportunities
  • Art from local creators that tells community stories
  • An eco-conscious approach (from composting to recycling)
  • The notable Supper Club where everyone becomes a chef for a night


Step into Muizenberg Community Kitchen and you'll discover what happens when a donated coffee machine sparks a movement. This isn't just where precision meets purpose in every cup; it's where volunteers turn coffee into community change. Whether you're popping in for your morning fix, joining the Supper Club, or just need a reminder that good things still happen in the world, they've got your back. It's not just serving coffee; it's serving up hope – one perfectly weighed portion at a time.


5. Hans & Lloyd: How Hans & Lloyd Became Muizenberg's Hottest Hangout

The front of Hans & Lloyd Coffee in Surfers corner, Muizenberg.

Location:13 York Road, Muizenberg


(The perfect post-beach coffee spot)


Move over, ordinary cafés! Hans & Lloyd Co is serving up the kind of coffee experience that'll make your Instagram feed drool with envy.


Why You'll Love It:

  • A house blend that's like Kenya and Guatemala had a delicious coffee baby
  • Vibes that feel more like "everyone's living room" than "pretentious café"
  • Baristas who are actually certified coffee wizards
  • The kind of space where your laptop feels as welcome as your appetite


Must-Try:

  • Double-shot flat whites that'll transform your coffee standards
  • Blueberry cheesecake that deserves its own fan club
  • Fresh-baked treats made with love
  • Fresh salads and wraps that make healthy eating actually exciting


Bonus:

  • WiFi that's faster than your morning coffee rush
  • A breakfast menu that makes waking up worth it
  • A space where "working remotely" feels like a treat, not a chore
  • The perfect excuse to turn "quick coffee" into "spent the whole day here"


Step into Hans & Lloyd and you'll discover what happens when coffee perfection meets local hospitality. This isn't just where African and South American beans unite for the perfect cuppa; it's where the owner personally ensures every roast is top-tier (because if it's not perfect, it's not served – talk about commitment!). Whether you're rolling in for a power breakfast, setting up your mobile office, or just need a slice of that famous blueberry cheesecake, they've got your back. It's not just serving coffee; it's serving up the kind of experience that turns first-timers into regulars and regulars into family.

From Beans to Belonging: Muizenberg's Coffee Spots Are Serving Up Something Special

Picture this: just a stone's throw from Muizenberg's iconic beach huts, these five remarkable coffee spots are rewriting what it means to be more than just a café. There's Harvest Café where your name matters more than your order, Empire Café with its legendary pastashinata and community spirit, Joon where June and Lindsay turn every visit into a gathering of friends, Muizenberg Kitchen where every cup supports local change, and Hans & Lloyd Co. with their perfectly crafted house blend - each brings its own special flavour to the neighbourhood.


But what makes these spots truly remarkable isn't just their exceptional coffee or treats; it's how they've turned Muizenberg into a community where every cup comes with a sense of belonging. Just as the colourful beach huts have become icons of this seaside suburb, these cafés have become landmarks of connection, where every visit feels like coming home.



So next time you're admiring those famous beach huts and the captivating waves, take a short walk into the heart of Muizenberg and dive into these local gems - your perfect cup of community-brewed happiness awaits!

Two men are posing for a picture in front of a painting.
February 10, 2025
The Beach Hut 2025 Art Show: Preserving Cape Town's Heritage Through Art The Beach Hut 2025 Art Show, running from February to March at Beach Hut Studios in Muizenberg, is a unique fundraising initiative supporting the preservation of Muizenberg's iconic beach huts. Local artists have created stunning beach hut-inspired artwork, framed with reclaimed wood from the recent hut renovations. The event highlights the importance of these structures to Cape Town's image and the tourism economy, with proceeds funding ongoing maintenance and creating local employment opportunities. The show is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 6pm. Visit Beach Hut Studios to own a piece of Cape Town history.
June 20, 2024
Tourism is Up, AirBnB’s are Up… But Why Isn’t My Revenue? June 2024 Vacation Rentals Report Introduction With the increasing number of AirBnB properties entering the vacation rental market, many property owners, particularly in Cape Town, South Africa, are left wondering about the future prospects for their investments. As a Cape Town-based property management company focusing on the Muizenberg area, we at MUi STAYS are frequently asked about the future of AirBnB in this region . Why Muizenberg? Muizenberg stands out as the most affordable town on the South Peninsula of Cape Town, offering excellent surfing conditions year-round for all levels, from beginners to kite surfers. The community here is vibrant, with a strong local culture that’s intimately involved in community development projects. It’s the modern traveler's ideal destination. Our Approach: MUi STAYS employs a market-driven approach to property management, leveraging advanced AI-driven market software and a dedicated team whose livelihoods depend on it. This combination allows us to optimize returns for our clients using real-time data and insights. A tech-savvy approach to property management. Current Market Overview Despite the increase in tourism and AirBnB listings, revenue for property owners has declined in recent months. Here are some insights into the factors influencing this trend: Post-COVID Property Shift: Investors moved their money to safer assets in Cape Town, increasing the number of short-term rental (STR) properties by over 6000 in 2022/2023 alone, according to AirDNA™. This shift was driven by the perception that Cape Town offers a more stable and attractive investment compared to cities like Johannesburg and Durban. Tourism Demand: Recent data from WESGRO shows that international tourists in the 2023/2024 season exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with 2.8 million visitors compared to 2.6 million previously. However, local visitor numbers have dropped significantly, from 8.3 million in 2019/2020 to 5.9 million last season, impacting overall demand and spreading fewer visitors over an increased number of rental properties. STR Income Trends: In 2022, STR rental incomes spiked due to post-pandemic revenge travel trends and a lower supply of available properties. The trend continued into 2023 when the market began to saturate as more properties became available. This trend has contributed to the recent decline in rental incomes. Key Challenges in 2024 The first quarter of 2024 has missed expectations and forecasts for several reasons, and here are some as I see them: Local Visitor Decline: Despite an increase in international visitors, the significant drop in local visitor numbers has strained the market, with 23% fewer visitors spread over 20% more properties. It’s like organizing a massive braai but only your vegan friends show up. Early Winter: An early Easter led to an unexpected early start to the low season. Many establishments, including ours, were unprepared for the sudden drop in demand, resulting in a record low for April. Election Uncertainty: Both local and global elections have created economic uncertainty, affecting travel plans and market stability. The South African election particularly impacted the market, with a noticeable drop in bookings towards the end of May. When the votes are being counted, tourists prefer to stay home. Future Outlook for 2024/2025 Looking ahead, several market forces are expected to shape the vacation rental market. While this is not an exhaustive list and many other factors come into play, these are some of the more major trends impacting the market at the moment: Positive Election Outcome: The positive result of the South African GNU election is expected to boost foreign investment and strengthen the Rand. A stronger Rand could attract more foreign visitors but may slightly dilute spending power for international tourists due to currency exchange rates. Global Inflation Correction: Inflation correction globally may increase the attractiveness of South Africa as a travel destination. The high cost of living in countries like the UK, where a burger and beer is approaching R1000, makes South Africa a more appealing and affordable option for travel. Ongoing Elections: Continued election uncertainty worldwide, with 64 countries holding elections this year, some of them significant source markets, may negatively impact travel demand as people tend to stay home during such times. This uncertainty can be likened to mini lockdowns, reducing overall travel activity. Interest Rate Decreases: It is widely anticipated that interest rates will be cut. The lower interest rates are expected to boost property investment, with a potential shift towards long-term residential rentals due to the ongoing housing crisis. Lower borrowing costs will make STR rental returns more appealing, but it will most likely have a far more significant effect on the longer-term residential rentals and home ownership market. Think of it as a happy hour special for home buyers—lower rates, higher spirits! The Housing Crisis: The current housing crisis has made finding rental accommodation increasingly difficult, driving investors to consider long-term residential rentals over short-term vacation rentals. This shift may positively impact the short-term rental market, as more properties become available for long-term tenants, creating less competition in the market. Shifting Geographies: Renewed hope for South Africa's economic prospects might lead to a shift in investment interest toward major economic hubs like Johannesburg, potentially slowing the demand of the Cape Town property market. Economic opportunities are the biggest migration influencer outside of war. Regulatory Uncertainty: Potential regulatory changes could impact the vacation rental market significantly. For example, regulations in other regions have limited the number of rental nights allowed, drastically affecting the market. Local regulatory bodies like Body Corporates may also start limiting the number of AirBnB licenses available in sectional titled complexes, affecting the investment landscape for vacation rentals. Conclusion: The vacation rental market is subject to various ebbs and flows, that all work to keep the market following the macro trend. While the long-term outlook is slightly positive (we still need to see what the GNU can deliver), the short- to medium-term could see further volatility and lower AirBnB incomes. Investors may shift toward more stable investments, but we expect a renewal of interest in the STR market in the medium to long term.
More Posts
Share by: