Street Wise: a Stop-by-Stop Guide to Bree Street, Cape Town
Home to the best coffee in town, pizzerias with added pizzazz and underground drinking dens with long lists of whiskies – welcome to the Mother City’s foodie hub.
With the rise of Cape Town as one of the world’s coolest capitals, there’s been a bit of jostling in the Mother City between streets claiming the coveted title of the hippest. While Kloof and Long Street were once the main contenders, Bree Street quietly slipped in while no one was watching and snatched the crown. It’s all about food, here: with its on-point collection of artisan cafes, jazzy bars and top restaurants, it’s not hard to convince people to stop by. Join us on a journey through its highlights with some ace spots to stay nearby.
1. The General Store
Restaurant, Hole in the Wall, South African, Healthy, Authentic
While little more than a hole-in-the-wall eatery, the General Store quickly cooked itself up a steaming reputation. Chef Colette Robert was inspired after a stint in London to open this cafe-cum-grocery store, and her health-leaning, weekly changing menu of pies, salads and bakes has taken the street by storm. There are mouthwatering handmade nibbles to take away, too, and some Capetonians even tip this place for serving the best coffee in town.
2. Heritage Square
Architectural Landmark
Once destined to be torn down for a car park, this cluster of 18th-century buildings was saved from that ignoble fate after a sizable outcry. The end result was the restoration of the site into a collection of excellent dining, retail and office spaces – even a working blacksmith. Its central courtyard is a pleasantly serene spot to relax with a drink in the sun, while the preserved stone-built complex provides an insight into Cape Town’s past.
4. I Love the Dough
Pizzeria, Italian
With its name inspired by a Biggie Smalls track, you know this pizzeria is going to have a little more pizzazz than most. A pink-on-pink colour scheme bathed in neon certainly dials up the glam, while profanity-laced graffiti sets a tone of tongue-in-cheek irreverence. But most importantly, their authentic Italian-style pizzas are among the city’s finest. Regular DJ sessions and damn good cocktails turn it into a coveted nightspot, too.
5. Gate69
Theatre
This gloriously camp Cape Town cabaret theatre prides itself on guaranteeing the audience an experience quite unlike any other in the city. Shows range from stand-up and live music to burlesque comedy and ‘adult’ panto, performed in a very intimate theatre space. Interaction with the audience is part of the fun – be prepared for a roasting if you sit too near the front. Expect flamboyant drag acts, louche laughs and an atmosphere of unbridled entertainment.
6. Cartel House Hotel On Loop
Boutique Hotel
If you had to pick one word to describe the Cartel House Hotel it would be ‘plush’. There’s an unabashed opulence about the interior design, from padded velvet doors to bespoke furnishings and four-poster beds. With just six rooms, each is individually styled, some with wall-to-wall windows and others with spacious hammock-slung terraces. A rooftop pool offers space for cityscape cooling, while a digital concierge will help with your dining reservation in Bree Street, a few blocks away.
7. Hank's Olde Irish
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Irish
8. Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room
Bar, Cafe, Diner, Restaurant, North American
A Bree Street mainstay for longer than most, this cute bar-cafe can pin its popularity on a laid-back hipster-tinged vibe that lasts from early breakfast to after-dark drinks. The day menu is brunching heaven, with everything from antiox-rich smoothies to eggs every way imaginable. A night menu offers up hearty treats like four-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese and grass-fed burgers, together with a heroic list of boozy refreshment.
9. Skinny laMinx
Shop
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.