The 12 Best Things to Do (and Eat) on Bree Street, Cape Town
Cape Town’s Bree Street has cemented its reputation as the culinary heart of the city. Long Street may be its hedonistic neighbour, and Kloof Street its closest rival, but Bree has comfortably established itself as one of the city’s coolest streets.
Although it’s a destination that’s built its reputation for its various restaurants – including Cape Town’s top bakery, along with award-winning and casual eateries – Bree Street also home to boutiques, stores and various bars, which keep the drinks flowing until the early hours, albeit with a more mature twist than nearby Long Street.
As an established marketer, prolific photographer, and passionate Capetonian, Emma Jude Jackson is well-placed to pick the best that Bree Street has to offer.
Although she lives to travel, she’s also an expert at looking at her hometown through her a discerning traveller’s lens – and anyone who’s going to spend some time on Bree Street should take her suggestions seriously.
2. Chefs Warehouse
Restaurant, Contemporary, Tapas
High-end street food doesn’t get better than what’s available at Chefs Warehouse. And in spite of its impeccable food, usually ordered as a tapas feast for two, the celebrated restaurant still represents amazing value for money. “Going to any Liam Tomlin restaurant is a real treat and Chefs Warehouse on Bree Street is no exception,” says Jackson. “I love a food experience that involves trying many different dishes and not having to settle on one. It’s an experience as opposed to just being a meal.” Unlike many of the city’s top restaurants, Chefs Warehouse on Bree Street operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the option to wait for a table in its new wine bar until one becomes available, making it a great last-minute culinary treat to consider.
3. Villa 47
Bistro, Restaurant, Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, European
4. Skinny laMinx
Shop
5. Hank's Olde Irish
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Irish
6. I Love the Dough
Pizzeria, Italian
7. First Thursdays
Art Gallery
Bree Street has also established itself as one of the main gathering points for the popular monthly event of First Thursdays, but as Jackson points out, more for its bars and restaurants than its galleries. If you’re starting your First Thursday night on Bree Street, though, she recommends taking a short walk away to one of her top gallery picks.“My favourite gallery is SMITH Studio, just a few blocks down from Bree,” she says. There’s also Youngblood Africa, an arts and culture development programme that offers a platform for artists from all genres to showcase their work and become self-sustainable. The three-storey gallery regularly hosts music and theatre performances, art exhibitions and dance classes, from swing to tango – and it’s always thriving on First Thursday nights.
8. Burger & Lobster
Restaurant, South African, Seafood, Wine, Beer
9. Arcade
Bar, Pub, Cocktails, Beer, South African, Fast Food, Wine
10. Youngblood Africa
Art Gallery
11. 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. Recommended by Leon Beckenham.
12. 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. Recommended by Leon Beckenham.
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