Capetonians love their hip city—and their coffee shops. The city is renowned for some of the best coffee shops on the continent. And yes, remote workers and digital nomads love them, too. Most are very friendly toward people living the laptop lifestyle, so let’s have a look at the best cafes and coffee shops in Cape Town for digital nomads.
Cape Town is the southern-most city in South Africa and it has become a favorite among remote workers and digital nomads. There’s so much adventure to be had—from the top of Table Mountain to the shores of the two oceans surrounding the Mother City— not to mention that prices are reasonable and the culture, history, and night-life provide entertainment and learning opportunities on every corner. The many different neighborhoods in Cape Town are uniquely their own while fitting so well together between the mountains and the sea, and you’ll find great cafes to work from in all of them.
The Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town
Sea Point
Sea Point is an ocean-facing suburb featuring sandy beaches, tidal pools, a myriad of restaurants, the Sea Point Promenade popular with walkers, joggers, and bikers, and beautiful sunset views. Of course, there are also a couple of nomad-friendly cafes.
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Most popular coffee in town.
With around 60 locations, Bootlegger Coffee Company is one of the most popular coffee shops in Cape Town. Not every one of them lends itself to work from since they all vary in size, but the one in Sea Point—a.k.a. “The Original”—offers a great variety of seating options with comparatively good wifi and great coffee.
According to locals, Bootlegger serves one of Cape Town’s best and most iconic brews. But Bootlegger’s no slouch in the food-department, either. From an extensive breakfast menu over amazing burgers, salads and buddha bowls to wraps and sandwiches, you can spend your entire day working from Bootlegger and never want for anything.
Location: 39 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Internet: Workable. Can get spotty when many people are signed on
Power outlets: Yes, quite a few, though not at every table.
Coffee: Outstanding!
Work vibe: Always people with laptops present
Size: Medium to large cafe with various types of seating options
Hot Tip: During load shedding, Bootlegger doesn’t have electricity or wifi, but they do stay open. It’s a good spot to work if you have a mobile hotspot and want a cool drink.
Bootlegger has a ton more locations in Cape Town besides Sea Point: There are branches in Greenpoint, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Quarter, Zonnebloem, and Salt River, just to name some other popular spots.
Mojo Market
So many yummy food options, it’s hard to choose.
Right across the street from Sea Point’s Bootlegger, is Cape Town’s famous indoor food market, Mojo Market. It features a ton of yummy international food stalls, four bars, live music, and several unique boutiques. Even better, an entire section upstairs is set up for remote workers to enjoy the two-hour free wifi at comfortable tables, offering a great vantage point over the central bar section below.
If you don’t absolutely need peace and quiet to work, enjoy an extended lunch in this lively place that offers some of the best international street-food-style meals in the city.
Location: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Internet: Free for two hours, workable
Power outlets: A few scattered around
Coffee: Fine options, but you really come here for the food
Work vibe: Usually at least a few people with laptops sitting upstairs. It’s still an indoor food market, though, so it can be quite noisy, even during the day.
Size: The entire venue is huge, and the upstairs seating area is also quite large. Gets busier towards the end of the day
At Mojo Market, 30 food stalls offer a cornucopia of yummy international dishes.
Naked Coffee
Seasonal, fresh and healthy menu.
Naked Coffee in Cape Town is a large and airy coffee shop with plenty of natural light that’s popular for its diverse and healthy menu made with fresh ingredients. It offers a range of seating options, including a little bar facing the street that’s a favorite among people working on laptops, but it’s best to come early to secure a spot in this bright and popular coffee shop.
Location: 2 Wisbeach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Internet: Free Wifi
Power outlets: Yes
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Can get pretty busy especially during breakfast
Size: Medium to Large
Green Point
The northern-most tip of central Cape Town, Green Point is a popular leisure district. It’s surrounded by ocean and dominated by Green Point Park, housing lakes, jogging trails, a hedge maze, a biodiversity garden, and the Cape Town Stadium. From Italian restaurants to burger joints, steakhouses, and fish eateries, Green Point also sports a rich food offering.
Caffe Neo
Breezy and yummy fresh, with extra tables for remote workers.
Caffe Neo is a bright, breezy cafe and eatery set between the Green Point Lighthouse and Green Point Park. The cafe appreciates remote workers to the point where they’ve set up two long, sturdy tables with tons of power outlets extra for people who bring their laptops.
Location: 129 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005
Internet: Good
Power outlets: Tons on the two long tables set up for people to work from
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Always some people with laptops. Nomad-friendly staff
Size: Quite large, with different types of seating options in- and outside
Shift Espresso Bar
Small but sweet and full of power (outlets).
A small place, Shift Espresso Bar is nevertheless a great place to work from because there are power outlets at each table at the indoor and outdoor seating options. The staff is super friendly and really cares about their coffee beans—which makes for some of the best coffee in town.
Location: 45 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005. There’s another location at the V&A Waterfront
Internet: Workable
Power outlets: Yes, at almost every table
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Always some people with laptops. Nomad-friendly staff
Size: Small
Jason Bakery
Their croissants are heaven.
Jason Bakery is the best place for pastries in town, especially their croissants, which are heavenly. It’s also a great breakfast and brunch spot with attentive waiters. However, be sure to come early as they usually close around 3pm.
Location: 83 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001
Internet: Limited wifi – it’s not the most stable so definitely don’t plan to take video calls here.
Power outlets: None
Coffee: Great coffee
Work vibe: Some people with laptops (however, not geared towards being a work space)
Size: Medium to Large
The Waterfront
The waterfront area of Cape Town is a popular tourist destination located along the coast of the city. It features a mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions, as well as beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding cityscape. The area is home to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is one of the most visited places in Cape Town and offers a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The waterfront is also home to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the Two Oceans Aquarium, which are both popular destinations for digital nomads.
Vagabond Kitchen
There’s good wifi and coffee, but come here for the food.
Vagabond Kitchen in Cape Town is a popular destination for food lovers. It’s known for its fresh and flavorful menu, including dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere and the staff is attentive, making it a great place for brunch or breakfast.
Location: 1 Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
Internet: Free uncapped wifi
Power outlets: Scattered around the cafe
Coffee: Okay but people usually come here to eat
Work vibe:
Size: Medium to Large
De Waterkant
De Waterkant is a sub-district of Green Point, surrounded by the V&A Waterfront and the CBD. This area is especially sought after by young professionals, the upper-class gay and lesbian community, and niche restaurants and retailers.
Origin Coffee Roasting
“The godfather of all gourmet coffees”.
As one of the first inner-city cafes in Cape Town, Origin is known as the godfather of all gourmet coffees in the Mother City, offering a wide range of coffee beans roasted on-site, serving it any way you like. It’s a buzzing venue, industrial and chic, and the light meals are almost as good as the coffee.
Location: 28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
Internet: Good
Power outlets: A few
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Always people with laptops, popular with entrepreneurs for networking. Nomad-friendly staff
Size: Medium to large
The Loading Bay
“Only organic practices”.
The Loading Bay is a restaurant, Aesop shop, and men’s wear store all in one. Above all, it’s praised for the amazing, entirely organically-sourced food with lots of vegan options and great service. The Loading Bay supports the three pillars of regenerative farming: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.
Location: Shop 30, Hudson Building, 30 Hudson St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001
Internet: Great
Power outlets: None
Coffee: Good
Work vibe: Always some people with laptops
Size: Medium
Woodstock
Woodstock is a melting pot of history and creativity. From its rich heritage to its thriving arts scene, this vibrant neighborhood is a hub for cultural activity. Discover an array of colorful street art, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the trendy cafes, or browse the shelves of unique independent shops.
Espresso Lab
Give the Espresso Tonic or their cold brew a try!
Espresso Lab is a top-rated coffee shop and roastery. With a focus on serving high-quality coffee, Espresso Lab is a popular destination for coffee lovers and people working on their laptops. The coffee shop has a bright and airy atmosphere with plenty of natural light and a range of seating options. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the menu features a variety of seasonal drinks and small bites.
Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Internet: Wifi but can be unstable
Power outlets: A few scattered around
Coffee: Good and lots of interesting picks
Work vibe: People usually take their cup to go
Size: Small
Kloof
Kloof Street is a vibrant and lively part of Cape Town that is popular among tourists, locals, and digital nomads alike. Located in the city center, Kloof Street is home to a wide range of bars, restaurants, and cafes that offer something for everyone. The street is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse mix of people, making it a great place to relax, unwind, and socialize—after getting a long day of work in, of course. Whether you’re looking for a casual coffee shop, a trendy bar, or some fine dining, Kloof Street has you covered.
the Conscious kitchen
Come here for the vegan food.
The Conscious Kitchenis a popular eatery known for its focus on healthy, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. With a menu of diverse and flavorful dishes, the restaurant offers a range of options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The atmosphere is bright and inviting, with plenty of natural light, and the staff is attentive and knowledgeable.
Location: 34 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Internet: Free Wifi
Power outlets: Yes
Coffee: Okay but people usually go here to eat
Work vibe: Can get a bit noisy
Size: Small
Our Local
Local, seasonal ingredients for unique flavor.
Our Local in Cape Town is a popular spot for delicious food, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, its menu features a range of options using seasonal ingredients. It often gets busy, so it’s best to come early.
Location: 117 Kloof Street, Cape Town
Internet: First hour is free, succeeding hours are for a small amount
Power outlets: None available
Coffee: Okay but people usually go here to eat
Work vibe:
Size: Medium to Large
Central Business District (CBD)
The CBD is Cape Town’s vibrant business and commercial heart. Chain stores, surf shops, and fashion boutiques stand alongside restaurants, gin bars, night clubs, and the Company’s Garden. Some of the best Cape Town cafes beloved by remote workers can be found here.
Truth Coffee Roasting
Steampunk HQ. ‘Nuff said.
This is a must-do while in Cape Town, whether you just go for a cup of coffee or end up working from there the whole day. Because you can enjoy your latte and cappuccino served by baristas dressed up Mad-Max-style with desert goggles, leather suspenders, and knuckle rings. How cool is that?
To top it off, this steampunk-themed venue was named The World’s Best and The World’s Coolest coffee shop in 2015, and offers tours of the roastery and coffee tastings.
Location: 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Internet: Workable
Power outlets: A few
Coffee: Excellent. The Resurrection Blend Flat White is a must-try!
Work vibe: Not exactly a quiet spot to work from, since it’s always super busy because it’s so well-known
Size: Small to medium
Bean There Coffee Company
Ethically sourced beans at one of the best coffee shops in town.
Coffee is a staple in Cape Town and Bean There is another coffee shop competing for the title of Cape Town’s best coffee. Bean There sources their beans ethically and takes pride in traveling to farms and communities, hand-selecting their single-origin coffees. Aside from that, it’s a haven for digital nomads, offering free wifi and seating with tons of natural light.
Recline on comfy, colorful cushions in the windows, sit at the counter, or make yourself comfortable at a table to enjoy your cup of joe and join the droves of happy remote workers who’ve already “bean” there and done that.
Location: 58 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Internet: Good
Power outlets: None
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Usually some people with laptops. Nomad-friendly staff
Size: Small to medium
Yours Truly
Beautiful setting and ambiance.
Probably the best-known cafe in the Mother City, Yours Truly is always packed with the artsy, hipster crowd. Which fits, since the venue is surrounded by galleries and art centers in a Victorian-inspired building. Enjoy the “coffee house office” vibes during the day, and the vibrant eatery and bar with live music at night.
Location: 73 Kloof Street, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001
Internet: Workable
Power outlets: None
Coffee: Excellent
Work vibe: Always some people with laptops, gets really busy at times, though
Size: Mid-sized inside, but lots of outside seating surrounded by green
From simple over steampunk or hipster to bougie – there’s a Cape Town cafe for everyone.
Join WiFi Tribe in Cape Town on Upcoming Chapters
Honestly, we WiFi Tribers couldn’t love Cape Town more – and the amazing cafes are just the beginning. Come colive and cowork with us in this amazing city.
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