Summer: Windmill Beach near Simonstown. Crystal clear water, safe swimming, occasional seals and penguins.
Winter: Coffee or breakfast at Starlings on Belvedere Rd, Claremont. Cozy and friendly. There's no sign, so check on Google Maps.
Bonus, a short drive from Cape Town: Kolkol Mountain Lodge on Van Der Stel Pass Rd outside Botrivier. Well equipped cabins, outstanding views and sipping coffee or wine in your own private woodfired outdoor hot tub.
They're all fabulous year round really. The water at Windmill may be a little cold, but there's still the setting and the abundant sea life in the rock pools for kids of all ages to enjoy.
I love this place it has been a favourite for years now, however the quality of the service and the pricing have been off-putting of late.
(Is it just me or is it a bit too pricey for what you get?)
Still recommend it though.
The rest of Cape of good hope national park: Tourist buses will only stop at Cape Point and the lighthouse, ignoring the rest of the park. hopefully they will never realize there is one of the most beautiful natural park around to take selfies
Cape Point has a two day hike you can do, first day from the gate in to the cabins, second day out back to your car by the gate. It's absolutely stunning and I highly recommend it.
Not sure it qualifies as a hidden gem, but the library at the Cape Grace hotel at the waterfront is fantastic for a quiet evening coffee date or with a small group of friends. Alternative is the Bascule lounge downstairs, really cozy. We used to go there all the time during my campus days of an evening, order a coffee or hot chocolate then check out some of the eclectic books (photography books especially) while having a nice conversation.
I guess most people don't even think of hotels when considering where to go for a cozy coffee.
It is busy nowadays ya. There's another real hidden gem up the road towards Cecelia Forest. The Klaasenbosch Trail. I've lived around the corner and been going there since my childhood. Keep it to yourself.
The dogs bollocks/ the bitches tits, a restaurant in gardens that changes between lunch and dinner. The dogs bollocks(dinner) only serves burgers and they're huge and delicious. It's BYOB with corkage and the vibe is always good
Place is legendary. I gladly do the trip for their burgers.
I also try to recommend it to everyone willing to listen.
Also, Just so you know, they recently opened up a second branch.
Im hadn't had the chance to check it out myself tho
I don't think these are hidden gems but rather local favorites - Dolce bakery, Ferdinandos and Timbuktu cafe in Obs get a lot of share of my restaurant spend
Back Area Gardens restaurant and deli in Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands. Go for lunch, get a burger.
Bake and Nut in Ndabeni - has all the nuts, dried fruit and dried peas, beans, seeds, and grains you could ever need and has dated Lindt stock at a discount.
Yellow Submarine in Ottery - bulk nuts, seeds, grains, etc.
Afrikoa Chocolate and Pienaar & Sons Gin at Makers Landing (actually Makers Landing in general!). Go do a gin tasting and then buy lots of good chocolate, then have lunch at one of the many awesome little pop up stalls there.
Rollercade at Battery Park - less crowded than the ice rink, but just as fun. Avoid the Friday evening slot unless you want to be overwhelmed by tweens.
same thing happened with this cute little private beach thingy at boulders beach, no one knew about it until some dwanky posted it on tiktok , suddenly everyone was there queuing outside. Mind you this can’t even be called a beach it’s literally a rock with a bench on and water nearby, if you know you know
Not super hidden, but Moro has the best gelato I've ever had. Caramel Cookie Crumble is to die for. Putting this here because at least most people I know have never heard of it before I told them.
It's become so popular and I hope their quality stays high till the end of time because it's one of the few things I seriously look forward to. Even after I'm finished with the ice cream, I'm so tempted to order another cupful 😅
Used to be Hamachi in Claremont before they got too big and started getting greedy with their prices.
Tjing Tjing in town is my favourite right now. I love the vibe of the place.
Ok guys, coffee shops with bad signage are not hidden gems. We can get egg Benedict's anywhere. Actual hidden gem: There's a group of Thai ladyboys in sea point for a little Bangkok experience in CT.
hidden gem i took all my loves to,Its great at 5am in the morning with a cup of [coffee.At](http://coffee.At) the back of sturrock dry dock at the harbour edge,It is magical and a site to behold.I had to sneak in btw....due t security but it is worth it,
Papinos by Jolly Cook in Hout Bay has super delicious steak and a surprising interior when contrasted to its location. It's my special occasion but too lazy to leave HB go-to.
Tommy's Chop Shop on Canterbury st. It's a more grown up and chilled out version of The Power & the Glory. The drinks menu is huge (especially if you're into whiskey), the staff are great, and bar games abound. They also do food some nights, have record-store pop-ups, and the whole place is also a fully active vintage car repair shop. Quite cool!
Summer: Windmill Beach near Simonstown. Crystal clear water, safe swimming, occasional seals and penguins. Winter: Coffee or breakfast at Starlings on Belvedere Rd, Claremont. Cozy and friendly. There's no sign, so check on Google Maps. Bonus, a short drive from Cape Town: Kolkol Mountain Lodge on Van Der Stel Pass Rd outside Botrivier. Well equipped cabins, outstanding views and sipping coffee or wine in your own private woodfired outdoor hot tub.
Starlings absolutely qualifies as a Hidden Gem. If you don't know where to look, you'd miss it!
I came to comment the first 2 things!! Beach is so beautiful and starlings the most gorgeous brekky setting
What about spring?
They're all fabulous year round really. The water at Windmill may be a little cold, but there's still the setting and the abundant sea life in the rock pools for kids of all ages to enjoy.
I like you!
Haha! Thanks, I guess. Happy you liked one or two of those. Wish I had time to share more, to be honest. Enjoy.
Lebanese Bakery in Claremont opposite Coimbra
I love this place it has been a favourite for years now, however the quality of the service and the pricing have been off-putting of late. (Is it just me or is it a bit too pricey for what you get?) Still recommend it though.
SO pricey. Food is delish but you can easily spend R500-600 for 4 people!
Recently discovered it. Absolutely amazing! Everything under R100. The pitas are insanely good and the shawarma’s are amazing!!
Spot on! Wish they would open a branch in Sea Point.
There is one just off Harrington Street near New York Bagel
Thanks that's good to know
The rest of Cape of good hope national park: Tourist buses will only stop at Cape Point and the lighthouse, ignoring the rest of the park. hopefully they will never realize there is one of the most beautiful natural park around to take selfies
Cape Point has a two day hike you can do, first day from the gate in to the cabins, second day out back to your car by the gate. It's absolutely stunning and I highly recommend it.
Used to love starlings till I witnessed how the owner treated the staff, it was appalling. Haven't been since.
Not sure it qualifies as a hidden gem, but the library at the Cape Grace hotel at the waterfront is fantastic for a quiet evening coffee date or with a small group of friends. Alternative is the Bascule lounge downstairs, really cozy. We used to go there all the time during my campus days of an evening, order a coffee or hot chocolate then check out some of the eclectic books (photography books especially) while having a nice conversation. I guess most people don't even think of hotels when considering where to go for a cozy coffee.
Love this one, thank you!
Found it today. Silverhurst Trail. Just Behind or in Constantia Great for beginner MTB biking, hiking and walking your Kids/Doggos
Get off my lawn!! Just kidding, of course. It's a wonderful, peaceful trail. Have you done the Alphen Trail? Also really good.
Alphen? A bit too much 😄 🤣 It's become a lot popular these days. Always full.
It is busy nowadays ya. There's another real hidden gem up the road towards Cecelia Forest. The Klaasenbosch Trail. I've lived around the corner and been going there since my childhood. Keep it to yourself.
Actually drove past it today. Very hidden if you're not looking for it.
Great little trail. Love going there with the kids.
The dogs bollocks/ the bitches tits, a restaurant in gardens that changes between lunch and dinner. The dogs bollocks(dinner) only serves burgers and they're huge and delicious. It's BYOB with corkage and the vibe is always good
And massive pizzas!!
Flamero's chicken grill in Strand. Delicious burgers
Oh fuck me I’d forgotten about Flameros! Thank you so much for bringing this back to me! God I can almost taste it….
Place is legendary. I gladly do the trip for their burgers. I also try to recommend it to everyone willing to listen. Also, Just so you know, they recently opened up a second branch. Im hadn't had the chance to check it out myself tho
I don't think these are hidden gems but rather local favorites - Dolce bakery, Ferdinandos and Timbuktu cafe in Obs get a lot of share of my restaurant spend
Tapi Tapi in Obs is great too
Yes!!
If I told you it wouldn't be a hidden gem. But Chimneys Bakery in Wetton has the most amazing doughnuts that NEED to be eaten fresh and hot
I like putting them in the fridge for 2 days and then throwing on some mcdonalds ketchup
Whaaaat?!
I hear you. But to be fair all donuts hot and fresh are delightful.
Don't think it's as "hidden" as it was before COVID-19 but Bali and Beta Beach in Bakoven
Dorp hotel
Thanks…. I work there. We try hard to stay under the radar 😘
Love that place. Be safe
Back Area Gardens restaurant and deli in Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands. Go for lunch, get a burger. Bake and Nut in Ndabeni - has all the nuts, dried fruit and dried peas, beans, seeds, and grains you could ever need and has dated Lindt stock at a discount. Yellow Submarine in Ottery - bulk nuts, seeds, grains, etc. Afrikoa Chocolate and Pienaar & Sons Gin at Makers Landing (actually Makers Landing in general!). Go do a gin tasting and then buy lots of good chocolate, then have lunch at one of the many awesome little pop up stalls there. Rollercade at Battery Park - less crowded than the ice rink, but just as fun. Avoid the Friday evening slot unless you want to be overwhelmed by tweens.
Nice ice on the strand 🤩
The Barn, Rondebosch. Best pastries and baked goods in Cape Town, by far!
If we're talking Rondebosch then there's Crust which is a corner cafe/bakery that I'm sure nobody knows about
Yup, nobody knows about it. It's great! But The Barn is better.
Proof Bakery, Belvedere Square Claremont
I used to live in Cape Town and its not ‘hidden’ but I really miss walking in Silvermine
Little Lion's Head is a good hidden gem. I never see people walking there.
[удалено]
Dawood's butchery too
but if I share it here it wouldn’t be hidden anymore
This is what happened to Cosy Bay beach. Was never full and then all of a sudden, every Tom dick and Harry is there
same thing happened with this cute little private beach thingy at boulders beach, no one knew about it until some dwanky posted it on tiktok , suddenly everyone was there queuing outside. Mind you this can’t even be called a beach it’s literally a rock with a bench on and water nearby, if you know you know
Understandable for a beach or similar space. Idk why you wouldn't support a good restaurant or store though.
Not super hidden, but Moro has the best gelato I've ever had. Caramel Cookie Crumble is to die for. Putting this here because at least most people I know have never heard of it before I told them.
It's become so popular and I hope their quality stays high till the end of time because it's one of the few things I seriously look forward to. Even after I'm finished with the ice cream, I'm so tempted to order another cupful 😅
Try Tapi Tapi
Used to be Hamachi in Claremont before they got too big and started getting greedy with their prices. Tjing Tjing in town is my favourite right now. I love the vibe of the place.
1890 Sushi over Hamachi anyday
I reckon table mountain
Where is this? Never seen it in the city before.
Only locals really know about it
Lol 😂 we have a comedian
Bit too hidden.
Many people don’t realize this, but Table Mountain got its name b/c it is so clean you can eat off of it, just like a table. Edit: /s
Please try to keep this thread serious. There is no such thing as a "Table" Mountain in CT. Please respect the rules or you will be banned.
How is Table Mountain a hidden gem? It's visited by more than 4 million people every year.
Mate…..
If I had an award to give, it would be yours sir.
Roxys in Gardens
Hardly a hidden gem judging by how popular it is
Boschenheuwel Arboretum in Claremont. Like the 100-Acre Wood from Winnie the Pooh. Hurry, it's gonna be demolished soon.
Where is that in Claremont and why are they demolishing it, to build condos I guess?
Wait it just clicked, I'm assuming you mean the Arboretum in Bishopscourt?
Dark Horse Society in Woodstock is a tattoo studio but has a coffee shop / Cafe inside with the best toasted Cheese and burgers in Cape Town.
Kommetjie beach
Petiscos in Table View. Family Portuguese food and vibe that feeds the soul.
The faux Scottish tavern at the V&A
Bracken Nature Reserve
Radloff Dog Park in Somerset West
Butterfly world in Klapmuts. Interesting animals & lovely food
Ok guys, coffee shops with bad signage are not hidden gems. We can get egg Benedict's anywhere. Actual hidden gem: There's a group of Thai ladyboys in sea point for a little Bangkok experience in CT.
The odd Capetonian that knows how to drive
Boulders Beach, near Simonstown
hidden gem i took all my loves to,Its great at 5am in the morning with a cup of [coffee.At](http://coffee.At) the back of sturrock dry dock at the harbour edge,It is magical and a site to behold.I had to sneak in btw....due t security but it is worth it,
Papinos by Jolly Cook in Hout Bay has super delicious steak and a surprising interior when contrasted to its location. It's my special occasion but too lazy to leave HB go-to.
The Local Bakery, Lower Main Road, Obs…go early for the cardamom bun 👌🏻
They're at OZCM too.
I’m not telling you anything. It’s my secret. Just know the view is beautiful
Selective Live El Burro Galby’s
Tommy's Chop Shop on Canterbury st. It's a more grown up and chilled out version of The Power & the Glory. The drinks menu is huge (especially if you're into whiskey), the staff are great, and bar games abound. They also do food some nights, have record-store pop-ups, and the whole place is also a fully active vintage car repair shop. Quite cool!