Tucked away on the corner of two small streets in the middle of De Waterkant in Cape Town, this little gem is a must visit. I was amazed by this quaint space when I was taken there for a surprise coffee date with a special someone on a cold Saturday morning.
We were greeted by friendly staff and taken upstairs where for a brief moment, we were alone on the terrace seating area. Our coffee order was taken before we were seated next to some homegrown spinach and Basil seedlings. Our attention was then grabbed by the hemp seeds that were meant for salads but found their way into the beautiful patio garden that also had its very own mulberry tree.
A black Americano for me and a Chai Tea for my partner, served by the lovely owner Justine, were welcome warmth on this kief winter morning. After a quick check-in how they had held up during the COVID-19 hard lockdown, we were left to enjoy our steaming beverages and take in the city skyline with tall well-known buildings and some new ones being built.
We quietly finished our drinks while we reflected on the past week and planned for the future. Once done we walked back downstairs to sort out the bill. Sadly, we didn’t have the opportunity to order some food, but the smells coming from the kitchen were enough to make a grown man drool. Not to mention the actual food that came through the pass.
This cute little hidden gem in the middle of Cape Town resides in an old building that Justine and her team have left as authentic as possible. At Café Charles you get service with a smile – even through all the masks. When you visit for breakfast, make sure to ask for a bowl of their hot oats.
137 De Waterkant Road is where you’ll find this divine Café. You are also more than welcome to book your table by calling Justine on 082 454 6810. Don’t forget that if you’ve eaten too much, there are also cottages and rooms available to sleep off that little “boepie” we all carry around after we’ve eaten too much and had pudding.