Cape Town’s social scene wouldn’t be complete without its popular shisha lounges.
From the city center to the suburbs, these lounges offer more than just a hookah to enjoy with friends – they create experiences with great food and music, and a space to wind down after a long week. Here are some must-visit shisha lounges across the Mother City.
Allure Rooftop Bar
For those who love a mix of urban views and nightlife, Allure Rooftop Bar is a fantastic spot. Situated in Cape Town’s City Centre, this rooftop lounge offers a variety of hookah flavours alongside delicious meals and drinks to choose from.
It’s perfect for sunset gatherings or late-night meet-ups, with a view of Cape Town’s skyline and an open kitchen until 2 a.m. Live DJs and events keep the energy high, and the free parking is an added bonus.
Location: 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town City Centre
Contact: 0671028634
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Damascus Middle Eastern Cuisine
Located in Sea Point, Damascus offers an authentic Middle Eastern experience, complete with Syrian shawarmas, Arabic coffee, and a range of shisha flavours. This intimate lounge is a hidden gem where you can choose from standard to fruit-based hookah pipes.
The friendly service ensures that your coals are constantly refreshed, making it a relaxing spot for a full evening of shisha and delicious food.
Location: 307 Main Road, Sea Point
Contact: 081 757 3148
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Hookup Lounge
For a more laid-back vibe, The Hookup Lounge in Wynberg offers a fully halaal menu with gourmet milkshakes, sandwiches, and steaks to pair with your shisha. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends or family, with popular weekly specials like buy-one-get-one-free pizzas and mixed hookah flavors on request.
Location: 121 Ottery Road, Wynberg
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Emperor’s Lounge
With decor inspired by African royalty, Emperor’s Lounge on Long Street offers a comfortable environment to enjoy a shisha.
The black and gold interiors set the scene for the royal experience, and their special promo buckets include hookah, a meat platter, and beers. It’s an upscale option for those looking to relax in a chic environment with a touch of heritage.
Location: 230 Long Street, Cape Town City Centre
Contact: 067 102 8634
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m
Cafe Extrablatt
If you’re into sports, Cafe Extrablatt in Green Point is the place to be. With happy hour every day, this shisha-friendly cafe has a balcony overlooking Main Road and plenty of seating for you and your friends.
Grab a hookah pipe and enjoy flavours like watermelon and mint cream while watching your favourite sports games on their big-screen TVs. It’s a laid-back hangout, perfect for an after-work wind down.
Location: Exhibition Building, Green Point
Contact: 021 434 3759
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Friday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Mesopotamia
For a truly traditional experience, visit Mesopotamia, one of Cape Town’s oldest shisha lounges. Located in Green Market Square, this Kurdish restaurant offers diners a variety of Middle Eastern dishes and belly dancing entertainment.
Their terrace seating and cosy indoor lounge make it an ideal spot for both dinner and to enjoy a hookah.
Location: 36 Burg Street, Cape Town City Centre
Contact: 021 424 4664
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
While shisha can be a fun social activity, it is important to note that smoking shisha regularly can have negative health effects. To minimise risk, enjoy shisha in moderation and be mindful of its impact on your health.
ALSO SEE: Cape Town welcomes its first alcohol-free bar
Feature image: Pexels
