Cape Town isn’t just about breathtaking views and world-class beaches, it’s also a dessert lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re a chocoholic, a pastry perfectionist, or someone who believes ice cream is a year-round essential, the Mother City has something to satisfy your sugar cravings.
We’ve rounded up the best dessert spots in Cape Town that’ll have you saying, ‘Just one more bite!’
1. Unframed Ice Cream – The Picasso of ice cream
If ice cream were an art form, Unframed would be the Louvre. Known for its velvety textures and bold flavours (think vegan chocolate and burnt white chocolate), this place is a must for ice cream connoisseurs. Plus, their ever-changing menu means there’s always a new scoop to obsess over.
- Times: Sunday – Wednesday, 11am – 10pm | Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm
- Location: 45C Kloof St, Gardens
- Website: unframedicecream.com
- Contact: 069 899 2115
2. Jason Bakery – The croissant king
Famous for their weekend ‘doughssants’ (a croissant-doughnut hybrid that’s pure magic), Jason Bakery is a Cape Town institution. The lines might be long, but one bite of their buttery, flaky pastries, and you’ll understand why.
- Times: Monday – Saturday, 7am – 3pm
- Location: 83 Main Rd, Green Point
- Website: jasonbakery.com
- Contact: 021 433 0538
3. The Ice Café – Kalk Bay’s coolest treat
A seaside stroll isn’t complete without a scoop (or two) from this old-school ice cream parlour. Their homemade flavours – like peanut butter fudge and Turkish delight – are worth the drive to Kalk Bay.
- Times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 7 pm | Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 8 pm
- Location: 92 Main Rd, Kalk Bay
- Website: instagram.com/theicecafekalkbay
- Contact: 021 788 1995
4. The Dairy Den – Soft serve heaven
If childhood nostalgia had a flavour, it would taste like The Dairy Den’s legendary dipped soft serve. Whether you go for their classic chocolate-dipped cone or an over-the-top freak shake, you’ll leave with a sugar high and a smile.
- Times: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm | Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 10 pm | Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm
- Location: Shop G54A, Willowbridge Shopping Centre, Carl Cronje Dr, Bellville
- Website: thedairyden.com
- Contact: 081 859 5860
5. Charly’s Bakery – The queen of cupcakes
This colourful bakery isn’t just Insta-worthy; it’s a Cape Town icon. Their giant cupcakes, themed cakes, and decadent brownies have been sweetening up the city for decades. If it’s good enough for visiting celebs, it’s good enough for us!
- Times: Tuesday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm | Saturday, 8:30 am – 2 pm
- Location: 36-38 Canterbury St, District Six
- Website: charlysbakery.co.za
- Contact: 021 461 5181
6. Honest Chocolate – Bean-to-bar bliss
Chocolate snobs, rejoice! Honest Chocolate’s handcrafted, organic treats are next level. Their peanut butter cups and banana bread bunny chow (yes, you read that right) will change everything you thought you knew about chocolate.
Whether you’re in the mood for a delicate pastry, a scoop of something cold, or a chocolate creation that belongs in a museum, Cape Town’s dessert scene has you covered. So go on, indulge – life’s too short to skip dessert!
- Times: Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pm | Friday and Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm | Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
- Location: 64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre
- Website: honestchocolate.co.za
- Contact: 076 765 8306
7. Coco Safar – Luxury on a plate
If your sweet tooth has a taste for the finer things, Coco Safar is your dessert paradise. Their famous croissant 2.0 – a crisp, buttery masterpiece filled with dreamy custard – is worth every calorie. Pair it with their signature rooibos-infused coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 10 pm
- Location: Piazza St-John, 395 Main Rd, Sea Point
- Website: cocosafar.com/za
- Contact: 021 000 5408
ALSO SEE: Johannesburg’s best brunch spots right now
This article was originally published on Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Pexels
