Backyard Café is one of those hidden gems, the kind that you get invited to or hear about through a friend. Attached to the back of a furniture store that deals with upcycling and restoring old furniture, it’s easy to understand why the café is mostly found through referrals.
The backyard name is quite literal, yet this venue is unlike most people’s backyards, quaint, sun-dappled and ornate. You have to walk through the furniture store to get to the café, which spills out onto a delightful garden space with a fountain, hanging pot plants and a peaceful vibe. A very popular destination for birthdays, baby showers and pre-wedding celebrations, it has the intimacy of being at home mixed with the style of living it up. Instead of hiring people to cater at your house, you can simply order off the menu and turn your gatherings into something memorable and special.
Centred around breakfast and lunch with many people stopping by for a coffee catch up, the café’s little kitchen manages to serve up delicious and decorative meals and treats. Cape Town is quite fussy when it comes to coffee in the Backyard Café have done their homework, delivering a cappuccino that arrives with a shortbread cookie and even some glitter to make it more festive.
Offering everything from warm drinks to smoothies, you can even have the best of both worlds with what’s known as The Hulk. The drink combines a shot of espresso with banana, cacoa and milk turning it into a nutritious drink. Presenting a wide selection of breakfasts that will appeal to almost anyone’s taste, their lunch menu is just as appealing with sandwiches, salads and burgers that have a home-made feel and gourmet panache.
The waitrons are attentive and friendly, giving you space to do your thing, whether you’re playing Scrabble or just soaking in some sunshine. Big tables, small tables and even a lounge area – there’s a variety of pleasant spots to enjoy your guest quest.
The pricing is reasonable considering the offering and value of the experience. It’s a great place to have a midweek catch up, a pleasant Saturday morning breakfast or a spot to plunk your laptop down and get to focus on your novel or emails with a coffee and meal service.
Things do get a little rushed when they operate at capacity on busy days but for the most part this is an enjoyable, peaceful and welcome guest quest. They do have indoor seating for the busier and colder days, which can be just as homey and inviting but the real attraction is the garden when the weather is blissful. People that are in on the inside track will find themselves returning many times, which is enough praise to warrant you finding the time to make a visit.
One word review: Quaint
Backyard Cafe
4 Sol Cohen Road,
Bergvliet
Tues-Thurs, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Fri-Sun, 9:00am – 4:00pm