So, it was my birthday recently and I was looking for places that we could meet for a late breakfast/ brunch in Cape Town or surrounds.

I wanted to be outside under a tree or on a big open patio with a natural outlook and views, good food and a nice vibe (not a big ask, right?)

I found the following places;

The Company Gardens Restaurant

Sit outside under the trees with the Company Gardens in the distance and squirrels dashing around.  You will find tourists sitting alongside locals and families all enjoying the good service, coffee and refreshing menu.

The décor is pretty cool with a retro nature inspired theme and the kids love to play on the fun outdoor installations.

I normally have the Classic Benedict or the granola and yoghurt. Yum!

Take a wander through the Gardens after your meal or enjoy a visit to the galleries.

Website and contact details…

Deer Park Café

I meet my sister here quite often with the kids as it is set in an actual fenced in public park with great play equipment. This kids go off while we catch up on all our latest news.

With Table Mountain as a scenic backdrop the tables on the patio look out onto the park and the trees. Don’t come here if you don’t like kids and dogs as there are a lot of kids and dogs!

I love the Grilled haloumi vegetarian breakfast or the Florentine with spinach and hollandaise sauce.

Website and contact details…

The Gardeners Cottage

Situated around the other side of the mountain in Newlands this gem has a cute cottage building with a tranquil garden like setting under the shade of huge camphor trees.

I have enjoyed their Omelette packed with delicious goodies and their Full traditional breakfast, all presented with a great deal of flair.

Be sure to book a table outside on the patio as the inside area feels a bit cramped.

Website and contact details…

Vovo Telo (V & A Waterfront)

A favourite of ours when we go down to the Waterfront. Not quite in nature but there is a lovely dining area outside under trees and umbrellas and there is always a good vibe at the Waterfront.

They have their own in- house bakery so the breads and pastries are amazing (don’t forget to take a loaf home) and one of the best breakfast menu choices in town.

Try the Banter Breakfast with eggs, avo and Danish feta (best combination ever) or the Buttermilk Hotcakes.

Website and contact details…

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant

We normally stop here for a cold drink after a hike on the mountain but they also do a good breakfast.

With panoramic views and situated on the slopes of Table Mountain this place is a bit of an institution in Cape Town. Sit outside under the umbrellas and trees and enjoy a break from the hustle of the city.

I recommend the Health breakfast which is served all day or the good old English breakfast. The menu is not hugely inspired but the portions are big and you have the views to enjoy. Be warned though not to go if you are in a rush as the service is quite slow

The bonus is that there I lots of parking.

Website and contact details…

We ended up getting a booking and going to;

Café Paradiso

A long-standing eating venue on the Cape Town culinary map this cool spot is on Kloof Street. We had our brunch under thick shady trees with a cool breeze blowing and views of Table Mountain.

I had the Eggs Benedict with salmon (my forever favourite) with freshly squeezed juice and cappuccino. Bonus is that the kids can go off to the kitchen and make cookies or pizza or decorate a cupcake at a small extra charge.

Take a moment to wander around and enjoy the décor and quaint corners in the restaurant and patio.

Website and contact details…

Is there anywhere that I have missed? Any other suggestions? Which place is your favourite?