In South Africa, and throughout Southern Africa, a coffee shop is more or less what is called a café or street café in Europe. A coffee shop is mostly a place where you can meet friends, or have business meetings, in a very relaxed sociable atmosphere. As the name indicate you'll always be able to order at least a cup of coffee! Most are however licensed and also serve a wide range of alcoholic beverages. Coffee shops vary in luxury and style from the very basic, to the hip and trendy, right through to darn right stuck-up and expensive establishments... Menus vary from basic to very comprehensive.

Most coffee shops specialise in light - quick and affordable - meals. Our region has, thankfully, not yet succumbed to the Styrofoam culture and you will be served with proper cutlery and other utensils (no plastic). Most coffee shops also keep copies of daily newspapers and magazines and you can simply ask for a copy when you sit down (but don't take it with you). The coffee shop culture in South Africa has killed of most restaurants, although the distinction between the two is somewhat blurry. However, restaurants still exist but tend to be exclusive, expensive and a bit boring...

There are many independent coffee shops, however in terms of coffee shop chains some of the best in our opinion are House of Coffees, News Cafe, Primi Piatti and Mugg & Bean. A great resource for finding the coffee shop or restaurant that's right for you is EatOut, an annual "restaurant" guide listing and describing some 800 establishments in South Africa. You can buy it at most reputable South African book shops or visit their website.