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Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building in Cape Town

A cozy coffee shop on Hans Strijdom Ave offering a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying quality espresso and light bites in Cape Town.

4.6 58 reviews Coffee Shop American · Southern

Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

FoodPlacee Passport South Africa · Cape Town · 23823
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Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building

De Waterkant, Cape Town, South Africa

Flat White Cappuccino Omelette Cheese Burger
Rating★ 4.6 / 5
CategoryCoffee Shop
Today 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building is a cozy and trendy coffee shop situated in the heart of Cape Town City Centre. Renowned for its great coffee, delightful desserts, and excellent tea selection, this spot offers a warm atmosphere perfect for both casual meetups and focused solo moments. Visitors can enjoy a carefully curated menu of quick bites and artisan coffee specialties in a stylish yet relaxed setting.

Located on Hans Strijdom Ave, this vibrant venue welcomes guests with wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and seating, ensuring comfort for all. With a solid rating of 4.6 from 58 reviews, the coffee shop is especially popular for breakfast, solo dining, and as a productive workspace with Wi-Fi. Offering delivery, takeout, and dine-in options, Shift Espresso Bar adapts well to both busy city life and laid-back escapes alike.

Gallery

Photos from Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A favorite spot in Cape Town City Centre for quality coffee and a relaxed vibe, perfect for breakfast and productive solo dining.

Great Coffee & Tea

Known for expertly crafted coffee and a wide tea selection that delights every palate.

Ideal for Working

Perfect for solo dining and working on a laptop in a cozy, trendy atmosphere.

Group Friendly

Welcomes groups with comfortable seating and a casual environment.

Accessible Location

Features wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating for all guests.

Convenient Hours

Open early to late afternoon on weekdays, with weekend morning hours to suit busy schedules.

Quick Bites & Breakfast

Offers delicious breakfast and quick bites including favorites like flat whites, omelettes, and cheeseburgers.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for early mornings or leisurely afternoons, Shift Espresso Bar delivers a versatile experience for coffee lovers and casual diners alike.

Unwind with a Flat White or Cappuccino while soaking up views of Cape Town’s bustling urban surroundings. The welcoming atmosphere combined with quality food and drink makes it an ideal spot to relax, work, or catch up with friends. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast Delight

Start the day with a freshly prepared omelette or coffee paired with one of their great desserts. Breakfast here is a go-to for locals and visitors craving quality and comfort.

Focused Solo Work

Take advantage of the cozy ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi to work or study over a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in a quiet corner.

Group Meetups

The casual, trendy atmosphere supports relaxed conversations and group gatherings over coffee, quick bites, or dessert.

Convenient Takeout & Delivery

Busy days call for fast service—enjoy your favorite Shift Espresso Bar treats on the go with takeout or opt for delivery right to your door.

Weekend Brunch

Although closed on Sundays, Saturday afternoons are calm and ideal for enjoying specialty coffee and a cheese burger with friends in a relaxed setting.

Best for

Best for Breakfast Solo Dining Working on Laptop Group Friendly Takeout Available Delivery Service Weekend Visits

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

RK
RoOo7 KA 1 month ago

"I visited the café on a Saturday, and the place was calm and beautiful. I truly enjoyed sitting there. I ordered tea with milk and a cappuccino, and both were absolutely delicious—beyond description. The staff were very friendly and welcoming."

GP
G P 2 month ago

"Good outlet and standard is similar to others. Coffee was good, the interior is quirky in a good way. It is bang on a busy intersection in the city and gives a good view of the urban playground whilst one is having coffee. Do give them a visit whilst you are in the area, you won't be disappointed."

RD
Robyn-Leigh Daniels 2 month ago

"Amazing Food & Vibe Food was on the pricier side, but it was absolutely worth it. I had the cheeseburger and the cheese & steak tramezzini — both were delicious. The burger especially stood out; the meat tasted different in the best way, and you can really taste the quality. The coffee and hot chocolate were also amazing — they actually make really good hot drinks. They were playing great music at a moderate volume, which created a chilled, relaxed atmosphere without being too loud. It's definitely a spot I’d return to."

SN
Sikhu N 3 month ago

"Loved this spot. Really good coffee. Great atmosphere, the couch and mini library really bring life to the venue and make you feel at home. You can check my reel on Tiktok user: sikhucooks"

JC
Jaya Chauhan 3 month ago

"An excellent breakfast and coffee first day staying in Fountains Hotel airbnb - impressive self cleaning machine for espresso and all made of shiny copper!! Food was served with equal flair and it was delish...sadly could not return due to departure from country!! The bathrooms are outside and easy to reach with helpful staff nearby in the Icon Building.."

DC
David Coley 3 month ago

"Great place to grab a drink in the morning. They know how to serve tea right: in a teapot with a preheated mug"

AV
Arisara Vilaisumpan 3 month ago

"Great coffee! But the atmosphere not so much for food, the waterway branch is better if u wish to dine!"

LVR
Ludwig van Rooyen 4 month ago

"Great atmosphere and really great coffee. We went on a Saturday morning. The shop was quiet and the service was good. Parking can be difficult. You have to find street parking which can be difficult especially during the week."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Plan a visit during quieter morning hours or weekends to enjoy a calm ambiance and fresher menu options.

Weekdays 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday mornings 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Ideal for solo visits or small groups Breakfast & coffee rush hours

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building in Cape Town .

Address Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Phone +27 21 569 9359
Area Cape Town
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building to plan your visit and enjoy great coffee and meals.

The coffee shop is open Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. Hours may vary, so checking before visiting is recommended.

Yes, service options include delivery, takeout, and dine-in, providing convenience whether ordering remotely or visiting the location.

The venue features wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Shift Espresso Bar serves coffee, quick bites, and offers dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dessert, highlighted by popular dishes such as Flat White, Cappuccino, Omelette, and Cheese Burger.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions flexible and easy.

The coffee shop has a casual, cozy, and trendy vibe, suitable for groups, solo dining, or working on a laptop in a relaxed setting.

It is situated on Hans Strijdom Ave in Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, South Africa, 8000—right in the heart of the city.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.