Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building
De Waterkant, Cape Town, South Africa
A cozy coffee shop on Hans Strijdom Ave offering a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying quality espresso and light bites in Cape Town.
Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Shift Espresso Bar | Icon Building
De Waterkant, Cape Town, South Africa
Overview
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
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
A favorite spot in Cape Town City Centre for quality coffee and a relaxed vibe, perfect for breakfast and productive solo dining.
Known for expertly crafted coffee and a wide tea selection that delights every palate.
Perfect for solo dining and working on a laptop in a cozy, trendy atmosphere.
Welcomes groups with comfortable seating and a casual environment.
Features wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating for all guests.
Open early to late afternoon on weekdays, with weekend morning hours to suit busy schedules.
Offers delicious breakfast and quick bites including favorites like flat whites, omelettes, and cheeseburgers.
Experience
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
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.
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.
The casual, trendy atmosphere supports relaxed conversations and group gatherings over coffee, quick bites, or dessert.
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.
Although closed on Sundays, Saturday afternoons are calm and ideal for enjoying specialty coffee and a cheese burger with friends in a relaxed setting.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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.."
"Great place to grab a drink in the morning. They know how to serve tea right: in a teapot with a preheated mug"
"Great coffee! But the atmosphere not so much for food, the waterway branch is better if u wish to dine!"
"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
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| 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 |
Plan a visit during quieter morning hours or weekends to enjoy a calm ambiance and fresher menu options.
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Questions answered
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For owners
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.