The 10 Best Things to Do on Bree Street, Cape Town

Cape Town’s Bree Street has cemented its reputation as the culinary heart of the city. Long Street may be its hedonistic neighbour, and Kloof Street its closest rival, but Bree has comfortably established itself as one of the city’s coolest streets.
Although it’s a destination that’s built its reputation for its various restaurants – including Cape Town’s top bakery, along with award-winning and casual eateries – Bree Street also home to boutiques, stores and various bars, which keep the drinks flowing until the early hours, albeit with a more mature twist than nearby Long Street.
As an established marketer, prolific photographer, and passionate Capetonian, Emma Jude Jackson is well-placed to pick the best that Bree Street has to offer.
Although she lives to travel, she’s also an expert at looking at her hometown through her a discerning traveller’s lens – and anyone who’s going to spend some time on Bree Street should take her suggestions seriously.
Jason Bakery
Bakery, Dessert Shop, Contemporary
Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room
Bar, Cafe, Diner, Restaurant, North American

Another dining and general hangout institution in Cape Town is Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room. It’s a popular remote-working destination, but transforms as the day goes on to become an ideal casual dinner and drinks venue later in the evening. “Clarke’s is one of my favourite places in the city to work from and have breakfast with coffee in the morning,” says Jackson. “They also have a sensational burger which comes on their unique croissant-like burger bun. Must add fries!”
Chefs Warehouse
Restaurant, Contemporary, Tapas

High-end street food doesn’t get better than what’s available at Chefs Warehouse. And in spite of its impeccable food, usually ordered as a tapas feast for two, the celebrated restaurant still represents amazing value for money. “Going to any Liam Tomlin restaurant is a real treat and Chefs Warehouse on Bree Street is no exception,” says Jackson. “I love a food experience that involves trying many different dishes and not having to settle on one. It’s an experience as opposed to just being a meal.” Unlike many of the city’s top restaurants, Chefs Warehouse on Bree Street operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the option to wait for a table in its new wine bar until one becomes available, making it a great last-minute culinary treat to consider.
Missibaba and Kirsten Goss
Shop

Villa 47
Bistro, Restaurant, Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, European

Skinny laMinx
Shop

Hank's Olde Irish
Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Irish
I Love the Dough
Pizzeria, Italian
I Love the Dough is a relatively new addition to the Bree Street culinary scene, but one that garnered almost immediate praise from those who have visited. “I’ve only been once, but the pizza was so good that it deserves to be on every Bree Street list!” says Jackson. Its popularity has turned it into equal parts eatery and party destination, which might be too much for some diners, but Jackson suggests getting there early if the focus is on the food. “The pizza is what the experience is all about and you can get out before all the cool kids arrive,” she says.
First Thursdays
Art Gallery
Bree Street has also established itself as one of the main gathering points for the popular monthly event of First Thursdays, but as Jackson points out, more for its bars and restaurants than its galleries. If you’re starting your First Thursday night on Bree Street, though, she recommends taking a short walk away to one of her top gallery picks.“My favourite gallery is SMITH Studio, just a few blocks down from Bree,” she says. There’s also Youngblood Africa, an arts and culture development programme that offers a platform for artists from all genres to showcase their work and become self-sustainable. The three-storey gallery regularly hosts music and theatre performances, art exhibitions and dance classes, from swing to tango – and it’s always thriving on First Thursday nights.
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