Chardonnay Deli Dalebrook Cafe - Kalk Bay — Restaurant in Western Cape

This lovely cafe has three locations, and each one has an absolutely beautiful setting. I am a regular at two of them, the one in Kalk Bay and the one in Constantia. I am yet to try the Uitsig location, but I am sure it’ll be just as wonderful as I find they’re incredibly consistent. I have never had a bad meal, and their coffee is some of the best in Cape Town.

Dalebrook Cafe, located in Kalk Bay, is right opposite the ocean. I mean, could you imagine a better location? It’s perfect for a cold plunge before or after breakfast, as many do. There is seating inside, as well as outside in the courtyard. The vibe is laid back, and has a rustic, beachy yet chic feel to it. I love the open space, it flows very nicely. They also have an open kitchen, which I always appreciate.

Chardonnay Deli is very similar, it’s basically the forest version of the Dalebrook location. There is also inside and outside seating here. I love sitting outside under the trees. It is so relaxing, and it just feels good for the soul, if that makes any sense.

Both locations have a little shop inside where you can buy some delicious treats, drinks, ready made meals, and, of course their wide selection of scrumptious cakes. I mean, they have about five different cheesecakes to choose from.

As I said, I visit both locations quite often. They have excellent WiFi, so it’s a great place to work from, when they’re not too busy.

I always order an almond milk flat white, the smaller size. The large is pretty massive. Their coffee is definitely in my top three in Cape Town, it is absolutely amazing.

Now, onto my food order. I alternate between two of their breakfasts. One is pretty simple, their “something on toast” smashed avocado. I always get rye and two soft poached eggs (R109). Obviously, it’s fantastic. The rye is nutty and dense, topped with a very generous amount of creamy avocado and perfectly cooked eggs, with that golden runny yolk. Talk about indulgent.

While we’re on the topic of indulgence, let me tell you about my other favourite dish, their shakshuka (R115). This dish is in my top three breakfasts I’ve had. I was a bit worried when first ordering this as I find this dish can be a real hit or miss. I find many shakshukas I’ve had are too acidic when the tomato base isn’t cooked properly. This one was perfection. The arrabbiata sauce is balanced and well spiced. It is filled with chunks of peppers and onions, then topped with a poached egg, a generous amount of creamy feta and Parmesan cheese. It is accompanied by your choice of bread, I chose sourdough. Trust me, order this if you’re very hungry. It is a generous portion, to say the least. I honestly don’t have the words to express how delicious this meal is. You just have to trust me and try it for yourself. I enjoyed eating this meal so much. Scooping up that rich sauce with the bread transported me straight to heaven, I swear.

Back down to earth, all I have to say is, you have to give it a go. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, family, or solo. I always have an amazing experience. The staff are all incredibly friendly. It feels homely and like one big family. The environment is one you could spend hours in, it truly is my...

4 Apr 2023.

Even though my first visit was really good, good enough to visit a second time… alas, the second time around was very deflating.

I got the Peanut butter smoothie. Simply put, it was horrible. Admittedly, PB is not my favorite flavor, but even so, there was no redeeming quality about that smoothie. It was so thick it was like drinking peanut butter from the jar itself. It also seemed to have bits of peanut shells in it. That was strange. Worse than that, I got it under the recommendation of the waiter and when I was dissatisfied with the quality and taste of the smoothie, I was billed for it anyway.

The cheesecake slice I got was also not as good as the first time I visited. I couldn’t finish it and cheesecake is my favourite kind of pastry. Period.

It was dry and the parts closer to the crust don’t seem to have been mixed well before baking. It was crumbly and dry (I don’t mean the biscuit part).

Anyway, sufficed it to say, all in all not great. Atleast, not as good as my first visit. I, personally, will not be returning.

————————————————————— Absolutely AMAZEBALLS!!!

Oh my! I had the lime and white chocolate cheesecake and both things were just great.

I am muslim, so halaal restrictions and all, so I asked if they use animal gelatine in their cheesecakes and, they don't, so that was lovely. The place is NOT HALAL for the meal offerings, but they do have vegetarian and vegan offerings.

My colleague and I sat outside in the garden and the atmosphere was inviting. It has a nautical theme with white and blue striped decor and such. The views of the mountain and the real estate on the mountain was really cute.

I had a berry smoothie that tasted great. I decided to take the cheesecake to-go and it kept impressively well for about 5 hours not-in-the-fridge.

Sufficed it to say, I will be back the next time I have a hankering for a decadent...

First time at the Dalebrook tidal pools and tied it in with a visit to Dalebrook Cafe Lovely little spot, packed to the rafters with constant walk-ins and the takeaways flowing. Service was good, manager always in sight and buzzing about. Nice story on one of the printed 'menus' about the owner and her journey. Food obviously changes or is seasonal - chalkboard with the menu items is placed near table for perusal. Place was packed, so took our chances and told tables would be leaving, got a dirty chai each while waiting- a good chai but came in large cup so a bit milky and prefer mine a bit stronger - not a gripe, merely a preference thing. Menu options quite varied and chalkboard menu a lot to take in so asked one of the staff what the crowd favourites were , she said smashed avo, but find that's a bit of general option at most eateries and everything looked delicious coming out of the kitchen so a bit of elaboration would of been nice- needless to say got the smashed avo with poached eggs, bacon and a hollandaise. Needed another stronger coffee and asked if smaller cup was done, and there are options on cup size etc. Partner had the French toast with literally all the trimmings and was wolfed down. Enjoyed the food, the buzz was electric, cakes looked amaze and great little hangout plus, can take a dip in the tidal pools...