The 8 best breakfast and brunch spots in Pretoria

A whimsical spot in a Cape Dutch-style building just off Lynnwood Road, Afro-Boer feels like an old-timey garden café. True to its name, the menu marries heritage and innovation – “a bit of Zulu on the stoep and boerekos in the kitchen,” as the owner says. 

Start with a creme brulee latte, or a mug of rooibos tea while you peruse the breakfast selection. Try the Boeremeisie bowl (traditional mieliepap porridge elevated with local honey and cream) or any of the cakes baked daily. Bonus points for spotting one of Pretoria’s many rugby players - they all seem to be regulars here.

Address: 1 Meerlust Business Village, Corner of Meerlust and Lynnwood

Another Pretoria East special, La Vie Lente (French for “the slow life”) is a bistro-venue that offers a peaceful farm-like setting for a leisurely brunch. It’s part cafe, part event venue, and 100% charming. You’ll find yourself seated in a garden under jacaranda trees or in a white-washed courtyard with a fountain. You could order off the regular menu, but the platters come highly recommended; they’re more like themed charcuterie boards and are great for family-style sharing.

Speaking of families, this is a family-run business who really aim to please and give their most heartfelt service every time.  There’s also lawns galore, so plenty of space for small children to run around and play.

Address: 242 M6 Tierpoort

If you worship at the altar of coffee, Aroma in Hazelwood is your temple. Tucked into The Village precinct, this gourmet roastery-café greets you with the rich scent of freshly ground beans and a display of pastries and gelato. Forget eggs benedict or boring avo toast; this is the display that that stops you in your tracks if you’re a ‘brunch should be sweet’ kind of person. Baristas here take their craft seriously – every cup is perfectly brewed, from flat whites with latte art to hand-poured single origin filter coffees. 

But don’t worry; though the sweet options are what Aroma is famous for, they have savoury on the menu too. Early birds can fuel up on hearty breakfast options: shakshuka served bubbling in a cast-iron pan, or a loaded smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese and capers.

Address: 9 Firwood Ave, Hazelwood

Part bakery, part trendy bistro, part bar, Whisk Wine Bar offers the best of both worlds: buttery croissants and flat whites by morning, wood-fired pizzas and chardonnay by evening. Their breakfast menu might start with something simple – say, homemade scones piled high with jam – or a bit more indulgent, like Persian poached eggs on spicy yoghurt with chilli oil, pita bread, and avocado.

The place is huge and family friendly, complete with a duck pond and play area for the younguns to run wild. While the rest of Centurion will be hanging around at Irene Dairy Farm with the kids, you’ll have the run of the place at Whisk.

Address: 1 Cornwood ave &, Nellmapius Dr, Irene, Centurion

Mornings here are popular with cyclists. And why wouldn’t they be, when they start with such heavenly aromas from the bakery counter? Flaky pasteis de nata, giant cinnamon buns and crusty artisan loaves. Snag a pastry or opt for a plated breakfast. The salmon hash is the stuff brunch dreams are made of: two hash browns topped with cream cheese, chives, avocado & salmon trout drizzled with basil pesto mayo. Pair it with a mimosa, and we’re practically guaranteeing you’ll be there till 3pm. For the more health conscious, there’s also a selection of freshly pressed juices as well as the regular caffeinated drink options. 

And if the menu or the chill vibes at 23 on Rubenstein seems familiar, it’s probably because you’ve come across their sister restaurant 23 on Hazelwood - another cyclist haunt, as it happens!

Address: 769 Rubenstein Dr, Moreleta Park

Blos Café is a feast for all senses – from the moment you arrive at this lush Pretoria East retreat, you’re greeted by flowering gardens, eclectic art pieces and the smell of brewing coffee in the air. Better yet, Blos opens at 7am with a mission to make your day start with a smile. 

The setting is serene and spacious: an outdoor deck under big trees, quirky mismatched furniture, and even an on-site gallery for local artists. The spicy mango and egg skillet is something special: Three poached eggs baked in spicy mango sauce, served with crispy bacon and toasted Peppadew and feta, along with sourdough. It’s both tasty and cute - an Instagram girly’s dream, to be honest. 

During the week, they serve breakfast all day. But they close by 3pm on Sundays, so get your fix early. And despite being a massive venue, they’re always packed. Book a table if you’re a bigger group.

Address: Plot 66, Corner of Olympus Road, Leander Road, Faerie Glen

In the heart of the Moot area lies Grounded at Echo, a coffee shop with a conscience and a whole lot of character. Set in a renovated house on Pierneef Street, this community café exudes a cozy, lived-in charm. 

Grounded opens extra early (6am on weekdays) to serve the pre-work crowd with robust African coffee and breakfast “sarmies” (sandwiches) that hit the spot. The standout dish, though, has to be their banana, bacon & honey French toast – a decadent, syrupy stack that’s worth every single calorie. 

But the best part of eating here has nothing to do with the food. Grounded is a registered non-profit dedicated to upliftment of the local community - so that long, lazy brunch is also lending a helping hand to those in need.

Address: 353 Pierneef Street

This east-of-the-city hideout has quickly become a favourite for all-day brunchers seeking something a little different. True to its name, The Wild Café mashes up South African classics with American comfort food flair. The vibe is bright and homey, with greenery draped from the ceiling and local art on the walls, and an open kitchen sending out heavenly aromas of bacon, maple syrup and filter coffee. On the menu, you’ll find inventive dishes like their Philly cheese steak toast (think tender beef and melted cheese loaded onto thick sourdough) and a decadent stack of fluffy pancakes crowned with bacon bits and fresh berries. 

After trying it, it’s hard not to rave about the “Untamed Breakfast,” a massive platter featuring eggs your way, sausage, avocado and The Wild’s signature potato bites – guaranteed to vanquish any hunger.

Address: Glen Village North, Skukuza Street, Faerie Glen (near Olympus Drive)

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