The 5 Best Hot Chocolates in Cape Town This Winter
Cape Town winters are made for slowing down. For lingering over long conversations, finding a cosy corner by the window, and warming up with something rich and chocolatey in hand.
Whether you're escaping a rainy Cape Town afternoon, warming up after a mountain walk, or simply looking for an excuse to linger a little longer over a warm drink, these are five hot chocolates worth seeking out this winter.
Honest Chocolate Café
If there's one place that belongs on every Cape Town hot chocolate list, it's Honest Chocolate. Tucked away on Wale Street, this beloved café has built its reputation around ethically sourced chocolate and handcrafted treats.
Their hot chocolate is the real deal: rich, velvety and deeply chocolatey, with options ranging from classic milk chocolate to darker, more intense varieties for serious cocoa lovers.
The hidden courtyard only adds to the charm, making it an easy place to lose an hour or two on a rainy day.
Location: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Vibe: A cosy indoor cafe with a hidden courtyard that's equal parts chocolate shop and city escape. Perfect for a slow morning or rainy afternoon.
Order: Their signature hot chocolate, choosing your preferred chocolate strength for the ultimate chocolate experience.
Revved Up Cafe
Revved Up Café has become something of a cult favourite among Cape Town foodies, and for good reason.
Known for its hot chocolate tasting experience, this is the spot for anyone who believes one hot chocolate simply isn't enough. The tasting lets you sample different styles and flavours, turning a simple winter drink into something a little more memorable.
It's fun, a little different, and perfect for sharing with friends on a chilly afternoon.
Location: 112 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Vibe: Creative, quirky and ideal for groups looking for an interactive café experience.
Order: The hot chocolate tasting experience. It's what they're best known for and a great way to sample different flavours.
Moro Gelato
While best known for its gelato, Moro Gelato also serves some seriously indulgent hot chocolate during the colder months.
Expect rich Italian-inspired flavours, generous portions and all the decadence you'd hope for from a brand that specialises in dessert.
It's less about simply keeping warm and more about treating yourself. With locations across Cape Town, it's also one of the easiest stops to add to your winter wanderings.
Location: Multiple locations including Long Street, Sea Point and Green Point.
Vibe: Modern, stylish and unapologetically indulgent.
Order: Their Italian-style hot chocolate.
Image source: @morogelato on Instagram
The Wes Bistro
For a hot chocolate that feels more like dessert, head to The Wes.
This stylish French-inspired bistro has become one of Cape Town's most talked-about dining spots. Inspired by French bistro culture and the cinematic world of Wes Anderson, it's the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
Their famous Parisian Hot Chocolate has earned a reputation of its own, made with real chocolate and cream that is slowly melted together, it's rich, velvety and unapologetically indulgent. Topped with whipped cream and homemade marshmallows, it's the sort of winter treat that lives up to the hype.
This is less of an everyday coffee run and more of a special treat. The kind of hot chocolate you plan an afternoon around.
Location: 55 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
Vibe: A whimsical French bistro with pastel interiors, old-world charm and plenty of cosy corners for lingering over something sweet.
Order: The Parisian Hot Chocolate, served with whipped cream and homemade marshmallows. If you're embracing the full experience, pair it with one of their French-inspired desserts.
Nice Café
Located inside Church House, Nice is one of our Neighbourgood cafés. The perfect inner-city stop that works just as well for a quick morning stop as it does for a break between meetings or a catch-up with friends.
The hot chocolate is simple, unpretentious and exactly what you want on a rainy day, especially when paired with something fresh from the bakery.
And if you’re looking for something more substantial, our East City location has you covered with plenty of food options to choose from and more room to settle in.
Location: Church House, Cape Town City Centre
Vibe: A relaxed city café with a steady flow of locals, remote workers and passersby
Order: A classic hot chocolate and a freshly baked treat from the bakery counter
Embrace the Cosy Season
One of the best ways to experience Cape Town in winter is to embrace the season rather than hide from it. Wander through a neighbourhood you've never explored, catch up with friends over something warm, or spend an afternoon reading while the rain falls outside.
And if a great hot chocolate happens to be involved, even better.
