It’s always coffee time in the Get It office! From flat whites to dirty chai’s, and cappuccinos to straight up black Americanos … this is what gets us through the day! In celebration of International Coffee Day this month, we’re sharing some of our most beloved North Coast coffee hot spots. You’re welcome!
Food Fundi Café
Food Fundi Café is a gem of a local hangout for families and professionals alike. Parents can enjoy a (hot!) coffee while their children let off steam at Sugar Rush Park and the relaxed mid-week vibe is perfect for remote working or breakaway meetings. There is plenty of outdoor seating, free WiFi and no shortage of friendly faces to keep your coffee topped up. Their coffee is always delicious, since they loyally stick to one supplier of fresh beans, sourced by champion barista and coffee guru Bruce Manning. They never pre-grind their beans so no flavour gets lost and water is sourced from the farm borehole and double filtered, giving it a ‘sweeter’ finish. Details: Open 7 days a week, 7am – 4pm, www.foodfundi.co.za
Gatvol Coffee
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Located in the leafy gardens of a boutique hotel, Gatvol Coffee offers a tranquil spot for you to enjoy a delicious ‘cuppa calm’ under twinkly lights with nature all around (they also have free Wi-Fi!). A key tip to ensure a good cuppa all year round is dialling in the grinder according to the daily weather and humidity! Details: Open Tues to Sun, 7am to 4pm, 30 Braemar Avenue, La Lucia, 079 497 5819, www.gatvolcoffee.co.za, FB:@gatvolcoffee, IG:@GatvolCoffee
The Orange Tree
Not just incredible coffee. The Orange Tree is a beautiful café overlooking Umhlali Prep’s sports field serving all-day breakfast, wraps, salads, burgers, waffles, pancakes, vegetarian and vegan meals. Their top coffee tip? For a black Americano put ice in the cup before pouring the espresso; it cools it down without ruining the crema! Details: Makers’ Yard, School Rd, Umhlali, 084 074 9880, @theorangetree_sa
The Office Café
The Office Café is a quaint coffee shop that loves supporting local, serving a variety of ‘truly Ballito’ products, including their Coastal Coffee Roasters coffee. The vast menu includes keto, low carb and the the usual breakfasts and light lunch favourites. They have free wi-fi (and a generator), so take your laptop and enjoy their delicious coffee and meals! Open Mon to Fri, 7am to 5pm and Saturdays, 8am to 1pm. Details: The Quarter Centre, Ballito, 087 460 0343.
Bike & Bean Forest Café
Durban’s ‘coffee culture’ is transformed at the Bike & Bean Forest Café, nestled at the end of a 250m boardwalk made from recycled plastic, within the tranquil, protected uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve. Managed by the uMhlanga UP and supported by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, visitors can meet in idyllic surroundings over the perfectly brewed cup of coffee, fresh baked goods or a simple, delicious meal. Open 5am to 6pm in summer and 6am to 5pm in winter. Details: FB @BikeandBeanDurban, IG @bikeandbean_durban
Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters
There is nothing better than a good coffee and convo in the village … and that’s what Tiki Tonga Coffee in Umhlanga is all about! Enjoy a legendary Cortado with latte art and enjoy the coffee aroma in the air while sitting under the trees in the village. Order a ‘smashed avo on toast’, chat to the locals, laugh with the baristas and feel like you belong!
Details: Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga, 087 808 9719, IG: @tikitongacofeesa
Mugg & Bean
Sun, sea and coffee … that’s what Mugg & Bean Umhlanga Sands on the Umhlanga promenade is all about! Open to the public, they serve generous flat whites, Americanos, lattes and so much more! Sit down coffee date or an on-the-move cuppa, they have it all (including tasty meals!). Details: Umhlanga Sands Resort, 44 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 031 630 0888.
Salt Rock Coffee
Looking for a trendy spot to enjoy a speciality cuppa and a bite to eat? Salt Rock Coffee Company have established themselves as the top coffee hot spot on the North Coast and bring exciting news of new coffee with improved flavour profiles, roasted exclusively for them. The perfect space for locals to catch up over their fave ‘cino’ or meet with clients, there is free wi-fi and it’s open daily from 7am. Details: Shop 13, 61 Basil Hulett Drive, Salt Rock, www.saltrockcoffee.co.za
