A summer of quiet luxury at Labotessa’s Café & Terrace

In the historic heart of Cape Town, where Church Square rests beneath an open summer sky, Labotessa Boutique Hotel offers a seasonal experience shaped by calm interiors, thoughtful service and the pleasure of beautifully prepared food enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

The Café & Terrace has become one of the city’s most refined daytime settings, a place where bright mornings drift into long lunches and late afternoon glasses of wine naturally slip into the social rhythm of the city.

Mornings at Labotessa are deliberately gentle. Guests settle into soft chairs, the quiet pulse of the square unfolding around them, while the kitchen sends out dishes that speak to the lightness of the season. The Green Smoothie Bowl with spinach, apple, ginger and coconut is a warm-weather favourite, as are the fresh fruit platters, creamy avocado toast and the Hollandse Wafel topped with whipped cream and summer berries.

Labotessa is also known for its outstanding selection of coffees, specially blended for the hotel and prepared with the same care and attention that shapes every detail of the property. From a velvet-textured flat white to a bold double espresso or an iced latte suited to warm mornings, each cup is crafted to complement the gentle rhythm of the space.

For guests easing into the day with something celebratory, the Eggs Benedict and the warmly spiced Shakshuka Eggs pair naturally with a chilled mimosa, especially with the option of unlimited mimosas at R395 per person.

The signature Appeltaart remains the dessert most closely associated with Labotessa: a fragrant Dutch apple pie made from a family recipe and served with velvety whipped cream. It is this sense of personal memory, coupled with quiet elegance, that defines the Labotessa approach.

Lunch on the Terrace captures the essence of summer in the city. The dishes are fresh, unfussy and confident in their simplicity. The Smoked Salmon Trout with citrus and fennel salad has become a lunchtime favourite: a cool and aromatic plate that balances brightness and texture, ideal for warm days when the sun lingers across the square. The Burrata Salad with heirloom tomatoes and basil feels immediately at home outdoors, while the Broodje Pittige Kip with harissa and toasted almonds and the Veggie Wrap layered with roasted vegetables and basil pesto offer easy options for guests stopping by between meetings or gallery visits.

To accompany the summer menu, the Café offers a carefully chosen selection of seasonal wines. Interesting white blends, crisp and expressive, share the list with elegant rosé wines that echo the brightness of the season. A collection of the Cape’s finest Methode Cap Classique is also available, offering guests the option of something celebratory and refreshingly dry on warm afternoons. These wines pair effortlessly with the character of the terrace and the slow rhythm of a summer day in the city.

As afternoon shifts toward evening, the Café moves into its Borreltijd rhythm, the Dutch tradition of early evening snacks and drinks. This is one of the most atmospheric moments at Labotessa, when the light turns amber and the Terrace becomes a natural meeting place for after work drinks or for guests heading to or returning from performances at the Artscape or City Hall. The intention is simple, encouraging visitors to drop in for a drink and a platter and to stay as long as the evening allows.

Parma ham with fresh greens, pan con tomate, chicken yakitori and generous cheese and charcuterie boards shape this relaxed hour.

The cocktail list is composed with freshness in mind. The Garden Terrace blends mint, cucumber and elderflower in a cool and aromatic mix, while The Paloma brings together grapefruit and lime in a bright citrus-forward drink that suits the warm Cape evenings. The Labotessa Old Fashioned offers a gentle Cape twist on the classic with a spiced aroma and a hydrated orange slice.

Just inside, the Diptyque Boutique offers a moment of sensory calm. The Diptyque Tea Experience is presented daily at 11h00 and 14h00, a refined journey through the French maison’s fragrances paired with delicate bites and signature teas. Places are intentionally limited and bookings are essential to preserve the intimacy and personal nature of the experience.

Reflecting on the season, general manager Johan du Plessis remarks, “Luxury, to me, has always been about ease. It is the feeling that nothing needs to be hurried and that the smallest details have already been considered for you.”

Throughout summer, the Café & Terrace remains a favourite for Cape Town locals as much as visiting guests. The menu is accessible, the welcome warm, the setting quietly beautiful. It is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the light and let the city move gently around you.

Labotessa can be found at 5 Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town City Centre. For more information or to book your stay, visit the website, email stay@labotessa.com or call +27 (21) 010 6600.