Review Smak - Cape Town Central

Junaid Rahim

A lovely little gem in Bree. If you work nearby it's a fantastic breakfast spot. Fast and fantastic service.

Jimmy Nicolaou

It’s the second time I’ve been here and it’s good to see that they have still maintained the good high standard I experienced before. A warm welcome from the staff and we were attended to quickly. I ordered the ‘Good ‘ol Scramble’ breakfast with extra crispy bacon. It was sublime. Perfectly prepared and delicious. The coffee was also great 👍🏻 Definitely my go to place when in Cape Town again. Keep it up 😎

Jayson Jedi

World class cooking and great service at very reasonable prices.

Jonas Larsson

Ok coffee and smoothie. I thought it would be a place for working but it didn't really feel like that. I was the only one working in the café. Will come back sometime.

Sean Clancy

Dropped in for a quick cappuccino, which came quickly. Great service and lovely biscuit included - all just for R20!

Edmond Gagnon

We've been on the road for 3 weeks in Egypt and South Africa. By far the best breakfast we've had since leaving home. Friendly and efficient service, broad menu with reasonable prices. We had the daily Quiche and English breakfast...both 5 star!

Tessel Pool

I'm a regular, and find myself coming here over other places because of the quality of the food (and the best coffee), but most importantly how friendly and kind the staff are. I am always greeted with a smile and treated like a queen. Thank you for consistently proving quality in every aspect of your service!

Nicholas Mead

There are not many places that make fresh pasta. For that alone they deserve 6 stars. The venue is pleasant and staff helpful. Menu is also interesting and has something for everyone. Did I mention fresh pasta? Yeah fresh pasta.

Gerrit Vermeulen

A neat new restaurant on Bree Street. Their pasta is freshly made and delicious, and their chicken with a couscous salad is refreshing. There seemed to be a bit of scrambling over lunch when we went, but that could just be the teething issues of a new restaurant finding it's feet. [Edit - 2 years later] This place is still really great. An absolute must have is their salted caramel cheesecake!

Brendan Ardagh

Lived in Cape Town since birth, this is the best day-time restaurant in town. Exceptionally well run, with flexibility in offering while remaining fairly priced. A range of imported biscuits, chocolates etc. and some of the highest quality ingredients. I can genuinely say this is my favourite restaurant in Cape Town. Top tip: The cheescake is great.

Azraa Akherwaray

Staff are extremely friendly and offer fantastic service, food doesn't take too long to arrive, uncapped wifi works well. Breakfast menu has good variety. Overall, great experience!

Gabby De Wet

Another gem in the Mother City of Cape Town. Delicious food, great service. Not cheap but worth it. The cheesecake is the best ever to be found in Cape Town. Home made pasta and other delicatessen available.

Dax Villanueva

Great new addition to the Bree St food offering. Open for breakfast and lunch, SMAK caters for those who wish sit and enjoy a meal as well as those that just want to grab something on the run. Do try the cakes, they are amazing.

Sabrina Forbes

This is one restaurant I am happy to return to again and again. They have a consistently good menu with great service and even better coffee. I am appreciative of the menu items that cater for vegans and would HIGHLY recommend their vegan tacos. Smak is my go-to place for breakfast and lunch. They also open for special dinner events, I have been to a few and think they're fabulous. Smak is also the only restaurant in Cape Town where you'll find Moet & Chandon at a reasonable price.

James Charton

I have been goig to Smak regularly for a couple of years now. There is a good reason for that. The food has never been anything other than amazing, and it is always served with a smile from the super staff who work there. The best part is that on Saturday mornings, I can easily get a table and not feel like I am part of a flash mob - something that often happens at some of the more popular spots in Town.

D M

Fantastic breakfast and lunch menu! The food and service is excellent. One of our favorite spots since finding this gem!

frank b.

Just what I was expecting and everything was fresh. Could not ask better !!

Ciaran Newton

Amazing food, great value for the quality and the staff are amazingly friendly. One of my favourites in the CBD. Make sure to try the Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

Masuka Mutenda

Great atmosphere. Wonderfully attentive and prompt service, with knowledgeable and helpful staff. And the food was perfection. My food was fresh, healthy and delicious. Good vegetarian options and they catered to gluten-free pasta request. Definitely visiting again.

Sabrina Flavia Forbes

There are few places that I’m happy to return to over and over again. Their menu is varied and consistently delicious plus they have great vegan options! You can even build a breakfast if you want with a variety of options. You should definitely try it!

Kieran Varkevisser

Had the smashed Avo for lunch today and all i can say is QUALITY. Such a good meal and good value for money. Highly recommend the place if you keen for an awesome experience.

Rodney Kennedy

We just spent a week on holiday in Cape town from Ireland ( a lads vacation) and we visited Smak several mornings for Breakfast which was just fantastic. Try the " smashed Avo" in particular and the other poached egg offerings. We hope to be back soon and regards to Katia the owner/ manager and all the staff at Smak.

Andrew Cabrie

I had breakfast there this morning and it was amazing! The Good ol scramble was fantastic. Great value for money and the service was excellent! I will definitely recommend paying a visit to Smak!

Pat Campbell

Myself and 6 other adults all had a super- scrumptious experience at SMAK...we all loved our food. I had the salmon whilst my husband had the seared-tuna ...we argued the whole way home about whom had had the tastiest meal� the staff were busy but awesome and professional � we cant wait for a return visit

Petra Smit

Friendly, helpful staff and the most delicious food. Well done!

Luciano Damián Carbajo

Best French toast I ever had! Smiley staff and I'm already looking forward to going again and explore more the menu.

Sascha Hoffi

Super lecker und immer frisch, die Nudeln werden zum Beispiel jeden Tag selbst frisch gemacht .......

Melanie Kleinhans

I absolutely loved it, the food was delicious and the service was excellent �

Chelsea Pickering

Best breakfasts in town! Tried three now- Granny's Granola, the Banting Breakfast and the Good Ol Scramble and all three have been unbelivably delicious and such good value 👌🏼

Joe Donnelly

Excellent food in a nice setting, will be back again. ��

Frank Malaba

Great service. Great breakfast. I shall be back here in a heartbeat.

Francette Roux

Friendly staff. Good coffee and they make the best omelette I have ever tasted. I like healthy, natural snacks they sell for people on the go. Awesome.

GoGo Meamito

Lovely coffee at Smak. Friendly service and pleasant atmosphere. Didn’t eat but the food looks good and eatery smells lovely, freshly baked goods and other treats

Maylene Kim May

There were 3 of us that went to Smak for lunch. * Service was decent - the place was busy. The waitress was good, we got our food and drinks in time however she took too long to send the bill as she was so busy. * The food was delicious. I would suggest a better salad for the quiche though. * The decor is basic like a coffee shop and the vibe is awesome. This is my second lunch here but my first was a takeaway, and the takeaway was just as delicious.

Dominique

Friendly, welcoming environment- presentation amazing! Went for breakfast but the whole menu looks appetizing! Great location. Will definitely be back!

Jason

Such a gem of a spot away from the craziness that most spots in town can be. Friendly staff and very well priced but delicious food. Try go there every Saturday morning that we can!

Akie Chhabra

Great place! I'm at SMAK almost every morning for my coffee; they make the best Cortado's on Bree Street and have the friendliest staff; picture energetic peeps with great smiles and an awesome attitude. Recently tried out their Egg White Omelette and it was amazing; you don't even have to order toast with the omelette because the portion is huge and it does take some time to finish it; was quite envious of a friend who ordered "The good Ol' Scramble" ; with Parmesan shavings and some side bacon; that looks like a proper winner. Keen to try out the rest of the Breakfast menu at some point. Side note though; the place is quite expensive and it isn't for your daily breakfast needs but it really is one of those once a week pleasures that you owe yourself :)

Chantel

Great little place in the CBD The menu is great Fresh pastries and fresh breads that are great The burgers are great and the omelette just as good Good service

Alexandra Joy Pilar Stewart

The simple decor of this café belies the complexity and richness of the food. I loved my crustless salmon and zucchini quiche ; accompanied by an abundant salad with fresh, high-quality ingredients, the quiche had an excellent balance of flavours and textures. My partner had smashed avo on a slice of very delicious rye bread and was pleased that his eggs were poached to the perfect consistency.

Catharina

We had a team lunch here and it was great. There was something for everyone on the menu and each and every meal was tasty. The double green zero pasta was lovely - they’re certainly not shy with their parmesan. The only negative was that service wasn’t very fast, not the place to go for a quick lunch but if you want a tasty and lazy lunch you can’t go wrong!

Popsi

I like tacos 🌮 and Smak makes a pretty awesome vegan chipotle spiced tofu tacos! The setting was nice and breezy in the heat, and service was quick. I'll be back for those tacos soon.

Mel Woudberg

Had breakfast with a business partner at SMAK. Was pleasantly surprised. Our breakfast was delicious, and the service was amazing. Nice and cosy as well.

Guy Orlik

This is one great restaurant, the service is brilliant, and the food fantastic, fresh and beautiful size portion, highly recommended on my books..

Sweet And Sour Chicken Only

Their sandwich menu is now by far my favourite addiction. Waiters and owner are friendly, service is prompt. It's decently priced overall aswell but I reccomend building the sandwich just to see how many toppings you could fit.

Gaura Moodley

Best cakes in Cape Town with the friendliest service. Chefs are also attentive and regularly ask for personal feedback and suggestions. Smak exudes a home-like quality that's warming and enhances the dining experience.

Brendan Ardagh

Truly one of the best restaurants around, great service with food to match. The menu changes regularly but the owner is so accommodating and friendly, she happily made a meal to order - she made the experience great! I would recommend this anyone looking for a favourite lunch spot.

Kiana Pereira

Good food & a nice breakfast place. They have a good offering for the local area they are catering to. the chefs can be seen working hard on their floor. Co-incidently the place is similar feel to an international one in Sweden. Don't know if it's not an original concept. :)

Pen

Just love the vibe and openness of the place. Kitchen is open to thw restaurant and hides nothing from you! Food delicious. Cant wait to be in Cape Town again and to visit Smak for lunch once again. I'm going to introduce my Belgium friends to Smak this visit

Russel Roth

Warm and cosy, ordered the chicken Taco , was good, and the meatballs on homemade pasta was also good, on the whole limited menu and decent food

Aletha Jeftha

Had lunch around noon and boy was it packed. Decided on the lamb pasta after seeing the freshly handmade pasta strands in the prep area of the kitchen. The pasta was beyond amazing and alone I'd score it a 4 (if not more). But having to wait 30min for my food was not a pleasant experience. Will definitely return, when I am less time pressed.

Simone Izzard

This place is busy and bustling and the vibe is really cool, although it is hard to have a conversation because it's really noisy. That said, it has a great atmosphere. Lots of city slickers grabbing a quick bite over lunch. The menu is really appealing, but perhaps I ordered the wrong thing (roasted tomato and red pepper soup with ciabatta) as I found the soup quite tasteless and the texture almost a bit slimy. Don't think I'd order it again, but would probably come back and try something else. Very convenient location for those working at the bottom end of Bree Street.

料理バカ

Notwithstanding a busy lunch hour, the time between sitting down and ordering and the arrival of coffee and my order was one of the shortest I've experienced in Cape Town. Smak is a sleek operation. You can tell as the staff seem to like working there. I was in the mood for a toasted sandwich and the waitress gave me a slip of paper with a list of ingredients and toast options. I chose ciabatta, lightly toasted, with mature cheddar, local salami, and tomato. There aren't any prices listed next to the ingredients but your wallet will be safe from surprises if you choose local and stick to the ingredients at the top of the list. I believe in the maxim, 'if a place can make something simple taste so good, the rest of the menu must be amazing.' The sandwich was a delight. The cheese had a strong, tangy flavour, the tomato fresh, and the salami just a bit salty, but good. It came down to R38, which I think is a bargain. Go visit.

Estelle Roux

Perfectly delicious food. The homemade pasta is to die for, and the carbonara sauce was prepared using real pancetta: quality ingredients, prepared simply and deliciously. Our waitress was also very friendly and chatty, and there was a laid back feel even though the Friday lunchhour was pretty busy.

Chetna Black

Absolutely love this place! Breakfast was so delicious - everything is prepared fresh, and you can taste the quality as well as the love put into the dishes. Outstanding service and no long waits for food. They have a deli for you to peruse. Best breakfast I have had in a very long time!

Nabeelah Shaboodien

I love Breë street, and I love nothing more than visiting cute cafés on Breë street for brunch on Saturday mornings. I visited Smak quite a while ago and realized that I had forgotten to write a review - oops! The café itself has stunning, alternative decor and the ambiance is lovely. Waitrons are friendly and knowledgeable and when I went there, the owner was there too - making pasta! I ordered the "succulent breast" - masala yoghurt marinated chicken breast served with raita and a Mediterranean cous cous salad. It was absolutely delicious and flavourful, and I could easily have had more. My friend ordered the poached eggs with salmon, and my other friend ordered the "bacon butty" - both enjoyed their meals and also said they wished the portion was slightly larger. We also ordered two slices of cake - a nice way to end off the brunch. I can't wait to go back and try some of the newer items on their menu.

Nicol Miller

Super super impressed with the produce and quality of food here! We had a mango juice as well as a apple, pineapple and mint juice(freshly squeezed), and then I had a potato rosti with poached eggs, bacon and hollandaise sauce. One of the tastiest breakfasts I've had in a while. The service was efficient, the food was tasty and the atmosphere was bustling and busy! So impressed ams can't wait to cone back and try something different from their menu...oh and on Saturdays they have an all day breakfast! Winning

JotterJo

Utterly delightful coffee shop in the fabulous Bree street strip. And with chef Devin at the helm - it's great! Their breakfasts and lunches are the best in the area and their quality is unmistakable. I lube their Greek salad and chicken fillet. Delicious. Toast we had breakfast and there are a good many options to choose from including banting dishes. I had the poached eggs on rye with bacon and avocado. It was excellent. My guests all thoroughly enjoyed their meals too. Lovely flat whites, cappuccinos and good decaf too all served with the sweetest little shortbread cookie on the side. Their deli and bakery selection are also mouth watering and I higher recommend their cheesecake and carrot cake.

Epikoros

Excellent breakfast menu. Egg white omelette with bacon is like a large soufflé. Good coffee. Friendly staff and watching chefs in the kitchen is fun - especially if you get there early in the morning while they are making their fresh daily pasta.

Caitlin Hanck

This place is amazing! Had the most delicious lunch here. The food was freshly prepared and the flavours were amazing! I ordered the lamb pasta which was to die for! My family had the bacon pasta, beef burger and the chicken breast which they all thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend any of these dishes! The staff were friendly and the restaurant has a good vibe! As if we weren't full enough already we couldn't resist not ordering a slice of their delicious cakes, which definitely did not disappoint. Will definitely be back to try out some more dishes on the menu!

Saabirah Hare

Really chilled, cosy place. Nice place to just pop in to get amazing dessert 🍮. Their dessert are really good! However, I didn't really enjoy the ice coffee, it was a bit too bitter for me. But the dessert is great and will definitely pop in again some time soon .

Nicole Vrede

What an awesome spot for an inner city work lunch! I love the light in the restaurant, and the decor is awesome. The food is really good, I felt my quiche was seasoned beautiful and served with a fresh salad coated in olive oil. You can bring your own wine, which I love. The service is so so so good, lovely staff!

Natalie Fauciglietti

Love coming to smak for their breakfasts. The scrambled eggs are delicious and definitely my favourite. The service is always very good. Thank you to the team at Smak for always making our experience a very enjoyable one!

Talia Lee Cohen

*people make a place* the waitress who served us showed so much love towards her customers 💜 it's exceptional to see someone so happy at their work... The food is great too! Lovely vegan treats squeezed in, and other bakery goods. Always love being able to see into the kitchen, and it's awesome to see fresh pasta hanging out👌

I Love Foodies

If you’re a regular I Love Foodies reader, then you will probably remember my excitement about the recent Smak Deli launch. I promised then that I would return to this awesome new spot to get a proper taste of their food and give you guys an actual review, minus the glitz and glam of the launch party. Promises are promises, and back I went.

David Chiat

I attended the wine pairing dinner. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Most amazing flavours. Service was excellent and this certainly rates as by best overall dinner in Cape Town.

Ian Burrows

Finally got around to having lunch here. The burger was good but needed a bit more flavour. The Emmenthal cheese was a great addition though. Service was average with no real interaction. They were very busy but should maybe have more waiters. Food was piling up on the pass which led the chef needing to bring plates out. Setting is nice and I will be back to try some of the hand made pasta.

Jessy

Such a treat visiting Smak. The chef was very interactive, coming up to all the tables despite the place being full. My egg dish was very tasty and fresh. Setting was great as well

Jessica Stromin

Finally came to Smak after hearing about it for ages! Love the deli set up and the open kitchen, as well as the shelves of interesting treats all around the store. Friendly and helpful service, I was very impressed with our waitress. All food was delicious and beautifully presented. I had the lamb pasta which was exceptionally fresh and flavoursome! UPDATE: Came back for hot chocolate and croque monsieur - yum!

Jessie Ann Doveton

Such a hidden gem ! The food and cheesecake is SO good. Perfect portions and the homemade pasta is so delicious and light. will definitely come back to try out something else on the menu. Thank you x

Jonathan Myerson

There are some good restaurants in the area, but the breakfast at Smak was something special. The coffee is great and the omelette I had would have made the master chef judges proud. It is really worth going

Tiffany Heeger

Wanted to visit Smak for a while now. Popped in for a cuppa - so good and served in a VERY nice mug👌🏻 loved the vibe, the 'deli' part of the restaurant and the fact that the staff is busy baking and cooking in the restaurant space itself. Food variety looks good and I cannot wait to go back to eat there... ☺️

Bonnie Stuchbury

This spot had changed hands so many times but it seems the new owner is onto something with Smak. The coffee is amazing! I will definitely be back I also had the banting poached eggs with bacon, mushrooms, spinach and hollandaise. It was delicious. The plates and boards are beautiful. I love how the food is presented

Mohit Sureka

Smak is a decent good place for breakfast and variety of options to choose from. The setting is good & modern and the food variety is generally very nice. The coffee boards & coffee itself is amazing & the eggs here were done nicely. Will come back on a Saturday morning.

I Love Foodies

If you’re a regular I Love Foodies reader, then you will probably remember my excitement about the recent Smak Deli launch. I promised then that I would return to this awesome new spot to get a proper taste of their food and give you guys an actual review, minus the glitz and glam of the launch party. Promises are promises, and back I went.

Trevor Pols

And another new place within a 5 minute walk from my office. So once again I just had to try it. What wonderful service, brightened up my day instantly. The coffee was fantastic 8/10 and the breakfast...well I chose something I had never have before, a Mexican styled baked egg... Let me just say that it scores a close to perfect 9/10 wow so flavoursome and filling, I will definitely be returning. Enjoy!

Lisa Botha Gibbon

Hey hey! The new kid on the block is delightful. I've eaten here twice now and the food is stunning. I had a seared tuna salad - beautifully presented, and delicious. Ashley had a chicken dish with couscous - her words were that the menu listing did the dish a disservice - its amazingness was understated. Mike wanted a plain bacon butty with avo. Her got exactly that. This place is already one of my new faves. Good job!!!!

Phillip Black

Lip smaking goodness! See what I did there? Stylish deli and so much more. You can order a full meal on menu or build your own deli delight by picking all the sandwich ingredients yourself. Enjoyed the coffee and loved the presentation. Simple but effective. Sometimes it's all about the little touches. I met my mate Justin Swart there for a catch up. I had a classic bacon and egg butty. He built his own sandwich and had 2 poached eggs to compliment it. Staff and management very attentive and willing to change up the menu to suit the customers needs. Cool concept, not unique, but very well done. Love the decor and bathrooms. I will be back soon. Check it out on Bree Street. Everyone deserves a SMAK sometimes!!!

Sarita Kerber

This place is such a delight, had the most amazing breakfast!!! Had the chance to meet the owners/chefs and you can truly see they love what they do. I chose the three streams breakfast consisting of smoked trout, with cream cheese and poached eggs on ciabatta...HEAVENLY! I would most definitely recommend this g of a plan and they have a lovely deli for any one to pop in and buy some things on display. Gourmet meats and cheeses and sandwiches. Great Great Great Place

Allan Moita

Very clean looking concept. It's everything I love to see in a lunch-time venue. Food is well prepared and tasty. When I see freshly made pasta I have no choice but to try it and it was superb! The chef and I had a brief chat after my meal and he mentioned that they are continuously innovating the menu offering. If they can get the service right, this brand will be a winner *I'm updating my review, this is the best daytime restaurant in Cape Town!! Everything is right!

Nastassia

I was down in Cape Town for the weekend with a friend and on a beautiful Saturday morning we decided to go try Smak restaurant and delicatessen. All I can say is Oh. My. Goodness. The food was incredible. I had the good o scramble and it is by far one of the best breakfast I have ever had. My friend ordered French toast with berries and boy it was indulging. We also decided to order a croissant with Nutella and that was great too. You can tell that the chef has carefully created her menu choosing flavours that allow all your senses to enjoy. The set up of the restaurant is beautiful with a display cabinet of a large variety of cheeses and meats. The kitchen is open and you can see your wonderful food being made. We went first thing in the morning at 9:00am and there was a chef making their homemade pasta for their lunch menu. Congratulations to the owner for opening up a truly special unique place. I take my hat off to you and I hope to see a Smak in Jhb soon.

Nic Hern

We ventured to Smak the other morning for an early lunch and had the most wonderful experience👍🏻 The Restraunt itself is done up very well and which adds to the really cool vibe it has going on! The food was amazing and the portion size is very generous🙌🏻 I had the Bacon Double Zero which was very tasty and I can definitely recommend this to anyone fortunate enough to visit Smak! All in all, it was a wonderful dinning experience 🍾

Harrietdv

Such an awesome new coffee and delicatessen joint on lower Bree street! Coffee imported from Italy. It is absolutely divine! I haven't tried the food yet, but I will definitely be back very soon! Great vibe and attentive and friendly staff! So happy about this spot!

Fareed Hare

I found this little whole strolling down the road on a really hot day in Cape Town. I tried the Almond tart and the Choc mousse sponge cake as well as the Iced Coffee. I loved the Choc mousse sponge the most, its dense layers of mousse and sponge is perfectly balanced - not too sweet. The grocery store setup is great but I think the music is a bit dates and depressing - I don't really want to listen to Celine Dion whilst escaping for a few moments from my busy day at work. Overall, I like this place and I will be back to try the rest of the menu.