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Hemelhuijs

Hemelhuijs is a design-savvy café on Waterkant Street offering seasonal brunch and lunch dishes, botanical cocktails, artful décor, and stylish homeware in a lovely city-centre oasis.

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De Waterkant

Contact Information

Address

Ideas Cartel, 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

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Location

Ideas Cartel, 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Hemelhuijs, located at 71 Waterkant Street, is a visually stunning café and brunch destination founded by Chef‑Patron Jacques Erasmus in 2009. It reflects his roles as chef, artist, florist, and designer, blending creative plating, artisanal ceramics, and ever‑changing floral installations to deliver a beautiful dining experience .

🍽 Cuisine & Menus

  • Serves an all-day menu focused on elevated comfort food inspired by South African heritage and global flavours. Signature dishes include meatballs wrapped in cabbage with mash, seasonal salads, seared tuna with dashi butter, and the breakfast Wagyu burger topped with tomato relish and poached egg.
  • Coffee, Vietnamese-style blends, sandwich open‑faces, fresh juices, botanical cocktails and premium mocktails are showcased alongside a curated wine list.

🎨 Atmosphere & Design

  • Known for its ever‑changing interior themes—deep greens, sunlit yellows, suspended floral installations and mood-aligned crockery made by the chef himself—the café balances gallery aesthetics with warmth.
  • The artistic presentation extends to every plate, mimicking a curated art exhibition paired with clean, natural linen table settings and botanically inspired prints and colors.

⭐ Guest Reviews & Vibe

  • Regularly praised as “fine dining without the high prices,” Hemelhuijs scores about 4.6–4.7/5 from reviewers who highlight its creativity, presentation, and welcoming service.
  • The clientele skews artsy, intellectual and open-minded—perfect for a creative brunch or thoughtful mid-day catch-up.

🕒 Hours & Practical Info

  • Open Monday–Friday 09:00–16:00, Saturday 09:00–15:00, Closed Sundays.
  • Seating includes both indoor tables and street-facing spots on Waterkant; reservations recommended at busy times.

Why Visit Hemelhuijs?

For WhomExperience Offered
Breakfast & brunchSeasonal, generously portioned dishes in creative plating
Design & food loversA venue that feels like an art installation you can eat
Café culture fansChill atmosphere, boutique juices, cocktails & light bites
Creative localsElegant yet casual spot where food and design meet

📍 Address: 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town, 8001 📞 Phone: +27 21 418 3053 (or +27 75 284 7053 alternative) ✉️ Email: info@hemelhuijs.co.za

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