In the November issue of TASTE, we asked you for your favourite restaurants for coffee and cake.

THE PATISSERIE

“It’s definitely the cutest café in town, says TASTE reader Faheema Mayet of this Illovo teashop with its black-and-white chequerboard floor and pink candy-striped walls.

“It’s a real girly hangout – perfect for tea with friends.” Complementing the whimsical interior are picture-pretty petit fours, meringues and cupcakes (the red-velvet being a particular favourite).

Those preferring something less saccharine will love the freshly baked quiches, pies and savoury tarts. They also do a stellar breakfast – just the ticket to kickstart the day, especially when enjoyed with a cup of freshly brewed artisanal coffee.

Post Office Centre, Rudd Road, Illovo, Johannesburg; tel: (011) 268-0044

YOU ALSO LOVE
SPRIGS
“This rustic Kloof hangout is renowned for its buffet table, which groans beneath huge vegetarian platters and bowls of fresh salad,” says TASTE reader Cassidy Nydahl, adding that the baked cheesecake and chocolate brownies are particularly irresistible to those with sweet-toothed inclinations.

Shop 1, Fields Shopping Centre, Old Main Road, Kloof, Durban; tel: (031) 764-6031, www.sprigs.co.za

BIRDS BOUTIQUE CAFE
“I love this place!” says TASTE reader Beverley Rodd of this inner-city shrine to all things feathered. “It’s super casual, the coffee’s fantastic (as is the loose-leaf tea) and there’s always a freshly squeezed fruit juice on offer. And the tea-time treats – from just-out-the-oven fruit scones to gooey chocolate brownies – are impossible to resist.”

127 Bree Street, Cape Town; tel: (021) 426-2534