Exploring the best nursery-café spots across South Africa

Pretty blooms and a caffeine fix. What better combo could you possibly want? South Africa is known for its abundance of scenic views, so sit back and relax at these picturesque nurseries that feature eateries to tantalize your tongue and your green fingers at the same time.

Cape Town

Starke Ayres Garden Centre

Restaurant and cafe, Fraiche Ayres is nestled in the beautiful Starke Ayres Garden Centre, in Rosebank. Surrounded by its lush, tranquil ambience, Fraiche Ayres serves an array of scrumptious breakfasts, light lunches and salads, along with their selection of daily specials that change daily, coffees and teas to accompany a selection of homemade cakes and desserts.

Fiore Garden Centre

Situated in the centre of Somerset West, in Audas Estate, Fiore has a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, veggies and herbs and a wide variety of Bonsai trees. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, served in the quiet garden under the trees. Fiore features a comprehensive menu, with a range of delectable meals, including include wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, and artisanal sandwiches. Their selection of coffees is sourced from various East African countries and locally roasted by Mokato, to compliment their homemade scones and cakes. Once you have filled your belly, you can stroll through the garden centre or the indoor garden shop and get your hands on all your gardening requirements.

Joburg

Schäffler’s

Schäffler is a family business, known by most enthusiastic gardeners in Johannesburg. In addition to their nursery offering, which includes professional garden design, landscaping, irrigation and tree felling. Schäffler also features their ‘Under the Trees Garden Café & Pizza Bar’. They offer a much-needed caffeine fix, hearty, fresh, homemade meals and cakes in their luscious garden setting.

Andersons Nursery and Coffee Shop

Based in Norwood, this nursery is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Andersons Nursery and Coffee Shop is green and quietly charming. They offer an array of light lunches, freshly baked cakes and the opportunity to welcome a new plant baby to your family.

Birds Cafe at Spade Nursery

If you find yourself in Durban North, be sure to give Birds Cafe a try. Situated inside the Spade Nursery, this cafe offers everything from hearty bunny chows to light and fluffy scones. The nursery also offers an arts and crafts store and a play area for kids, so that you can sit back and relax. 

Originally published in Garden&Home Magazine