What You’ll Find
Pauline’s Green Point is a much-loved specialty coffee shop and café on Somerset Road in Green Point, Cape Town. Step through the arched entrance of a former monastery and you’re instantly in a calm, light-filled space that feels a world away from the street. The restored cloister-style building features high ceilings, soft natural light, exposed brick, warm wood and a peaceful oak-shaded courtyard that regulars return to again and again.
Known for excellent coffee, house-baked sourdough, cardamom buns and simple, well-made breakfast and brunch dishes, it’s the kind of place where you can linger over a flat white, work on a laptop, or enjoy a quiet meal with a friend. The atmosphere has real soul; relaxed, welcoming and quietly elegant.
Food & Drinks
The menu leans into fresh, wholesome fare with a European flair. Their pastries-flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat-are a standout, often praised for their quality. Coffee is serious business here; expect a well-pulled espresso or a silky flat white. Breakfast items like avocado toast or shakshuka are beautifully presented, though service can be slow when it gets busy. The kitchen’s care is evident, but patience might be needed on peak mornings. It’s a spot where the food’s charm almost outweighs the wait.
Best For
- A calm solo coffee date with a good book or laptop
- Catching up with friends over pastries and lattes
- A leisurely weekend breakfast when you have time to soak in the atmosphere
- Impress out-of-town guests with unique, historic Cape Town charm
Insider Tip
Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter, faster experience. The cloister courtyard (if open) is a hidden gem for al fresco seating, away from Somerset Road’s bustle. Also, ask about their daily pastry special-sometimes there’s a surprise.
Current Hours
Pauline’s Green Point 37A Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
- Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Sunday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Hours can occasionally change for public holidays or special events, so it’s worth a quick check on their Instagram or website before you go. The space is compact, so arriving earlier in the morning (especially on weekends) gives you the best chance of a good table in the courtyard.
Signature Items / What to Order
Pauline’s keeps the menu focused and high-quality, built around their own slow-fermented sourdough and house-baked pastries.
Must-tries that regulars and reviewers consistently praise:
- Cardamom (or cinnamon/Fika) bun – Soft, warm, and fragrant. One of the most frequently mentioned standouts.
- Smashed avocado on house sourdough – Simple but excellent; the bread quality makes it.
- Miso butter mushrooms / miso mushroom toast – Often highlighted for its balanced, savoury flavour.
- Breakfast bun – A solid all-rounder if you want something more substantial.
- Cheese toastie – Reliable comfort option done well.
- Flat white (or other specialty coffee) – Frequently called out for being smooth and well-made. They also offer matcha, mesquite, and other alternatives.
The menu leans organic and seasonal, with an emphasis on simple, nourishing food that pairs well with good coffee. It’s not a huge menu – quality over quantity is the approach.
Atmosphere & Best For
Pauline’s Green Point is located in a historic stone building (a former convent, now part of the Goodman Gallery precinct). The real draw is the quiet, oak-shaded courtyard out back. A peaceful little oasis that feels removed from the Somerset Road traffic.
Best for:
- Relaxed breakfast or brunch
- A proper coffee stop without the rush
- Laptop work or a quiet catch-up (especially in the courtyard)
- Dog owners – the outdoor space is pet-friendly
The vibe is calm and welcoming rather than loud or trendy-for-the-sake-of-it. Staff are regularly described as friendly and attentive, and we can’t disagree. Seating is limited, so it can fill up, particularly on sunny mornings and weekends. It’s a place people return to because it consistently delivers good coffee, solid food, and a pleasant setting.
Practical Info (Parking, WiFi, Dogs, Cards)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 37A Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051 |
| Phone | +27 21 205 5523 |
| WiFi | Free WiFi available – suitable for working |
| Dogs | Dog-friendly (especially the courtyard) |
| Payment | Credit cards, debit cards and mobile/NFC payments accepted |
| Parking | Street parking in the area (can be limited or paid on busy stretches). Nearby free parking is often available around Green Point Park / the stadium precinct a short walk away. |
| Seating | Indoor + shaded outdoor courtyard. Limited overall capacity. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating reported |
| Other | Takeaway available |
Tip: If you’re driving, allow a few extra minutes for parking. Once you’re there, the courtyard makes it easy to settle in with a coffee and stay a while.
While Pauline’s is on Somerset Road in Green Point, a short walk away you’ll also find The Deck and Bootlegger Green Point. Both worth combining if you’re exploring the area’s coffee scene.
Rating and Reviews
- ⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5
- 📊 Total Reviews: 188
What Customers Are Saying
“Friendly, beautiful spot with great pastries, but very slow breakfast service.
This is a lovely, atmospheric spot in Green Point, set in what feels like a historic cloister-style building with a beautiful outdoor area under a big old tree. It is a small, very charming venue with some indoor seating”
– Visitor (3★)
“We’ve been here several times in the past and always really enjoyed it – but this time we left genuinely disappointed.
We had to wait a very, very long time for our coffee and had to ask multiple times before it finally arrived. While the latte art was on point, the coffee itself was already cold a”
– Visitor (1★)
“A beautiful breakfast and coffee spot with real soul.
The design concept is truly interesting, set inside a former monastery, which gives the place a unique and calming atmosphere. Being right next to the Goodman Gallery adds an extra cultural layer.
The staff is warm and welcoming, and the buns wit”– Visitor (5★)
Yes. Pauline’s Green Point is one of the stronger breakfast and brunch options in the area. The menu focuses on high-quality, simple dishes built around their own slow-fermented sourdough and house-baked pastries. Popular choices include smashed avocado on sourdough, the cardamom or cinnamon bun, miso butter mushrooms, and the breakfast bun. The calm courtyard setting also makes it a pleasant place to start the day.
Yes. Pauline’s has free WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for remote work or catching up on emails. The courtyard is especially popular for this, though seating is limited, so it can fill up during peak morning hours. It’s better suited to focused work or a longer coffee stop than to large group meetings.
Parking is mainly street parking along Somerset Road and the surrounding Green Point streets. It can be limited or paid during busy periods. A practical alternative is the free parking available around Green Point Park and the Cape Town Stadium precinct, which is only a short walk away. Allow a few extra minutes if you’re driving, especially on weekends.
Information correct as of July 2026 – always double-check current hours”
Location Map
👉 For a wider selection, see our Best Coffee Shops in Green Point guide.
