What You’ll Find

Tucked into the bustling Canal Walk shopping centre, Shift Espresso bar offers a welcome pause from retail therapy. The space is modern and clean, with an open counter that lets you watch the baristas at work. It feels efficient and friendly-there’s no fuss, just a straightforward coffee stop that works for a quick recharge. The hum of the mall fades slightly as you settle into a seat, making it a handy spot for a solo break or a casual meet-up.

Food & Drinks

The coffee is the star here, with a solid double-shot espresso base for drinks like the Italian Plumbe-a chilled option with ice cream that’s more indulgent than a standard iced coffee. Food-wise, the cheese burger delivers a juicy patty, though you might wish for caramelised onions on top. The steak and chips also gets nods for being decent. Everything comes out fast, and the portions are fair, though the beverage sizes lean small for the price.

Best For

  • A quick solo lunch when you’re shopping-service is attentive and fast.
  • Catching up with a friend over a coffee and a burger, with staff checking in regularly.
  • A pit stop for a caffeine hit between errands in Century City.
  • Trying the Italian Plumbe if you want something cooler and creamier than a standard iced coffee.

Insider Tip

Skip the regular iced coffee and order the Italian Plumbe-it’s a double shot espresso poured over ice cream, not ice, so it’s richer and more dessert-like. Ask for extra ice cream on the side if you like it sweeter.

Quick Facts

  • 📍 Location: Shop C007, Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
  • ⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5
  • 📊 Total Reviews: 255

What Customers Are Saying

“Beverage size not so great.Great Service, quick, friendly. I wanted an ice coffee but specifically with ice cream and not ice. The Lovely Assistant recommend the Italian Plumbe (double shot expresso+ ice cream + dash of Hazelnut syrup) that was Delicious. I do think Shift Expresso beverage size can”

– Visitor (3★)

“Came here for a quick solo lunch 🙃.
Service was great. The staff is super friendly. Immediately before I even stepped in, I was attended to. Every 5 minutes someone was checking up on me. Food arrived relatively quickly. I did not have to wait long.
The food was good 👍🏽. Would highly recommend their”

– Visitor (4★)

“Good food and friendly staff. The cheese burger was decent, the patty was juicy but I would’ve love some caramelized onions! Please consider having that as an option. My husband had the steak and chips and wasn’t too happy about the portions lol. Good thing we ordered the thyme-infused tramezzini wh”

– Visitor (5★)

Location Map

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