Categories: Venues

Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli: A Charming Artisanal Café in Swellendam

If you are taking a road trip from Cape Town to Plett or Knysna, be sure to stop by Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli, located in the historic town of Swellendam. The café, with its wood-panelled facade and seafoam-green interior accents, was opened in 2016 by sisters Elandi Coetzee and Lizelle Gschwend.

Community Ethos

Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli is defined by its ethos of community, which is reflected in every aspect of the business. From the homemade goodies to the sustainable, ethically sourced local product suppliers, the café puts emphasis on supporting local businesses.

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Photo: Hiryu Nel (@hiryunel)
Photo: Meg (@foodsafari_za)
Photo: pobFoto (@pobfoto)

Menu at Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli

The café serves a variety of culinary delights such as breakfast dishes, sandwiches, raw juices, and milkshakes. Visitors can taste the difference in their coffee, made with single-origin roasters Origin Coffee, one of the finest in South Africa.

Local Crafts and Goods at Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli

In addition to food and drink, Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli has a selection of locally designed goods and crafts. Visitors can purchase Sexy Socks, The Burgundy Collective’s crafted leather accessories, Zana textiles, and more.

Photo: Caitlin Winterbach (@caitlinwinterbach)
Photo: Rian van der Walt (@rianvdwalt)

Location and Contact Information

Whether you’re spending a few days in charming Swellendam or simply taking a break en route to Plett or Knysna, Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli is a must-visit.

Address: 19 Swellengrebel St, Swellendam, 6740, South Africa Phone: +27 63 450 7909 Website: Ikigai Coffee Bar & Deli Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 4.30pm; Saturday – Sunday, 9am – 2pm.

Additional Information

  • The café has an equally charming branch in Riversdale, further along the N2.
  • Ikigai is wheelchair accessible and has free Wi-Fi.
  • The café has an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free options.
  • The ambiance of the coffee shop is cozy, with a fireplace and outdoor seating.
  • Breakfast dishes and gourmet sandwiches are among the highlights of their menu.
  • Visitors have praised their top-notch coffee, lovely interior design, and friendly staff.
Amanda Wilson

Amanda Wilson is a Cape Town-born journalist who covers the city’s evolving food scene for national and international outlets, tracing stories from Bo-Kaap spice shops to Khayelitsha micro-breweries. Raised on her grandmother’s Karoo lamb potjie and weekend hikes up Lion’s Head, she brings equal parts palate and pride to every assignment. Colleagues know her for the quiet warmth that turns interviews into friendships and fact-checks into shared laughter.

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