The Food Barn Deli is located at the far end of the Noordhoek Farm Village. With its large open kitchen and casual atmosphere, we felt like we’d walked into the middle of someone’s kitchen. The lunch specials were showcased on the counter tops, along with the fresh baked pastries, making it very tempting! They also have several aisles with farm store items, such as hand-made pasta, sauces, spices and other pre-packaged foods for sale.

Don’t order off the menu if you have a budget. Not being too hungry, we split one of their ham sandwiches made on their special French loaves, which was accompanied by a salad for R25 (US$2.50). For dessert, we also split a pastry (R15) and bought six fresh-baked croissants (R6 each) to go.

They have a great bookshop where you can browse books while you eat or wait. This is a great little place to stop for a quick lunch or grab a pre-made potpie to go.

Don’t confuse the Deli for the Food Barn Restaurant which is also located in the Noordhoek Farm Village, but on the other end (Reviewed in the New York Times and Time magazine- so the secret is out!). The restaurant is a slightly more formal affair for lunch or dinner – the food is delicious, beautifully prepared and not pretentious. Check their website for the restaurants opening hours and to make a booking.

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Parking lot
• Average prices with some good deals
• Good family restaurant

 Cons:

• No views or outdoor tables
• Difficult to find, not easily visible from parking lot

The Food Barn Deli
Noordhoek Farm Village
Village Lane
Noordhoek, Cape Town
+27 21 789-1390
www.thefoodbarn.co.za

If you’re looking for a magical out-of-the-ordinary experience, go to the what the locals call the “milkwood forest” in Noordhoek. Just at the south end of Chapman’s Peak, the most scenic drive in Africa, follow the signs to Monkey Valley. A locals hangout, Coco Bean Cafe is a quiet, unassuming breakfast & lunch spot. The thousand year-old milkwood trees shade the outdoor patio and create a very cool calm atmosphere. Some of the tables have a view of Noordhoek Beach. 

They serve a great breakfast special and good espresso and you get great value for your money. Enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the Noordhoek valley and beach. Explore the other great shops in the Red Herring Trading Yard or just watch the kids playing. If you decide to spend time here, please take care to respect the tranquility of this area. This forest is truly a hidden gem in the Cape and the locals wouldn’t take kindly to loud obnoxious behavior by insensitive tourists.

Coco Bean Cafe
Red Herring Trading Post
Beach Road
Noordhoek, Cape Town
+27 21 789-1320 

Best deal: Breakfast special – R

Pros:

• Relaxed ambience
• Good service
• Parking lot available
• Great view with lovely outdoor tables
• Low prices 

Cons:

• Difficult to find – off main road