One of the healthiest cafes in Cape Town, Melissa’s is driven by its philosophy of fresh, organic, wholesome, simple produce and the atmosphere – relaxed and chic rustic – underscores this. There are piles of magazines to keep you occupied or seat yourself at the mountain-facing window seats, great for loners and voyeurs. Breakfast and lunch sees a gorgeous buffet but don’t forget to look at a menu that undersells the deliciousness of what’s on offer. Even if you only stop by for an espresso, there’s every chance you’ll be browsing the metal racks and scanning the fridges for artisanal take-home ingredients for your next soiree (this is the best place to shop for a gift if you’ve been invited for dinner); they sell everything from preserves and baked goods to oven- baked crisps, pressed elderberry juice and the most delicious apple pie and carrot cakes in town. Be warned: ser- vice is slightly haphazard. Note that Melissa has spread her wing to several other locations (there’s even a branch in Stellenbosch) and quality is fully on a par at all, but we like this, her original outlet, best.