A Chardonnay Deli For Every Mood

If you’ve spent some real time in Cape Town, or simply don’t live under a rock, you’ll know that Chardonnay Deli has long secured its place as one of Cape Town’s favourite go to spots. And you know the best part? If you can’t quite decide on a mood for the day, there’s a branch for that.

“I’m just surprised there isn’t a picture of me on the wall. Yet.”

Three Branches, Three Personalities

There’s the original High Constantia location, which is giving oak trees, squirrels, and that soft, slow Constantia life. Then there’s Dalebrook, with that seaside energy. Tidal pools, salty air, and 6 AM cold plunge behaviour. And lastly, Constantia Uitsig, which feels a little more wine coded, “picnic girlie energy” with views to match.

My Mini Chardonnay Deli Mission

So whether you have a mood and need a location, or a location and need a mood, Chardonnay Deli somehow always seems to fit. And if three personalities across three branches weren’t enough, they’ve recently introduced new menu items… which naturally sent me into full investigative mode. Fun fact: after my foodie era, my next dream job is to be a private investigator (watch this space).

The OG: Chardonnay Deli High Constantia

Yes, we love our staples. We become loyal to our orders. But every now and then, just like changing scenery, we need a change on the plate too. Which brings me to my mini Chardonnay Deli series: I’m going to be trying the new menu items across all three branches, beginning with the OG, High Constantia. And honestly, where else would I start besides breakfast? I mean, apparently it’s the most important meal of the day after all. 

A Place That Quietly Became Home

I’m no stranger to this branch. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember. Through too many first dates (emphasis on ‘first’), family catch ups, sneaky COVID coffees during our allocated hour of exercise, greenbelt walks with my mom, and some of our last breakfasts together… this place has quietly become home. I’m just surprised there isn’t a picture of me on the wall. Yet.

Fireplaces, Oak Trees & Greenery

And that’s the thing about Chardonnay Deli High Constantia,  it somehow caters to everyone without losing its identity. There’s the cosy inside with a fireplace for colder days, covered outdoor seating if you want fresh air without committing fully to the weather, tables under the oak trees for squirrel watching, and even a cheeky little smokers’ corner at the back. 

It feels welcoming. Familiar. Inclusive. So, as I arrived and received my usual warm welcome, I settled into the covered outdoor section, close enough to the greenery to feel immersed in the tranquillity of it all, but still comfortably tucked away.

Double Opportunity: Drinks First

And naturally, we started with drinks. If you think choosing between a fresh juice and a hot drink is easy, we clearly haven’t lived the same life. Some might call it indecisiveness. I call it a double opportunity. And before you judge me, there’s absolutely method to my madness. Chardonnay Deli takes drinks seriously, and you can taste that.

Fresh Juice, Smoothies & Method To My Madness

Their juices and smoothies are freshly made and beautifully balanced. Nothing is ever too sweet, too acidic, too heavy, or trying too hard to impress. Somehow, they always get the ratios just right.

And then there are the hot drinks. I say this truthfully and with full confidence. I have NEVER had a bad coffee or hot drink at Chardonnay Deli.

I don’t know where they find their baristas, but trust me when I say they know what they’re doing. Nothing arrives too hot, bitter, burnt,  or forgotten about. It’s simply consistent and utterly delicious.

So now that you understand my dilemma… we listen and we don’t judge. I ordered both the Super C juice and a matcha latte.

The Super C Juice

So now that you understand my dilemma… we listen and we don’t judge. I ordered both the Super C juice and a matcha latte.

As we established, the juice was freshly made and beautifully balanced. It had natural sweetness, citrusy freshness, and that perfect little ginger kick that reminds you that you’re getting your winter goodness in too.

Cape Town’s Matcha Movement

Now for the matcha. As you probably know, we appear to be experiencing some sort of matcha movement, trend, or cult, whatever you want to call it. Everyone has opinions, and everyone happens to know where to find the “best” one. There are matcha debates, matcha loyalties, and enough commitment behind it all to qualify as its own little political party.

Naturally, this made me slightly nervous. But this one surprised me. No unnecessary frills, no sugar overload, no milkshake pretending to be matcha. Just a quietly good matcha with no need to announce itself. It was earthy, balanced, and genuinely tasted like matcha rather than dessert. So if you’re after something overly sweet, this may not be for you. But if you actually enjoy matcha for what it is, Chardonnay Deli gets it right. And you know what? Pairing it with one of their fresh juices to get that hit of sweetness into the mix might just be the way to do it. Suddenly my “double opportunity” starts sounding very reasonable. You’re welcome.

Sweet Meets Savoury

While writing this, I’m realising something about myself. I very much enjoy a sweet and savoury situation. Which brings us quite perfectly to mains. When there are new menu items involved, I’m a firm believer that trying one thing is simply less fun.

So we decided to order and share the sweet corn fritters and the superfood oats. Because the best of both worlds is way more interesting. Visually, both dishes were beautiful, but deciding where to begin proved surprisingly difficult. But then logic kicked in… yes, I still have traces of that left in this food world. So I started savoury and saved sweet for later. Because personally, every meal deserves dessert. Breakfast included.

The Sweet Corn Fritters: A Savoury Cake Situation

And first up: the sweet corn fritters. 

I have to give Chardonnay Deli credit here because visually, the sweet corn fritters immediately reminded me of something they already do exceptionally well, cake.

This stack, layered with sweet corn fritters, cream cheese, smashed avo and topped with smoked salmon, looked suspiciously like their beautifully layered carrot cake.

In fact, I’m fairly convinced whoever designs the cakes had some involvement here too. It was almost confusing, but in the best possible way. Instead of sweetness, you’re met with something savoury, indulgent and unexpectedly playful. It felt like eating a savoury cake. Such fun!

Crunch, Cream Cheese & Capers

The fritters were crunchy and warm, and balanced by creamy layers of cream cheese and cooling avocado. Then the salmon added that soft, buttery richness that smoked salmon does so well. I loved the capers! They added little salty bursts cutting through the richness and bringing everything back into balance.

It actually reminded me slightly of a classic lox bagel… except more fun.  And don’t worry. If you're vegetarian and still want in on the fun, there’s also a carrot based salmon alternative waiting for you.

Superfood Oats With Personality

Then it was time for the superfood oats, and I really loved these. I know oats are sometimes unfairly overlooked, but I’ve always had a soft spot for them.

They’re comforting and somehow never go out of style. These were oats with personality. The kind of bowl that reminds you of childhood, just slightly more grown up and considerably better dressed.

Winter Comfort, But Better Dressed

Texture wise, there was so much happening. Almonds, macadamias, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds brought the crunch, while the sticky raisins added sweetness into warm cinnamon oats that felt entirely winter coded.

The yogurt made for the perfect cooling contrast, and the fresh fruit on top really just tied everything together beautifully. And somehow, despite being genuinely nourishing, they never crossed into “too healthy” territory. Healthy, yes, but still delicious enough that you forget that part entirely. And for the protein conscious crowd, there’s collagen too. So, if you’re busy chasing macros, wellness goals or simply enjoying your current gym life era, Chardonnay Deli has considered you too.

A Few New Favourites

Pairing the sweet corn fritters with the superfood oats only confirmed my latest discovery about myself. Sweet and savoury together just makes life more interesting. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed these new menu additions. Honestly, that comes as no surprise. Chardonnay Deli may have officially given me a few new favourites to add to the rotation. And that, to me, is always a good sign.



So while I’ll forever remain loyal to some of my usual staples, I’m very excited to continue this little Chardonnay Deli adventure and see what the other branches have added to their menus too. 

The Perfect Excuse For A Walk

And if you happen to be visiting the High Constantia branch, do yourself a favour and pair it with a greenbelt walk. There’s something very special about wandering through the greenery and finishing, or starting, with coffee, breakfast and good company. Or, if we’re being honest… Chardonnay Deli is the perfect excuse for the walk.

Until next time!

And if you’d like to keep up with Chardonnay Deli’s new menu additions and what’s happening across their different branches, be sure to give them a follow on Instagram.