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Make your way to Empire Café
7 Jul 2014
Chances are, if you're a local, or are familiar with Muizenberg (to a further extent than knowing about the fantastic family beach, colourful wooden houses, surfers, and effective shark alarm), you'll know the legendary Empire Café in York Road.
Not only do I love the free Wi-Fi and the fact that The Corner Surf Shop's webcam is mounted on Empire's wall (which is a great angle to check out the surf), but the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and relaxed - a haven for those who just had an early morning surf and want to defrost from the icy False Bay water, whether it be with a cuppa Joe and a fresh-out-the-oven croissant or a wholesome brekkie.
Image by Dave Jones
Image by Dave Jones
Since it was an early morning for me, I had a cup of hot chocolate and an almond croissant which was later followed by a pot of Earl Grey tea and the Rosti - poached eggs on butternut, pear & cumin rosti with bacon, mushrooms & wholegrain mustard hollandaise. The best breakfast I've had in a while! Great service with a smile too. View the breakfast menu (43.1KB).
Empire Café opened its doors in December 2002 and owner Dave Jones' vision was to create a casual breakfast and lunch venue linked to surfing and beach life. With a big vision and previous experience in the restaurant industry, he completely transformed the rundown building near the railway and beachfront into the homey café/restaurant that locals in the area love, and he still has many improvements up his sleeve.
With such a passion for creating delicious dishes, Jones seems to regularly come up with new food ideas that keep customers coming back for more. Due to popular demand, Empire Café is now open on Wednesday evenings as well for Gourmet Burger Night which proves to be quite popular with the number of guests growing continuously. Choices range from ostrich, lamb, beef, free range chicken breast or vegetarian patty made from channa flour (chickpea) and roast vegetables with sauce options ranging from MonkeyGland, Black Pepper, Cheddar Cheese or Peri-peri. Local craft beer from Lakeside Brewery and Long Beach Brewery among others is also on offer.
Image by Dave Jones
If it's not burgers, beer or breakfast you're into, java junkies and sweet tooths will be very satisfied with coffee by Tribe, a variety of cakes and treats ranging from orange almond Florentines, to gingerbread men and Palmiers.
Image by Dave Jones
Image by Dave Jones
Image by Dave Jones
Image by Dave Jones
Empire Café is located at 11 York Road, Muizenberg and is open Monday-Saturday from 7am-4pm, Sundays & public holidays from 8am-4pm and Wednesday evenings. Other evenings by appointment only. Tel: 021 788 1250 | Email: az.oc.efaceripme@evad | Website: www.empirecafe.co.za.
About Ilse van den Berg
Ilse is a freelance journalist and editor with a passion for people & their stories (check out Passing Stories). She is also the editor of Go & Travel, a platform connecting all the stakeholders in the travel & tourism industry. You can check out her work here and here. Contact Ilse through her website here.
