When the temperatures dip and your fingers crave a mug of something warm, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a decadent cup of hot chocolate. South Africa is home to a delightful variety of cafés and chocolateries that have taken this humble drink to artisanal heights.
Whether you’re looking for mountain views, fireplace settings, or unusual twists, we’ve rounded up some hot chocolate spots by region to warm your winter travels.
Western Cape
Picture/Honest Chocolate
Honest Chocolate Café – Cape Town
Located in a quaint heritage building, this café is a shrine to ethically sourced cocoa. Their signature hot chocolate is made with handcrafted slabs melted into your cup, offering deep, dark indulgence. Don’t miss their chilli or orange-infused versions.
SCHOON Church Street Café – Stellenbosch
For a more interactive and unique hot chocolate experience, SCHOON Church Street Café lets you melt a piece of high-quality chocolate into your hot milk. This allows you to control the richness and sweetness, creating a bespoke indulgence. Their setting is as inviting as the drink itself, perfect for cosying up on a chilly day.
Huguenot Fine Chocolates – Franschhoek
Nestled in the charming main street of Franschhoek, this boutique chocolaterie presents a sublime assortment of chocolates crafted from the finest Belgian ingredients. Their hot chocolate is a standout, offering a rich and velvety experience that complements their artisanal chocolates. It’s a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts seeking a luxurious treat.
Gauteng
Picture/Beyers Chocolate
The Chocolate Factory by Beyers – Olivedale, Johannesburg
This isn’t just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth — it’s a full chocolate experience. At the Beyers Chocolate Factory Shop, you can grab one of their indulgent hot chocolates made with real, premium chocolate. Rich, velvety, and perfectly sweet, it’s a must-try while browsing the shelves stocked with truffles, slabs, and seasonal favourites. The shop is family-friendly and ideal for a quick chocolatey escape from the city buzz.
The Whippet – Linden
A favourite among creatives, The Whippet serves hot chocolate in tall, glass mugs topped with torched marshmallow fluff. Their seasonal spiced version adds a little warmth to your sip.
Lucky Bread Company (Pretoria)
This eatery serves an in-house hot chocolate blend with three variations: white, classic (dark), and salted caramel. Known for their high-quality beverages and trained baristas.
KwaZulu-Natal
Picture/Tripadvisor
Bellevue Café – Kloof
This hilltop café offers forest views and velvety hot chocolate made with real couverture. Snuggle up on the patio with a blanket and a book.
Love Coffee – Durban
With a social enterprise focus, Love Coffee crafts its cocoa with rich African-sourced chocolate. Their vegan hot chocolate is creamy and full-flavoured — no compromise on taste.
Terbodore Café – Howick
Known for artisanal coffee and hot drinks, Terbodore also whips up a mean hot chocolate. Try it with one of their giant pastries or take a walk to the nearby waterfall.
ALSO READ: Best places to grab a Gatsby
Eastern Cape
Picture/Tripadvisor
Coffee at Pickering – Newton Park
Located in Newton Park, Coffee at Pickering offers a delightful hot chocolate experience. Patrons have praised their indulgent chocolate beverages, making it a cosy spot to enjoy a warm drink on cooler days.
Ground Floor Café – Makhanda
Warm up after exploring the town’s historic sites with a spiced hot chocolate featuring nutmeg and cinnamon. A true winter warmer for Eastern Cape adventurers.
Free State
Picture/Tripadvisor
Koekela Huiskafee – Bloemfontein
Koekela Huiskafee is renowned for its cosy atmosphere and delightful hot chocolate offerings. Their menu features a variety of options, including classic hot chocolate, Milo, Nutella hot chocolate, and white hot chocolate, all served in generous “BIGG MUGG” portions. For those seeking a caffeinated twist, the “Mocca Chocca” combines hot chocolate with a shot of espresso.
The café’s warm ambience, coupled with its rich beverage selections, makes it a must-visit spot in Bloemfontein for hot chocolate enthusiasts.
Milky Lane outlets – Free State
Milky Lane is a beloved dessert chain known for its indulgent NiceCream treats, waffles, and, of course, rich hot chocolates. In the Free State province, you can find Milky Lane outlets in several locations, each offering a delightful experience for hot chocolate enthusiasts.
Mpumalanga
Picture/Tripadvisor
Sabie Valley Coffee – White River
Best known for their bean-to-cup coffee, Sabie Valley Coffee also serves a rich hot chocolate that’s perfect for chilly Mpumalanga mornings. Set within a working coffee roastery, this café offers a rustic charm and relaxed outdoor seating. Pair your drink with a slice of their signature cake or stay for a “Blossom to Cup” coffee tour that walks you through the roasting and brewing process.
Whether you’re exploring winelands, highlands, or coastline, there’s a hot chocolate waiting to wrap you in comfort. So pack your scarf, bring your sweet tooth, and go on a cocoa-fuelled road trip this winter.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Best rainy day getaways for cosy cabin vibes
