Melissa's began as a single shop on Kloof Street in the mid-1990s and has become one of Cape Town's most recognised food brands without losing its neighbourhood-deli character. The menu covers breakfast, lunch and light dinners, with a strong selection of salads, quiches, sandwiches and South African home-cooking staples. The retail section stocks a good range of local preserves, cheeses and specialty groceries.
The original Kloof Street branch is the most atmospheric, but there are several locations across the city including Green Point and Constantia. Useful for an early-morning breakfast before heading to the mountain, or a reliable lunch when you don't want to research the alternatives. Takeaway is efficient and the packaging travels well for a picnic at Kirstenbosch or Company's Garden.