Nestled in the heart of Pretoria East at Karoo Square, Karoo Cafe was built on a passion for South African heritage, warm hospitality, and soul-filled flavours. From our rustic setting in Karoo Square to our new artisan menu inspired by local tradition, we’ve created more than a cafe, we’ve created a community. Whether you’re here for a slow morning coffee or a hearty farm-style meal, scroll down to learn more about Karoo Cafe.
Karoo Cafe isn’t just a place to eat or grab a cup of coffee, it’s a sanctuary, a space where the pace of life slows down, and you’re invited to simply be. Inspired by the serene beauty of the Karoo landscape, this unique café offers an environment that feels like a natural habitat, a place where conscious living, simple beauty, and personal happiness converge.
By day, Karoo Café takes on the charm of a tea garden or coffee shop, offering a stress-free and relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or tea surrounded by lush greenery, soft sunlight, and the gentle hum of quiet conversation. It’s a place where you can be yourself, free from the pressures of the outside world. Whether you’re catching up with friends, taking a moment to recharge, or diving into a good book, the café provides the perfect setting for it all.
As the day transitions into the evening, Karoo Café undergoes a magical transformation. The once-sunny tea garden becomes a romantic, fairy-tale-like retreat. In winter, the warm glow of wood fireplaces and soft ambient lighting creates an atmosphere that’s nothing short of enchanting. In summer, a gentle breeze stirs the night. The air feels alive with a special kind of magic, perfect for a quiet dinner, an intimate gathering, or simply soaking in the beauty of the moment.
Karoo Cafe is a place to nurture your soul. You’ll find cosy nooks to read your favorite book, admire stunning artworks, or even work on your laptop if inspiration strikes. The space is filled with thoughtful details, handcrafted furniture, warm textures, and eclectic décor, that reflect a harmonious blend of creativity and comfort. This café is more than just a destination for food; it’s an experience. It embodies a way of life that values simplicity, authenticity, and connection.
More About Karoo Cafe
A Truly South African Experience in Pretoria East
Whether you come to enjoy the delicious breakfasts, fresh bakes, or hearty meals, you’ll leave with more than just a satisfied appetite, you’ll leave with a sense of calm and contentment.
Karoo Cafe is also a gathering place for families and friends, where moments are shared over coffee, laughter, and conversations. The wooden tables, crackling fireplaces, and inviting couches make every visit feel like coming home.
Located in the heart of Karoo Square, a vibrant village of creators, makers, tinkers, and thinkers, Karoo Cafe also celebrates the beauty of community. From its art exhibitions to its second-hand bookshop and lush greenery provided by Karoo Nursery, every corner of the café tells a story of collaboration and passion.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening under the stars, Karoo Café welcomes you to step away from the rush of life and immerse yourself in a little oasis of Karoo-inspired tranquility.
Discover what makes Karoo Cafe the hidden gem of Pretoria, where nature, culture, and heartfelt hospitality unite to create something truly special. But don’t be deceived, our cocktails and fun events are some of the things that keep us smiling!
Meet Marshall
Karoo Cafe’s Gentle Giant
Marshall, our beloved black-and-white Great Dane, is more than just a pet, he’s part of the Karoo Café family. Known for his gentle demeanor and friendly nature, Marshall enjoys roaming the restaurant and greeting our guests with his calm presence. You’ll often find him lounging on his very own couch, keeping an eye on the hustle and bustle.
While Marshall loves meeting new people, we kindly ask that you resist the temptation to feed him from your table, he’s on a carefully curated diet. Feel free to give him a friendly pat or snap a photo with our resident gentle giant.
After all, no visit to Karoo Café is complete without saying hello to Marshall!
Share your moments with Marshall with us by tagging us in your social posts.
At Karoo Square, we believe in nurturing creativity and sharing knowledge to inspire positive change.
| Living consciously | Nature | Night Cafe |
As part of our ongoing mission, we offer workshops and classes to share skills from our diverse creative hubs. These sessions cover a range of disciplines, including sustainable architecture, pottery, art, horticulture, culinary arts, graphic and textile design, and more.
Education is at the heart of our community because we see it as one of the most vital tools for shaping a better future.
Sustainability is woven into everything we do. Our project development is guided by ecologically sensitive design and sustainable building practices. We’re also proud to protect Juliana’s Golden Mole, a red-listed species that thrives on our property, ensuring its safety and preservation.
By embracing these principles, Karoo Square fosters a space where innovation and sustainability come together for the benefit of all.
The Karoo Cafe creates an atmosphere akin to a natural habitat, where everyone can find their place. Just as a gathering of crows prefers the charm of a spot filled with bits of wood, wire, and odds and ends over the expansive waters and tall trees favored by majestic fish eagles, Karoo Cafe attracts its unique flock.
Our cafe is a haven for those who value authenticity, creativity, and connection, a habitat for patrons who share these values. Here, like-minded individuals gather, finding comfort in the warmth of a space that feels as natural as it is inviting.
Night Cafe. We would love to bring back the Night Cafe. It does not yet, but it should then become a different kind of environment to Karoo Café, a habitat and gathering place for people who subscribe to the same social contract and social values system.
Karoo Night Cafe reimagines the evening cafe experience as a shared habitat for thoughtful, independent individuals. Rooted in mutual respect and social values, it offers a warm, quiet space for reading, writing, conversation, or simply being. With no pressure, no pretence, and a pay-what-you-feel model, patrons become co-stewards of a space that values connection, creativity, and stimulating exchange.
Our aquaponics system features fish and plants thriving together, highlighting our commitment to innovative, sustainable practices and our nursery provides a diverse selection of plants, nurtured with care to ensure they thrive in your home.
The Maritzdam four-month farm course offers practical training in livestock care, fencing, and veld management, while guiding students step by step to build skills, confidence, and a true passion for farming.
Discover the taste of the Karoo at Karoo Café. Our menu is a celebration of authentic Karoo flavors, featuring locally inspired dishes crafted with care and fresh, quality ingredients. From hearty meals to refreshing drinks, each item reflects our passion for wholesome, honest food. Explore our offerings and experience the true essence of Karoo dining.
At Karoo Cafe, our front-of-house team is the welcoming heart of the cafe. From the moment you step in, they ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere where each guest feels part of our Karoo family. Enjoy the Karoo warmth, where service is just as memorable as the food.
agnes
Front of House, Staff
Anastasia
Front of House, Staff
Atanasia
Front of House, Staff
Clancina
Front of House, Staff
Natasha
Front of House, Staff
Thuli
Front of House, Staff
Moleen
Front of House, GM
Our Talented Kitchen Staff
Behind the scenes, our talented kitchen staff is dedicated to crafting fresh and flavorful dishes. With a focus on sustainability, our chefs work with seasonal ingredients, many of which come straight from our own aquaponics system. Every dish is prepared with care and made with love, reflecting the rich, earthy flavours of the Karoo.
Cry
Kitchen Staff
Jennifer
Kitchen Staff
Atanasia
Kitchen Staff
Lindiwe
Kitchen Staff
Nomsa
Kitchen Staff
Selina
Kitchen Staff
Zandile
Kitchen Staff
NONTHANDO
Kitchen Supervisor, Back of House
Our Code of Conduct
To ensure, through the invitation-only system that all patrons adhere to the Code of conduct.
William Shakespeare
Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood.
Refrain at all times from being loud or obnoxious
Be mindful of the requirements, privacy and perceptions of fellow patrons
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