Our story
From an idea to a place.
The idea for The Deli Social took shape long before there was a space for it. Spending long days around shared tables, good food, and bottles opened with care. Somewhere between early starts, late dinners, and conversations that lingered, we began talking about what we’d want to come home to. A place that felt generous, unhurried, and grounded. A place built around food, wine, and being together.
Coming home
Back in Cape Town, those conversations turned practical.
Focaccia was tested at home, grazing boards were laid out for friends, and weekends were spent meeting the people behind the food, farmers, cheesemakers, and producers working with intention and care. Slowly, a clearer idea emerged: a neighbourhood deli shaped by travel and experience, but rooted firmly in Hout Bay.
Building The Deli Social
After months of searching, we found an empty space in the Oakhurst Centre, full of light, with mountain views and room to begin.
We built it hands-on, working with local artisans to create an open, welcoming space where the kitchen is part of the room and the table is always central. When the doors opened, the response was immediate and simple. “It already feels like part of the neighbourhood.”
A Neighbour’s Words:
Chris Smith
Food: 5/5 · Service: 5/5 · Atmosphere: 5/5
“Easy 5 stars! Great food and nice spot too. Good coffee and great service (from waiters to the owner). Try the breakfast bagel! They can swap out pork for beef pastrami too.”
Flo's Guides
Food: 5/5 · Service: 5/5 · Atmosphere: 5/5
“Excellent food, even better service! The waitresses were sweethearts, so kind and accommodating. The setting is gorgeous and calm, it feels idyllic. And of course, the food is amazing. We couldn’t help but order two dishes each. Recommend a 10000% ! I’ll be back”
herman b.
Food: 5/5 · Service: 5/5 · Atmosphere: 5/5
“Absolutely love The Deli Social… the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. The food is fresh, the coffee consistently excellent, and the staff radiate good energy.”
The people at the heart of it
The makers & hosts who shape the days, the tables, and the mood.
The Deli Social is shaped by the people who show up every day.
From the kitchen to the counter to the floor, our team cooks, pours, and hosts with care. Paying attention to the details, welcoming people in, and creating a space that feels familiar and easy to return to.
It’s that care, shared daily, that carries through everything we do.
Our story
From an idea to a place.
The idea for The Deli Social took shape long before there was a space for it. Spending long days around shared tables, good food, and bottles opened with care. Somewhere between early starts, late dinners, and conversations that lingered, we began talking about what we’d want to come home to. A place that felt generous, unhurried, and grounded. A place built around food, wine, and being together.
Coming home
Back in Cape Town, those conversations turned practical.
Focaccia was tested at home, grazing boards were laid out for friends, and weekends were spent meeting the people behind the food, farmers, cheesemakers, and producers working with intention and care. Slowly, a clearer idea emerged: a neighbourhood deli shaped by travel and experience, but rooted firmly in Hout Bay.
Building The Deli Social
After months of searching, we found an empty space in the Oakhurst Centre, full of light, with mountain views and room to begin.
We built it hands-on, working with local artisans to create an open, welcoming space where the kitchen is part of the room and the table is always central. When the doors opened, the response was immediate and simple. “It already feels like part of the neighbourhood.”
A Neighbour’s Words:
herman b.
Food: 5/5 · Service: 5/5 · Atmosphere: 5/5
“Absolutely love The Deli Social… the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. The food is fresh, the coffee consistently excellent, and the staff radiate good energy.”
The people at the heart of it
The makers & hosts who shape the days, the tables, and the mood.
The Deli Social is shaped by the people who show up every day.
From the kitchen to the counter to the floor, our team cooks, pours, and hosts with care. Paying attention to the details, welcoming people in, and creating a space that feels familiar and easy to return to.
It’s that care, shared daily, that carries through everything we do.
