This past Saturday, my friends and I decided to try the much talked about coffee shop in Cavendish Square, Coco Safar.

I’d been inside the establishment a few times but always found it filled to capacity and didn’t bother to wait for seats. Of course it didn’t help that I was usually there around lunch time – rush hour for many eateries.

This time, we met up after 3pm which turned out to be a good time. There were seats available and I could finally see what the fuss was about.

The one thing that strikes you is the décor. Coco Safar got it very right. As soon as you step in, you forget you’ve just walked through a manic mall (it’s the silly season) and you’re surrounded by a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The high ceilings, wall treatments, and dim lighting work together to create a sophisticated environment that makes you want to stay and dine in style.

Of course décor is but one element of a dining experience and while Coco Safar does well to create this refined and classy setting, we also have to consider the service and most importantly the coffee and eats.

On the service aspect: our waiter was attentive without being in our way at all. He appeared to explain menu items to us and to take our orders and only again appeared when we requested our bill. I don’t need a waited to hover and I’m happy to say there was no hovering here.

Now, for the food. Coco Safar has an impressive array of desserts that you can choose from. Their domes are something to behold. It’s a thing of true beauty. But I wasn’t in the mood for something sweet. Nadira and Zahiera both chose desserts while I chose something savoury.

Here are our overall impressions of what we ate and drank.

Nadira: The caramel dome was to die for.  It was not sweet at all. It was so beautifully presented. I will definitely go again. The soda water that is served with cappuccino is very different and adds that special something to your whole experience.

Zahiera: The chocolate dome was truly amazing!  Everything  was presented so perfectly. The dark hot chocolate was also perfect, not to sweet, the truffles and marshmallow gave it a unique taste. I will definitely  go again, especially to try out the different capsules  at the coffee emporium.

Me: I opted for a sun-dried tomato and ricotta tart. The pastry was flaky and each bite melted in my mouth. The cappuccino I had to drink was really good and came with a “palate cleanser” – a little glass of sparkling water.

I’d definitely like to try more items from the menu. That said, it’s not a place you go to when starving but it’s a nice treat and for dessert lovers it’s a dream. I had a look at the breakfast offering and I think next time I go, it will be for breakfast.

Our total bill for the drinks, 2 desserts and savoury tart came to R250. So it’s a little steep but a nice treat every now and then.

Have you been? How was your experience? Tell me in the comments section below.