The aroma of freshly baked cake. The clink of cutlery over chocolate-drenched waffles. A peaceful garden table bathed in sunlight. This isn’t Paris—it’s Pretoria’s own Chocolat et Café. Here’s why one visit simply won’t be enough.
1. Chocolate-Infused Menu Magic (Straight from Their Kitchen)
If you’ve ever dreamed of being smothered in chocolate (in the best possible way), Chocolat et Café in Pretoria East delivers this fantasy with flair. From gooey Belgian chocolate brownies to indulgent Nutella flapjacks and their famed Chocolate Avalanche dessert, this menu was clearly created by chocoholics for chocoholics.
Some must-try items from the official menu include:
-
Chocolate Fondue: A luscious pot of melted Belgian chocolate served with a selection of fresh seasonal fruit, marshmallows, and sweet treats for dipping—a playful, shareable dessert that’s pure indulgence in every bite.
-
Belgium Chocolate & Strawberries Waffles: Crisp golden waffles drizzled with rich Belgian chocolate sauce, topped with fresh strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream, indulgent, elegant, and irresistibly sweet.
-
Chocolate Pancakes: Fluffy chocolate-infused pancakes stacked high and drizzled with warm chocolate sauce, finished with a dusting of cocoa and a side of cream or ice cream, perfect for chocoholics craving a sweet escape.
-
Deluxe Choc Chip Cookie Milkshake with Cream: A thick and creamy milkshake blended with real chocolate chip cookies, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and cookie crumbles. Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly over-the-top.
-
Hot Chocolate: The Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy classic crafted with real melted chocolate and full-cream milk, slow-stirred to achieve velvety perfection—comforting, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. For a lighter option, the Thin Hot Chocolate offers a smoother take on tradition, made with cocoa and milk to deliver a gentler, more delicate chocolate flavour, ideal for those who enjoy a subtler sweetness.
2. Crafted with Passion: From Kitchen to Celebration
Founded in 2015 by longtime partners Lynne and Sonet, Chocolat et Café isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a vision that blossomed into one of Pretoria’s most beloved foodie spots. Their backstory? A simple craving for something out of the ordinary. They began with the idea of combining artisan quality with charm, and it worked. By 2016, Chocolat et Café opened its doors. By 2018, they expanded to a larger, more enchanting space to keep up with demand.
Behind the scenes, the magic is real:
-
Owner-Operated: Lynne and Sonet are on-site daily, ensuring every plate meets their high standards.
-
Tight-Knit Team: Many staff members have been there since day one. Their passion and professionalism show in every service interaction.
-
From-Scratch Philosophy: All meals are prepared on-premises. No store-bought shortcuts—only real ingredients, original recipes, and attention to detail.
What You’ll Find:
-
Restaurant: From gourmet breakfasts to hearty lunches, their menu ranges from French-style omelettes and brunch burgers to healthy harvest bowls and seven-course plated dinners on request.
-
Cakes: Freshly baked daily, their cakes range from classic carrot and red velvet to wildly creative novelty cakes (think unicorns, safari animals, and custom wedding cakes). Each slice is moist, fluffy, and richly flavoured.
-
Catering & Events: From High Tea platters to off-site spitbraais, Chocolat et Café can cater everything from weddings to corporate retreats. They offer chef-led experiences, waiters, and barmen wherever you need them.
-
Custom Functions: Want to host a baby shower or birthday brunch? They offer private venue areas, personalised menus, and charming decor that feels both cosy and elegant.
3. A Venue Worth Falling in Love With
Step into Chocolat et Café and you'll swear you've stumbled into the French countryside. Nestled in Pretoria East, the restaurant boasts a rustic French Chic Country feel—think distressed wooden tables, ambient lighting, and charming garden nooks.
It’s perfect for:
-
Alfresco brunches with a view
-
Intimate bridal showers and birthdays
-
Afternoon tea under the trees
-
Photo-worthy girls’ day outings
From cosy indoor tables to breezy outdoor seating, the vibe is as welcoming as the staff. And the drink menu? Just as thoughtful.
You’ll find:
-
Craft Cocktails
-
South African Wines
-
Signature Gins
-
Rich Coffee Creations
Pair your drink with something sweet like their Red Velvet Cake or Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake, or go savoury with the BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pizza topped with caramelised onions and house-made BBQ sauce.
And if you’re planning something special? They’ll transform the space to match your dream aesthetic—floral installations, vintage tableware, and gourmet canapés included.
Chocolat et Café isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience built on passion, flavour, and hospitality. With chocolate-inspired meals, locally loved cakes, and curated events, it's one of Pretoria East’s best-kept secrets. Next time you're craving something both delicious and meaningful, skip the chain cafés and head straight to Chocolat et Café.
FAQs
1. Where is Chocolat et Café located?
In Pretoria East, nestled in a peaceful, convenient location with ample parking.
2. Are the dishes truly made from scratch?
Yes. All meals, cakes, and pastries are made fresh on-site daily.
3. What is the most popular chocolate item?
The Chocolate Fondue and Belgian Chocolate & Strawberries Waffles are best sellers.
4. Can I order a novelty cake?
Yes. They specialise in custom-designed novelty cakes for all occasions.
5. Is there a kids’ menu available?
Yes, with child-friendly versions of pancakes, toasties, and chicken strips.
6. Do they cater to off-site events?
Yes. Chocolat et Café offers full-service off-site catering for any occasion.
7. Is the restaurant suitable for private functions?
Absolutely. The venue has multiple areas for parties, showers, and corporate events.
8. What beverages are on offer?
Coffees, Oreo hot chocolate, smoothies, milkshakes, and a curated selection of wines and cocktails.
9. Can I get gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Yes. Many menu items can be adapted for dietary needs—just ask your server.
10. Do I need to make a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended for events or large groups.
Image source: Chocolat et Café official website