Rumi Café, Pinelands

Updated: 26-01-2022

Remember those Nutella pancakes from Timbuktu Coffee? If you cried crocodile tears when they closed down like I did, cos no more Nutella pancakes….. you’ll be glad to know about Rumi Café. Run by the same people who had Timbuktu, they have opened this new coffee shop and eatery in Pinelands. Serving Truth coffee, it’s coffee shop fare and light meals in the week and grills on the weekend. And of course, the Nutella pancakes are back!!!

We got to sneak in a quick breakfast on a recent trip to the Mothercity. Rumi Café is located in an older part of Pinelands at Central Square, near the old Police station. They share space with some craft shops and another restaurant. It’s rather quaint and old fashioned until you enter Rumi Café itself.

You can choose to sit inside but why do that when you can sit under a secluded canopy of trees on the outside. The courtyard has been enclosed with a bedouin tent with open sections allowing the natural foliage and trees to form part of the atmosphere. It’s a little like Antique Cafe, in Morningside Durban.

We opted for a light platter of pastries to share which included a huge croissant, chocolate muffin and danish. Coffees are by Truth Coffee and were particularly good as was the milkshake had by Taufeeq. That morning they surprised all the tables with complimentary koesisters. A welcome touch of hospitality displaying a true passion for what they do. The koesisters themselves were excellent. Sadly we did not have time for a proper hot breakfast, but it’s definitely on the cards for our next visit.

The chef is Turkish so some of the menu is Turkish inspired. It includes breakfast, sandwiches and burgers, salads, grills and desserts. No kids menu available but there are suitable items on the menu. Prices are reasonable and service was good.

I love the outside area though I think it could use a few finishing touches in the form of fairy lights and small decor touches. At the moment it is true to a quaint and rustic essence. It’s a lovely spot to quietly while away a few hours this summer.