12 Great Coffee Shops In Africa Where You Can Get Your Java On
If you’re a lover of fine coffee, you know looks can be deceiving. You know to stay away from shiny chain stores or just about any coffee sold inside a mall when traveling in the U.S. But what about the many countries of Africa? How do you know when you’ve stumbled into a java gem? AFKInsider looked at six or seven lists of best places for coffee in Africa and came up with this guide of 12 great coffee shops in Africa where you can get your java on.
Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
This is actually a restaurant/bar/café with a swanky, young professional air. The coffee is a bit pricy but very high quality and usually comes with a bowl of olives or nuts. You won’t mind paying extra. It’s the type of place where you want to set up your laptop and sit for hours so you can people watch, get work done and network until dinner time. That’s when it becomes a great spot for a steak.
Source: Cokefour.wordpress.com
Café du Livre, Marrakech, Morocco
This is a part coffee shop, part bookshop, so it combines those two wonderful flavors of nutty brews and smoky old pages. A row of plush loveseats sits across from long sofa benches under bright windows and behind shelves of old books. The owner describes the place as offering “…a warm exchange, sale and meeting with famous writers.” The café is loved by customers for its hearty breakfast served all day.
Source: Madeinmarrakech.co.uk
Café de France, Marrakech, Morocco
Known for its bold, aromatic Arabic coffees, Morocco had to make this list more than once. More importantly, this particular café is one of the best known in the country. The café’s upper terrace is perfect for people watching over Jemaa el Fna, a happening market place. In the morning you can order crépes. You’ll find a healthy mix of locals and tourists here.
Source: Hg2marrakech.com
The Mug, Nairobi, Kenya
The Mug is known for great coffee, smoothies and pastries. It’s busy for lunch, for those looking for an after work pick-me-up and for dinner. The décor is a combination of cozy couches for slow sippers, and slightly more formal seating for diners. The staff is very knowledgeable on the roasts, and they (plus any of their customers) will likely recommend you get a tiramisu.
Source: Hapakenya.com
Harar Coffee, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Harar, also called Mokarar Coffee, serves coffee and also roasts its own so you can grab a fresh cup or buy a fresh bag of beans to take home. The atmosphere is humble and cozy but with that simple décor comes simple, affordable prices for quality coffee.
Source: Arefe.wordpress.com
Café Choche, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is considered coffee’s birthplace, so it deserves another spot on this list. Café Choche opened in 2011 in the historical railway building. With a lovely gated, cobblestone patio covered in potted plants, it’s a great place to sit for hours with a book.
Source: Arefe.wordpress.com
East African Coffee, Zanzibar, Tanzania
This tiny place packs a lot of charm. A New York Times writer who spent 36 hours in Zanzibar described East African Coffee Shop’s decor like this: “…burnt-sienna walls decorated by vintage photos and shelves made from wooden dhow boats.” The shop is known for single-origin Arabica coffee and generous breakfast platters with such things as avocado and sausage.
Source: Nytimes.com
Kubu Café, Livingstone, Zambia
Kubu Café has a large patio where coffee lovers can overlook the busy Mosi-Oa-Tunya town square. The food is continental and comes out fast — nothing fancy but it’s affordable, dependable, and usually locally sourced. It’s a friendly place where you’ll see business acquaintances and old friends alike meeting for a little pick-me-up in a friendly environment. Don’t miss out on their made-to-order cakes.
Source: Zambezitraveller.com
Pink Salt, Mahe Island, Seychelles
You won’t know if you’re in a coffee shop or on someone’s large, relaxing porch. Pink Salt has adorable wicker chairs and tables for lunchers, plus love seats and couches on the various levels of the open-air establishment. The home-baked goods, the façade that looks like a beach cottage, and the high-beam ceilings make you never want to leave.
Source: Tripadvisor.com
Vovo Telo, Johannesburg, South Africa
To give you some idea of how popular this spot is, you’ll need to get on a waiting list just to pick up a pastry. As for special drinks, pick up a macadamia chocolate mocha, or an apple and mint frostee. If you can stay for a full breakfast, try the French toast with ham and roasted tomatoes, or the chicken liver breakfast panini.
Source: Vovotelo.co.za
El Horreya, Cairo, Egypt
El Horreya is actually considered a nightlife spot, but during the day it’s a café in downtown Cairo. Cairo360 describes it as “…a living room where leftist intellectuals, artists, writers, expats and locals alike gather to socialize.” During the day it’s haunt for chess players, but anyone can enjoy the large, partially stained glass windows overlooking the busy alleyways outside and the feeling that everybody knows everybody’s business, in a fun way.
Source: Cairo360.com
Truth, Cape Town, South Africa
Considered to have a cult following, Truth Coffee Roasting gives its roasts names to remember, such as Vengeance and Resurrection. The shop is known for scrumptious lunch wraps, a good networking scene and a stubborn loyalty to pure coffee without frills, bells and whistles (or whipped cream.) You also get views of Table Mountain.
Source: Capetownmagazine.com