Here is a list of the Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Nairobi. Kenya is one of the largest producers of coffee in the world so undoubtedly coffee is a big thing in Kenya. The cafe culture is taking off in a big way in many places in this country. Many coffee outlets have opened in the capital city of Nairobi. If you know where to look, you will find some of the best coffee outlets, that will give you the true taste of Kenyan coffee.
You don’t need to be a caffeine connoisseur to know that Kenya produces some of the best Arabica coffee in the world. Here are some of the best places to get yourself a perfect coffee when visiting Nairobi.
Different Types of Coffee
You have to be specific when you are ordering, or you might be disappointed by what you’ll find in your coffee mug. Those who have coffee makers will tell you more about how to preserve coffee beans and like. However, that’s not our lesson today. The different types of coffee include;
- Cappuccino
- Flat white
- Cortado
- Caffe mocha
- Latte
- Caffe macchiato
- Iced coffee
- Coffea arabica
- Robusta coffee
- Black coffee
- Espresso
- Caffe crema
- Long black coffee
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops In Nairobi
1. Artcaffé
Artcaffé is a renowned café that is famous for its top-quality coffee and diverse range of pastries in the city. It has 36 branches in Nairobi, all of which offer a relaxed and comfortable environment. The café features eye-catching artwork, outdoor balconies, a fully stocked cocktail bar, an excellent bakery, delicious meals, and lively music that make it an ideal place for corporate meetings, as well as casual gatherings. The baristas at Artcaffé are highly trained and understand the art of making a perfect cup of coffee.
Our favorite branch is the one located in the Galleria Shopping Mall, which is close to several wildlife attractions in the city. Here, you can take a break, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee, meet up with friends, or have lunch while visiting places such as the Giraffe Center, Bomas of Kenya, or the Elephant Nursery. If you are a digital nomad looking for a suitable Artcaffé branch to work from, we highly recommend the Kimathi Street branch. It boasts a spacious indoor seating area, high-speed WiFi, and a conducive atmosphere enabling you to work on your laptop without distractions.
Location: Galleria Shopping Mall, off Langata Road
Phone: +254 709 828 282
Opening Hours: Daily, from 6:30 am to 11 pm
2. Java House
Java House is among the city’s first coffee shops. The place serves one of the best hand-roasted Kenyan brews in the country, which makes it a go-to spot for coffee lovers. Nairobi Java House is a big national brand, with over 20 branches located in the capital alone. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is family-friendly, offering playgrounds for children at some of its locations. The People’s Choice Awards have honored it in the past. If you visit, make sure to order a Kenyan kahawa or try a milkshake with a cooling scoop or two of ice cream.
All of their outlets are beautifully decorated with local art pieces, and the ambiance is lovely. With their high-speed WiFi and cool music, you can arrive in the morning and work your way through the day while being served the best Kenyan coffee, tasty snacks, and delicious meals from their extensive menu. Their attentive, friendly staff always strive to make you feel at home. Our favorite branches are Kimathi Street (for breakfast) and Reinsurance Plaza (for burgers).
Location: Kimathi Street, next to Kilimanjaro Restaurant
Phone: +254 725 412 164
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm
3. Cafe Deli
Cafe Deli is best for Working, Burgers, and Lattes. It is a renowned delicatessen chain in Nairobi, with three prominent outlets located across the city. While it caters to a diverse clientele, the coffee shop is trendy among couples seeking a romantic atmosphere and digital nomads searching for a productive workspace. Cafe Deli offers a range of highlights that include delectable burgers, irresistible cakes and pastries, and expertly brewed coffee, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. The warm and welcoming staff only add to the overall charm, ensuring a delightful food experience.
Our favorite branch is Tumaini, which stands out with its beautifully decorated interior, cozy seats, and perfect lighting. Additionally, the high-speed and reliable WiFi ensures that remote work and leisurely browsing are a breeze, making Cafe Deli the perfect destination for a memorable outing – for work, fun, and food.
Location: Tumaini House, off Moi Avenue
Phone: +254 710 465 291
Opening Hours: Daily, from 6:30 am to 10 pm
4. Spring Valley Coffee
Spring Valley Coffee is another coffee shop with several locations across Nairobi. It is best for various flavors of Kenyan Coffee. We love their Spring Valley Shopping Center location, which is small and relaxing, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a book or grabbing a takeaway. Their coffee is hand-roasted and of excellent quality, and their staff is always welcoming and friendly.
In addition to their coffee shops, they also sell mocha bombs and coffee bags (beans and ground). Their coffee selection includes Espresso, Elgon, and Gourmet, which is our favorite, sourced from the central highlands of Kenya. While they don’t have a full food menu, their coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks are excellent.
Location: Spring Valley Shopping Center, along Lower Kabete Road
Phone: +254 708 709 709
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7 am to 9 pm
5. Palette Cafe
Palette Cafe is a unique coffee shop located in Nairobi’s Lavington neighborhood, which serves delicious coffee and tasty meals. However, it is more than just a coffee spot; it is a sanctuary of inclusivity, elegance, and serenity. The cafe aims to empower differently-abled individuals by providing them with training and employment opportunities in the food service industry.
The cafe has a spacious co-working area, which is tailor-made for freelancers and remote workers seeking the ideal environment to unleash their creativity and focus. The cafe also has an art studio, yoga center, and social hub under its roof, making it the ultimate garden cafe in Nairobi. Whether you want to work, connect with like-minded individuals, unwind, savor Kenyan coffee, or have a blast, Palette Cafe is the perfect place to be.
Location: Opposite Lavington Mall, along James Gichuru Road
Phone: +254 741 851 685
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
6. Tin Roof Café
Tin Roof Cafe in Karen is the perfect place to grab a healthy meal, juicy burger, fresh wrap, or sandwich. You can enjoy locally roasted coffee in a warm and cozy atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city and shopping malls. They even have a kids’ playground for a family-friendly experience. The staff is friendly, and the cafe has both indoor and patio seating to cater to your needs.
The River Cafe, situated within Karura Forest, offers a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts, nature lovers, cyclists, and hikers. This outdoor coffee shop and restaurant has a breathtaking view and a wide-open space with high ceilings. They offer an array of delightful meals, pastries, and desserts, and we highly recommend trying their all-day breakfast, which includes a pan-fried beef fillet, roast potatoes, two eggs prepared to your liking, and a grilled tomato.
Location: At The House of Treasures along Dagoretti Road in Karen
Phone: +254 748 259 066
Opening Hours: Daily, from 8 am to 5:30 pm
7. The River Café
This is the Best Coffee Shop in Nairobi for Nature Lovers. The River Café, located within Karura Forest, is an excellent destination for nature lovers, cycling enthusiasts, and hikers. This outdoor restaurant offers a perfect blend of adventure, delicious food, and tranquility, making it one of Nairobi’s top cafes with picturesque views. Notably, the cafe’s wide open space with high ceilings adds to its charm. Their menu features a variety of delightful meals, pastries, and desserts in addition to superb coffee and tea selections. We highly recommend trying their all-day breakfast, which includes a pan-fried beef fillet, roast potatoes, two eggs prepared to your liking, and a grilled tomato – a perfect combination of flavors.
Location: Karura Forest along Limuru Road
Phone: +254 725 969 891
Operating Hours: Daily, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
8. Wasp and Sprout
Looking for a cozy coffee shop with a unique twist? Look no further than Wasp and Sprout – a family-owned cafe and store in Nairobi’s upscale Loresho neighborhood. This quaint coffee shop boasts a beautifully decorated interior with rustic tables, plant vases, and comfy cushions made with stunning ankara fabric, making it the perfect spot to unwind with friends or indulge in a leisurely read.
At Wasp and Sprout, they pride themselves on sourcing the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each bite and sip is a memorable experience. In addition to their delicious coffee and baked goods, they offer locally crafted furniture and homewares, making it an ideal spot for coffee and design enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your home or a cozy place to meet up with friends, Wasp and Sprout is worth a visit.
Location: The old Loresho shopping center, along Loresho Grove
Phone: +254 799 873 422
Opening Hours: 8 am-4 pm (Monday-Thursday), 8 am until late (Friday), 8 am-5 pm (Saturday-Sunday)
9. Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café is one of the best cafes and coffee shops in Nairobi, nestled in the Kilimani neighborhood. The cafe offers a beautiful and inviting ambiance to savor exquisite dishes expertly complemented by brewed coffee. Kesh Kesh caters to diverse dining preferences, whether you prefer cozy indoor seating or the al fresco charm of an outdoor area. Visitors can also learn the specialty coffee process from their roastery or buy some Eritrean beans to brew at home. It’s ideal for those seeking an intimate meal with loved ones. The cafe goes the extra mile by offering a conducive environment for work. Digital nomads and freelancers can enjoy complimentary WiFi, making it an ideal spot to set up your workstation.
Location: Chaka Apartments, along Chaka Road
Phone: +254 724 131 700
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7 am to 10 pm
10. CJ’s Restaurant
CJ’s Restaurant on Koinange Street is another of my top picks for the best cafes in Nairobi. Although it can become a bit crowded in the evenings, the airy space, beautiful lighting, and comfortable seats make it a pleasant experience. I love their interior design, which is gorgeous and genuinely inviting.
In addition to great food and coffee, they serve the most incredibly sweet plantains, and their milkshakes and smoothies are the best in town. The friendly waitstaff provides excellent customer service, guiding you through their extensive menu. The prices are reasonable for the quality you receive, making it a perfect choice for dates, family outings, or business meetings.
While CJ’s has several locations across the city, the Koinange Street branch holds a special place in my heart. Their extensive menu offers everything from breakfast to decadent desserts, and We highly recommend trying their classic tropical milkshakes, house coffee, and pepper steak combo.
Location: Koinange Street, Nairobi City Center
Phone: +254 800 720 003
Opening Hours: 6:30 am-11 pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6:30 am to midnight (Friday-Saturday)
11. The Library
Newly opened in 2020, The Library has quickly gained popularity amongst Nairobi’s students and young professionals. It’s an excellent place to work and study, with three levels of indoor and outdoor seating (including some fantastic honeycomb ‘pods’), plentiful cheap and tasty coffees, and a solid menu of snacks and small meals. If you’re looking for a comfortable, quiet, distraction-free workspace with great coffee, The Library is easily one of Westlands’ best spots.
Location: Sarit Center Roundabout, Nairobi
Phone: 0103 000103
Opening Hours: 8 am-09 pm (Sunday-Monday)
12. Point Zero Coffee
Pointzero Coffee is a Kenyan retail coffee business established in 2015. Point Zero Coffee is one of the best cafes in Nairobi. Located right next to Nyayo House, the cafe serves great coffee and also a few snacks that you can munch on along with your coffee. The coffee served here is a huge change from the usual coffee dredge. A friendly staff and good coffee will get you a great start to your day. Also, the cafe is located in the same building as the Nairobi Gallery, so you can hop into the gallery to enjoy its art collection.
Location: Posta Road, next to Nyayo House
Phone: 0707 789376
Opening Hours: 8 am-6 pm (Sunday-Monday)
13. Thorn Tree Cafe
Thorn Tree Cafe is an iconic bistro-styled pavement cafe and is very famous among locals as well as travelers alike. The cafe offers a good of coffee and some delicious dishes including Kenyan chicken stew and crab meat etc. Apart from the savory dishes, the cafe is also famous for its legendary message board located right in the center of the restaurant on an acacia tree. The restaurant derives its name from this centrally located tree. This message board is used by travelers who visit the coffee shop and leave mail pinned on the tree’s trunk.
Location: Posta Road, next to Nyayo House
Phone: 0719 048000
Opening Hours: 6 am-9:30 pm (Sunday-Monday)
14. Lava Latte
This cafe in Nairobi is full of life, bringing together various flavors and a warm atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for freshly brewed coffee, delicious meals, or a nice place to hang out, Lava Latte offers a great experience that leaves you craving more. In addition to offering culinary delights, Lava Latte is a place to connect for art lovers. Here, you’ll find cozy, beautiful artworks either created by their patrons or sourced locally. The cafe also holds various events, such as “paint and sip,” throughout the week. If you’re looking to get some work done, the cafe provides a quiet environment to be productive while enjoying the beauty of nature. It features free WiFi, charging socket outlets, and comfortable spaces to set up your laptop.
Location: 209 Statehouse Road
Phone: +254 757 119 064
Opening Hours: Daily, from 7:30 am to 9 pm
15. Connect Coffee Roasters
Connect Coffee is famous for its commitment to serving Nairobi’s finest coffee. It prides itself on crafting coffee from freshly roasted beans, consistently ensuring the most natural of beverages. It also lets customers trace the coffee’s source and understand the production process, providing a premium and wholesome coffee experience.
This roastery has established itself as one of Nairobi’s top coffee brewers and sellers, with four strategically located cafes and shops in Riverside Drive, Gigiri Complex, Sanlam Towers, and Hurlingham. The Riverside Drive outlet is the most popular choice among coffee lovers.
Beyond their exceptional brewed coffee selection, patrons can indulge in various menu offerings, including omelets, waffles, wraps, donuts, and delectable pastries. Connect isn’t merely a coffee destination; it’s a complete culinary experience catering to the diverse tastes of its cherished customers.
Location: Riverfront building, Off 14th Riverside Drive
Phone: +254 708 790 480
Opening Hours: 8 am-7 pm (Monday-Saturday), 8 am-7 pm (Sunday)
