Categories > Guides and Tips
Sip & Relax: Coziest Coffee Shops in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a city that knows how to appreciate a good cup of coffee. From cosy cafes to trendy coffee shops, there’s no shortage of options for caffeine enthusiasts.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect latte or looking for a new spot to work remotely, Johannesburg has something for everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best coffee shops in Johannesburg that offer delicious coffee, tasty food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
AfricaBlack Roastery & Espresso Bar
Website: https://africablack.coffee/
Address: Shop 16A, Northland’s Shopping Centre Witkoppen & Newmarket Northriding, Johannesburg
Phone: +27 011 462 2443
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 2 PM
AfricaBlack Roastery & Espresso Bar is a coffee house owned entirely by women. They specialise in roasting high-quality coffee beans, training skilled baristas, and serving delicious meals under one roof.
Their menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch options that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re in a hurry or want to sit down and relax, they have something for everyone.
Moreover, their famous chicken and bacon dishes are a must-try and go perfectly with their espresso, tea, and smoothies. Fair prices complement the experience, allowing you to enjoy your food and drinks without breaking the bank.
| Pro Tip: If you’re gluten-sensitive, fear not! AfricaBlack offers a great gluten-free wrap that’s both delicious and safe for those with dietary restrictions. |
Arbour Café & Courtyard
Website: https://arbourcafe.co.za/
Address: Shop 6 Wrenrose Court, 64 St Andrew St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 10 753 2007
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Tucked away in the greenery of Birdhaven, Arbour Café and Courtyard is a cosy spot where you can enjoy lazy days in the sun and tasty French food.
They take pride in using fresh ingredients, especially in their gluten-free pancakes, which are a hit with visitors. From croissants to salads, their menu has something for everyone, and they have a great selection of drinks too.
Plus, they’re pet-friendly and have free Wi-Fi, making it a perfect hangout spot. And if you’re looking for a place to host an event, they have a beautiful courtyard.
| Pro Tip: Book a table for the L’Ormarins Bottomless Mimosa Brunch for a weekend indulgence, offering a delectable spread sure to delight. Don’t miss out on this treat for endless mimosas and a delightful menu to enjoy with loved ones. |
Bean There Coffee Company
Website: https://beanthere.co.za/
Address: 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Phone: +27 87 310 3100
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 12 PM
Bean There, the first coffee roaster in South Africa to be Certified Fairtrade, carefully selects its unblended coffee beans from Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
The cosy atmosphere of the coffee shop allows customers to fully enjoy the fantastic smell of freshly roasted beans while surrounded by simple décor.
For those interested in learning more about coffee, they offer Home Barista and Home Brewing courses. They’ll teach you about how to use equipment, grind beans, steam milk, and master brewing techniques.
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of their special cupping mornings on certain Thursdays. It’s a great chance to taste different coffees from various regions and test your coffee knowledge in their fun quiz. |
Bertrand Café
Website: https://bertrand-cafe.business.site/
Address: 296 Fox St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa
Phone: +27 82 645 0416
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Located in the bustling Maboneng neighbourhood, Bertrand Café is a lively spot where you can enjoy coffee and jazz. From morning until late at night, this place offers tasty food and live music.
You can start your day with a coffee and end it with dancing under one roof. Their sandwiches, especially the classic French baguette with roast beef and veggies, are delicious.
With its cosy outdoor area, vintage-style interior, and lively bar, Bertrand Café is the perfect place to chill, eat, and enjoy good music.
| Pro Tip: On Mondays, they serve a special African feast with dishes like jollof rice and goat stew, paired perfectly with a cold beer or a cocktail. |
Bootlegger Coffee Company
Website: https://www.bootlegger.coffee/
Address: The Zone, JHB The Zone, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank Johannesburg
Phone: +27 10 880 6410
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM
Founded in 2012, Bootlegger Coffee Company has flourished into a thriving enterprise with multiple Cape Town and Johannesburg locations.
Committed to quality, their micro-roastery carefully crafts blends.
Their food emphasizes freshness and local sourcing. It features eggs straight from the farm, and they’ve curated top-quality ingredients for everything from burgers to eggs Benedict.
Plus, they have free Wi-Fi and friendly service.
| Pro Tip: Try their Freezochino, which is a chilled beverage available in classic, matcha, or peppermint crisp flavours. It’s a perfect treat to beat the heat on hot days. |
Breezeblock Cafe
Website: https://breezeblock.co.za/
Address: 29 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg, 2019, South Africa
Phone: +27 78 175 2556
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Breezeblock Cafe is a friendly coffee spot managed by locals and decked out with artwork by Justin Brett. Its interior highlights are a garden and a mural patrons can admire while grabbing breakfast or lunch.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely break with a game or a book, the cafe got you covered; plus, there’s fast Wi-Fi. The cafe takes its coffee seriously, sourcing beans locally and roasting them to perfection for a flavorful cup.
The menu boasts a delectable selection, including famous Dutch-inspired baked pancakes, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful salads.
| Pro Tip: Grab a biodegradable takeaway cup or a reusable bamboo cup for a complimentary first coffee for those on the go. |
Craft Coffee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftcoffeesa/
Address: 15 on 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg
Phone: +27 11 492 0501
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Initially based in Newtown, Craft Coffee is a hotspot for coffee lovers, serving top-notch brews that blend art and science for a perfect cup.
Their reputation for quality coffee soared among serious fans before they relocated to Parktown North in 2019. They’re a favourite among locals, especially those hitting the gym in the mornings.
| Pro Tip: Try their Marshalltown Buzz Blend or Marshalltown Daily Grind for a delicious start to your day, and don’t miss out on their freshly baked pastries! |
Doubleshot Coffee & Tea
Website: https://doubleshot.co.za/
Address: Shop 4, Ground Floor, 199 Oxford Parks, Dunkeld, Johannesburg, 2196
Phone: +27 83 380 4127
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 1 PM
Doubleshot Coffee is all about bringing you top-notch tea and coffee in a relaxed and comfy setting. It’s the perfect spot to soak up some sun while sipping on their famous iced teas or munching on their tasty pastries like pastéis de natas and cannolis.
They’re committed to ethical brews, which means they source their coffee and tea from fair trade and organic farms. Plus, they offer seasonal specials that feature rare and exotic varieties, so you can always discover something new.
| Pro Tip: Try their Artisanal Chai Concentrate made from African black tea, secret spices, golden honey, and sweet crystals. You can enjoy it either iced or warm. |
Father Coffee Rosebank
Website: https://www.father.coffee/
Address: The Zone, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 82 513 4258
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Father Coffee isn’t just a coffee place; it’s also a top spot to eat in Rosebank with a fantastic view of Johannesburg. You’ll find this excellent café on the rooftop of a building in Braamfontein, offering superb panoramic city views.
This trendy café serves up a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries to satisfy any craving.
It also takes pride in sourcing and roasting exceptional coffees, ensuring each cup embodies the finest qualities of origin, type, and processing methods.
| Pro Tip: Enjoy their tasty roast chicken or warm beef pastrami for a satisfying lunch. Make your meal even better by trying one of their specialty-grade microlot coffee, a high-quality coffee sourced from a small farm. |
Freshly Ground Coffee
Website: https://freshlyground-coffeeshop.co.za/
Address: 19 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 10 500 1694
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 12 PM
Freshly Ground is a versatile restaurant that offers more than just coffee. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, and you can eat a variety of dishes ranging from sandwiches and salads to pasta and burgers.
One of the menu’s highlights is the chicken tikka masala pasta, which is spicy, creamy, and satisfying. It comes with a crispy sweet potato wedge and parmesan cheese on top.
The coffee is also excellent with dairy alternatives and iced options available. The sourdough bread is fresh and adds a nice touch to their gourmet sandwiches.
| Pro Tip: Blend your coffee break with a cultural excursion to Goodman Gallery; it’s just a 13-minute walk from the cafe. This gallery leads South Africa’s contemporary art scene, spotlighting artists engaging with the African context. |
Motherland Coffee
Website: https://www.motherlandcoffee.com/
Address: 1 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Phone: +27 11 447 4360
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Offering gourmet coffee and breathtaking skyline views, Motherland Coffee is a popular spot for meetings and work. There are plenty of spots to plug in your devices here.
You can try their unique coffee blend made from Ethiopian and Rwandan beans. It comes in a big cup called the Mothercuppa.
Additionally, you can munch on yummy salads, wraps, and paninis while you’re there.
| Pro Tip: Try crafting your own sandwich masterpiece with the delightful Build-A-Bread option where you select artisan bread, cheese, protein, and a delicious drizzle to suit your taste. |
Seattle Coffee Co
Website: https://www.seattlecoffeecompany.co.za/
Address: 19 Ameshoff St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Seattle Coffee Co is a well-known chain of cafes located in Johannesburg. Their menu offers a wide range of coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
This cafe provides high-quality coffee and a cosy atmosphere. It’s an ideal place for people who need a quick coffee fix or prefer to work in a comfortable environment.
| Pro Tip: Visit the cafe before you watch a show at Joburg Theatre. You can enjoy a delicious cup of java before a great performance! |
The Grind Coffee Company
Website: https://thegrindgreenery.co.za/
Address: Cnr Whiteley Road and The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 72 754 8705
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
The Grind Coffee Company is a multi-purpose venue that offers specialty coffee, vegan treats, and coworking facilities in Melrose Arch.
It’s a spot where you can treat yourself to vegan cakes and pastries while sipping coffee. This place also offers a mouth-watering range of meal options like chicken stir fry, beef mince quesadilla, and chilli con carne.
Besides, suppose you need a private space to conduct a meeting or work session. In that case, you can reserve a boardroom that suits your requirements and preferences.
| Pro Tip: Coffee in a Cone is a must-try at the cafe. The full-flavoured espresso and rich chocolate make for a delectable delight. Don’t eat the cone until you’re done with your coffee to achieve the full experience. |
The Perfect Cup
Website: https://perfectcup.co.za/
Address: Parkview Lawn Tennis Club, 57 Roscommon Rd (Entrance on Tyrone Ave), Parkview, South Africa
Phone: (+27) 11 486 0683
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 7 AM to 1 PM
The Perfect Cup is a charming coffee shop and roastery located in the Parkview Centre. It has been roasting coffee since 1996 and has gained popularity over the years.
The coffee shop offers top-quality Arabica coffee beans sourced from seven different countries. It serves simple but delicious breakfast and lunch options with superb pancakes.
The cosy atmosphere of the coffee shop makes it a great spot to sip coffee, enjoy live jazz music, and read magazines.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget about Jazz Saturdays! Every Saturday morning from 10 AM to 12 PM, you can sip on a macchiato while listening to live jazz music at the café. |
The Whippet
Website: https://thewhippetcoffee.com/
Address: 34 7th St, Linden, Randburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2104, South Africa
Phone: (+27) 79 711 5604
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7 AM to 4 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM
The Whippet is famous for its delicious coffee, scrumptious food, and renowned burger sliders. It’s a trendy spot in the neighbourhood, attracting crowds for tapas and drinks on Fridays and early breakfasts daily.
Their coffee menu is diverse, and the atmosphere is lively, especially during peak hours. If you’re looking for a tasty breakfast option, try the potato rosti breakfast, which comes with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
| Pro Tip: While in the area, stroll along 7th Street to explore some neat shops, including Arthur Bale’s fabric store and other unique stores selling vintage items and gifts. |
