On this weblog submit, I’ll take you on a pleasant journey by means of the perfect espresso outlets and cafes in Nairobi, the place you may benefit from the best brews, delectable bites, and a style of the town’s heat hospitality. These cafes supply a singular mix of experiences, flavors, and aromas which might be certain to fulfill your caffeine cravings.
Nairobi, the vigorous capital metropolis of Kenya, isn’t solely famend for its nightlife spots and vacationer points of interest but additionally its thriving cafe tradition. As a proud Kenyan who calls the town dwelling, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring its espresso scene extensively.
On this information, you’ll discover my favourite Nairobi cafes for date nights, quiet vibes, beans to remove, tranquil ambiance, pleasant employees, and extra. So, when you’re trying to find the perfect espresso in Nairobi, a relaxed place to work from, or just a comfy spot to unwind, learn on.
Finest Cafes and Espresso Retailers in Nairobi

To provide you concepts of the place to pattern the distinct and complex Kenyan espresso, I’ve ready this listing of my favourite cafes in Nairobi. It’s primarily based on the standard of the espresso, ambiance, service, facilities, and site.
I’ve been to extra cafes within the metropolis, however I’ve narrowed this listing all the way down to the highest 15 primarily based on the above standards and my opinion. Different prospects have additionally extremely rated these cafes on overview web sites equivalent to Google and TripAdvisor.
1. Java Home (Finest Cafe and Espresso Store in Nairobi Total)

Kicking off this listing of the perfect espresso outlets in Nairobi is Java Home, a beautiful cafe with branches throughout the town. This espresso joint options every thing you should work, chill out, join, and dine.
All their retailers are completely adorned with native artwork items, and the ambiance is gorgeous. With their high-speed WiFi and funky music, you may arrive within the morning and work your means by means of the day. All whereas being served the perfect Kenyan espresso, tasty snacks, and scrumptious meals from their in depth menu.
I’ve usually visited Java Home, and their providers by no means disappoint. They’ve attentive, pleasant employees who at all times try to make you are feeling at dwelling. My favourite branches are Kimathi Road (for breakfast) and Reinsurance Plaza (for burgers).
Java Home Info
Deal with: Alongside Kimathi Road, subsequent to Kilimanjaro Restaurant
Cellphone: +254 725 412 164
Working Hours: Every day, from 7 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Burgers, home espresso, full Java breakfast. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per latte, $9-$29 per most important, $4-$8 for desserts
Web site: javahouseafrica.com
2. Artcaffé (Finest for a Number of Coffees and Pastries)

Subsequent on my listing of distinctive cafes in Nairobi is Artcaffé. Along with nice folks, meals, pastries, and drinks, this espresso store and bakery is concerning the ambiance. Its distinctive design, distinct fashion, and well-decorated sitting areas give it an enthralling vibe that matches the vitality in Nairobi Metropolis.
Identical to Java Home, ArtCaffé has a number of retailers within the Nairobi metropolis. My favourite is the Galleria Buying Mall department, which is near wildlife spots within the metropolis. Right here, you may cease and chill out, take pleasure in a cup of espresso, join with buddies, or take lunch whereas in your technique to Giraffe Middle, Bomas of Kenya, or the Elephant Nursery.
In the event you’re a digital nomad questioning which ArtCaffé would swimsuit you greatest, I like to recommend the Kimathi Road department. It’s superbly adorned and options high-speed WiFi, a spacious indoor sitting space, and a conducive ambiance. Right here, you may work in your laptop computer with minimal disturbance.
Artcaffé Info
Deal with: At Galleria Buying Mall, off Langata Street
Cellphone: +254 709 828 282
Working Hours: Every day, from 6:30 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Latte, carrot cake, fried hen sandwich. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per latte, $9-$17 per most important, $3-$8 for desserts
Web site: artcaffe.co.ke
3. Cafe Deli (Finest for Working, Burgers, and Lattes)

Cafe Deli is a well-known delicatessen chain in Nairobi, boasting three outstanding retailers throughout the town. Though it caters to a various clientele, the espresso store is hottest amongst {couples} in search of a romantic ambiance and digital nomads trying to find a productive workspace.
Among the many highlights of Cafe Deli are its delectable burgers, irresistible desserts and pastries, and expertly brewed espresso, making it a culinary haven for meals lovers. The nice and cozy and welcoming employees add to the general attraction, guaranteeing a pleasant meals expertise.
My private favourite, the Tumaini department, stands out with its superbly adorned inside, cozy seats, and ideal lighting. Furthermore, the high-speed and dependable WiFi ensures that distant work and leisurely looking are a breeze, making Cafe Deli the best vacation spot for a memorable outing – for work, enjoyable, and meals.
Cafe Deli & Delicatessen Info
Deal with: Tumaini Home, off Moi Avenue
Cellphone: +254 710 465 291
Working Hours: Every day, from 6:30 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Double mocha, beef burgers, banana bread. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $3-$4 per latte, $8-$28 per most important, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cafedeli.co.ke
4. Palette Cafe (One of many Finest Cafes to Work From in Nairobi)

Nestled in Nairobi’s vibrant Lavington neighborhood, Palette Cafe is greater than only a espresso spot; it’s a sanctuary of inclusivity, class, and serenity. This outstanding cafe goes past serving good espresso and attractive meals by empowering differently-abled people, and offering them with coaching and employment alternatives within the meals service trade.
Step inside and uncover a singular mix of productiveness and rest. The cafe boasts a spacious co-working space, tailored for freelancers and distant staff in search of the best atmosphere to unleash their creativity and focus.
However Palette presents greater than only a workspace and your favourite cup – it’s a multifaceted gem. With an artwork studio, yoga middle, and social hub below its roof, it’s the final word backyard cafe in Nairobi. So, whether or not you’re right here to work, join with like-minded people, unwind, savor Kenyan espresso, or have a blast, Palette Cafe is the place to be.
Palette Cafe Info
Deal with: Reverse Lavington Mall, alongside James Gichuru Street
Cellphone: +254 741 851 685
Working Hours: Every day, from 7:30 am to six:30 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Salads, quite a lot of coffees and teas. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$5 per latte, $6-$12 per most important, $1-$3 for desserts
Web site: palletcafe.co.ke
5. Join Espresso Roasters (Finest for Brewed Espresso and Beans)

Join Espresso is legendary for its dedication to serving Nairobi’s best espresso. It prides itself on crafting espresso from freshly roasted beans, constantly guaranteeing essentially the most pure of drinks. It additionally lets prospects hint the espresso’s supply and perceive the manufacturing course of, offering a premium and healthful espresso expertise.
This roastery has established itself as considered one of Nairobi’s prime espresso brewers and sellers, with 4 strategically situated cafes and outlets in Riverside Drive, Gigiri Advanced, Sanlam Towers, and Hurlingham. The Riverside Drive outlet is the preferred selection amongst espresso lovers.
Past their distinctive brewed espresso choice, patrons can bask in numerous menu choices, together with omelets, waffles, wraps, donuts, and delectable pastries. Join isn’t merely a espresso vacation spot; it’s an entire culinary expertise catering to the various tastes of its cherished prospects.
Join Espresso Roasters Info
Deal with: At Riverfront constructing, Off 14th Riverside Drive
Cellphone: +254 708 790 480
Working Hours: 8 am-7 pm (Monday-Saturday), 8 am-7 pm (Sunday)
Should-Strive Objects: Thai beef wraps, blueberry waffle, Juliet mix roasted beans. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$5 for espresso, $6-$10 per most important, $2-$4 for desserts
Web site: connectcoffee.internet
6. Spring Valley Espresso (Finest for Numerous Flavors of Kenyan Espresso)

I completely love Spring Valley cafes. Their espresso is unbelievable and is roasted by hand with a lot love. The employees is at all times pleasant and welcoming, making each go to a pleasure. Whereas they don’t supply a full meals menu, their espresso, scorching chocolate, and snacks hit the spot.
Spring Valley Espresso has numerous cafes throughout Nairobi, together with Karen, Wilson Airport, Village Market, and Westgate Mall. I usually go to their Spring Valley Buying Middle location, which is small and enjoyable – good for having fun with a cup whereas studying a e-book or grabbing a takeaway.
In addition to their stunning cafes, additionally they promote mocha bombs and occasional luggage (beans and floor). Their espresso choice consists of Espresso, Elgon, and Connoisseur (my favourite, sourced from the central highlands of Kenya).
Spring Valley Espresso Cafe Info
Deal with: At Spring Valley Buying Middle, alongside Decrease Kabete Street
Cellphone: +254 708 709 709
Working Hours: Every day, from 7 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Connoisseur espresso beans, snacks, mocha bombs
Common Value: $1-$4 per espresso cup, $3-$9 for snacks
Web site: springvalleycoffee.com
7. Tin Roof Café (Finest for Contemporary Air, Pretty Ambiance, and Espresso)
Tin Roof Café serves domestically roasted espresso, wholesome meals, juicy burgers, and recent wraps and sandwiches. It’s a peaceable escape from the busy metropolis and procuring malls, with an enthralling setting and a heat, cozy ambiance. The cafe’s out of doors, backyard eating space is a breath of recent air, and so they actually have a children’ playground for a family-friendly expertise.
Once you go to Tin Roof Café in Karen, you’ll discover a workforce of pleasant employees able to make your expertise pleasant. Whether or not you wish to chill out, hang around with buddies, or get by means of some work, they provide indoor and patio seating to cater to your wants. With its rustic and quaint ambiance, this cafe is ideal for a serene espresso break or an off-the-cuff meal in Nairobi.
Tin Roof Café Info
Deal with: At The Home of Treasures alongside Dagoretti Street in Karen
Cellphone: +254 748 259 066
Working Hours: Every day, from 8 am to five:30 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Chai latte, superfood salad, fajita burger. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 for espresso, $8-$14 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: tinroof.cafe
8. Lava Latte (Finest for Breakfast and Working)
This cafe in Nairobi is stuffed with life, bringing collectively numerous flavors and a heat ambiance. Whether or not you’re searching for freshly brewed espresso, scrumptious meals, or a pleasant place to hang around, Lava Latte presents an important expertise that leaves you craving extra.
Along with providing culinary delights, Lava Latte is a spot to attach for artwork lovers. Right here, you’ll discover cozy, stunning artworks both created by their patrons or sourced domestically. The cafe additionally holds numerous occasions, equivalent to “paint and sip,” all through the week.
In the event you’re trying to get some work carried out, the cafe supplies a quiet atmosphere to be productive whereas having fun with the fantastic thing about nature. It options free WiFi, charging socket retailers, and comfy areas to arrange your laptop computer.
Lava Latte Info
Deal with: 209 Statehouse Street
Cellphone: +254 757 119 064
Working Hours: Every day, from 7:30 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Home espresso, caramel latte, Nairobi breakfast. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $3-$5 for espresso, $6-$11 per most important, $3-$6 for desserts
Web site: lavalatte.com
9. The River Café (Finest Espresso Store in Nairobi for Nature Lovers)
Located inside Karura Forest, The River Café is a perfect vacation spot for people who admire nature, take pleasure in biking, or are passionate about mountain climbing. This out of doors espresso store and restaurant seamlessly mix journey, delectable delicacies, and tranquility.
Notably, its broad open house with excessive ceilings additionally earns its recognition as considered one of Nairobi’s prime cafes, providing picturesque views.
Aside from very good espresso and tea alternatives, their menu boasts an array of pleasant meals, pastries, and desserts. I extremely advocate indulging of their all-day breakfast that includes the proper mixture of steak and eggs. This dish features a pan-fried beef fillet, roast potatoes, two eggs ready to your liking, and a grilled tomato.
The River Café Info
Deal with: At Karura Forest alongside Limuru Street
Cellphone: +254 725 969 891
Working Hours: Every day, from 7:30 am to six:30 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Cappuccino, all-day breakfast, bacon cheeseburger. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per latte, $6-$10 per most important, $3 for desserts
Web site: therivercafekenya.com
10. Ethos Natural Cafe (One of many Finest Vegan Espresso Retailers in Westlands)
Ethos is an enthralling little cafe in Westlands, Nairobi, providing a pleasant ambiance and farm-fresh dishes. As an area, it’s simply considered one of my favourite espresso outlets within the space. The inside is adorned with fascinating wall artwork items, creating a surprising ambiance good for having fun with drinks, enjoyable, and eating.
What really distinguishes Ethos is its unwavering dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, making it the best choice for environmentally acutely aware people.
Because it’s a vegan restaurant, its menu boasts scrumptious plant-based choices such because the Kama Kuku nuggets and banana porridge (enhanced with nuts and cinnamon). Moreover, they provide espresso lovers like me an excellent collection of Kenyan varieties, together with AA and Arabica.
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Ethos Natural Cafe Info
Deal with: On the Ananas Centre, reverse Sarit Centre Mall
Cellphone: +254 111 809 200
Working Hours: Every day, from 9 am to 9 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Kama Kuku burger, banana porridge, Kiambu AA filter espresso. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per espresso, $6-$11 per most important
Web site: ethos.co.ke
11. Wasp and Sprout (Finest for Espresso and Homewares)
Wasp and Sprout is a comfy, family-owned espresso store in Nairobi’s upscale Loresho neighborhood. It’s a restaurant and distinctive retailer providing domestically crafted furnishings and homewares. Inside, you’ll discover a superbly adorned house with rustic tables, plant vases, and cozy cushions made with stunning ankara material, making it the proper spot to chill out with buddies or take pleasure in a espresso whereas studying a e-book.
With a dedication to sourcing recent, native components, Wasp and Sprout ensures that each chunk and sip is a memorable expertise. So, whether or not you’re searching for a pleasant place to meet up with buddies or in search of inspiration on your dwelling, this cafe and retail store presents a really perfect ambiance for espresso and design lovers.
Wasp and Sprout Info
Deal with: On the outdated Loresho procuring middle, alongside Loresho Grove
Cellphone: +254 799 873 422
Working Hours: 8 am-4 pm (Monday-Thursday), 8 am till late (Friday), 8 am-5 pm (Saturday-Sunday)
Should-Strive Objects: French press espresso, sprout burger, chilaquiles. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per espresso, $7-$13 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: waspandsprout.com
12. Kista Caffè (One of many Finest Espresso Retailers in Nairobi CBD)
Kista is likely one of the greatest espresso locations in Nairobi CBD. It has three spots within the metropolis middle, together with Kenyatta Avenue, Avenue Hospital, and Banda Road (my favourite). Right here, you may take pleasure in a cup of freshly brewed cappuccino or a plate of scrumptious meals whereas catching up with buddies or colleagues.
The cafe is a real gem with an important ambiance that I like. Its inside design is unbelievable, creating a comfy and alluring ambiance. The exemplary and environment friendly service additionally units this cafe aside; the employees are extremely pleasant and courteous, making each go to a pleasant expertise.
Kista is greater than only a excellent place to seize a cup of espresso. It’s additionally probably the greatest cafes to work from in Nairobi, with a unbelievable atmosphere for productiveness.
Kista Caffè Info
Deal with: Alongside Banda Sreet, Nairobi
Cellphone: +254 700 207 272
Working Hours: Every day, from 6:30 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Cappuccino, hen Monalisa burger, Kista breakfast. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$5 for espresso, $7-$15 per most important, $3-$5 for desserts
Web site: kistacaffe.com
13. Geco Café (Finest for Artwork, Meals, and Dwell Music)
Nairobi cafes are recognized for his or her distinctive mix of tradition and experiences, and Geco Café is not any exception. This vibrant cafe is greater than only a espresso store. It’s a spot the place meals, style, artwork, and music mix to create a vigorous ambiance that embodies good vibes and creativity.
It presents a various menu with numerous drinks, together with expertly ready espresso. Their culinary experience extends past drinks to meals, with a menu that encompasses a vary of dishes from mouthwatering pizzas, together with classics like pepperoni and Hawaiian, to completely cooked steaks that cater to completely different tastes.
One other standout characteristic of Geco Café is its function as a house for reside music. They commonly host prime artists for reside band performances, including a melodic contact to your expertise – no matter your musical preferences. Geco additionally has an on-site automotive wash and storage for added comfort, making it a real one-stop vacation spot.
Geco Café Info
Deal with: Lavington, alongside Mbaazi Street
Cellphone: +254 792 489 449
Working Hours: Every day, from 8 am to 11 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Latte, cocktails, beef rump steak. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$5 for espresso, $6-$11 per most important, $3-$7 for cocktails
Web site: gecotribe.com
14. Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café (Finest for Working and Meals)
Nestled within the Kilimani neighborhood, Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café is likely one of the greatest cafes and occasional outlets in Nairobi. Right here, you may savor beautiful dishes expertly complemented by brewed espresso, all inside the embrace of its inviting, stunning ambiance.
Whether or not you favor cozy indoor seating or the al fresco attraction of an out of doors space, Kesh Kesh caters to numerous eating preferences. It’s preferrred for these in search of an intimate meal with family members and guests can even study the specialty espresso course of from their roastery or purchase some Eritrean beans to brew at dwelling.
In addition to its espresso and meals, the café goes the additional mile by providing a conducive atmosphere for work. Digital nomads and freelancers can take pleasure in complimentary WiFi, making it a really perfect spot to arrange your workstation.
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café Info
Deal with: At Chaka Flats, alongside Chaka Street
Cellphone: +254 724 131 700
Working Hours: Every day, from 7 am to 10 pm
Should-Strive Objects: Filter espresso, Kesh breakfast, backyard salad
Common Value: $2-$5 per espresso, $7-$16 per most important
Web site: keshkeshroastery.com
15. CJ’s Restaurant (Finest for Milkshakes and Smoothies)
CJ’s Restaurant on Koinange Road is one other of my prime picks for the perfect cafes in Nairobi. Though it may change into a bit crowded within the evenings, the ethereal house, stunning lighting, and comfy seats make it a nice expertise. I really like their inside design, which is attractive and genuinely inviting.
Along with nice meals and occasional, they serve essentially the most extremely candy plantains, and their milkshakes and smoothies are the perfect on the town. The pleasant waitstaff supplies glorious customer support, guiding you thru their in depth menu. The costs are cheap for the standard you obtain, making it an ideal selection for dates, household outings, or enterprise conferences.
Whereas CJ’s has a number of places throughout the town, the Koinange Road department holds a particular place in my coronary heart. Their in depth menu presents every thing from breakfast to decadent desserts, and I extremely advocate making an attempt their basic tropical milkshakes, home espresso, and pepper steak combo.
CJ’s Restaurant Info
Deal with: Alongside Koinange Road, Nairobi Metropolis Middle
Cellphone: +254 800 720 003
Working Hours: 6:30 am-11 pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6:30 am to midnight (Friday-Saturday)
Should-Strive Objects: Home espresso, milkshakes, pepper steak. Click on right here to view the total menu.
Common Value: $2-$4 per latte, $10-$18 per most important, $3-$7 for desserts
Web site: cjs.co.ke
Espresso Excursions in Nairobi
In the event you’re a espresso lover or just curious concerning the magic behind the proper cup, listed below are just a few coffee-related excursions in Nairobi that you just may discover attractive:
Nairobi Espresso Farm and Manufacturing unit Tour
With this guided tour, you’ll go to Fairview Espresso Property and immerse your self in Kenyan espresso making. You’ll see the espresso shrubs and study each step of the method; from planting and choosing to roasting and brewing.
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Espresso Farm Tour Close to Nairobi
On this behind-the-scenes guided tour, you’ll acquire an insider’s perspective on Kenya’s vibrant espresso trade. You’ll have the possibility to discover a working espresso farm simply outdoors Nairobi and witness the entire journey of crafting Kenyan espresso, from the farm to your cup. You’ll uncover the expansion of espresso timber and even get to roast your individual beans.
Kiambethu Tea Farm Tour
Espresso and tea rising in Kenya go hand-in-hand. Be part of this tour to expertise the tea rising and choosing course of. You’ll be taken to Kiambethu Tea Farm, the place you’ll obtain an expert-led tour of the plantation. Throughout this time, you’ll study, soak up stunning views of the highlands, and later chill out as you take pleasure in a unbelievable cup of Kenyan tea.
Nairobi Cafes and Espresso Retailers FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to well-liked questions on the perfect cafes in Nairobi:
Nairobi presents a various vary of cafes to fulfill numerous tastes. My favorites embody ArtCaffé, Java Home, and Ethos Natural Cafe. Every of those cafes has its distinctive attraction and menu.
Tipping is usually appreciated in Nairobi, particularly in cafes and eating places. A tip of 10%-15% of the invoice is customary to point out appreciation for good service.
For espresso lovers, Karen and Westlands are among the many greatest neighborhoods to discover. They boast a vibrant cafe scene, providing a mixture of cozy and stylish spots to work, chill out, and luxuriate in espresso. Nairobi metropolis middle can also be dwelling to many unbelievable espresso outlets.
Completely! In Nairobi, you’ll discover a number of the world’s greatest espresso beans sourced from the Kenyan highlands. This espresso is thought for its floral and fruity notes, making it a must-try for espresso lovers.
On common, a cup of espresso in Nairobi ranges from $2-$6. This will depend on the place you go and the kind of espresso you order. Specialty coffees is likely to be on the upper finish of that vary.
Sure, espresso is sort of well-liked in Nairobi. Many locals and expats take pleasure in hanging out for an excellent cup of espresso, and also you’ll discover cafes crammed with prospects all through the day.
Java Home and ArtCaffé are sometimes thought of a number of the greatest espresso store chains in Kenya. They’ve many places in Nairobi and supply quite a lot of espresso blends and scrumptious pastries.
To Summarize
As you may see, Nairobi cafes have one thing for each espresso lover, providing quite a lot of selections. From the relaxed setting of Java Home to the comfy ambiance at ArtCaffé and flavorful delights at Cafe Deli, the town’s espresso tradition is a superb expertise.
As a espresso fanatic who has visited a lot of the greatest cafes in Nairobi, I encourage you to discover the wealthy world of espresso on this outstanding metropolis. Numerous spots await to welcome you with open arms and a freshly brewed cup of perfection.
No matter whether or not you’re an area or a vacationer, take the possibility to embark on this caffeinated journey. Treasure each sip, share your favorites with buddies, and carry some beans dwelling to brew and savor at your leisure.
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