Getting our java fix isn’t just a way to stay awake around the dreaded afternoon slump. It’s a ritual that us caffeine queens take seriously … very seriously. The search is over, city dwellers and peak-time commuters – from the best Italian espresso and Instagrammable flat whites to silky-smooth hipster brews, we’ve got your daily grind right here. Get your caffeine (regular or decaf) fix from one of the best coffee shops in Joburg and we’re positive your taste buds and Instagram followers will love you for life!
Bloom Coffee
Our go-to order: Cappuccino (R25) with an extra shot (R5)
One of Joburg’s most buzz-worthy coffee shops, Bloom Coffee has been doing ripper coffees in cute turquoise takeaway cups since it opened last year. Components are seasonal, so the coffee here evolves constantly, but it always has great flavour, body and balance. Whether you order an espresso or a caffe latte, you can look forward to a sip that’s smooth and full of flavour with no bitterness – think berries on the front, a syrupy body, hints of nut and a finish of dark chocolate. Plus, the service is ultra-friendly and never snobby, and the takeaway brekkies are ace – try the generously topped avo and poached egg on toast.
PS: Bloom Coffee has just opened an already thriving drive-thru coffee shop! Simply pre-order via WhatsApp to skip the wait and collect your coffee and pastry curbside.
34 4th Avenue, Parkhurst
079 319 5385
Facebook: @bloomcoffeeza
Twitter: @bloomcoffeeza
Instagram: @bloomcoffeeza
Father Coffee
Our go-to order: Single cortado (R22)
This place is a well-oiled machine: Slick interiors and fast-paced service is the name of the game at Father Coffee. It’s more of a stop-and-hop sort of joint, but there’s seating space should you fancy some quiet time with your cup and a book. There’s a counter heaving with tasty treats – the much-photographed Snickers Cruffin piped full of caramel peanut butter créme and topped with a chunk of Snickers, is a heavenly, gooey mess to eat – but, most importantly, the coffee makes a near-perfect ristretto. For breakfast, order the eggs and soldiers with a sweet and fruity Cold Brew Bottle.
The Zone, 177 Oxford Road, Rosebank
082 513 4258
Facebook: @fathercoffee
Twitter: @fathercoffee
Instagram: @father_coffee
4th Avenue Coffee Roasters
Our go-to order: Café au lait (R35)
Serving high-quality, hand-roasted Arabica coffee from a pleasingly simple menu, the team at 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters also sell beans for at-home coffee making on those weekends when you just can’t drag yourself out of bed for one of their freshly-brewed cups. The light, laidback interior in addition to the complex, full-bodied coffee makes this coffee shop, on the popular Parkhurst stretch from which it takes its name, easily one of the best in Joburg. Order a red cappuccino whilst you enjoy the creamy mushrooms and Parmesan on toast (trust us, it’s scrumptious).
Shop 3, The Cobbles, corner of 4th Avenue & 11th Street, Parkhurst
087 378 0078
Facebook: @4thavenuecoffee
Twitter: @4th_coffee
Instagram: @4thavenue_coffee
Sésame Café
Our go-to order: Double shot flat white (R29) with almond milk (R9)
The sunny courtyard is beautiful, but Sésame Café is about more than Instagrammable interiors – these guys pump out rich, gentle and very well-made coffee. Those who work in Rosebank CBD know this too, so there’s usually a small line snaking out around the curbside hatch. Go classic with a cappuccino or macchiato, or opt for a flavoured Espresso Iceberg – a cold coffee that makes for a classic summer treat. The café also makes mind-blowing chocolate croissants that are extra flaky and buttery filled with rich chocolate and drizzled with more chocolate. For a snack attack, there are extra cheesy classic toasties.
8A Baker Street, Rosebank
011 593 4382
Facebook: @sesamecafe
Instagram: @sesame.cafe
Craft Coffee
Our go-to order: Mocha (R35)
Real coffee aficionados will love Craft Coffee: It offers artisan coffee made with beans that are ethically and traceably sourced. A tiny and quiet gem where you’re immediately transported away from the hustle of Joburg, at this minimalistic coffee shop you can relax with your specialty brew with the morning paper. And did we mention the selection of milks? Yay for dairy-free diners! While you’re here, start your morning off on the right foot with a perfect plate of eggs benedict – toasted ciabatta topped with poached eggs, crispy bacon and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce.
15 on 7th Avenue, Parktown North
060 969 6334
Facebook: @craftroastery
Twitter: @craftcoffeesa
Instagram: @craftcoffeesa
Hello Love
Our go-to order: Nutty Butter Cappuccino (R30)
Less a coffee shop, more full-blown coffee institution, indie coffee haunt Hello Love is rarely without a queue, and for a good reason. Knowledgeable staff pull some of the best dirty chai lattes in the city – not just a pretty face, then, but a brilliant place for a caffeine hit. The house blend is super-smooth and rich, but there’s also a charcoal latte, which tastes like a very delicious vanilla almond milk latte, and a super latte – made with beetroot, chuga cocoa, matcha, rooibos, sweet potato and turmeric. To eat, get the The Talibabes bagel; a collision of smoked salmon, cream cheese and pickles.
Zappion Court, 62 Knox Street, Waverley
065 652 1418
Facebook: @hellolovejoburg
Instagram: @hellolovejoburg
Caffeine & Cashmere 