Kenya is home to some of the best Coffee in the world—the variant grown here is Arabica coffee. As you’d expect, Nairobi has, hands-down, some of the best coffee houses and cafes in the region.
Nairobi is home to millions of locals, hundreds of thousands of expatriates, and tens of thousands of digital nomads, and coffee houses and cafes are some of their favorite places to hang out, catch up with friends, or get a little work done.
I love working at coffee spots in Nairobi. The establishments mentioned below have outdone themselves regarding the setup, authentically brewed coffee, ambiance, and service. When I’m less productive in my home office corner, I simply hail a cab and find a spot at these refined coffee houses and cafes.
In no order, here’s a list of places in Nairobi to enjoy the finest cup of joe.
Lava Latte
As the name suggests, Lava Latte is Nairobi’s best Coffee and Panini. Thanks to its location along State House Road in Nairobi, it’s quickly become a favorite neighborhood coffee house and cafe for Nairobi residents living in Kilimani and Hurlingham areas.
I’d recommend this spot for breakfast and work due to its cozy, relaxed, and quiet ambiance in the city. There’s a bounty of offerings for the avid coffee lover, from freshly brewed coffee to sumptuous meals to open spaces to relax, unwind, and take in the warm Nairobi atmosphere.
The patrons at this establishment have outdone themselves when it comes to decor and artwork. Some of the artwork is believed to have been done in-house, while the rest is locally sourced. Lava Latte is the ideal place for creatives to hang out—the establishment encourages it. This is also evident in the multitude of charging sockets, working spaces, creative corners, and theme nights that are organized.
Lava Latte Menu: House Coffee, Espresso, Cafe Late, Cafe Macchiato, Cappuccino, Cafe Mocha, Caramel Late, Omellete, Pannis and Juices, Burgers, Sandwiches, Nairobi Breakfast, Cocktails, Chicken, Soups, Maasai, Chicken, Veggie, Chapati Melts, Samosas, and many more.
PS: The patrons of Lava Latte are artists and encourage creatives, so this space is often filled with their amazing energy. Some of their themed nights include Paint and Sip and Quiz Night. It’s an amazing place for locals and expatriates to visit. Try out their Nairobi Breakfast special.
Lava Latte Average Cost PP/Meal: $3 – $11
Location: 209 State House Road, Nairobi. Open: 7:30 am – 10:30 pm.
Phone: (+254) 757 119 064. Email: cafe@lavalatte.com.
Artcaffe
Artcaffe is Nairobi’s most popular coffee house. It is the best place for pastries and coffee—you’ll simply love it. This establishment is a chain restaurant, but I assure you, it is an exception. Their standards of service, decor, food, and ambiance rival the best in Nairobi’s restaurant scene.
Artcaffe is frequented by expats and upper-class Nairobians, which simply means one thing—their stands are sky-high. Don’t get me wrong, though—high standards don’t mean high prices. This establishment has an amazing crowd, unique design and taste, well-set seating arrangements, and a vibe that’s a true reflection of Nairobi’s urban culture.
There are a handful of outlets in the city. However, the most popular is located south of Nairobi, in the lush neighborhood of Karen—the Artcaffe Galleria Shopping Mall branch. From the terrace viewpoint, you’ll get a free aerial view of Nairobi’s greenery and wildlife—quite fascinating!
Artcaffe Menu: Espresso, Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Art Macchiato, Filter Coffee, Americano, Mocha, Iced Latte, Iced Americano, Iced Cappuccino, Pastries, Teas, Chocolate, Everyday Classic Breakfast, Art of Breakfast Special, cakes and desserts and many more.
PS: Artcaffe desserts are quite amazing. Try out their English Breakfast special and thank me later!
Artcaffe Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $17.
Location: Galleria Shopping Mall (off Langata Road), Nairobi. It is open Monday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 709 828 282. Email: customercare@artcaffe.co.ke.
River Cafe – Karura Forest
If you fancy coffee and love nature – River Cafe – Karura Forest could be the ultimate spot, not just in Nairobi but in the world. Let’s be honest. No city in the world will give you a glimpse of natural habitat while you enjoy your favorite cup of joe.
River Cafe—Karura Forest is undeniably a unique establishment in the heart of a natural forest in Nairobi city. It’s truly special. From a simple order of a cup of coffee to full meals, coffee lovers can enjoy nature’s ambiance, extensive forest vibes, and birds chirping in the background.
Part of River Cafe – Karura Forest is visiting during the week. It’s calm and isolated, perfect for working on projects, meditating, or taking in nature’s free gifts. Over the weekend, it can get a little crowded – hikers, cyclists, and tourists often flock to the establishment.
River Cafe—Karura Forest Menu: All-day breakfast, Lunch Specials, Espresso, Cafe Latte, Vanilla Latte, Kahawa Spiced Latte, Cafe au Lait, Irish Coffee, Americano, Affogato, Syrups, Baileys Cappuccino, Caramelccino, Cafe Mocha, Hot Chocolate, Mint Mocha, and so much more.
PS: While River Cafe – Karura Forest offers some of the most scenic and unique coffee house experiences in the world and is ideal for working online, work might be a burden due to low Wi-Fi signals. Weekends are crowded and not ideal for working but socializing.
River Cafe – Karura Forest Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $15.
Location: Inside Karura Forest, along Limuru Road, Nairobi. Open Monday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 725 969 891. Email: Supervisor@therivercafekarura.com.
Connect Coffee Roasters
Let me let you in on a secret. Connect Coffee Roasters is the best coffee house in Nairobi for brewed coffee and beans – there you have it! They are the best in the business in Nairobi when it comes to brewing and selling coffee.
Connect Coffee Roasters has four outlets in Nairobi: Hurlingham, Gigiri Complex, Sanlam Towers, and Riverside Drive. I recommend visiting the Riverside Drive branch first.
Due to their immense knowledge of the Coffee business in Kenya, they have expanded their enterprise to more than coffee outlets. They also offer equipment distribution, a coffee academy, a seed-to-cup project, and a green coffee export business.
While it might seem they have gone commercial with their business, their coffee outlets are quite unique and still offer impeccable service to their clientele.
Connect Coffee Roasters Menu: Romeo Blend, Julliet Blend, Long Black, Short Late, Americano, Cafe Latte, Cafe Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Espresso, Kalita, Chemex, Aero Express, Cold Brews, Juices, Brewed Teas, Waffles, Salad, Breakfast Specials, Chicken, Sandwich, Panini, Wraps, pastry, and so much more.
PS: Along with your favorite cup of coffee, I recommend ordering some of their wraps or waffles. The Thai Wrap is a worthy mention.
Connect Coffee Roasters Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $15.
Location: Riverfront Building (Off 14th Riverside Drive), Nairobi. Open Monday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 708 790 480. Email: info@connectcoffee.net.
Ethos Organic Cafe
If you are a vegetarian and love coffee, Ethos Organic Cafe is the perfect coffee house and cafe in Nairobi for organic goods. This compact coffee outlet packs a charismatic vibe and delightful atmosphere and offers organic fresh delicacies to your table.
Ethos Organic Cafe is a serious vegan establishment that takes great precautions in all things environmental. It assures its clientele of organic, healthy, plant-based options. This establishment champions climate change and the conservation of animals and, as a result, offers strictly vegan delicacies.
Ethos Organic Cafe’s menu is full of vegan-healthy organic food. They also offer coffee aficionados a wide range of Grade A Coffee locally sourced from the best of the best in the land. Their menu might seem like a meat-lovers selection, but believe me when I tell you, the dishes are plant-based beef or chicken—and are quite tasty. They are also gluten-free.
Ethos Organic Cafe Menu: Kama Kuku, Kama Beef, Burgers, Sandwiches, Kama Samaki, Fries, Vegan BLT Sandwich, Vegan Hot Dog, Breakfast Bun Vegan, Organic Banana Porridge, Vegan Pancakes, Chia Coconut Bowl, Vegan Scrambled Eggs, and an assortment of brewed coffee, teas, and cold beverages.
Ethos Organic Cafe Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $11.
Location: Ananas Center (Opposite Sarit Center), Nairobi, Kenya. Open: Monda – Sunday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 111 809 200. Email: ethos.nairobi@gmail.com.
Spring Valley Coffee
Spring Valley Coffee is the most recommended coffee house and cafe in Nairobi to experience the rich flavors of Kenya coffee. Like most authentic coffee sellers in Nairobi, Spring Valley Coffee began from a humble background as a neighborhood coffee shop and bakery – but with a unique twist. All the coffee they sold was brought green and roasted at the location.
Still, what makes Spring Valley Coffee the ideal coffee house in Nairobi is that the patrons are, first and foremost, coffee lovers! We all understand how valuable it is to buy coffee from someone deeply passionate about coffee to enhance the overall experience.
In addition to brewing some of the most authentic Kenyan coffee expertly roasted and extracted, they also supply leading hotels, restaurants, and chain stores with their wholesome product.
Spring Valley Coffee Menu: Expresso, Elgon, Gourmet, Chemex, Zamanee, Rongo, Mocha Bombs, and more.
Spring Valley Coffee Average Cost PP/Meal: $1 – $9.
Location: Spring Valley Shopping Center, Lower Kabete Road, Nairobi. It is open Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 708 709 709. Email: coffee@springvalleycoffee.com.
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café is a renowned coffee house and Arabica coffee distributor in Nairobi. Kesh Keshi is Eritrean and translates to the motion of coffee roasts on a pan during a coffee roasting ritual.
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café is the perfect location in Nairobi for coffee lovers because it thrives on educating its clientele about the various flavors of coffee available at its outlet. At its cafe, you can experience both modern and traditional Eritrean coffee processing methods.
To accompany the unique and authentic flavors of their coffee, Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café also has a variety of Eritrean and continental cuisine diners can choose from. It’s also the perfect location to catch up on your work or conduct formal/informal meets.
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café Menu: Eritrean Coffee Brews, Lates, Mocha, Cappuccino, Full English Breakfast, Kesh Vegan, Salads, Steak, Eritrean Food, Pastas, Burgers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Desserts, and more.
Kesh Kesh Roastery & Café Average Cost PP/Meal: $5 – $10.
Location: Chaka Apartments, Chaka Road, Kilimani, Nairobi. Open: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Phone: (+254) 724 131 700, (0) 743 709 974. Email: info@keshkeshrostery.com.
Tin Roof Café
Tin Roof Café is the ideal coffee house in Nairobi because of its lovely ambiance and authentic coffee while enjoying the calm city breeze. Like most cafes on this list, it prepares locally roasted coffee and supplements it with delicious meals.
Tin Roof Café has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, which makes it a remarkable place to relax and unwind. In case you are looking to work while you enjoy some of their authentic coffee, there’s a lush outdoor garden with enough seating for a small group.
Tin Roof Café’s patrons have outdone themselves when it comes to the setup and green spaces – you’ll love the decor and ambiance, and best of all, the coffee and a healthy range of salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Tin Roof Café Menu: Cappuccino, Espresso, Macchiato, Americano, latte, Mocha, French Press, Iced Cappuccino, Iced latte, Baby Chino, Teas, Power Juices, Salads, Sandwiches, Crepes, Chapati Wraps, Burgers, Pastries, Samosas, Pasta, Pizzas, Pestos and much more.
PS: I recommend checking out the Patio seating area for the best experience. From the Kitchen, try the Tin Roof Café Fajita Burger and drain it down with a Chai Latte.
Tin Roof Café Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $15.
Location: House of Treasures, Dagoretti Road, Karen, Nairobi. It is open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Phone: (+254) 748 259 066; (0) 719 606 621. Email: eat@tinroof.cafe.
Honey & Dough
Honey & Dough is a coffee house and bakery in Nairobi that never gets a bad rep. They offer unmatched services and are popular for their scrambled-backed goodies and authentic cups of coffee. Everyone I recommend to this Coffee house is thoroughly impressed!
Honey & Dough has an interesting history. They started off as a friendly neighborhood bakery. It’s funny how they are now known as one of the best outlets for authentic coffee in Nairobi. Don’t get me wrong—their baked goodies are to die for.
You’ll love the setup and ambiance; it’s unique, classy, and creative. On the edge are huge windows that let in a fresh breeze and an amazing view of Nairobi city. If you have enough time to enjoy a book or work on your projects, book one of Honey & Dough nests in advance and enjoy your meal tucked away in a cozy corner.
Honey & Dough Menu: Espresso, Cafe Americano, Affogato, Caramel Late, Cafe Late, Machiato, Irish Coffee, hazelnut Coffee, Cappuccino, Cafe Mocha, Tiramisu, assortment of Teas, and cold beverages, Vinnesoire, Bruschetta, Garlic Breads, Butter, Fries, Rolls, Nachos, Rolls, Maggi, Sandwiches, Wraps, Burgers, Pastas, Pizza, Burrito Bowls, Grills, Lasgna, Pancakes, Waffles, Pastries, Tarts, Brownies, Muffins, Tea Cakes, and many more.
PS: It’s hard to get disappointed at Honey & Dough. The atmosphere, food, and unique, beautiful decor are unmatched in Nairobi. Perfect for lunch and dinner.
Honey & Dough Average Cost PP/Meal: $2 – $15.
Location: 7Th Floor, One Africa Place, Waiyaki Way, Westlands Nairobi. Open: This location is Currently Closed!
Phone: (+254) 735 065 865.