I’ll tell you a little secret. As much as I love a night out and to dance my troubles away to thudding baselines and deep grooves, I’m a lounge-arounder at heart.
There’s nothing more compelling to me than a cosy little cafe with friendly staff, patrons reading books, perhaps a little fireplace crackling away in the corner with the hum of conversation floating by. Autumn is perfect for this. Here’s a guide to the best cosy cafés in Joburg for a cute catch-up with your favourite people.
Trouvé
Part coffee shop, part antique store, Trouvé Cafe & Vintage Merchants is a treasure trove of a spot that will and almost certainly tempt you to linger over a steaming cappuccino while you explore their collection of what they call “cool junk.” Lovers of oddities will be thrilled to uncover the range of fascinating objects on display and potentially be enticed to take them home.
Find them at 118 Long Road, Newlands, Randburg.
Here
Here is the perfect third space for anyone looking to bust out a notebook and write poetry about the multifaceted experience of inner city life - or something. With cosy couches to lounge on and phenomenal coffee to sip, Here meets the intersection of first date spot, remote work office, and a place to share ideas. It’s clean, sleek, modern and inviting. With a focus on wellness and community, Here is a must-see for budding creatives with big ideas. Open 7 days a week.
Located at 8 Tyrwhitt Ave, Rosebank.
The Garden Gallery & Cafe
I didn’t grow up in the city, so any excuse to sit among the plants is an instant win for me. The Garden Gallery & Cafe is part nursery, part art gallery, and the perfect place for a slice of cake with your coffee. They also offer workshops like painting, decoupage and cookie decorating, and give great gardening tips too. Excellent for plant-lovers and art enthusiasts alike, with a gorgeous daytime cafe menu to boot. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
Find them at Amelia Street &, 1st Ave, Dunvegan, Edenvale.
The Library Cafe
Sandton is known for its hustle, but nestled among the corporate race is a sanctuary filled with books, food and coffee. The Library Cafe is in the heart of Sandton, and they’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A mix between cosy and comfortable with a sophisticated edge, this is the perfect place to meet up with your bestie for a luxurious lunch break between meetings. Try the breakfast buffet for full on indulgence.
Located at 13 Fredman Dr, Sandown, Sandton.
Fond Cafe
Fond is a boutique cafe with all day easy eating in Linden. Loose-leaf teas, all day breakfast and (very importantly) multiple gluten-free options. They’ve also got a full-on gluten free shop on site too, so celiac sufferers and hot girls with sensitive tummies will be pleased. The coffee at Fond is an experience, even offering coffee tastings so you know they’re taking it seriously. They're vegan and vegetarian friendly, and we love a cosy cafe that caters to everyone. Open Monday - Sunday.
Pop them a visit at First Place, 44 1st Ave, Linden.
Nice on Poplar
A twin to its Parkhurst pavement cafe, Nice on Poplar is an elevated River Club experience. Cosy interiors with a sunny garden attached, they serve their iconic egg baskets alongside delicious baked goods. It’s a great venue for a lovely brunch or an intimate celebration, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Find them at 17 Poplar Ave, Riverclub.
W Cafe
I’m sorry, but I am a sucker for a quick coffee in a mall. It feels like a treat from all the hard work of browsing through shops displaying things I want but probably can’t afford. W Cafe in Rosebank mall is my favourite reprieve, both because I can people-watch from a sneaky corner and strike up conversations with strangers. The vegan breakfast took me by surprise both in taste and generosity, and I’m not even vegan! Friendly staff recognise familiar faces, and that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Find them at your local shopping mall.
Cafe Saint Germaine
Possibly my favourite place for a quick bite at 44 Stanley (although the entire precinct is full of cosy coffee spots). I love the French cafe feel of this spot, with a super friendly owner, magazines to browse, and blankies for when it gets chilly. Their food menu is creative, unique, and spectacular, and the vibes here are immaculate. Definitely check them out at 44 Stanley.
Whether it’s a midday reprieve or a luxurious brunch, Joburg’s many cosy cafes are the perfect place to cuddle up and connect over delicious coffee, tasty menus, and spectacular baked goods. You’ll need the extra padding when winter arrives!