Fego Caffé
Fego Caffé is a cosy little café that has several locations in Joburg. All the branches we have been to leave us feeling warm and snug. The little café boasts a hearty feeling of home with "warmth in every cup". Their menu comprises simple, yet delicious, savoury items with a wide variety of cakes and other baked goods like muffins, croissants and even bread and butter pudding - comfort on a plate. Their coffee is simply delicious, whether it's a classic Americano or an over-the top Coconut Mocha Crunch, coconut hot chocolate, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and honeycomb chocolate. The main reason they made it to this list, however, is their yummy Hazelnut Latte, steamed milk, warm espresso, gooey chocolate hazelnut spread with a generous lashing of whipped cream.
Royal Coffee Roasters
Royal Coffee Roasters, previously named Beans About Coffee, is a gem of a coffee shop that just popped up in Edenvale's Stoneridge Shopping Centre one day. And they know their coffee! This charming café is decorated with converted coffee crates and littered with old coffee sacks to create a place that spells c-o-f-f-e-e. Royal Coffee Roasters sells a selection of specially roasted coffee beans from all over the world, as well as every coffee machine ever invented. This includes the Hario Coffee Syphon, which can only be described as a coffee chemistry apparatus. Their food is delicious, their staff friendly, the decor inviting and the coffee irresistible. Their Mocha is, without a doubt, the best we've have ever tasted. It is creamy, warm, chocolately and most importantly — coffeely (is that a word?). Unlike some other drinks, this Mocha tastes like both coffee and chocolate with just enough of each flavour to compliment the other.
Cramers Coffee
Cramers Coffee is an adorable coffee shop in Marshaltown, known for its welcoming ambiance, created by their delicate music selection, quirky decor and smiling staff. Located on a bustling street in Joburg CBD, Cramer's Coffee makes delicious bakes and cakes (the red velvet is definitely a must-try). They have many delicious drinks on their menu, including the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and sinful Caramel Latte. But the reason we keep coming back is their Gingerbread Latte, deep and rich espresso, frothy seamed milk and a glorious shot of gingerbread syrup. This is the perfect treat for a chilly autumn morning.
Walnut Grove
This coffee shop is tucked away in Sandton City. But don't let the huge mall and all the people put you off. Once inside, you'll feel right at home. Walnut Grove is perhaps most famous for their lustrous cakes. And while we can't disagree with that, we always find ourselves in their comfy seating for their gourmet coffee. All their coffees are wonderfully rich and gorgeous but we are particularly partial to the Bar-one Cappuccino, a luscious and creamy cappuccino made from their house blend of 100% Arabica beans flavoured with one of Joburg's favourite chocolate bars. What's not to love?
Europa
Europa is a café that specializes in delicious Mediterranean fare, from mouth-watering Italian anti-pasti to delectable pastas and everything in between. They have an extensive range of breakfasts, light lunches and amazing desserts (caramel popcorn brownies, anyone?). However, any Italian restaurant should have two things: great coffee and great tiramisu. And Europa has both! They come to you in the form of the most amazing Tiramisu Latte. Just thinking about this is making me drool on my keyboard. Yes, it's that good!
State 5
Last, but certainly not least is State 5. This coffee shop in Greenside and Fourways specialises in cold brewed coffee, which gives the coffee a "refreshing, less acidic, more dark chocolatey" taste with the added benefit of even more caffeine in every magnificent cup of coffee. State 5 has a huge variety of flavoured coffee, from a regular Espresso to the unheard of Mouth Flip, featuring their cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup, cream and wait for it... soda water. They also have a few alcoholic options from the tempting Espresso Martini to the 'I have to try that' Bronx Bomber. This is a mixture of their cold brew coffee, gin, absinthe and vodka. Is that even legal? For those of you who don't mix caffeine and booze, the Caramilizer is a must: cold brewed coffee, salted caramel and milk chocolate. This is definitely yum in a glass.
Fego Caffé
Fego Caffé is a cosy little café that has several locations in Joburg. All the branches I have been to leave me feeling warm and snug. The little café boasts a hearty feeling of home with "warmth in every cup". Their menu comprises simple, yet delicious, savoury items with a wide variety of cakes and other baked goods like muffins, croissants and even bread and butter pudding — comfort on a plate. Their coffee is simply delicious, whether it's a classic Americano or an over-the top Coconut Mocha Crunch — coconut hot chocolate, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and honeycomb chocolate. The main reason they made it to this list, however, is their yummy Hazelnut Latte —steamed milk, warm espresso, gooey chocolate hazelnut spread with a generous lashing of whipped cream.
Royal Coffee Roasters
Royal Coffee Roasters, previously named Beans About Coffee, is a gem of a coffee shop that just popped up in Edenvale's Stoneridge Shopping Centre one day. Royal Coffee Roasters know their coffee! This charming café is decorated with converted coffee crates and littered with old coffee bags to create a place that spells c-o-f-f-e-e. Royal Coffee Roasters sells a selection of specially roasted coffee beans from all over the world, as well as every coffee machine ever invented. This includes the Hario Coffee Syphon, which can only be described as a coffee chemistry apparatus. Their food is delicious, their staff friendly, the decor inviting and the coffee irresistible. Their Mocha is, without a doubt, the best I have ever tasted. It is creamy, warm, chocolately and most importantly — coffeely (is that a word?). Unlike some other places, this Mocha tastes like both coffee and chocolate with just enough of each flavour to compliment the other.
Cramers Coffee
Cramers Coffee is an adorable coffee shop in Marshaltown, known for its welcoming ambiance, created by their delicate music selection, quirky decor and smiling staff. Located on the bustling street of Joburg CBD, Cramer's Coffee make delicious bakes and cakes (the red velvet is definitely a must-try). They have many delicious drinks on their menu, including the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate and sinful Caramel Latte. But the reason we keep coming back is their Gingerbread Latte — deep and rich espresso, frothy seamed milk and a glorious shot of gingerbread syrup. This is the perfect treat for a chilly autumn morning.
Europa
Europa is a café that specializes in delicious Mediterranean fare, from mouth-watering Italian anti-pasti to delectable pastas and everything in between. They have an extensive range of breakfasts and light lunches and amazing desserts (caramel popcorn brownies, anyone?). However, any Italian restaurant should have two things: great coffee and great tiramisu. And Europa has both! They come to you in the form of the most amazing Tiramisu Latte. Just thinking about this is making me drool on my keyboard. Yes, it's that good!
State 5
Last, but certainly not least is State 5. This coffee shop in Greenside and Fourways specialises in cold brewed coffee, which gives the coffee a "refreshing, less acidic, more dark chocolatey" taste with the added benefit of even more caffeine in every magnificent cup of coffee. State 5 has a huge variety of flavoured coffee, from a regular Espresso to the unheard of Mouth Flip, featuring their cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup, cream and wait for it ... soda water. They also have a few alcoholic options — from the tempting Espresso Martini to the 'I have to try that' Bronx Bomber. This is a mixture of their cold brew coffee, gin, absinthe and vodka. Is that even legal? For those of you who don't mix caffeine and booze the Caramilizer is a must: cold brewed coffee, salted caramel and milk chocolate. This is definitely yum in a glass.
The Grind Coffee Co.
Situated in a cycle shop in Melrose Arch, the Grind Coffee Co. is the inventor of the "most Instagrammed coffee in the world" - the coffee in a cone. Owner and master barista, Daine, spent years formulating a chocolate recipe that could be used to coat the inside of sugar ice-cream cones but won't melt when hot coffee is poured into it. Today, Coffee In A Cone can be found the world over, but we still recommend that you pay the Grind Coffee Co. a visit for the original treat.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/thegrindza
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMbT3ZFjN-a/?taken-by=coffeeinacone
State 5
Resident in Greenside and in Fourways, State 5 is a roast cafe with a difference... the difference being that the owner, Denis, is somewhat of a mad scientist obsessed with all things coffee. Here you can experience diverse styles of cold-brewed coffee on tap (like you would a draught), orange and Tabasco infused java drinks and whatever else Denis feels like concocting that day. To boot, the food is great – the pulled-pork sandwiches are something to write home about for sure. If you're feeling adventurous, stop by State 5 to get your caffeine fix.
Details: http://state5.co.za
Mighty Monk Nitro Brew
The illustrious Mighty Monk can be found at Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar in Melville and the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein. But what is it? Mighty Monk Nitro Brew is the brainchild of two life-long friends and essentially cold-brewed coffee infused with nitrogen – the same process that gives Guinness draught that velvety, smooth finish. The dudes also like to flavour their cold brew with your choice of syrups and spirits – vanilla, cherry, orange, vodka, rum... that type of stuff.
Details: https://www.mightymonk.co.za
Saravana Bhavan
Similar to a Turkish brew but drunk even sweeter (if that's possible), the vegetarian South Indian restaurant Saravana Bhavan in Rivonia offers a unique coffee experience complete with the caffeine kick that Joburgers need. Known as Madras filter coffee, it is made by mixing frothed and boiled milk with the decoction obtained by brewing finely ground coffee powder in a traditional Indian filter. The result is an intense taste, as flavours pronounce themselves with a surprising sharpness. Soak up some culture by heading to Saravana Bhavan for a Madras filter coffee and a dosa.
Details: http://www.saravanabhavan.com
Starbucks Melrose Arch
From pumpkin-spiced lattes to bright pink and blue creations, there's never a dull moment when it comes to a cuppa Java at Starbucks, especially Melrose Arch where the team seem to be particularly creative. Above and beyond the limited-edition orders that come out periodically, we recommend you try a Frappuccinno or three – it's Starbucks' trademarked cold coffee, mixed with all kinds of interesting flavours.
Details: http://www.starbucks.co.za/menu/beverage-list/Frappuccino
Galata Bakery
During a holiday trip to South Africa, the Turkish owners of Galata fell in love with the city of Gold and so decided to open up a bakery and cafe serving authentic Turkish treats. We implore you to pay Galata Bakery a visit and order yourself some real Turkish Coffee, but be warned, it's got a sweet kick to it! While you're there, grab something off the lunch menu - we recommend the POĞAÇA burger.
Details: http://www.galatabakery.co.za
By Shawn Greyling
What Is State 5 All About?
Cold Brew Coffee
In a nutshell (or coffee bean) cold brew is created by steeping coarsely ground beans in room temperature water for up to 20 hours. All good things come to those who patiently wait for this process. Not only does it render the brew less acidic, but also entices the essential oils and flavours to come out to play. If that isn’t enough for you, then get this: the caffeine content is four times more than that of a regular old pot of brew. Sold yet?
Humble Origins
Denis Vaden, the owner and enabler, jokes that he is creating addicts as we all line up to get our cups filled. The cafe’s modern décor is comprised of dark, textured wood and ever so slightly hipster colours. But, this is a far cry from its humble origins in Denis’ garage, which was occupied by only two bags of coffee beans and one lone scale.
Today, Denis imports beans from Ethiopia, Guatemala and Columbia, which he roasts on site. He is driven by the endless search for that perfect cup of coffee that he believes he will never find. This is perfectly alright by us because we never want him to stop searching!
What's On The Menu?
Even the non-believers are spoiled for choice at State 5. There are the age-old staples like hot chocolate and tea, but with never-before-seen twists. Salted caramel, hazelnut and almond all sit well with me.
Their food selection is also fantastic. Hearty breakfasts, gyros, freshly prepared salads; the wholesome goodness is tangible. My personal delight is the pulled pork grilled cheese on rye. Dripping with cheese, dressed with sauerkraut, jalapenos, peppadews and its own side salad. I managed to make space to eat an entire bowl of shoestring fries as well… and nope, I am not sorry for a second about that decision.
Sharing is caring
State 5's advertising is supported by a neat idea called Pay It Forward. You get a “postcard” (which includes a coffee on it, of of course) and write to a friend . Then pop the card onto the designated cork board on the wall, take a snap and post it on Facebook with your friend tagged in it. They can then go to State 5, present the photo and in return for their efforts, be rewarded with the glorious coffee that you 'got' them.
I am hoping to be tagged in a few photos soon!
Images by Shawn Greyling
Check out our review of State 5 for more information about this awesome little coffee shop in Greenside.
Words, photos and interview by Shawn Greyling