Although the Kenyans are tea lovers, there are several great coffee shops in the city. During my multiple visits to Nairobi, I’ve been on bit of a mission to find the best coffee shops and cafés Nairobi has to offer. Here is a list of my favourite spots to get your caffeine kick.
1. River Cafe – Karura Forest
Perhaps my favourite café in Nairobi and among my favourite cafes from around the world, River Café is a very special place. Tucked away in the beautiful Karura forest in Nairobi, you can grab a coffee, eat a full meal, and just relax to the sound of birdsong. Karura Forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world. The 50 kilometres of well marked paths that are ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling attract many bicyclers, hikers, and runners making this otherwise quiet café extremely busy over weekends.
Read all about Karura forest and other special places in Nairobi here.
2. Le Grenier à Pain
If you’re looking for the best pastries in Nairobi, search no further! The croissants and delicious French artisan pastries of Le Grenier à Pain are unmatched! What started out as a ‘hidden’ bakery in the basement of a building on Riverside Drive has now expanded to a multiple cafés across the city. Le Grenier à Pain not only provides beautiful spaces for people to enjoy coffee and fresh pastries they also supply baked goods to several orphanages. Be sure to order an Éclair au Chocolat when you visit – I promise you won’t regret it.
3. Wasp & Sprout
Certainly a hidden treasure, Wasp & Sprout is among my favourite cafes in Nairobi. Located on narrow, unassuming street at the very back of an old shopping center, the outside is quite unimpressive. But once you walk into the café, you’ll be surprised by beautiful local artwork, handmade and local house goods, delicious food and amazing coffee.
4. Sugarbaked
Just down the street from Wasp & Sprout this small café serves the most delicious cakes you can imagine, from Caramel Macchiato Cake to Chocolate Truffle doughnuts. It is almost impossible to choose. I opted for their apple scone make with fresh apples and all I can say is ‘Wow!’
5. Kesh Kesh
With its large, shady patio full of plants, Kesh Kesh Coffee Roasters and Café is a small oasis in the middle of a busy and noisy city. The waitress handed me an impressive menu, but honestly, I read no further than ‘Kenyan coffee made and served in the traditional Ethiopian way’. Kesh Kesh is a must for any coffee lover visiting Nairobi.
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