The 12 best cafés and coffee shops in Johannesburg

Father Coffee’s reputation is well-deserved – just wait until you get a taste. The specialty coffee roastery and cafe sources seriously good coffee, with around 60 unique offerings each year. There are two branches: Kramerville and Rosebank. Both are popular with remote workers who set up a spot for the morning, fuelled by steady WiFi and delicious coffee. You can pick up bags of specialty beans to brew at home, as well as fun merch and all sorts of gadgets for the coffee aficionados among us. Grab some goodness from the bakery to complement your morning cuppa: the tahini chocolate chip cookie will live rent-free in your mind all week, so do yourself a favour and grab an extra one for later.

Nestled away within the tranquil suburb of Riverclub in Gauteng North is a wonderful bistro above Poplar Park. Whether it’s a coffee catch-up, a bubbly brunch, or an early dinner, Nice on Poplar offers its patrons the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view of some lush and green scenery below. The menu resembles that of a small French café - with some casual eating options like the halloumi salad or a slice of the homemade chicken pie. Their signature breakfast option is the ‘Half and Half’ which consists of both an egg basket and a stack of crumpets - protein and dessert on one plate. The paninis are also worth savouring - monstrous portions, toasted to perfection. We recommend trying either the smoked salmon or Parma ham.

Arbour Café is a French-style café not far from James and Ethel Grey Park and around the corner from Johannesburg's Wanderers cricket stadium. Specialising in crepes, the café promises to fill all your finger food fantasies with an endless brunch menu. It's the darling hideout you've always wanted in the city, with stellar service and attentive staff. The courtyard also doubles as an event space to plan your intimate get together or a fun fairy-lit dinner.

The Italians have always been masters of food and Dolci Café aims to offer its patrons the freshest ingredients, crafted into simple yet extraordinary Italian cuisine. From humble beginnings in 2015, the Café expanded its range from merely serving pastries and light meals to their current menu which covers a range of options for breakfast, lunch and supper. Try their veal options. The Veal Limone perfectly marinates in lemon sauce and the Veal Porcini is a little richer with its decadent mushroom sauce. They also offer high tea and floral design workshops. So much so, that you can see bursts of stunning flowers all around this restaurant.

In Greenstone Hills, the people already know the cafe to visit is Billibi. Their comfort food seasonal menu ranges from oxtail to salmon to avocados, delivering on what they call, 'Hearty wholesome breakfasts, and long lazy lunches'. They've been around for 15 years and chef Clifford Correia keeps the customers coming back by developing and changing the menu to keep up with the times, but staying true to that flair of flavour. No two dishes are the same, and so it's no wonder the more adventurous foodies who aren't afraid to eat could spend an entire day chilling at Billibi.

Whether it's a bagel, a crookie or just a standard brownie, Dough & co. has put a ribbon on every one of their bakes and coffee combos - because it really is a gift for your dough-loving friends and a perfect way to get in your morning on-the-go needs. They may have only opened recently in restaurant years, but they've already managed to convince customers and co-workers-on-a-coffee-run that there is no better place to get your coffee hot and your bakes fresh for the whole office.

Following the success of their flagship coffee lovers' spot in Pretoria, Echt has crowned itself as your friendly neighbourhood barista. A lovely hangout to frequent after your morning run or cycle. All their supporters and fans have followed them all the way from the nation's capital to their branch in Fourways, Johannesburg. While you're there, you can join their online community and get cool merch as you have a taste of an Echt brew, bru.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, tucked away in a corner in Rosebank is Motherland Coffee. This branch is a lot smaller than many of its other locations around the country, but then that’s the point. A place of solitude to gather one’s thoughts, focus on some work or even sneak in some intimate time with a loved one. With many tales stating that coffee originated in Africa, Motherland’s story revolves around bringing us the best coffee from our beloved continent. All the blends are speciality African grades and we’re reminded that coffee isn’t actually a European marvel - it’s something we’ve given back to the world.

A cafe situated on Keyes Avenue in Rosebank, Freshly Ground describes itself as a 'haven for creativity, conversations and community'. Their spacious art-inspired interior gives you a spot to breathe and get your creative juices flowing. Yes, they care about coffee and do not skimp on their lattes and freezos, with options ranging from oat to soy to almond milk - ring ring - looks like it's time for your Babygirl moment. Strong on the coffee, they also host a ladies night for women to enjoy a cocktail and live music, but even a Babygirl has to eat and their menu has options for breakfast, lunch and sups. Whether you're an entrepreneur needing a place to finish that last plan, looking to meet with your bestie or prefer dining alone, Freshly Ground gives you the space to do that.

You don’t have to be a philosopher to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Platō has been popping up all over your social media as patrons share snaps of the signature branding and their choice of takeaway. The brainchild of Stephan and Petrus Bredell, Platō has plenty of locations across the country, including a stack in Johannesburg. Expect cozy, intimate cafes with talented baristas, serving up hot and cold beverages. The staff are always friendly when serving up your caffeine fix and they’re open at 06h00 on weekdays for those with early starts. While classics like cappuccinos and espressos are a given, have some fun with options like the Caribbean Mocha. They have plenty of milk alternatives and syrup options to take your coffee to the next level.