Here are Nairobi's Best Secret Cafes

The cultural ambiance at Point Zero Coffee is exhilarating, perhaps because of its close proximity to the Nairobi Gallery. It is wedged between two magnificent buildings; the iconic Nyayo House on one side and the Victorian-style Nairobi Gallery on the other. The café itself is a tent with an African-inspired décor. The location of this café was not a coincidence, it was a well-calculated move, as this is the point where the outbound distance from Nairobi is measured.

Cafelatta Lounge has great wifi, and when you are there mixing business and pleasure (of coffee) is the norm. The city centre branch is located along Kimathi street across Sarova Stanley Hotel. Although its space is small, it is very accommodating.

In a secluded area at the far end of Warwick Center is Four Café Bistro, a harmonious blend of African and western décor. A fountain on one end and the lush potted plants enhance the already relaxed atmosphere. The children’s play area makes this a great place for a family weekend out, plus, the café describes itself as “home to some inspired cooking and massive portions”.

This café occupies the rooftop of a small shopping centre right in the centre of the city. It is tastefully decorated, with a fish tank taking centre stage. The balcony overlooks Biashara street on one side and Koinange street on the other. The cool breeze defines this as a perfect hideaway on a scorching afternoon.

The Urban Coffee brand combines Kenyan coffee with coffee from Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia to form unique coffee blends. They are building on the ever-growing coffee culture. As Kenyans acquire a sophisticated taste for coffee, Urban Coffee is there every step of the way, to quench the thirst and tantalise the taste buds. Although this is a cafe chain, their Hurlingham branch really stands out.

This café is tucked inside the All Saints Cathedral compound on the upper side of the city. It overlooks the two parks that define the landscape of Nairobi, Uhuru park and across the road, Central park. The quiet environment is perfect for a relaxed moment to yourself.

Nestled in the leafy suburbia of Lavington, Vida e caffe caters to the exquisite taste of coffee lovers in the area. This café is a franchise of the South African coffee brand, vida e caffé. All its coffee is made to the European standard using their own coffee blends.

Gibson’s Coffee House is eponymously named after a coffee brand, Gibson’s Coffee. It is located at the heart of the city but on a secluded street. Their patio setting is inviting especially on a hot summer day. The comfy sofas in the lounge make this the perfect hangout spot.