Windhoek is a great place to spend a few hours browsing through shopping malls, craft markets, and the various sights of the city. After getting your fix of retail therapy there are plenty of choices when it comes to finding an awesome cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Here are some of the most popular places in Windhoek to grab a table and refuel. From freshly baked cakes and gourmet sandwiches to health wraps and crispy salads, you’ll find it all here.
This is one place that those with a sweet tooth will not want to miss, as the small yet varied menu centers around temptingly delicious options of the cream and sugar kind. Although primarily an ice-cream parlour specializing in dairy products made from organic milk, Cramer’s also offers waffles, smoothies, milkshakes, and a host of tea and coffee choices. Break the heat of a hot Windhoek day and call in at Cramer’s for some of the best ice cream in town.
Relaxed and with a friendly and casual atmosphere, the Vintage Coffee Shop and Restaurant offers the ideal place to take a break from the hustle of the city. Umbrellas provide shaded areas in the peaceful garden, and the menu has a good variety of options that will satisfy those just looking for something light, right through to a full and tasty lunch. Be sure to try some of their carrot cake, reputed to be as tasty as it looks.
Serving up a fabulous cup of coffee to kickstart your day, the relatively new Fika Coffee Bar is fast making its mark in Windhoek. Those with young families should give it a try, as the kids will find it hard to resist the interesting popcorn milkshake offering. There are also activities to keep the little ones from running amok. Healthy salads and wraps are offered alongside other decadent treats such as gooey chocolate brownies and those thick and creamy milkshakes where a straw just won’t do. Contemporary yet casual, Fika looks set to stand the test of time.
With a cool, sleek, industrial design, Jonno’s Bistro is elegant yet fresh, and offers a whole host of delicious meal options. The bistro is owned and run by chef Gallagher, who has many years of experience under his belt and has created a menu that inspires customers to build their own full English breakfast. Other specialities include designer sandwiches and pastries and cakes freshly baked on a daily basis. The rich and aromatic coffee that the bistro brews is strong enough to get your day going, while the atmosphere is contemporary yet chilled and laid-back.
Wecke & Voights Coffee Shop is a German-styled bistro where you can stop for a meal and shop for homeware at the same time. Those who don’t have much time to spare will find it perfect for a quick pitstop as the service is efficient and the menu unfussy yet comprehensive. Known for its generous portions sizes and freshly baked cakes, the coffee shop serves breakfast and lunches with a distinct German Namibian flair. Look out for traditional specialities such as steak tartar and German salami.
If you’re looking for some quaint, old-world charm with perhaps a hint of romance, you’ll find it at the Old Continental Café and Takeaway. Here the order of the day is unrushed eating while the world rolls by outside at its own frenzied pace. The food is fresh and well presented, and favourites on the menu include Asian noodles and light and fluffy pancakes. With a varied menu and prices to suit every pocket, the Old Continental Café and Takeaway pleases every time. Be warned, though, that its location may be slightly difficult to find, but your perseverance will be worth it.
Street Cuisine is located on a busy part of Independence Avenue, a great place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink while watching the world go by. Although the menu is slightly on the small side, the portions are generous and service always comes with a smile. The eatery serves up a good cup of coffee that can be accompanied by a hearty hot breakfast or other options such as burgers and pizza. Sweet treats include a selection of cakes and the outdoor city seating brings a cosmopolitan vibe to the restaurant.
Café Balalaika is located in the picturesque and serene Zoo Park and offers outdoor seating with wood burners to keep patrons warm on chilly days. Attentive service and good-quality food have entrenched this establishment as one of the favorites in the city; it is also often frequented by families, as there is space for young children to play. The menu covers a wide selection of tastes and serves everything from light meals through to a full lunch. This is, however, not the place to grab a bite and run, as food preparation may take a bit of time. Order a coffee, enjoy the views, and slow down.
