Johannesburg, South Africa

Top brews: the 5 best specialty coffee shops in Johannesburg

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Top brews: the 5 best specialty coffee shops in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s best specialty coffee shops

When it comes to coffee culture, Johannesburg is stepping up its game. The city is buzzing with specialty coffee shops that serve some seriously good coffee and amazing vibes to match. In this guide, we’re highlighting a selection of the city’s standout spots where you can sip on some of the finest brews around. We’re talking superior beans, expert baristas, unique brewing methods and unmatched atmospheres – these spots take coffee to a whole new level! Get ready to explore the best coffee in Johannesburg and find your new go-to caffeine fix.

Bean There Coffee

Bean There Coffee is South Africa’s first roastery to source beans exclusively through fair trade, making it a standout in Johannesburg’s coffee scene. They specialise in single-origin African beans, which they roast to highlight the natural flavour, adding depth to every sip you take. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, with an open-plan space where you can see the roasting process in action – a treat if you are a coffee lover who’s interested in the background of how your cup of joe is made. Their pour-overs and espresso drinks are a hit, but they also offer various brewing methods, so you can try your coffee just the way you like it.

Bean There Coffee
44 Stanley Ave
Milpark
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Bean There Coffee

Sorcery Coffee

Sorcery Coffee lives up to its name, working a kind of magic with each cup they serve. Known for their creative coffee concoctions, this café experiments with blends and techniques that bring out unique flavours in every sip. We’re especially drawn to the laid-back vibe and subtle decor that features natural materials and neutral colours – it gives the place character without taking the spotlight from the coffee. Plus, the outdoor seating overlooking the greenery is absolutely stunning! Be sure to ask the friendly baristas to whip up an innovative version of the classic flat white – they are so talented and know how to whip up a good cup of coffee that’s a bit more adventurous!

Sorcery Coffee
3 Diep in Die Berg
Wapadrand
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Sorcery Coffee

Father Coffee

Father Coffee has earned a reputation as one of Johannesburg’s coffee powerhouses and with good reason. Father Coffee has built its reputation on purity and precision, offering one of the most straightforward, high-quality coffee experiences in the city. With its sleek, minimalistic interiors and laser focus on quality, Father Coffee attracts a loyal crowd of coffee purists. Their menu focuses on classics done exceptionally well – think perfect cortados, velvety flat whites and flavorful pour-overs. Father Coffee is where we go for a brew that’s all about quality and craftsmanship and it’s a spot that keeps us coming back when we crave an unembellished but brilliant coffee.

Father Coffee
19 Dartfield Rd
Kramerville
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Father Coffee

Arbour Café

Arbour Café is the local casual hang-out spot, known for their excellent cappuccinos and their leafy courtyard. Other than the seriously good coffee, their breakfast options are amazing – best enjoyed in the cute & cozy courtyard! The interiors are casual but modern – this is the type of coffee shop you want to hang around for hours chatting with friends over a cup of coffee. If you’re looking to take it slow and enjoy coffee in a charming setting, Arbour Café is a hidden gem worth visiting.

Arbour Café
64 St Andrew St
Birdhaven
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Arbour Café

Culture Coffee

Culture Coffee is all about, well, coffee culture. This trendy spot emphasises direct-trade beans, ensuring that their coffee is ethically sourced and high quality. The minimalist interior reflects their less is more approach, placing coffee at the centre of attention. You’ll notice the baristas are as passionate about coffee as they are knowledgeable – they love to talk about beans, roast profiles and brewing methods while brewing the perfect cup of espresso. Culture Coffee is a must for anyone who values the art of a well-crafted coffee over all the fuss of a traditional café.