From Espresso to Pastries: Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Dar es Salaam You Must Visit

Dar es Salaam is not only the largest city in Tanzania but also one of its most vibrant centers for food, culture, and social life, and its cafe scene reflects this energy well. Since Tanzania is one of the most major coffee-growing countries in Africa, the city has created more and more cafes and coffee shops that are in honor of both local and international brewing styles. Dar es Salaam offers something for every coffee lover, from artisan cafes serving freshly roasted Tanzanian coffee to stylish city cafes ideal for meetings or remote work.

If you are either a tourist visiting the city, a digital nomad seeking a comfortable spot to work, or a local seeking your next favorite coffee shop, you can take your everyday experience to the next level by picking the right cafe. In this list of the top 13 cafés and coffee shops in Dar es Salaam, high-quality places are identified in terms of coffee quality, environment, location, and overall customer experience, allowing you to explore the city one cup at a time.

Dar es Salaam is not just known for its stunning beaches and rich culture; it's also a haven for coffee lovers and cafe enthusiasts

What Makes a Great Cafe in Dar es Salaam

A great cafe in Dar es Salaam combines quality coffee, a pleasant atmosphere, and consistent service. Since Tanzania produces high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans, high-quality cafes focus on using freshly roasted local coffee and professional brewing techniques. Easy chairs, adequate light, and a relaxed atmosphere also matter particularly to customers who desire to work in the cafe and may wish to have a long stay in the cafe.

The experience is further enhanced by friendly and knowledgeable staff who offer recommendations and attentive service. The place also has an impact, and the most popular cafes are located in the center or other active neighborhoods. Lastly, an excellent cafe provides much more than coffee, including light food, pastries, and a good atmosphere for its customers to make them come back.

Top 13 Cafés and Coffee Shops in Dar es Salaam for Coffee Lovers

With a wide range of cafes and casual eateries across the city, Dar es Salaam offers many places where people can enjoy quality coffee, quick bites, and a welcoming atmosphere. Dar es Salaam caters to all tastes, whether you are looking for a quiet place to work, a comfortable spot to chat with friends, or simply a great cup of coffee. These are the top 13 cafes and coffee shops in Dar es Salaam.

The Ridge Cafe

The Ridge Cafe is a well-regarded coffee shop in Dar es Salaam, known for its relaxed ambiance, quality beverages, and picturesque surroundings. The cafe is situated in a tranquil location that does not give much noise because it is not on the busiest streets of the city, and it is a good place to hold informal meetings, work remotely, or have a relaxing coffee.

The Ridge Cafe also offers freshly brewed coffee prepared using quality beans, teas, and light meals as well as homemade pastries. Visitors appreciate the comfortable seating, hospitable service, and outdoor area where they can enjoy fresh air while dining.

It is also due to its steady quality, friendly atmosphere, and the pleasant location that The Ridge Cafe has been frequently referred to among high-quality cafes in Dar es Salaam by both visitors and residents who are interested in a relaxed but classy cafe experience.

Address: Ground Floor, Chole Plaza, Dar es Salaam, TZ, 14111, Tanzania

The Ridge Cafe is known for serving quality coffee, often featuring Tanzanian beans sourced from local suppliers

Orchid Cafe

Orchid Cafe Dar es Salaam is a contemporary and popular cafe known for its relaxing environment and varied menu. It serves both locals and visitors who are looking for a comfortable place to enjoy quality coffee. The cafe's elegant interior design creates a welcoming atmosphere suitable for casual meetings, remote work, or quiet coffee breaks.

Orchid Cafe provides fresh-brewed coffee, tea specialties, and refreshing drinks, as well as an assortment of light meals, pastries, and international cuisine. Customers appreciate the consistent service quality, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. It is also easily accessible as it is located in a convenient place for travelers who might be touring the city or want to have a reliable cafe to visit regularly.

Address: Orchid Residency, Ground floor, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Orchid Cafe offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for any time of the day

Orchid Cafe City Centre

Orchid Cafe City Centre is a preferred destination among residents and tourists who seek to have a good cup of coffee in the heart of Dar es Salaam. The cafe is located conveniently in the central business district, and it is best suited when it comes to holding business meetings, meeting a friend, or just having a relaxing moment during a hectic day.

The cafe boasts freshly brewed coffee, a large variety of teas, and a menu with pastries, light meals, and local favorites. The cafe features a clean, calm, and air-conditioned interior, making it suitable for both short visits and longer stays. The presence of friendly service, together with the constant quality, has helped it generate a loyal customer base among professionals and travelers.

Address: 57PR+95P, Garden Ave, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Central Park Cafe

Central Park Cafe is a highly recognized and trendy coffee shop in Dar es Salaam, which is frequented by locals, expatriates, and travelers. The cafe is situated in a convenient city center, which creates a cozy, yet contemporary environment, which makes it an appropriate place to have a coffee break, business meetings, or even work remotely.

Besides quality coffee made using well-chosen beans, the cafe offers a large variety of hot and cold drinks, light meals, and desserts, as well as pastries. Additional comforts include comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and attentive service. Central Park Cafe is also a popular coffeehouse in the city with its stable quality and friendly atmosphere.

Address: 19 Barack Obama Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Central Park Cafe offers a harmonious blend of classic American-inspired cuisine and warm Tanzanian hospitality.

Atom Coffee Hub

Atom Coffee Hub is a contemporary and trendy cafe, which has enjoyed rapid acceptance among coffee lovers in Dar es Salaam. The cafe is renowned because of its emphasis on quality and craftsmanship by offering coffee, brewed with expertise, and using quality beans, including the locally sourced Tanzanian varieties.

It is also a good place to have social meetings, casual meetings, or even to get some work done because of its stylish and relaxed setting. Besides specialty coffee, Atom Coffee Hub will provide light meals, pastries, and refreshing beverages. Good baristas, seats, and a warm atmosphere help to make the visit always pleasant. Through this, Atom Coffee Hub is often mentioned by visitors as a well-regarded spot for quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.

Address: Mwai Kibaki Rd, Dar es Salaam 2338, Tanzania

Atom Coffee Hub is an exceptional coffee shop that offers attentive service, a peaceful working environment, and delicious coffee

Grano Coffee

Grano Coffee is a well-known cafe in Dar es Salaam, recognized for its consistent quality and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The cafe has its own coffee brewing shop with fresh beans and a variety of drinks based on espresso and some special brews. Customers especially like it as they appreciate a relaxing atmosphere, and it is a good place to hold meetings, have a casual chat, or have a quiet cup of coffee.

Besides the coffee menu, Grano Coffee offers various pastries, light meals, and desserts that go well with the coffee. The overall experience is also enhanced with friendly staff and efficient service. Having its trustworthy standards and cosy environment, Grano Coffee has become a popular destination for locals and visitors in Dar es Salaam.

Grano Coffee is a coffee shop with an outdoor seating area that provides a unique perspective of the city and allows for enjoyable moments while sipping coffee and feeling the cool breeze

Kahawa Studio Cafe

Kahawa Studio Cafe is an innovative and popular coffee spot that reflects the growing coffee culture in Dar es Salaam. The cafe is known to be closely attached to the locally sourced Tanzanian coffee beans and is concerned with quality, craftsmanship, and a warm atmosphere. The design is carefully thought out and is in the modern but artistic sense of the building, which makes it a comfortable place to visit and work.

Kahawa Studio Cafe has an assortment of coffee products that are professionally brewed and light meals and pastries to accompany the coffee. The baristas are also friendly and knowledgeable, and will always be ready to suggest something depending on their individual preferences. Due to its emphasis on a high level of quality, unique style, and a community-oriented business model, Kahawa Studio Cafe has acquired the status of a famous coffee shop in Dar es Salaam and a place that must be visited by any person who enjoys coffee.

Address: 3 Nyotatano St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

LUMA WHALE CAFE W

LUMA Whale Cafe W is a modern cafe in Dar es Salaam, known for its contemporary design and relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The cafe is popular among young professionals, creatives, and lovers of coffee and provides them with a friendly atmosphere, which is perfect when they want to have their quick meetings or catch up with a friend, or have quiet work sessions. LUMA Whale Cafe W places strong emphasis on quality, serving well-crafted coffee made from carefully selected beans and prepared by skilled baristas.

In addition to coffee, the cafe offers a carefully curated menu of light meals, pastries, and refreshing drinks, making it suitable for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Comfortable seating, elegant decor, and attentive service further enhance the overall experience. Its stylish atmosphere and consistent quality have made LUMA Whale Cafe W has become a popular choice among locals and young professionals in Dar es Salaam.

The cafe also experiments with a variety of international flavors in its food offerings

Hug A Mug Cafe

Hug A Mug Cafe is a warm and relaxed coffee shop in Dar es Salaam, appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and consistent quality. The cafe offers a relaxed environment ideal for casual meetings, reading, or enjoying a comforting cup of coffee during a busy day.

Hug A Mug is highly recognized as a coffee shop that offers carefully brewed coffee, including rich espresso-based drinks and well-prepared specialty beverages. In addition to coffee, the cafe offers light meals, pastries, and desserts, which means that it is a good place to have breakfast or brunch. Employees are friendly and give attention to keeping the guests relaxed in the environment.

Address: 67XM+GQP, Dar es Salaam 0100, Tanzania

Kaffe Koffee Oysterbay

Kaffe Koffee Oysterbay is a popular cafe known for its pleasant ambiance and location in one of Dar es Salaam's most vibrant neighborhoods. A mix of locals, expatriates, and travelers visit the cafe to enjoy well-brewed coffee made from carefully selected beans.

The comfy but stylish ambiance of the location makes it a perfect spot to have a morning coffee or a quick bite during the day or during a meeting. Besides coffee, Kaffee Koffee Oysterbay also sells light meals, pastries, and refreshing beverages. It has some of the most helpful employees and a consistent service, making it a well-known coffee shop in Dar es Salaam and a coffee shop worth visiting by those who love coffee.

Address: 5 Kaunda Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This delightful spot is perfect for grabbing a quick takeaway, especially during the hot daytime hours

Bean There Cafe

Bean There Cafe is a friendly, local coffee shop in Dar es Salaam that serves local residents and visitors with a quality coffee experience. The cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and is a high-quality environment to relax, meet with friends, or have a quiet time with a good cup of coffee.

The cafe gives a lot of attention to the sourcing of coffee beans and the attention to be given to the brewing process, so that the flavor and freshness of the coffee are never compromised. The Cafe serves light meals, pastries, and desserts alongside its coffee drinks, hence it is good to have breakfast or have a casual lunch. Friendly service and comfortable seating contribute to a positive overall experience.

Address: 1391 Haile Selassie Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Bean There Cafe is a highly relaxing establishment in the area, known for its serene ambiance

Suchee Cafe

Suchee Cafe is a small and popular coffee shop in Dar es Salaam with a relaxed atmosphere and a varied menu incorporating coffee culture with Asian cuisine. The coffee shop appeals to the locals as well as international tourists who seek to take their time and engage in light meals and quality drinks.

Suchee Cafe has many hot and cold drinks, such as freshly brewed coffee and teas, and other drinks that are served, as well as fresh food that is appropriate to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Suchee Cafe is also a great option for socializing or enjoying informal gatherings with friends because of its warm atmosphere, hospitable personnel, and regular service.

Address: Kahama Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Kahawa Cafe

Kahawa Cafe is a popular coffee house based in Dar es Salaam that is known to have a laid-back mood and a close association with the East African coffee culture. The coffee shop boasts serving good quality coffee, usually brewed using Tanzanian coffee beans, which are locally based and provide good flavors and quality in each cup.

In addition to coffee, Kahawa Cafe provides light meals, snacks, and refreshing beverages, which makes it appropriate to eat there in the morning, lunch, or even during an afternoon break. The cafe offers a pleasant place to have casual meetings, work, or have some relaxing moments in the city with comfortable chairs, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Address: 76QF+HH8, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

What to Drink in Tanzania: A Guide to Local Beverages

Tanzania has a rich and diverse drink culture shaped by local traditions, its tropical climate, and regional agriculture. From refreshing non-alcoholic beverages to popular local brews, these drinks are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. This guide highlights must-try drinks in Tanzania, each reflecting a different aspect of the country's cultural identity.

1. Chai (Spiced Tea)

Chai is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in Tanzania. It is prepared with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like ginger or cardamom, and is normally consumed in the mornings or during parties.

2. Kahawa (Coffee)

Tanzania is recognized as a country that produces high-quality Arabica coffee, especially in areas such as Kilimanjaro and Mbeya. Kahawa is often served strong and black, or with milk, and is enjoyed both at home and in cafes

3. Uji (Porridge Drink)

Uji is a traditional porridge drink made from millet, sorghum, or maize flour. It is healthy and nutritious, and it is often taken as breakfast, especially by children and people engaged in physically demanding work.

4. Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)

Madafu is fresh coconut water served directly from young coconuts and is especially popular along the coast. It is naturally refreshing and well-suited to Tanzania's hot climate.

5. Konyagi

Konyagi is the most well-known spirit in Tanzania, which is usually likened to gin. It is typically drunk either straight or diluted with soda or fruit juice and is common all over the nation.

6. Mbege

Mbege is a traditional banana beer from northern Tanzania. It is a light alcoholic beverage and is normally used during community events and cultural ceremonies.

7. Safari Lager

Safari Lager is among the most famous beers in Tanzania. It is refreshing and light and is commonly enjoyed at social events, restaurants, and casual gatherings.

8. Fresh Fruit Juices

Due to its tropical climate, Tanzania has a large supply of fresh fruits. Mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and avocado juices are common and very popular.

Conclusion

The city of Dar es Salaam has a lot to offer in the area of cafes, which can be linked to the dynamic lifestyle of this city, its cultural diversity, and the increasing popularity of good coffee. High-quality cafes and coffee shops in Dar es Salaam are not just an excellent drink but also a friendly place to work, communicate with people, and have a rest. If you like professionally made Tanzanian coffee, interior comforts, and inventive dishes, then these cafes emphasize the changing culture of coffee in the city and make each visit unforgettable.

Travelers should also present their travel documents before planning to visit the 13 best cafes and coffee shops in Dar Es Salam. Many travelers are eligible to apply for a Tanzania e-Visa online, though requirements and processing times may vary depending on nationality, enabling them to get to the country easily without any problems, and this saves time compared to the time taken when using the traditional embassy visa application forms. With advance visa acquisition and your cafe-hopping schedule, a few things will go wrong with your entry, and you will get to witness the rich coffee culture that Dar es Salaam has to offer.