My Top 5 Cafes in Harare

I associate cafes with fun times, relaxing,  sometimes working(when there is no power at home or I just need a break from working at home) and catching up with friends...So here are my top 5 cafes in Harare...

1. Queen of Hearts Cafe: Without a doubt this is my favourite cafe...because I love the surroundings and ambiance but also because its really close to where I live and it's a place where I can find a quiet place to work if I need to and access to power points(my second office).

Queen of Hearts Cafe

2. The Bottom Drawer: I love this cafe because I am obssessed with all things pretty and lovely. I love the English country style garden and decor. Its great place to catch up with a friend.

The Bottom Drawer

3. Freshly Ground Coffee Bar: This is the ideal place for the coffee addict because coffees are their specialty. It's also a great place to relax with friends but also a great place to get some work done if you need to.

Freshly Ground Coffee Bar

4. Food Lovers: This is a great place to meet for a light meal, coffee or drinks with friends. The combination of tables and chairs and lounge seating is appealing...

Food Lovers

5. Classic Deserts: This one is a great place to meet a friend for coffee and desert. The location is convenient and they also offer diabetic, banting and gluten free options. 

Classic Deserts

Coffee @Café de Paris

This weekend I went out to look for some paint for a DIY project, and I stopped by 47 Churchill Avenue, in Alexandra Park, to check their selection of paints and other items. After I was done, I was just about to get back into my car and drive back home, when I noticed a new café that wasn't there the last time I was there. I walked into Café de Paris for the first time... it's  a cute café specializing in handmade French pastries and croissants...see the pics below...The owner, Marc, has been supplying French pastries  to establishments in Harare for a number of years  and  two months ago he finally  opened his own cafe  bringing the true and authentic  taste of France  to Zimbabwe... If you are in the area its worth visiting this little café.

 Opening Times:

Monday- Saturday: 7.00am-6.00pm

Sunday: Closed

Contact Details: 

A little gem called ISU Collections

I was invited to ISU Collections by Danayi, the founder and owner, after she discovered my blog on facebook...which was a great compliment to me...little did I know that I would come to discover this little gem called ISU Collections which is a contemporary African inpired lifestyle store that focuses on stocking an array of locally sourced  and produced lifestyle products ranging from home decor & accessories, African inspired apparel, African inspired fabric, comtemporary African inspired art and photography, locally produced organic beauty products  and more....I fell in love right there ...this is exactly the kind of concept that is very close to my heart and I fully support her bravery in starting this great initiative and I think from here we will be collaborating on a few projects linked to my own projects...you will be seeing some of that on this blog.  Beyond this ISU Collections hosts DIY sessions with various types of artists and they also host music events with  'The Movement'. My visit to this little gem really inspired me and I saw that when you really want to do something you can get it done...I will keep you posted on what we do next. Below are some lovely pics of the place and some of the merchandise...pay them a visit and be equally inspired!

ISU Collections hosts the following events on a monthly basis: 

• DIY Sessions
• Vintage Yard Sale in collaboration with Vintage Hippo
• Sound Series - A late night shopping experience inclusive of Good Food, good music and an even better vibe
• Book Clubs (Launching In May)
• Real Life Stories (Launching In May)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm

Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm

Contact Details:

Coffee Break@Aroma Caffe

Aroma Caffe is just next door to  one of my favourite cafes Queen of Hearts so I thought I would give it a try since I was already in the area... I drove in, parked and I walked into the garden... At Aroma Caffe you can sit at a table on their nice big varandah or you can sit at a table in their spacious garden under a shade... I picked a table in the garden and ordered a capuccino and a snack...while attempted to get a bit of work done on my computer. Sitting there in the garden rather than in the office made the task of trying to get through my 'to do list' a much more pleasant affair...

Opening Hours: 

Monday-Saturday: 7.30am-4.30pm
Sunday: Closed 

Contact Information

Coffee @Pistachio Cafe

I decided to conclude my trip to Sam Levys with a quick coffee break at Pistachio, I believe that busy days are made better by a short break at a  lovely cafe. All the tables outside were taken so I settled for a table inside. Pistachio specializes in french pastries as well as many other sweet and savoury decadent treats.  On the upside, it felt warm and cozy inside... but the signs of  the beginings of a Zim winter are ever nearer...I  ended up ordering a chai Latte... and indulged in some  casual people watching in this cool corner of Sam Levys Village.

The following are their opening hours:

Mon-Friday 7.30am-5.30pm

Saturday 8.00am- 2.00pm

Sunday Closed

Contact Details 

Coffee @ The Bottom Drawer

 I'll admit to being obesessed with all things pretty and lovely and that is why The Bottom Drawer is one of my favourite coffee shops in Harare.  It has a lovely English country style garden and I  absolutely love the decor as well as the style of the furniture and the setting... for me it is the perfect spot to meet with friends for  a relaxing  afternoon or morning coffee.  I arrived  at the Bottom Drawer around mid-morning for a quick coffee break between my many errands. I ordered a capuccino and I could not resist ordering one of their many delightful home-made treats...a scone... I enjoyed my cappuccino and scone immensely...as I took in the the relaxed atmosphere. The Bottom Drawer also has an amazing gift shop where you can buy unique gift items for your loved ones.  

The following are their opening hours:

Mon-Friday 8.30am-5.00pm

Saturday 8.30am- 3.00pm

Sunday Closed

Contact Details 

The Jam Tree Market & Restaurant and Bar

I was invited to the Jam Tree market  some time ago and up until then I had never been there. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lively market with lots of interesting  and very well organized stalls.    The market takes place every Thursday 8.30am-12.00pm.  Aside from hosting the market, the Jam Tree is also a restaurant and bar. The Jam Tree is also a great place to meet for coffee, lunch or a drink. The next time a went there a few weeks later for Sunday lunch.. I ordered their gourmet chips and absolutely loved them! They had a lovely sour cream flavour that is truly irresistible!!!

Opening Hours:  Mon - Sunday 9.00am-12.00am

Contact Details