Its pristine white beaches, tropical weather and fantastic food flavours makes Durban one of South Africa’s favourite destinations. Durban is a kaleidoscope of colours, aromas and sounds set to the rhythm of the city’s laid-back vibe. It’s also quickly becoming one of the country’s hottest coffee spots. And besides beaches and bohemian beauty, what’s better than the smell of freshly grounded coffee beans? This week TravelGround shows you where to find the best beans and baristas in Durbs!
This unique and charming space is located in a conservatory just down Churchill Road. You can relax outside in the sunny courtyard with the sound of running water from a fountain. Inside this fully halal coffee shop you can sip on a cup of your favourite hot drink, while admiring the vintage objects and mismatched wooden tables and chairs, which adds to the café’s ambience. They also offer a high tea menu with delicious savoury and sweet treats that taste and look as magical as the surroundings. Snack on a brinjal, sundried tomato and feta muffin or pair a great cappuccino with a chilli chocolate pot served with cream. This quirky café shares its space with two quaint shops. One of the shops sells beautiful antique jewelry and china and the other old-fashioned home furnishings and decor.
Facebook rating: 4,7/5
Location: 93 Churchill Road, Morningside, Durban.
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This café doesn’t only cater for bean lovers, but also sells specialty loose-leaf teas and local food products from companies like Karma Free. Choose between quiches, sandwiches, sausage rolls, as well as sweet and savory muffins ─ all with a unique and exotic twist. Columbo’s beans are sourced from growers in Africa, South and Central America, and Indonesia. They serve a selection of delicious espresso and filter roasts to satisfy every taste bud. Some reviewers call it the best coffee spot in South Africa!
Facebook rating: 4,6/5
Location: 147 Helen Joseph Road, Bulwer, Durban.
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At the small, authentic Wonderland Coffee, your cup of creamy coffee is prepared by the bearded barista, Bobby Machin. This café is a hidden gem, but be warned: those not familiar with the area might have trouble finding it, as it’s situated in a sneaky sideroad. But rest assured that the search will be well worth it! Be sure to try their killer breakfast wrap or famous giant cookie. They also sell raw juices and smoothies as there is a crossfit on site. This is the perfect place to go to if you’re a parent who loves coffee, as there’s an exciting play area for the kids with a slide so big you can see it from the highway! If you’re an avid skater, bring your board along, as the skate park is right in front of the shop.
Facebook rating: 4,9/5
Location: Linc Campus, Foxhill Lane, Foxhill, Dolphin Coast.
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If you’re a lover of both bike-riding and good coffee, this is definitely the place for you! Providing wholesome food, ridiculously good coffee and a wide variety of rentable bicycles since 2013, Bike and Bean Durban is the ultimate space to find activities for the whole family, to hang out with friends, or meet up after a cycle! With their primary shop located on the Durban beachfront, the lifestyle they help you to create is out of this world. Their recently opened Windermere shop at 351 Lilian Ngoyi Road, also shines in the scenic department, providing a space to relax under a beautiful fever tree. This trendy site offers amazing views of the Indian Ocean and its cool energy combined with the aroma of coffee which makes this spot hard to resist.
Facebook rating: 4,5/5
Location: 290 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban.
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This establishment is run by Peter and Mel Winter, a father-daughter duo. It’s simplistic, charming and decorated with old furniture, wooden tables and floors, and Hessian coffee bag covered cushions. They stock exclusively Ethiopian beans and their specialty coffees are made with their award-winning house blend, The Bluff Bru! With LP’s playing 1970’s rock music in the background, it will feel as if you’re travelling back in time. Visit them if you want to enjoy freshly roasted and delicious coffee in an unpretentious setting.
Facebook rating: 4,6/5
Location: 147 Helen Joseph Road, Bulwer, Durban.
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Durban is also a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway as sunny weather and the lukewarm Indian Ocean await all year round. So, get your drink on, visit one of these top-notch Durban cafés and remember to book a few nights’ stay at Travelground.com for a coffee and holiday experience you’ll certainly remember!
Feature image: TravelGround
