Best Cafes to Work from in Johannesburg
Choosing where to work outside the regular office can make a big difference in how much you accomplish. Johannesburg has plenty of cafes that are changing things up to fit the needs of people working from anywhere.
These cafes aren't just about coffee – they've got a variety of food to suit every taste and diet. Whether you're into a hearty breakfast, a healthy lunch, or a tasty snack, they've got it covered.
The real magic of these places is the vibe they create. Being in a different space from home or the office can boost your creativity and help you see things from a new perspective. The atmosphere in these cafes is lively yet relaxed, making it easier to concentrate and enjoy your workday.
If you're starting a business or working freelance, these cafes are like gold mines. They're filled with people in similar situations, and you might meet someone who can help your work grow. You might even team up with someone new and come up with fantastic ideas together.
So, these Johannesburg cafes aren't just places to work – they're special spots where you can work comfortably, be creative, and connect with people who could make a positive impact on your work.
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Top 10 Best Cafes to Work from in Johannesburg
1. Service Station Café
The Service Station Café is a top work cafe in Johannesburg for people who want to get work done. Carmen van der Merwe has been running this cozy cafe for almost twenty years, and it's a really bright and open place to be in.
This cafe is perfect for working remotely because it's got free Wi-Fi and lots of places to plug in your devices. They've also got a menu that has something for everyone. You can choose from fresh salads, yummy deli snacks, and even take home frozen meals for later.
What's cool is that they have a big table where you can sit and work comfortably. And if you want to grab something healthy to eat or take home after a day's work, they've got you covered.
This cafe is the place to be if you're in Melville and need a good place to work. It's been around for a long time and always gives great service. Freelancers, people who work from far away, and anyone who loves good coffee will feel at home here. It's the perfect spot if you want a peaceful place to work, some tasty food, or just a really good cup of coffee to keep you going through the day.
Location: 24 9th St, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday, 8 am–4 pm
Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.3(486)
Amenities:
2. Emzini
Emzini is a fantastic cafe to sit and work from in Johannesburg and enjoy coffee. It sits by the pretty Westdene dam and has a huge terrace where you can work while taking in the view.
What's special about Emzini is its big terrace – part of it is covered, making it perfect for working in a calm and lively place. It's not just a cafe; it's a cozy spot where lots of different people come together.
This cafe is great because it's all about making everyone feel welcome. They use local ingredients, which is good for the neighborhood and the environment. And it's not just about the food; it's a place where local artists, writers, musicians, and students hang out.
If you're looking for a cool place to work, Emzini is it. It's a mix of a lively atmosphere and a place where you can be creative and get stuff done. Whether you want to chat with someone or focus quietly, this cafe has room for everyone. And the view is just awesome – it adds a peaceful touch to your workday, surrounded by Johannesburg's creative and smart community.
Location: 12 Lewes Rd, Westdene, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Timing:
Monday, Closed
Sunday - Saturday, 9 am–11 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.6(354)
Amenities:
3. Breezeblock
Breezeblock in Johannesburg's lively Brixton area is a top spot to get work done and enjoy great coffee. When lockdown hit, this cafe changed things up and turned into a place where people could work together, showing they can adjust and make a good space for work.
Inside Breezeblock, there are lots of places to plug in your laptop or phone making it one of the nicest Laptop Friendly Cafe in Johannesburg, which is super helpful for people who work online. The place is designed to let in a lot of natural light, making it a really nice and fresh place to concentrate and be creative. And if you like working outside, they've got a lovely courtyard with lots of pretty plants where you can work in the sun and sip on a tasty cappuccino.
What's cool about this cafe is that you can work indoors or outdoors, and they make sure there's plenty of natural light inside. That makes it a great choice if you want a place that's good for getting work done but also feels chill and relaxed
Location: 29 Chiswick St, Brixton, Johannesburg, 2019, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Closed
Sunday - Saturday, 8 am–4 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.4(445)
Amenities:
4. Bean There Coffee Company
Bean There Coffee Company is a great work friendly cafe in Johannesburg, who want a calm yet energizing spot to work. They're famous for being the first in South Africa to roast Certified Fairtrade coffee beans from places like Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This means you get to taste different flavors and smells in their freshly roasted coffee.
The cafe looks simple and peaceful, making it perfect for enjoying your coffee experience fully. When you walk in, you can smell the fresh coffee beans, making the place feel focused and making you appreciate the art of coffee-making.
What's really cool about this cafe is that they're ready for power cuts. They have a generator, so even if the power goes out unexpectedly, they can still make and serve coffee. This means you can keep working without any interruptions, even when things don't go as planned
Location: 111 Smit St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Friday, 8 am–4 pm
Saturday Sunday, Closed
Ratings / Reviews: 4.6(61)
Amenities:
5. The Richmond Studio Cafe
The Richmond Studio Cafe in Johannesburg is a special place for both people who love photography and those who work remotely and want a creative place to work. The cafe is filled with old cameras and cool stuff related to photography, making it like a trip back in time for anyone who visits.
Inside The Richmond Studio Cafe, you'll see lots of vintage cameras and things linked to photography. It's a really cool atmosphere that celebrates photography. The place has a mix of styles that make it inspiring and great for getting creative or focusing on your work.
There are plenty of places to sit, both inside and outside, so you can pick where you feel most comfortable working. Whether you like the cozy indoors or prefer working outside, they've got tasty food like toasties and fresh cafe snacks for you to enjoy.
This cafe is a neat place for people who are into photography or need a space to work creatively. With its vintage charm and different seating options, it's a spot where you can enjoy good food and find inspiration while working on your projects.
Location: 14 Menton Rd, Richmond, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Sunday, 7 am–9 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.5(595)
Amenities:
6. Croft and Co
Croft and Co in Johannesburg is a busy place where people who wake up early or work in the middle of the day like to go. In the morning, it's packed with the smell of fresh coffee, and lots of people come in. Even at lunchtime on Tuesdays, it's hard to find a table because so many people go there, showing it's really popular with locals and visitors.
The best spots in Croft and Co are these special tables in the back. They're like booths and have lots of green plants around them. Sitting there feels calm and private, perfect if you want a quiet place to focus and work with all the greenery around you. It's like a little peaceful area away from the busier parts of the cafe.
This cafe is buzzing, especially in the morning, and even at lunchtime, it's full. But tucked away in the back, these special tables surrounded by plants give you a quiet spot to concentrate. It's a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the cafe, perfect for anyone looking for a calm spot to get work done amidst a bit of nature.
Location: 66 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Sunday, 6 am–12 pm
Saturday, 6 am–3:30 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.6(800)
Amenities:
7. The Grind Coffee Shop
The Grind Coffee Shop in Johannesburg is a great place for people who want to get work done. Upstairs, they have lots of spots with plugs for laptops, making it a good space for focusing on work without distractions. They've set it up so you can feel comfortable and stay for a while, whether you're working or being creative. Plus, they have a generator, so if the power goes out, you can keep working without any problems.
What makes The Grind special is their cool Coffee in a Cone drink. It's a macchiato served in a chocolate-lined ice-cream cone. It's a creative and fun way to enjoy your coffee, and it's something people love to share on Instagram because it looks so cool.
This coffee shop stands out because of its setup for working upstairs and its special Coffee in a Cone drink. So if you're looking for a place where you can work peacefully and enjoy a unique coffee treat.
Location: Cnr Whiteley Road and, The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Friday, 6:30 am–6 pm
Saturday, 7 am–4 pm
Sunday, 8 am–4 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.5(340)
Amenities:
8. Toasted
Toasted, nestled in Johannesburg, stands out as a vibrant hub for productivity enthusiasts seeking a welcoming space to work away from home.
The courtyard setting adds to the cafe's charm, providing a refreshing outdoor option for those who prefer working amidst natural light and a touch of outdoor tranquility.
The cafe's popularity as a hotspot for productivity seekers is evident in its bustling yet welcoming atmosphere. Whether one desires the comfort of a couch or the functionality of a dedicated work table, Toasted offers a blend of comfort and functionality, making it an inviting destination for those in pursuit of a conducive work environment in Johannesburg.
Location: 37 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Sandton, 2193, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Sunday, 7:30 am–4 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.4(1,381)
Amenities:
9. Father Coffee
Father Coffee in Johannesburg is a special place for people who want to get work done in a cool setting. Inside, it looks like a modern lab, and you can see their bakery through a glass window. They make tasty treats like cinnamon buns and almond croissants with a lot of care and attention to detail.
Even though it looks like a science lab, Father Coffee is actually pretty quiet, which is good if you want to focus on your work. They have a great selection of coffee to choose from, so everyone can find something they like. And if you're not into coffee, they also serve yummy Lindt hot chocolate.
This cafe is all about being precise and making things top-notch, from how it looks to the food and drinks they serve. That's why it's a cool place for people who work remotely. Whether you visit their Rosebank or Kramerville stores, you'll find a unique and good place to work in Johannesburg, plus they're ready for power cuts, so your work won't get interrupted.
Location: 19 Dartfield Rd, Kramerville, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am–8 pm
Saturday, 8 am–8 pm
Sunday, 8 am–5 pm
Ratings / Reviews: 4.3(233)
Amenities:
10. Seam Coffee
Seam Coffee in Johannesburg isn't just about great coffee – it's about doing things right and creating a good spot for remote work in the northern suburbs.
They're all about Fair Trade, making sure the farmers who grow their coffee get a fair deal. Seam wants to connect these farmers with the people who enjoy their coffee and help their communities.
Seam Coffee is cool because it mixes being fair to everyone with having a good place to work. They've got a space set up for people who work remotely, and they make sure you can keep working without any interruptions.
This cafe isn't just about the coffee; it's about making sure everyone involved gets a fair deal. That's why it's a standout place for people looking for both quality coffee and a place to work in Johannesburg that cares about doing good for others.
Location: Unit 14, Building 6, Riversands Outlet Park, 75 Century Blvd, Knopjeslaagte, Diepsloot, 2156, South Africa
Timing:
Monday - Friday, 7 am–4 pm
Saturday & Sunday, Closed
Ratings / Reviews: 4.8(198)
Amenities:
