Best Cafes to Work From in Johannesburg

A steampunk-inspired café tucked along a leafy Parkview avenue, Croft & Co is a beloved freelancer hangout with power outlets running along the walls, reliable WiFi, and an early 6am opening that suits early risers. The vibrant energy, excellent coffee using Illy beans, and a weekday afternoon happy hour with coffee-and-cake combos make it a consistently popular workspace in Johannesburg's northern suburbs.

Nestled inside the Arts on Main complex in the creative heart of Maboneng, Home of the Bean roasts its own coffee in-house and serves it in a welcoming space adorned with local artwork, plants, and plenty of natural light. The chill vibe and spacious layout make it a natural spot for solo laptop sessions, with popular items like cortados, cold brews, and their signature biltong avo sandwich fuelling productive mornings.

South Africa's first certified Fairtrade and organic African coffee roaster, Bean There operates from the trendy 44 Stanley precinct in Milpark with a warm, cozy atmosphere that balances work and leisure perfectly. The on-site roastery fills the space with rich aromas while barista courses and cupping experiences run alongside the daily café service, attracting a loyal crowd of coffee purists and remote workers alike.

Occupying a minimalist, calming space inside The Zone mall in Rosebank, Father Coffee pairs exceptional specialty roasts with a simple menu of fresh pastries, avocado toast, and cheese toasties. The spacious layout with varied seating arrangements, reliable WiFi, and a ping pong table for quick breaks makes it a versatile workspace in one of Johannesburg's most accessible commercial hubs.

A women-owned bistro set in a tranquil garden environment in Modderfontein's Founders Hill, Nushka's offers a peaceful escape from the city with shaded outdoor seating under large trees and a quirky rustic interior with a fireplace. The decent WiFi, accessible power points, and calm atmosphere provide a pleasant if unconventional workspace, best suited for those who prefer a quiet, nature-surrounded setting over the typical urban café.