Best Cafes with WiFi for Remote Workers in South Africa

Gareth Dwyer -

Not every remote worker needs a full coworking setup. For many digital nomads, working from a cozy café with good coffee and free WiFi is the dream. South Africa has no shortage of scenic, welcoming cafes perfect for getting work done. Let’s explore some top café picks from city to coast.

1. Cape Town

  • Truth Coffee (CBD) – Frequently ranked among the world’s best coffee shops, it combines steampunk décor with strong WiFi and hearty meals.
  • Origin Coffee (De Waterkant) – Offers a quiet upstairs work area, artisan coffee, and great vibes.
  • Ground Art Café (Green Point) – A hidden gem with strong WiFi, friendly staff, and excellent baked goods.

2. Johannesburg

  • Father Coffee (Braamfontein) – Hip and trendy, this café draws a mix of students and freelancers. Great for focus work.
  • Nice on 4th (Parkhurst) – A cozy suburban café with a leafy courtyard, free WiFi, and comfort food.
  • Bean There Coffee (Milpark) – Africa’s first Certified Fairtrade roaster, with a social and eco-conscious atmosphere.

3. Durban

  • Antique Café (Glenwood) – Offers charming indoor and outdoor seating, free WiFi, and great breakfast options.
  • Café Jiran (North Beach) – Enjoy ocean views while catching up on emails. Try the pastries!
  • Love Coffee (Windermere) – Popular among creatives and remote workers, with consistent connectivity.

4. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

  • Friendly Stranger Café – As mentioned earlier, a favorite among local creatives.
  • Bocadillos on First Avenue – Spacious seating, good food, and fast, reliable WiFi.
  • Urban Espress Coffee Co. (Walmer) – Sleek and modern with top-notch espresso and work-friendly tables.

5. Smaller Towns and Coastal Cafes

  • Ile de Pain (Knysna) – A must-visit for baked goods, plus solid internet and relaxed seating.
  • East Head Café (Knysna) – Spectacular views of the Heads and a chilled work-friendly environment.
  • Karoo Brew (Graaff-Reinet) – An unexpectedly charming spot in the semi-desert Karoo, perfect for a quiet day of writing.

Tips for Working from Cafés in South Africa

  • Buy Something Often – Support local businesses by ordering food or drinks every couple of hours.
  • Bring a Power Bank – Not all places have accessible plug points.
  • Be Aware of Loadshedding – Ask staff if they have backup power during outages.
  • Use Headphones – Maintain focus and respect the ambience.

Whether you prefer the buzz of a city café or the quiet hum of a coastal coffee shop, South Africa has something for every digital nomad. Just grab your laptop, order a cappuccino, and get to work—remote-style.