I had just picked up my flowers at Nairobi City Market and decided to treat myself with a little indulgence. With no company and no fixed plan, I began walking along Standard Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District, heading toward my usual stop at Java. It was one of those quiet, reflective walk unhurried, open to interruption.
That interruption came unexpectedly.
Tucked between two buildings at Lonrho House, partially hidden yet impossible to ignore, stood a bold black sign and an unusually tall door, rising almost three floors high. Curiosity won. I stepped inside, and that is how I discovered Cafe Amka.
Cafe Amka: A hidden CBD cafe with a big personality
From the moment you enter Cafe Amka, it feels thoughtfully curated. The ground floor opens into a cozy yet contemporary space with three separate entrances, giving it an open, welcoming feel despite its hidden location. The atmosphere is warm and calm, the kind of place that invites you to linger.
Looking up, a glass and metal ceiling revealed the upper floor, adorned with hanging chandelier lights and trailing green plants. I could see the cozy nooks and soft lighting upstairs and wanted to explore, but the ground floor drew me in first.
I set my flowers down and began to wander.
Waitress Whitney approached with a friendly smile. I told her to wait while I took in the space. I had never seen such a stunning interior in Nairobi. Every corner felt deliberately curated, from vibrant portraits and African-inspired sculptures to sleek green seating and soft lighting.
The cafe is a paradise for coffee lovers. Behind the counter, the barista station showcases an array of coffee tools, from vintage grinders to drip equipment, while the aroma of freshly brewed artisan coffee fills the air.
Cafe Amka even roasts its own beans, and you can watch the barista craft each cup with care. Through a glass partition, the chefs at work in the kitchen are visible, preparing dishes with precision, though the kitchen aromas don’t travel far. Instead, the cafe is filled with the rich, comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, which dominates the space and defines its warm, inviting atmosphere.
I chose a high seat in the far end at the barista counter, an ideal spot for anyone working on a laptop or simply enjoying the ritual of coffee-making.
Candlelight flickers from a beaded, African-shaped mini sculpture, while shelves display vintage coffee grinders, drip equipment, old cameras, and brewing tools that double as decor, quietly telling the story of craft and intention.
Watching the barista craft each cup, turns a simple visit into an immersive, sensory experience.
One striking feature is the cafe’s large industrial coffee machine which was displayed at the entrance, it looked so mechanical and bold, almost resembling a miniature tractor. It is a visual reminder that coffee here is taken seriously.
The Menu, Art, Culture and Design
Cafe Amka is as much an art space as it is a dining spot. Sculptures and portraits inspired by African and Afro-European aesthetics are displayed throughout the cafe, while pillars are decorated with African art.
A screen displays some of the dishes they serve, while the physical menu uniquely features Swahili-inspired names, a small but meaningful nod to local culture.
Dishes include “Mabawa ya Ndoto” for the wings, “Mchanganyiko wa Soko”, a marinated beef fillet with rice and vegetables, and the “Kuku Laini Burger”, featuring a spicy chicken patty, cheese, avocado, a fried egg, and soft buns, among others.
The menu is creative and approachable, with Swahili-inspired names that celebrate local culture while offering familiar flavours, making each dish feel both exciting and accessible.
Attentive Service and Speedy Kitchen
Customers Come First
Their service is one of its strongest points, something frequently praised online, and rightly so.
Their reliable phone number (at the bottom) makes reservations and inquiries easy, reflecting their attention to detail. The waitstaff are attentive, observant, and genuinely warm. I was served by Whitney, whose professionalism and friendliness stood out enough to earn a tip.
My Meal and Drink
I ordered chips masala, a simple yet flavourful dish that arrived in under seven minutes for Sh 500. Served on a small plate, more like a snack than a full meal, the chips were perfectly spiced with a subtle kick of masala that made each bite satisfying.
From my seat next to the barista, Kipchumba, I could watch the chefs working across through a glass window, catching glimpses of flickering flames and sizzling pans, an experience that added both transparency and reassurance to the meal.
Kipchumba also made me an iced coffee latte, which is an absolute must-order for me, at Sh 280. It was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced, it carried a hint of sweetness without overpowering the espresso, making it refreshingly indulgent, an ideal pairing with the chips masala snack.
Upstairs: A Different Mood
After my meal, I took a gentle glide upstairs which reveals a different side of Cafe Amka.
The upper floor is divided into several sections: long benches for larger groups, more intimate seating areas, and a window-lined section where diners can overlook the bustling street below. The decor is also completely different.
There is also a whole wine and whiskey room, dining areas with different and unique seats, and a bar area, where the cafe serves handcrafted cocktails during weekday happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
While Cafe Amka is halal, the upstairs bar allows guests to enjoy drinks in a relaxed, lounge-style setting.
The Menu and Offerings
The cafe offers a fusion of local and international flavors, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and vegetarian and vegan options. Popular menu items include:
- Chicken Katsu sandwiches
- Pan-fried fish fillets
- Salted caramel croissants
- Artisan coffee and specialty drinks
The cafe caters to a wide range of diners, offering vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options, and serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.
Location: Lonrho House, Standard Street, Nairobi CBD
Website: HERE
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time)
Contact: +254 748 701 585
Rating: 4.8/ 5 overall
Food and drink: 9/10
Ambiance: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Cuisines: Cafe, Bar, Fusion, Healthy, Halal
Features: Outdoor seating, delivery, reservations, wheelchair access, parking, television, sports bar atmosphere, table service
Payment Methods: Payment: Visa, Mastercard, credit cards accepted; mostly cashless, except for tipping.
Cafe Amka is a reminder that some of the best discoveries happen when plans change. From its hidden entrance and art-filled interiors to its efficient service and thoughtfully prepared food, the cafe offers more than just a meal.
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to work, a casual lunch, a meeting, family dinner, an intimate date or an after-work drink in Nairobi’s CBD, Cafe Amka is well worth stepping off your usual path to find.
Cafe ORA: Read more HERE
