Cafes Across the World

Here is a list of places I’ve frequented and thought were noteworthy if you like sitting down and reading a book, writing, or working on a laptop while having access to good coffee or snacks.

Japan

Tokyo: KEILO Cafe

On day in Tokyo, I had a meeting in Akihabara at 2pm. I was looking for somewhere to sit that’s not another large chain with shitty coffee. I found this place at random and sat hoping it wouldn’t be too crowded, otherwise it’s quite rude to hoard the space for yourself when there are other customers attempting to use the space.

Thankfully, while there was a lot of activity, the seating spots never completely filled up and there was another person working on their laptop. The coffee is absolutely incredible and their specials are really good.

Kyoto: Cafe Mole

This one is unique. Very dark ambiance, very chill staff, the owner has incredible taste in music and will rotate the vinyl player as the day goes. Like lots of small establishment of this kind, they also serve food. The coffee is quite good too, they grind it in front of you and make it meticulously. Depending on the time of day it’s quiet or quite lively. Unfortunately it gets quite busy around 2pm but if you go close to closing time the vibes are immaculate.

Hiroshima: Shake Hands Coworking

Alright this one isn’t a cafe, but it’s where I spent most of the time that I would usually spend in a cafe: reading and working.

Shake hands is a very friendly coworking space, it’s quiet but there is a small common area and if you look western, people will be intrigued by your work and come talk to you. The butter toast is an incredible deal and I’ve had it many times. The space isn’t very large but very well located and ideal to get work done. i’ve never had to reserve or book in advance and they give you free drinks. there is a small flat entrance fee, it’s a coworking space afterall, but it’s definitely worth it.

Switzerland

Lausanne: Arteastry

This is new and I’ve only been there twice for maybe 30m. Sitting in a cafe with a laptop isn’t really something that’s socially acceptable in switzerland and so there isn’t much affordances made for this use. However, in general, if you go later in the day when it’s about 1h before it closes, nobody will complain and you might get the chance to talk with the owners. This café has actually incredible blends, mixes and teas. I’ve tried their hojicha and their coffee both were incredible, especially given that good asian tea is not easy to come-by in europe. The owners actually run a gallery at the back and they have opening times for expos and also sell pieces. 100% worth visiting for the high-quality drinks and the wonderful art.

Neuchatel: La crêperie Bretonne

For a reason that escapes me, Neuchatel has a lot of crêperies. They’re all delicious. This one in particular strike a perfect balance of:

• tasty food
• cheap
• amazing home-made ice tea
• centrally located
• quiet during the day

Again, sitting at a cafe to do work isn’t a thing in switzerland, but if it’s quiet and you’re not bothering anyone it’s okay. I’ve spent many days reading a book or reviewing drafts at this establishment. The outdoor seating is very welcome in summer.

Geneva

I hate geneva.

Just kidding, the Payot library in the center has a very good coffee place where you can sit and you often find students and freelancers doing work. as a bonus you can walk around a browse interesting books.

USA

New york

I hate new york.

This time I mean it.

San Diego: Cafe de l’opéra

Thinking about it, most of this place is average. But given the fact that it serves the best croissants I’ve had on the continent is made me come back over and over again.

The establishment is quite small and the sandwiches and sweets, while tasty, don’t deserve any special mention. Except for the croissants, oh my goodness. The place gets a bit noisy, but what cafe in america doesn’t? The interior looks nice, the location is good, close to the convention center, the metro and some nice other restaurants.

United Kingdon

London: Calico Cafe

Another case of “I was walking around and was looking for somewhere to work” that paned out incredibly well. Calico cafe has a wonderful interior, and probably the best coffee in this entire list, with an extensive list of pourovers and wide variety of beans. The owner is very meticulous and runs a very competent staff. If you’re lucky, and sit at the bar, you might witness them experimenting with coffee formulas, temperatures, timings, mineral content, and might get served the extras.

Glasgow: Hinba bakery + Coffee

With 4 branches (one of them is the bakery) across the city and the best baked goods of all, Hinba is a clear stand out in the coffee scene in glasgow. Very convently located, each location has its own character and benefits, making it the experience varied, yet the quality is consistent.

Edinburgh: Cafe Nomad

I’ve never actualy had the time to sift through and find “the best” cafe in edinburgh, but Cafe Nomad hit the appropriate niche for me that it’s seen a lot of my business in edinburgh: It’s the best coffee shop that’s walking distance from the Haymarket train station. I’d say most of their options are average, but the vegan food is quite good and the cinamon bun is great. The location and ambiance really win here, it’s cosy, warm and practical to wait between train transfers.