When one thinks of Mauritius, what comes to mind is its beaches, lagoons, reefs, lush forests and historical spots. However, there is so much more than meets the eye. With tea and coffee being staples in the local Mauritian cuisine, it is not surprising to know that there are plenty of cafés in Mauritius you can turn to for your daily liquid dose of caffeine.
Read on to find 9 great spots to catch up and unwind over a warm beverage and snacks:
1. The Lemon Tree Café
Lemon Tree Cafe Source Serving a menu inspired by Portuguese tradition, the Lemon Tree Café is perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. With a lovely garden setting, the café is often used as a place to host parties too.
The Lemon Tree Café is rumoured to be home to the best cupcakes on the island and is also famous for great breakfasts and for serving traditional Portuguese dishes like Pasteis de Nata tarts. Other than that, it also serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, coffee, milkshakes and some sweet assortments.
Location: Circle Square Forbach, Mapou, Mauritius
Timings: Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 08:00 AM ? 5:00 PM Friday: 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Sunday: 08:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Best known for: the Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine
The Café Lux, owned by Lux Resorts and Hotels, is widely known for its freshly roasted coffee, with Guatemalan, Brazilian and Ethiopian coffee beans. Located at various spots over the island, the café offers a laid-back spot for a lunch date with friends. Its menu includes hot and cold drinks, including Frappe Lux, Babyccino, Chocolate Dream, Macchiato and Affogato. The café, which serves sandwiches, pastries, teas and cheesecakes among other things, also features a 'salad bar' for its health-conscious customers.
Location: Café Lux can be found in multiple locations, including Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius, Trianon Shopping Park, SSR International Airport and Caudan Shopping Mall.
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
The SSR International Airport branch is open 24 hours a day, daily.
Best known for: Variety of coffee and desserts
3. Le Café des Arts
Le Cafe des Arts Source The unique Le Café des Arts is one that leaves its customers delighted, with its service and charm. Located in an old sugar mill classified as part of the Mauritian heritage, the eatery follows an old-meets-new theme. It adds a contemporary twist to traditional Mauritian cuisine, adding in the concept of gastronomy as well. It serves some cuisines, including French, European and continental.
With a showcase of art by Maniglier in the café cum gallery space, one can enjoy an entire gourmet multi-course meal or just post-dinner dessert. Although the price may be a bit on the higher side, just one bite of the delicious food will make you believe otherwise!
Location: Victoria 1840, Victoria Road, Trou d'eau Douce
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 07:30 PM to 01:00 AM
Sunday - Closed
Best known for a Modern twist on traditional food items and excellent customer service.
Find your way to the Café De La Presse for a quiet escape from the chaotic streets of Port Louis. With its inviting ambience and black, white and grey interiors, the café offers a selection of assorted dishes and beverages to please every kind of tastebud. From burgers and pasta to cheesecake and cupcakes, you can enjoy any meal in the laidback setting of this café. They even feature a weekly special menu on their Facebook page.
Location: 5 rue de la Chaussée, Port Louis
Timings: Monday to Friday - 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
Best known for Interior décor and hosting their philosophy-themed evenings.
5. Au Double V Cafe Ltee
Source The Au Double V Cafe Ltee is a small, homely hidden gem in Grand Bay that serves delicious French cakes, desserts and snacks. Owned by a Franco-Mauritian couple, this quiet café is also a great place for tea and coffee lovers to visit. The café and its owner is often recommended for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly customer service, and it is a spot that will continuously draw you back to it after your first visit.
Location: 7 Route Royale, Espace Ocean 1er Stage, Grand Baie
Hidden in the heart of a busy shopping centre, the Chelsea's Cup N Cake café is a favourite go-to option for indulging in generous quantities of delicious desserts. This coffee shop, serving premium coffee, tea, milkshakes, cakes, snacks and much more, is the perfect spot for a light lunch or dessert. With its variety of coffee flavours, its very own flower shop and its stylish and cosy interiors, this café does not disappoint. They also have several gluten-free options.
Location: Arcade Currimjee Royal Road, Curepipe, Mauritius
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Sunday - Closed
Best known for: Variety of coffee and dessert options.
7. Segafredo Zanetti
Segafredo Zanetti Cafe Source Boasting refreshing drinks, delicious food and delightful customer service, this café easily stands out from the others in Mauritius. With a large selection of paninis, salads, sandwiches, milkshakes, coffee and more, the Segafredo Zanetti café offers excellent value for money and an informal ambience. The café is well known for its coffee, which is claimed to be the best in the whole of Mauritius by many. It also has outdoor seating, with a great view overlooking the river.
Café Müller, a charming German-style place, is tucked away in a peaceful location between Mon Choisi and Grand Bay. Guests can enjoy a variety of options for cakes, crêpes, coffee, salads, sandwiches and juices, in the lovely garden setting of the café. With reasonable prices, excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere, Café Muller is an excellent spot to meet up with friends and hang out!
Location: B13, Grand Baie, Mauritius
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday - 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM Sunday and Monday - Closed
Best known for: Breakfast buffets (08:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and brunch buffets (10:00 AM to 02:00 PM) regularly available on Saturday (during the months from September to June).
Well known for their breakfast and lunch options, this café which is surrounded by mountains is indeed a delight. It is famous for serving American-style large portions of delicious food with great value for money, accompanied by hot and cold beverages. The menu serves an exciting variety of American and international cuisines, including burgers, paninis, pasta, omelettes, quesadillas and more! You will also enjoy the excellent customer service and friendly interactions with the local hosts.
Location: Royal Road, Case Noyal, La Gaulette, Mauritius
Timings: Monday to Friday - 07:00 AM to 03:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
Best known for: Variety of breakfast and lunch items
With an appealing combination of local and international cuisine served at these cafés, Mauritius is a treat for any foodie! You can easily find plenty of options for any customer, taste-bud and budget. The cosy interiors, friendly hosts and delectable food will always leave you craving for more.
