Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 40
Having come here late in the evening, I think I made the perfect choice. It’s one of the cafés opened till late (they close at 8 pm during the week and at 9 pm at the weekend) and they also have decaf options for your drinks so you can still get your beauty sleep. It’s not so famous as other cafés, so you’re bound to find a table available, the atmosphere is relaxed with chill music, I associate it with a rainy autumn evening 🙂 You can have a take away and an almond milk option is available. It can also be a good place to work on your laptop or just write in your journal.
Strada Ion Brezoianu 23-25
Next to a coworking space, in an old turn of the century restored building that was used as headquarters for one of the most popular Romanian newspapers – Palatul Universul. Big enough space with plugs, chill and quiet, good for working on your laptop. Almond, soya milk, take away available, no decaf.
Strada D. I. Mendeleev 2
One of the hipest new coffe shops in town and very popular with tourists and digital nomads. No matter the time you visit you’ll be bound to hear a lot of languages spoken. It’s also a locals favourite for work meetings or just working remotely. Another thing they’ve got going for them is the amazing coffee, one of the best in Bucharest. They offer almond and soya milk. It’s also pet friendly, so while you indulge in your favourite coffee you can also have your dose of fluffiness and cuteness.
Bulevardul Aviatorilor 8A
While the others where more like independent cafés, with only one store, this is a coffee chain found in most shopping malls. The decor and menu are similar in all locations, but the atmosphere and service can vary greatly depending on the area you are in. From the ones I’ve tried so far, I prefer the café next to the Museum of Geology, at the Piaţa Victoriei metro. They usually have soya milk available, the coffee tastes good, but not exceptional.
Strada Lipscani 9
Again one of my favourites, definitely top three in terms of coffee. Because the interior is quite small and dark, I really recommend coming here when the weather is nice and having a drink at a table outside under the trees or just have a take away.
Same as Beans and dots, this place is the haunt of people working mainly in the arts industry or tourists. They get top marks when it comes to the service – there are always several people working here so you never have to wait long for your order, they’re all energetic, cheerful and speak English. If you’re visiting Bucharest, you’re probably staying in the Old Town which, as most tourist places, is pretty crowded, expensive and the food not up to par. So I definitely recommend coming to Origo for a drink, the café being about only 5 minutes away from the Old Town, but far enough from the crowds and loud music.
Strada Jules Michelet 12
Orygins is probably the smallest café on my list, having only a few seats. But the baristas are kind, the coffee is amazing and totally worth the journey. It might be a good idea to have a take away so make sure to bring your reusable cup (they do have paper cups, but why not save some of them 🙂
Strada Academiei 20
My most recent discovery is very well hidden behind a book and design shop. What I like about this place is the laid back vibe, the cafe being in the building that houses the University of Architecture. The crowd is on the younger side with a lot of architecture students coming to study here or to just have a break from studying.
The coffee is good, but nothing impressive after tasting all the others. They do have plant based hot and cold drinks, but they’re advertised as vegan drinks, so not sure what kind of milk they use.
I’ve never been to a Starbucks in Romania; actually I avoid going to Starbucks anywhere I find myself. It seems to me too impersonal, if you don’t look out the window, you probably can’t even tell what country you’re in. I also find their drinks way too sweet. Maybe I’ll visit one day just for scientific purposes.
VEGGIE VIAGGI 