Tanifiki Coffee Bar

Benjamin Murenzi grew up playing in Rwanda's coffee fields before moving to Edinburgh in 2015 to study, and the lack of African coffee on offer here pushed him to start Rafiki, sourcing green beans directly from Rwandan farmers from 2019 onward. He later partnered with Jonathan Quinton of nearby Tani Modi to open Tanifiki on Portobello High Street in 2021, a name that folds both businesses into one.

Every cup runs on Fairtrade, organic beans roasted in Edinburgh, mostly from Rwanda with other African origins in rotation, poured in a cosy room a short walk from Portobello beach. Independent local bakers supply the pastries, vegan options run through the cake case and milk alternatives, dogs are welcome, and a handful of tables sit out front on the High Street when the weather allows. The shop picked up Edinburgh's Best Cafe title in 2023.