Cafe
The Grind Coffee Company
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The Grind Coffee Company is a cornerstone of Johannesburg's specialty coffee scene, located in the upscale Melrose neighborhood. The café's sleek, minimalist interior features concrete floors, wooden accents, and a central bar where baristas craft espresso-based drinks with precision. The menu focuses on single-origin coffees sourced from African farms, with options like pour-overs, flat whites, and cold brews. Food offerings include artisanal pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty breakfast bowls. The outdoor seating area overlooks the bustling corner of Whiteley Road and The High Street, making it a prime spot for people-watching. The Grind also operates as a roastery, with bags of beans for sale. It's a popular meeting point for creatives, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts, often buzzing with conversation and the hum of the espresso machine.
Don't miss
- Watch baristas prepare a pour-over using beans from Ethiopia or Kenya
- Try the 'Grind Breakfast' with free-range eggs, sourdough, and roasted tomatoes
- Buy a bag of their house-roasted beans to take home
- Sit on the terrace and watch the Melrose street life go by
- Attend a cupping session (check their schedule)
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Grind Coffee Company
You can visit on your own (no entry fee; pay for food and drinks. no reservation needed). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inWine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg4.3★ · 13 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →
Most bookedHalf-Day Coffee Tour: From the Seed to the Cup, Farm & roastery5★ · 1,498 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$76 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Coffee Farm Tour in Medellin: Real Authentic Experience5★ · 990 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- Peak hours are 8–10 AM on weekdays and 9–11 AM on weekends; arrive early for a seat.
- Cards are accepted, but cash is useful for tips.
- Free Wi-Fi is available; ask at the counter for the password.
- Street parking is limited; use the Melrose Arch parking garage (paid).
A bit of history
The Grind Coffee Company opened in 2014, founded by a group of coffee lovers who wanted to elevate Johannesburg's coffee culture. They started as a small roastery and expanded into a café, quickly gaining a reputation for quality and consistency.
Common questions
Does The Grind offer dairy-free milk?
Yes, they have oat, almond, and soy milk options for coffee.
Can I buy coffee beans here?
Absolutely. They sell whole-bean coffee from their own roastery, with origins rotating seasonally.
Is there a loyalty program?
Yes, they have a stamp card: buy 10 coffees, get one free.
Do they have gluten-free options?
Some pastries and sandwiches are gluten-free; ask the staff for recommendations.
Is The Grind suitable for meetings?
Yes, the atmosphere is professional yet relaxed, with ample table space and good Wi-Fi.
What's the most popular drink?
The flat white is a favorite, made with their signature espresso blend.
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