Italian coffee chain Café Barbera has launched its inaugural Kenyan café on the first floor of the Altura Building in Nairobi's Upper Hill. This marks the brand's entry into its 23rd global market. The outlet operates daily from 7 am to 11 pm, positioning itself as a convenient meeting point for the area's dense concentration of multinational firms, embassies, and professional services.
Café Barbera's Managing Director, Elio Barbera, described the Altura opening as an "exciting moment" for both the brand and Nairobi's evolving hospitality scene. He emphasized the aim to provide a space for work, dining, and socializing. The Nairobi café follows the brand's traditional recipe, using beans from seven world-renowned regions that are slow-roasted separately before blending, a process refined over 150 years.
Founded in Southern Italy in 1870 by Domenico Barbera, the family-owned company has expanded from a single coffee house to a franchise present in 23 countries across five generations. The company has a rich history, and its expansion into Kenya reflects its continued growth and commitment to providing high-quality coffee experiences.
The Nairobi café offers a range of traditional Italian coffee drinks, including espresso, as well as freshly prepared pastries, pizzas, pastas, and a curated selection of Italian-inspired meals. About a quarter of the offerings feature local comfort-food favorites, catering to the tastes of Kenyan customers.
Café Barbera describes its concept as an accessible experience that aligns with Kenya's growing appreciation for specialty coffee and the development of a vibrant, inclusive café culture. The brand's entry into the Kenyan market reflects the country's growing demand for high-quality coffee and café experiences.
The Altura location situates the brand at the heart of Upper Hill's business ecosystem, offering an "everyday luxury" just an elevator ride away for tenants and a destination for visitors seeking a premium coffee experience. The location is ideal for the brand, given the area's high concentration of professionals and businesses.
With its entry into the Kenyan market, Café Barbera is set to contribute to Nairobi's evolving hospitality scene. The brand's commitment to quality and its rich history make it an exciting addition to the city's café landscape. Customers can now experience the brand's signature coffee and Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Nairobi's Upper Hill.
Key points
- Café Barbera opens its first Kenyan café in Nairobi's Upper Hill, targeting professionals.
- The brand uses beans from seven world-renowned regions, slow-roasted separately before blending.
- The café offers a range of traditional Italian coffee drinks and Italian-inspired meals, including local comfort-food favorites.
