The Starbucks of South Africa, in the sense that you’ll find a Vida E Caffe in almost every area you visit. ‘Vida e Caffe’ is Portuguese for ‘life and coffee’ and they aim to provide a very European experience in their coffee and establishments. I’ve been to many of their cafes and I have to say that one does not differ all that much from another, which is a good thing because it means that they have a strong core concept that works and is well communicated throughout.

Their coffee is excellent and comes standard with a small dark chocolate, always a bonus in my books. Known mainly for their coffee, but they do also offer some small and rather delicious nibbles. A few breakfast options such as oats, muesli, breakfast rolls and breakfast wraps. I have often sat at the Newlands branch to enjoy a bowl of bircher oats (which they somehow make so much better than I do at home) and a cappuccino. They also offer various croissants and low GI rolls, tosta’s, muffins, pastries and treats. My absolute favourite is the Quattro muffin, a four cheese delight.

The best part about Vida is by far their staff, which in my opinion is the friendliest and happiest staff I have ever seen. It’s obvious they’ve been told to be this way because you’ll get the same service no matter which branch you go to, but it’s good to know that they are all happy to comply. They are loud, they laugh a lot, they chat to you and I’ve even heard some of them sing before. It becomes a place that you want to go to when you need a good pick me up!