10 BEST Cafes in Apia & Upolu ☕ 2026

Last Updated: 15 September, 2025

Where to Get the Best Coffee, Breakfast and Lunch in Apia and Upolu

Recommended by Real Travellers, Not Algorithms

There is no lack of quaint cafes serving all sorts of tempting treats, creative smoothies and aromatic coffee in Samoa’s cosmopolitan hub of Apia. In fact, the capital on the country’s most populated island is where almost all of Upolu‘s cafes are located, apart from the odd hidden gem we mention on this list of the best cafes on Upolu!

When you inevitably find yourself in Samoa’s cool little capital, treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or coffee and cakes at Apia’s best cafes.

And, don’t finish this list without opening The Food Guide to Upolu: Places to Eat & Food Tours for more of your foodie must-dos.

Side note: Our cafe recommendations come from on-the-ground research in Samoa – no AI-generated fluff here! Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.

1. Nourish Cafe

Offering respite from Upolu’s fascination for deep-fried food, Nourish Cafe is aptly named and will likely give you the health boost you need to see you through your Samoa stay – even if you’re vegetarian, dairy- or gluten-free. That’s not to say that there’s nothing naughty on the menu; we’re looking at you, “raspberry cheesecake waffles”, should you want to indulge in your holiday time.

Either way, the creative menu of international favourites uses mostly local ingredients and puts a pleasingly Samoan spin on some of your faves; go on, have a side of plantain with your “Nourish Supo” instead of rice.

Barista coffee, herbal teas, slushies, juices and smoothies are all good too.

Enjoy either the air-conditioned indoor setting or sit among the plants in the shaded patio area. The establishment is also wheelchair friendly.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 3 pm Saturday.
Location: Convent Street, behind the Australian High Commission and Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Apia.

2. RiVaiv Cafe

Famous across Samoa for its turmeric juice, which Samoans swear by to provide all sorts of health benefits, RiVaiv Cafe also happens to be a darn good place to stop for breakfast or lunch.

Try a turmeric kick in a latte or lemonade if you’re intrigued. Otherwise, the two cafes in the chain with an attractive clothes boutique (Tanugamanono only) and garden setting are best known for their fresh poke, teriyaki and steak bowls, as well as pad Thai, seafood sushi tacos and vegan tempura sushi tacos. You might also like their pesto panini or burgers.

We can certainly vouch for their koko Samoa milkshake, made with Samoa’s very own cocoa beans, if you crave something sweet – learn more about koko Samoa in the 10 Drinks in Samoa You Have to Try.

Opening hours: Rivaiv Tanugamanono – 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. Rivaiv Vaitele – 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. 8 am to 2 pm, Saturday.
Location: Cross Island Road, Tanugamanono and Moso’oi Street, Vaitele, Apia.

3. Coffee Roaster

Anyone who’s anyone knows to meet up at Apia‘s trendiest cafe, simply called Coffee Roaster.

Get out of the sun at this indoor establishment but still revel in the natural materials of exposed timber intertwined with faux vines and coffee cups dangling from every wall space available. Needless to say, the in-house roasted coffee is a big deal here.

But if you want to take a seat and sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and expats, there are breakfast meals and sandwiches to order.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, Coffee Roaster has expanded with a new branch called CR2, offering a similar vibe in a cosier setting.

Opening hours: 7 am to 1.30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Location: Corner of Togafu’afu’a Road and Atanae Street, Apia. CR2 – PAM Building, Shop 2, Falealili Street, Tamaligi, Apia.

4. Cafe Cornwall

There’s space for everyone at this rooftop cafe and bar in Apia. Boasting a large indoor space and a slightly smaller outdoor deck where you can watch the Apia traffic below, the Cafe Cornwall is a good go-to for meetings or relaxing with friends and family.

Drinks are done superbly here, between the barista coffee and refreshingly creative fruit smoothies, all made with coconut cream instead of dairy milk for a true taste of the islands – we recommend the “Tropical Tornado”.

All the usual breakfast and lunch suspects are here, between pancakes, omelettes, fish of the day, chicken salad and popcorn chicken.

What’s more, it’s just about the only cafe in Apia with free WiFi! See the rest of them in the 10 Places with Free WiFi in Samoa.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 1 pm, Saturday. 8 am to 1 pm, Sunday.
Location: Corner of Vaea Street and Atenae Street, Apia.

5. Milani Café

Milani Café dishes up comforting classics with a modern, café-style twist right in the heart of Apia town. Their menu is a crowd-pleaser, covering everything from fluffy pancakes and eggs on toast to stacked burgers, creamy pasta bowls and chicken curry.

There’s a definite nod to Western favourites here—think schnitzel wraps, bolognese, and loaded fries—all served in generous portions. It’s casual, satisfying fare perfect for breakfast, brunch or a hearty lunch.

Don’t miss their selection of cakes, loaves, biscuits and pastries (we personally love their Italian-inspired treats). Wash it all down with a cup of their aromatic Italian coffee for the full Milani experience.

Opening hours: from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 7:30 am to 1 pm Saturday.
Location: Corner of Convent Street and the Mall, Apia.

6. Pacific Jewell Gift Shop & Garden Cafe

Once you’re done perusing the intriguing array of handcrafted clothes, carvings, jewellery and homeware, sit down in the lush setting of Pacific Jewell’s Garden Cafe.

With tables scattered in their own private nooks of the garden and patio, the place never feels too crowded.

Delight in a choice of light bagels, tempting crepes or one of the more hearty all-day breakfasts. As for drinks, choose from coffee, fresh herbal teas, frappes, smoothies and iced drinks.

Learn more about shopping here in The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Samoa.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. 7.30 am to 2 pm, Saturday.
Location: Levili Boulevard, Apia.

7. Forest Cafe

Nestled high in the lush highlands of Upolu, the Forest Café offers a truly wild dining experience. This hidden gem is tucked away down a steep 4WD road off the Cross Island Road, making it an adventure just to reach!

While the menu might be as unpredictable as the surrounding wilderness (the owner admits, “I don’t taste my own food”), you’ll find plenty of safe bets. Toasted sandwiches and paninis dominate, but you can also indulge in heartier options like lasagna, Samoan souvlaki, curry, or pancakes.

The café’s unbeatable forest setting, complete with the soothing soundtrack of a nearby stream, makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday breakfast before exploring the rest of the island. Don’t forget to ask about the secret waterfall walk!

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 2 pm, Wednesday to Friday. 8:30 am to 4 pm, Saturday. 12 pm to 4 pm, Sunday.
Location: Cross Island Road, signposted opposite the Baha’i Temple, approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) south of Apia. 4WD access only.

8. All Things Sweet Cafe

All Things Sweet Cafe has evolved from a full café to a specialised catering and cake-making business, still offering a delightful experience for visitors. While they’ve scaled back their seating to just one table and a bench, the attractive setting remains perfect for a quick stop.

Known for creating the best cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats on the island, this charming spot is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Pair their delectable creations with a great cup of coffee, available to go, and you’ve got the perfect pit stop on your travels.

We recommend popping in on your way in or out of Apia when travelling along the Cross Island Road.

Opening hours: 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. 8 am to 1 pm, Saturday.
Location: Cross Island Road, Apia, Upolu.

9. Kofe Hous

A popular one with the locals, mainly because the prices are much better than the cafes in town, Kofe Hous is well worth popping into on your way in or out of Apia.

Plates might not be as lovingly presented as the ones in town either, but when you’re served with a smile and have such a huge choice of meals, who’s complaining?

Sushi, kebabs, nachos, burgers, supo povi, fish and chips, seafood chowder, platters, honey mustard chicken, spaghetti carbonara, salads, omelettes… There’s got to be something you like!

They also do a lamb curry special on a Wednesday, just in case… For more cheap eats, check out The Top Cheap Eats on Upolu.

Opening hours: 7 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Down the street from Farmer Joe’s Vaitele, Vaitele, Apia.

10. Style Avenue & Fashion Cafe

Finally, if you’re just taking away, perhaps to relax at Friendship Park, check out this unique wee joint inside the Lotemau Mall in Apia.

Style Avenue & Fashion Cafe is a Filipino takeaway and clothes store; need we say more?! Browse the boutique and grab a quick coffee, Filipino rice cake, cookie or cake to go.

They also do tasty milkshakes and frappes, while tuna rolls and Filipino spicy chicken and rice are also usually on the cards.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Saturday.
Location: Lotemau Mall on the corner of Vaea Street and Convent Street, Apia.

More of Upolu and Apia’s Best Cafes

That’s it for the best cafes in Apia and Upolu, but there are a lot more lunch stops around the islands, so check them out in the following guides:

Finally, don’t forget to peruse the entire bible on food in Samoa in The Food Guide to Samoa: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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