A few days back, I stopped by the Highland Park branch of Cottage Bites, one of several locations you’ll find conveniently dotted around Harare’s most popular shopping centres. While each branch offers an outside seating area, I think many people would agree that Cottage Bites has become the go-to place for a quick coffee run or a bite on the move.
The first thing you’ll notice is the display cabinet. It’s filled with freshly baked pastries, cakes, desserts and savoury bites, making it almost impossible to decide on just one thing. Pair that with a strong Americano or a creamy hot chocolate, and you’re all set.
One thing I immediately appreciated was that everything is served fresh and hot. In fact, my Americano was so fresh that I slightly burnt my tongue on the first sip, but that was entirely my fault.
I had specifically asked for a strong Americano because I knew I was in for a long night ahead, and it certainly delivered the caffeine kick I was after.
The staff were genuinely welcoming and full of personality. At one point, they almost convinced me to add a slushie to my Americano order. I’m still not sure how that combination was supposed to work, but if the goal was to make me laugh, they absolutely succeeded.
Because of the freshly brewed coffee and service that leaves you smiling, Cottage Bites earns a well-deserved 5-star rating from me. If you’re looking for a reliable stop to fuel your day, it’s definitely worth popping in.