Lusaka has become a city of convenience. With drive-throughs on almost every corner and food delivered to your doorstep, it's possible to spend days moving between home and work without ever slowing down. Convenient as that may be, there are days when the walls begin to close in, and the city's pace starts to feel overwhelming. That? Usually my cue to disappear for a few hours. Not out of Lusaka, but into the quiet corners that make you forget you're in the middle of it just for a little while. These are the places I go when I need to leave Lusaka without actually leaving Lusaka.
Imvelo Studios
I smelt Imvelo before I saw it.
Freshly roasted coffee drifted through the air before the café came into view, almost pulling me through the gates. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Kabulonga, Imvelo feels less like a café and more like stumbling upon someone's creative sanctuary.
The path opens into a lush garden shaded by towering trees, where singing birds replace the soundtrack of traffic. Inside, large murals celebrate African life and culture from wall to ceiling; I've never seen anything like this before. The artwork changes with each room, showcasing resident artists whose pieces invite you to pause a little longer before moving on. It feels like walking through a gallery where you're also welcome to stay for lunch.
By the time I settle into the corner beside the crackling fireplace, the city already feels distant. Above me hangs a rose-tainted chandelier that casts a warm glow across the room, while the quiet hum of conversation fades into the background. This is where I pull out my crossword puzzle. Eleven across reads, "great pleasure and delight." The answer: "delectation."
My order rarely changes. A hearty serving of lasagna paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is comfort on a plate, the sort of meal you want to savour rather than rush through. Imvelo is one of those rare places that encourages you to linger. Nobody seems to mind if you spend an extra hour reading, writing, or simply staring out into the garden with a second cup of coffee.
Expect to spend around K400 for a full meal or about K200 if you're stopping by for coffee and cake. Whether you're looking for somewhere to work, read, or simply disappear for an afternoon, Imvelo offers exactly that. For a few hours, Lusaka fades into the background.
Bao Cafe
Everyone says something is happening in Leopards Hill. New cafés seem to appear every other month, tucked between farms and quiet residential roads. On one of my aimless drives, I stumbled across Bao Café and decided to see what the fuss was about. The first thing that caught my attention was the upstairs patio. Strings of fairy lights hung overhead, casting a warm glow over wooden tables as conversations drifted between couples, families, and groups of friends. There isn’t a sense of rush here, and I liked that.
I ordered a steamed bao bun and their signature iced latte, a combination that turned out to be exactly what the afternoon called for. The bun arrived light and pillowy, with a rich flavour, while the coffee struck that difficult balance of being bold enough to wake you up but smooth enough to sip slowly.
What stood out even more than the food was the service. Our waiter knew the menu inside out, happily explaining ingredients and making recommendations without sounding rehearsed. They checked in just enough to make us feel looked after, but never interrupted the conversation. It is a small detail, but one that is becoming surprisingly rare. Expect to spend around K600 for two people, making it an easy choice for a relaxed date night, a catch-up with a friend, or one of those evenings when you simply want to watch the sun disappear behind the trees with an iced coffee in hand.
The Garden Café
Hidden within one of Lusaka's busiest neighbourhoods is a little pocket of calm that feels worlds away from the traffic outside. Surrounded by indigenous and exotic plants, The Garden Café is exactly what its name promises. If you're anything like me and can't resist stopping to admire a new plant, you'll find yourself wandering through the greenery before you've even looked at the menu. Every corner seems to introduce another species, making the café feel as much like a botanical garden as it does a place to eat. What I enjoy most is the silence. There are no booming speakers competing for your attention, just the wind chimes, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional breeze weaving through the trees. Here, you notice just how long your shoulders have been clenched.
For lunch, I almost always choose the Buddha Bowl. It comes looking as fresh as the garden surrounding you, layered with creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, tender seared beef, and Asian noodles, finished with crunchy cashews and a drizzle of sweet chilli. I like how there's a texture contrast with every bite. I usually pair it with one of their freshly squeezed juices, making for a meal that feels light but satisfying. You can expect to spend under K300 for lunch, which makes it one of the better-value cafés in the city.
Before heading home, take a stroll through the nursery. Whether you're looking for a statement plant for your living room or herbs for your garden, it's hard to leave empty-handed. Even if you don't buy anything, wandering among the plants is reason enough to visit.
Wrapping up on what I think is one of Lusaka’s best secrets, I realise that the best spots don't just serve good food. They create enough room for you to hear yourself think. In a city that's always finding ways to move faster, perhaps the greatest luxury is finding somewhere that lets you slow down.
