Another day, another coffee shop! This time I visited Safwa Specialty Cafe. I had seen them on social media several times and decided to finally check them out, and I am so happy I did. The inside was warm and cozy, with plenty of seating and adorable decor. I saw many people chatting or typing away on their computers, so it is clearly a welcoming place no matter the occasion. They have a solid food menu alongside classic coffee and tea selections. While they offer fun specialty coffees and refreshers, my favorite part was their seasonal menu. This time around, I tried a bit of everything. I ordered the raspberry almond shortcake matcha as well as the sticky toffee pudding latte from their winter menu, and then added the Spanish latte from their specialty lineup! Of course, we needed even more, so after being stuck between the smoked salmon toast and the hummus toast, I opted for the latter. I was so happy with my choice! It was a light, refreshing homemade hummus topped with a Mediterranean salad of cucumber, onion, and tomato. The balance between the cheese, the creamy hummus, and the crisp salad was amazing. To finish, because a sweet treat is essential, we got one of their pastries: the cheese danish. The food was great, the drinks were even better, and the staff was super friendly. This is a must-visit spot and I can't wait to be back! read more

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Cool coffee shop that offers lots of specialty menu items. Inside has plenty of seating and it's quiet. Service was good, staff was patient and attentive. We tried a few pastries, all were good. The brown sugar shaken espresso was made really well with a balanced flavor. The latte cup for dine-in was a special, high quality mug, we appreciated the detail. Overall a good shop, glad there're more options for good coffee in the area. read more

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I was excited that there is a specialty coffee shop in Somerset not too far from work, so it's nice to have a place other than Starbucks to grab Matcha. They partner with Ooika (Princeton) so you know their Matcha is good quality. It can get very busy and packed here sometimes, so be prepared to wait a bit for your drink drinks, but typically the line goes by quickly. I've never had their coffee, but I've had the Matcha a couple of times. The first Matcha I had was not very great. I don't think the girl knew how to prepare it. Sometimes the Matcha is difficult to taste when you order it hot. But I'm glad I decided to give this place another shot because the last two times I got Matcha there, it was excellent! They prepare it traditionally, but instead of hand whisking, they use an electric bamboo whisk and then they hand mix it once the Matcha is added to the milk. You can definitely taste the Matcha and it is really good quality! They usually have seasonal specials, including some food items. I've had their avocado toast, but I really want to order some of their sweet pastries like their Tres leches cake. I also want to try their chai, but I was afraid it would be too strong to drink on a late afternoon! Customer service is good, just remember that certain times it does get very busy and packed so you may not be able to sit and enjoy your drink, but if you go earlier in the morning, maybe you'll have a better chance. They also have a reward system, which is nice if you come here frequently. Don't forget to bring your reusable cup if you're taking it to go! read more

Safwa Cafe - My first matcha here - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Second visit. I saw that they had a "brown butter oat latte". Sounded interesting but I don't drink espresso so I opted for a matcha version. I had to build it à la carte instead of it being a menu item so it took them a bit to figure out. I uploaded a photo of my receipt in case you want to try it yourself. It was very good, very unique drink. The other drink we ordered was another iced matcha but with Taro cold foam - the cashier suggested with added vanilla syrup as well as the drink is not sweet and is better with the vanilla syrup. We followed her suggestion and it was also a great drink. All in all, a good experience once again and I like the specials they come up with! read more

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Came here on my way to Princeton since I had heard so much about this shop. I ordered a French toast latte with oat milk. I do wish they had more milk options. The service was okay and could've been better. They have ample seating inside and free WiFi for people to sit and work. The coffee was not my favorite but wasn't bad. It didn't taste exactly like a typical French toast latte and the coffee itself had an almost fragrant after taste which was strong. read more

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Very cute interior. Friendly staff. I ordered the raspberry almond matcha special and it was delicious. The matcha is high quality and vibrant. The syrups don't outshine the matcha. read more

Safwa Cafe - Raspberry almond matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

This is the most consistent coffee shop I have ever been to. It can get pretty busy in the cafe though they are quick with the drinks and there is online ordering. You may not be able to find a seat in the middle of the day but in the mornings it is lss crowded. The seasonal lattes are always fantastic, and the brown sugar shaken espresso is a favorite. I love that they are open late, though wish they were open just an hour earlier so I could stop in before work. read more

Safwa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

I visited Safwa today and it was packed. I ordered an iced Spanish latte (with less ice) and also tried the Lotus Biscoff cake. The latte tasted okay, but it wasn't filled to the top, which was really odd and disappointing for the price. The cake was good, but that alone didn't make up for the overall experience. The place felt more hectic than enjoyable, and with how crowded it was, it didn't feel worth it. A lot of people were ordering the sandwiches, but after this visit, I'm not sure I'd come back to try them. read more

Safwa Cafe - Spanish latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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I highly recommend the lattes, sandwiches, and hot chocolate here! Arguably, they source really good matcha. Better than some places in Edison. Ooika-esque. An oatmilk matcha latte without any sugar is my go to. I have not tried their drip coffee, but the espresso shot has such a nice roasted and nutty flavor. It goes great in an iced latte. Iced drinks are a big hit here! However, I recently tried their hot chocolate and the texture was sublime. Wow! Perhaps this will be my new go to drink. Thick and sumptuous, it is a nice velvety chocolate flavor with marshmallow fluff to add sweetness. Best hot chocolate in the area for sure! You have to try their sandwiches. Preferably pastrami. The meat pairs so well with the mustard and zesty mayo they put together. Contrast with some onion slices too. I appreciated their panini bread having a tight, yet soft inside and crunchy surface texture. This place is a great find for 2026! read more

Safwa Cafe - Salmon toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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I wanted to like this sooo bad, heard great things about this place for a long time and wanted to support a poc business Came here around 9pm after dinner and it was popping, definitely a popular night-time hangout spot which was a super fun concept I got the Spanish latte which came highly recommended and it was $8 my friend got the afghan chai. Unfortunately my latte was watery and disappointing flavor wise but my friend's chai was great I would come here again for the vibes and get the chai but personally stay away from the specialty drinks read more

Safwa Cafe - Spanish latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Because the blower in my car has been acting up and only sometimes heats or air conditions I found myself in need a hot coffee this evening as I completed my appointments around town. I Yelped and found this shop and given the positive reviews of my help friends decided to stop in. I was set on a lavender latte until I got to the register and saw their fall seasonal menu - cardamom bun coffee??? Say less. I think: - the place is cute. I love that there are more of these social spaces popping up around town and in the state that are not alcohol centered. Mama used to love to drink but I'm old now and can't drink like that. The promise of a warm and cozy vibe and drinks assembled with care is equally appealing as my old vodka Red Bull standby. -the drink menu looked solid. I've been in cafes that are overwhelming with choices. This one was manageable. -I took mine to go but there was bench seating and chairs with arms. Depending on how full the place is most if not all body types should be able to snag a comfortable seat As for the coffee, when I order something that highlights cardamom I expect to be bombarded with that flavor profile. In fact I actually grind and make pour over at home with cardamom as my go-to - I just happen to be out of my favorite beans. The flavor in the cardamom bun coffee I purchased was lacking. Until I got a little deeper into the cup I wondered if it was cardamom in there at all. Still, the texture and mouthfeel were nice. I just had higher expectations. Service was great! One thing needling me is the current B health rating. I'd like to see that come up to an A before I stop in again. read more

Safwa Cafe - Cardamom bun coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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After my parents went to Safwa a few times, I decided to try it with them to see what it's like. And I have to say I'm quite impressed. The outside is a bit unassuming, but once you step in, you can enjoy the stylish, tasteful interior. It was crowded but we were able to find a table, and it didn't take too long for our orders to be ready. The drinks were all great. The French Toast Latte actually tasted like its namesake, not just a vaguely cinnamon-y latte. The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso was refreshing & sweet. And the Vanilla Nutmeg Matcha was a seasonal treat. We weren't too hungry and split two items: the Hummus Toast and Pistachio Baklava. Both were great too, and the toast in particular surprised me with how well every component came together. The best part might be that the prices are very reasonable given the quality. Safwa is definitely worth a visit - or multiple! read more

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If minimalism and good taste had a baby, it would look like Safwa Specialty Cafe. The desserts are stunning (the pistachio baklava and tiramisu especially), and the coffee actually tastes as good as it smells. The vibe is peaceful, lots of people working quietly, sunlight streaming in through the big windows, just the right hum of background sound. Only knock: we had to clean our own table before sitting. A little disappointing in an otherwise flawless experience. Still, 4 stars without hesitation. read more

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This is a charming spot with solid execution across the board. The coffee is good and well-made, though not exceptional. The cold brew had nice flavor but was slightly watery. However, the sandwiches are excellent and definitely worth ordering. The atmosphere strikes a great balance: the place was bustling when I visited, yet it remained quiet and orderly. Service was quick and efficient despite the crowd. The comfortable seating and typical coffee shop decor created a welcoming vibe that I really enjoyed. Whether you're stopping by for a quick breakfast or want to linger over a meal, this is a great option. With a solid selection of teas and coffees alongside quality sandwiches, I'd recommend it as a reliable neighborhood spot. read more

Cute, cozy, unexpected gem in Somerset serving up delicious coffees and teas. We tried the Afghan chai (which comes in various serving sizes) and the seasonal pumpkin spice tres leches. Both were fantastic - the chai was rich and nicely spiced, and the tres leches was a great sweet treat with a hint of autumn. I'll definitely be back to try more next time I'm in the area! Also note that this spot gets packed. I came on a Monday night and was surprised how busy it was. The place was unexpectedly filled with students and people working on their laptops; it was actually hard to find an open table. read more

Safwa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Moved from VA to South Jersey after getting married in April and this was one of the first spots my husband took me to, as it was recommended by his cousins who live in the area. I was not a fan of the Peach Breeze: it tasted like peach syrup and water, overall lacking flavor, especially as the service took a while to make. However, the mint lemonade was good. My husband ordered the pastrami sandwich, which they made without cheese, as they were out of cheese by 3pm on weekday. We returned a week later after our reception to give it another shot and I tried the Spanish latte (iced), which was better. I think I'd recommend staying away from the refreshers and sticking to the coffee. Parking is easy to find in the lot of the plaza. Seating inside is tough to find as many work from home customers were set up or people who came in groups to socialize and meet up with family and friends. read more

Safwa Cafe - Menu - April 2025 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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Great experience here even though it was very busy and our order took a little bit. The drinks were delicious, I particularly liked the match and the date latte. I've also tried both the pastrami and the turkey sandwiches and both were excellent and very filling! read more

Cute unique coffee/tea cafe. They have a few food options both savory and sweet. The lattes all seem great I tried the french toast one which was delicious and actually not too sweet which was good. The desserts also delicious. Cute dishware when you dine in. The design of the cafe is beautifully done, minimal but very cozy with the colors and mood lighting and soft touches of decor. I also like they don't play music so you can focus with the people you are dining with or a perfect vibe to work/study here. They have wifi. Big note though they do not have decaf options but they are working towards that, hopefully soon as it would make this a better option for some people who want to come in the evening, which I did. read more

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Been their couple of time - nice cafe with with minimal decor, great persian chai options, speciality lattes, espresso drinks and lot of pastry options. This place is always crowded probably due to proximity to Rutgers. Overall, a great place to a perfect spot for socializing and having a conversation while enjoying tea or coffee read more

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My original experience here was so good, we came again. I ordered an americano and a latte to stay. They gave me my americano in a to go cup and the latte in a mug. When reminding them that we ordered the drink to stay, the woman working told us they don't normally give Americanos in mugs because Americanos aren't aesthetic. What? She offered a mug after, but as I try to avoid single use items, the drink was already in the cup, so there wasn't any point. The latte was watery, and not well steamed. They must have hired new staff who are not properly trained or experienced. A little sad because I really like this place. read more

Safwa Cafe - Flat whites with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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Coffee blend was medium not bitter with the needed morning pick me up I have been here twice and have tried the following Avocado egg toast -good but not the best Hummus toast- this was truly remarkable and a must try Cappuccino - was very good Americano - excellent Chilli cheese croissant - Delicious Harrison was at the counter and was very friendly and his knowledge about the menu , the pastries and his passion for coffee was evident in his conversation with us about Safwa. Spacious , beautiful decor and quick service . I love we have such a wonderful coffee shop in the area. read more

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I love to support small business, & trying different coffee shops or any restaurant in general. I hate to give this coffee shop a 3 star. The ambiance was nice, very quiet & a nice place to study. The service was amazing of course, people were very informative of what they were selling in this coffee shop. My partner ordered an ice matcha & she did not like it, the matcha was only filed halfway & the milk was only a little bit. Unfortunately the rest was ice, & that's why we give it a 3. They didn't give enough matcha. The matcha wasn't as sweet even if i ordered a pump of French vanilla with the matcha. I ordered a French toast ice coffee with oatmilk & i loved it ! It was so tasty & rich flavor. Wasn't to sweet which I loved. Overall a 7/10. read more

Safwa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

I didn't have a chance to actually step into the cafe, but my husband brought me a drink and sweet treat during Ramadan from here, I had chose a Date Cardamom latte & the Biscoff cake and MY GOSH, it was delicious! And it wasn't because I had been fasting all day either lol. I just wanted to leave this review to support your business and to say how delicious the latte and cake was! read more

Stopped by here to celebrate a coworker and we were not disappointed at all! All three drinks were fantastic and the barista was so nice. It was so peaceful inside too, definitely a nice spot to work or just mellow out. I will definitely be visiting again. read more

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Came here to meet a friend on a Thursday early afternoon.. the seats were at about 90% capacity, so I'm lucky we found a place to sit! It is still a decent size space.. modern and clean aesthetic. Service is friendly enough... Limited menu, mostly focused on beverages, but with a few edible options. My friend chose a sandwich without the bread, and they accommodated.. We both got saffron green tea (hot) and it was delicious! Easy on the palate and with great essence. I would definitely drink this daily. I also ordered an Afghan chai to go and it was delicious. Afghan chai is my favorite kind and this did not disappoint.. not too sweet, it was creamy, and well balanced. I also took a matcha latte (hot) with vanilla syrup for my daughter and she said that it was really good. When I'm in the area, I will definitely remember this spot as an option! read more

This cafe is great! The interior is nicely decorated with a lot of seating. I ordered an iced hazelnut latte, a cheese danish, and a pastrami sandwich. Everything was so good!! I especially loved all the flavors in the sandwich. The staff is also nice and my order came out pretty quickly! read more

Safwa Cafe - Iced hazelnut latte with cold foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Cute cafe with lots of seating space inside and inviting decor. Their matcha drinks are always delicious and high quality. Love their paninis, too! Everything is well-made and reasonably priced with fast service. Highly recommend trying out their seasonal drinks! read more

What a vibe. It's so pretty inside. Definitely a place to hang out, sip some beverages and have some food. I enjoyed their chili cheese danish. Although it didn't seem fresh as it was a bit dry but the flavor is there. Love the spice with the iced horchata latte. I've been craving a special latte and was happy I got the horchata latte. Good taste of cinnamon and sweetness. It is a summer menu item. Also the mango matcha was amazing. Also a summer menu item. Not bitter at all the mango added the perfect amount of sweetness. I would get it again every time. The wait wasn't too bad and it was pretty busy. I got to enjoy the comfy chairs. read more

Safwa Cafe - Iced Horchata latte and a hot vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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Plenty of parking and plenty of seating indoors. Wanted to try this place for awhile so finally got to visit yesterday. Came on a late Thursday morning and there were a lot of customers at tables working. Seems like a popular hangout spot but also very quiet. It felt like we were walking into a library initially. I have to admit, that made me a little uncomfortable coming in with a toddler but after some time, I got over it. Everyone looked so busy and serious but the girls at the counter were pleasant. After inquiring, one offered some great suggestions. Their Spanish latte is great and so was the refresher. My toddler loved it and he loved his croissant so much-he wanted more when it was done. The chili cheese croissant was good but would try something else next time. My husband got a pastrami sandwich because he could tell their sauce had dijon or horseradish and he hated the taste. The description didn't say but I thought the flavor was fantastic. A cautionary tale I suppose to double check what may be in their 'house sauce' if you have a strong preference or allergy. Prices were what you expect in 2026-somewhat pricey. Will definitely be back read more

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Safwa is the kind of place you walk into and immediately feel like you've stepped into someone's thoughtfully curated Pinterest board--warm arches, soft neutral tones, and pockets of cozy seating perfect for solo studying or a midday catch-up. I came in hoping to try one of their fall specialty drinks, but most of them were pre-mixed with spiced toppings like cinnamon or nutmeg. I asked if any could be made without and was told they couldn't separate them out--so I pivoted and went with their Spanish Latte with oat milk (no cinnamon), and I'm honestly glad I did. It was smooth, just the right level of sweetness, and the espresso flavor still came through. For food, I tried the chili cheese croissant warmed up. The croissant was buttery and had a satisfying flaky crunch, but I do wish it had been heated a bit more evenly. Overall, Safwa is definitely a spot I'd return to. The space is aesthetically on point, there's plenty of seating, and the quality of the coffee alone makes it worth the drive. Cozy vibes Bold Spanish Latte Flaky chili cheese croissant Would absolutely come back read more

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I've heard so much about Safwa from several of my friends that I had to try it out! I stopped by for an afternoon pick-me-up and ordered the mango matcha. The interior was larger than I expected and looked like a great place to get work done or study. The mango matcha was delicious with the perfect amount of mango flavor and I would definitely come back! read more

Safwa Cafe - mango matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

I'm always on the hunt for a cafe that takes their matcha seriously, and I was so pleasantly surprised to find that Safwa Coffee does just that. The matcha's color was a beautiful, vibrant jade green--a clear sign of high-quality, fresh matcha. It wasn't the dull, swampy green you often get from lower-grade powders. The matcha flavor was less prominent than I expected. Umami yes. Bitterness 2/5-like mine a little bitter. Texture was incredibly smooth. I had mine sweetened with vanilla (barista recommended). We only stopped by before heading out for a road trip home but beyond the drink, the atmosphere had a warm and inviting vibe. The staff was friendly and efficient, and you can tell they take pride in their craft. Highly recommend for any matcha lovers looking for genuine, high-quality experience. My husband ordered a Pandan Latte and he said it did not disappoint! read more

Safwa Cafe - 2 matcha lattes just for me. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Amazing new coffee/tea spot in central Jersey! All of their drinks are made consistently with precision and heart (you can really taste it every time). All of the staff/owners are very kind and welcoming and the cafe itself has a very inviting aesthetic. There is ample parking and the location is quite convenient. Highly recommend! read more

Safwa Cafe - Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

stopped by because we were staying nearby and it did not dissapoint! the inside looked super cute with lots of seating options but it is very busy and constantly stays like that so honestly you would need to get lucky i feel like to get a spot to sit. the saffron green tea just tasted like green tea which was a bit dissapointing as it would have been nice to taste the saffron flavor. the latte was absolutely delicious and would definitely be back for it if we were in the area. the tea took forever to come out but the latte was relatively quick. read more

Safwa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

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First time trying this establishment on Easter Sunday and it was nothing short of amazing. The waiter was extremely nice and gave the best referrals to me and my wife. He recommended two lattes that were absolutely delicious. We couldn't leave without trying something to eat so we ordered the cheese danish. The waiter offered to toast it which added the warmth and crunch that paired well with the coffee. This place was beautiful and cozy we will definitely come here again. read more

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The avo and egg toast was solid. Matcha with oak milk has just enough sweetness from the oat milk (they use oatly). I also got the Spanish iced latte, a little too sweet so maybe get it with less milk next time. Will be back to try more items! read more

Very unique cafe. I went on a weekday at 4pm and it was still so busy. I suggest keeping time and don't expect quick service. They do a great job making sure customers are satisfied. Very good knowledgeable barista's. I would def go there again. The chocolate baklava was so fresh and delicious. read more

I recently visited Safwa and was thoroughly impressed by the experience. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. The décor blends traditional touches with a modern, cozy vibe that makes it a perfect spot to relax or catch up with friends. One of the first things I noticed was how clean and well-maintained the entire space was--from the seating area to the restrooms, everything was spotless. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, offering great recommendations. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the matcha was. they also allowed us to taste the Afghan chai for sweetness level which was very generous. If you're stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or settling in for a longer stay, this place truly stands out for its hospitality and charm. Highly recommended! read more

Safwa Cafe - Matcha, Afghan Chai and Honey Shaken Espresso with cold foam. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey

Went here on a Sunday afternoon with my friend and this place was packed! The ambiance gives chic, clean vibes. Saw many groups of people meeting up here and few individuals working solo. Overall, loud atmosphere for studying but great for catching up with friends. We ordered refreshers and were not disappointed - not too sweet, just the right pick me up! read more

Me and my friends worked from this cafe Wednesday morning and wow I was blown away! The aesthetic was gorgeous with beautiful archways and a cohesive, peaceful, and classy color palate perfect for being productive. They also played calming, gentle bird sounds which was nice since the day outside was kind of gloomy. I was also very pleased to find plenty of outlets to plug in my laptop into. Not only was the presentation of the coffee and food beautiful, the taste was amazing. I had the pistachio baklava which was deliciously sweet, moist, crispy on top, and over all perfectly baked. I also had the iced Afghan chai which had a beautiful blend of spices and was very refreshing, definitely among the best chai I've ever had. My friends had the Spanish latte, which received rave reviews, and an iced mocha which was also good! My friends also tried the basque cheesecake (had a bite, so silky smooth and a perfect chocolate ganache), turkey sandwich, almond croissant, tres leches cake, and I took the pastrami sandwich to go. Sadly I did not get a picture of any of this because we gobbled everything right up The staff was very friendly and service was quick but it did slow down a bit during lunch time and they ran out of some food menu items which was sad because another customer was raving about the avocado toast and they ran out before I could get it it's also kind of chilly, not overly so but be sure to wear a sweater if you are sensitive to temperature. Over all I was so pleased with the experience and can't wait to return to try all their other menu items! read more

Safwa Cafe - It's giving ambiance - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Somerset, New Jersey