Queen of Hearts Cafe & Bakery
Queen of Hearts Cafe & Bakery is a popular, upscale artisan cafe and restaurant. It is located in Highlands, Harare, a lush, tree-lined suburb. Queen of Hearts Cafe & Bakery is known for expansive, beautifully manicured garden lawns and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. It operates as a multifaceted culinary space with distinct dining experiences depending on the time of day.
What to Expect & The Vibe
The venue attracts visitors with a stunning outdoor seating area, including a central water fountain and checkered flooring. The mood remains relaxed and resort-like. By day, it functions as a peaceful spot for professional meetings, remote working, or catching up with friends over coffee. At night and on weekends, the venue turns into a busy hub. Live music, a vibrant bar vibe, and occasional outdoor community markets define the scene.
Dining Concepts & Hours
The property hosts multiple food and beverage concepts, each running on separate schedules:
The Main Cafe & Bakery: Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. It serves premium Italian-style breakfasts, lunches, gourmet smoothies, fresh bakery items, and waffles.
The Gourmet Burger Bar: Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Friday Pizza & Curry Nights: On Fridays, the cafe extends its lunch hours into the evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, firing up its wood-fired ovens for a specialty pizza, sushi, and curry menu accompanied by live entertainment.
Insider Tips for Visitors
The Signature Platter: If you are visiting with a partner, their famous “meaty platter for two” (featuring ribs, basted pork chops, steak, breaded chicken wings, and onion rings) is highly recommended by locals.
Expect a Crowd on Fridays: Friday night is arguably the most famous social event at Queen of Hearts, but it comes with a trade-off. The venue gets packed quickly, which can occasionally result in slower service times for wood-fired pizzas. If you prefer a quiet dining experience, opt for a weekday morning or a Sunday afternoon instead.
Great for Kids: The massive, enclosed grass lawns provide plenty of secure space for children to play safely while adults dine on the patio
