If you’ve ever wanted a cozy hideout in Abuja where you can get work done and not feel like you’re in a traditional café or office, Café de Vie might be your new best kept secret. For the third entry in my Escaping the House series, I packed my laptop, a few to-dos, and a sense of curiosity, and I’m glad I did.

This wasn’t just another coffee shop hop. It was a full-on experience. Think: grunge-meets-cozy aesthetics, quiet corners, fast Wi-Fi, and creamy pasta in an oversized mug of hot chocolate. If you’re a freelancer trying to uncover the best cafes to work from in Abuja, this one belongs on your list.

Let’s get into it.

Why I Chose Café de Vie for this Week’s Escape

This series is all about escaping the same four walls, finding inspiring, unexpected places to work remotely or simply get out of the house. Café de Vie came up on my radar as one of those underrated gems. It’s known, but somehow not overrun. I’d heard whispers about how peaceful it was, and when I told a regular guest there about my series, he practically insisted I give them a good review. That kind of loyalty told me everything.

I went with the intention to work. No distractions, no browsing, and I was in a good mood. Sometimes that’s all it takes to turn a day into something magical. I went alone, like I always do as a remote freelancer, but I left feeling like I’d been somewhere that just got me.

First Impressions: Cozy Meets Grunge

From the moment I walked in, I could tell Café de Vie had its own energy. Outside, it was easy to find, tucked into a part of Maitama that didn’t have traffic issues and had fairly good parking (though limited if it gets full).

Inside was where it hit. Tyres as chandeliers. Books hanging from the ceiling. Sculptures tucked into corners. Murals along the wall. You get the feeling this space wasn’t thrown together; it was designed to make you feel something. Every part of the room had its own personality, and yet it all worked together.

It gave me cozy-grunge vibes with a warm undertone. There was soft music, but nothing distracting. Just enough to fill the space. If you’re into freelancers working from cafes in Nigeria, this space might feel like a home office upgrade.

Workability: Yes, You Can Get Stuff Done Here

I got a lot done. I was working on a brand design project and doing some light admin work. The Wi-Fi was fast, faster than I expected, and there were power outlets everywhere. The multiple seating options made it easy to find a spot that worked: benches, couches, tables, even a big dining-style setup. I personally gravitated toward a quiet corner with good lighting and just stayed there.

If you’re wondering whether it’s a quiet coffee shop in Abuja for remote work, yes, it is. People mind their business. The noise level is low. It’s not dead silent, but it doesn’t need to be.

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Food & Drinks: Worth Every Naira

My first order was hot chocolate. When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the size, this wasn’t your average café-sized cup. It came in a massive mug, and it tasted like comfort.

Later, I ordered Alfredo pasta with grilled chicken. The sauce was creamy and rich. The only thing worth noting is that the chicken wasn’t mixed in; it was grilled separately and placed on top. I didn’t mind, but it’s something to note if that matters to you.

The menu was diverse enough to hold your attention for a long work session. Prices were standard for Abuja cafés, maybe even slightly more affordable, with meals averaging ₦17k–₦25k.

Service was good, though occasionally you had to flag someone down. Nothing major, and they were always kind when they showed up.

Ambience, Toilet & Thoughtful Touches

There’s something so underrated about cafés that take their toilet game seriously. Café de Vie gets points here: it was clean, had proper lighting, and even matched the artful vibe of the rest of the space. Only complaint? They watered down the handwash. Please don’t do that, guys. Just replace it.

Music volume was perfect. The air felt just right. And every little corner had details, books, sculptures, murals, that felt intentional.

Who This Space is For

Freelancers? Yes. Solo workers? Absolutely. Friends catching up over tea or sharing creative ideas? 100%.

They also have two outdoor sections, one above, one below, perfect for hangouts or low-stakes meetings. I’d recommend this place for:

• Writers looking for a cozy hideout
• Remote workers craving silence with coffee
• Creatives needing aesthetic stimulation

And hey, if you’re still exploring where to find legit freelance gigs locally, make sure you check out the blog post Freelancing Platforms in Nigeria: Where to Find Work in 2025.

Cost vs. Value

I didn’t feel pressured to order a full meal, but I chose to because I wanted to give a complete review. And honestly? I would’ve done it anyway. You could nurse a drink for hours and no one would side-eye you. That alone makes it freelancer-friendly.

Everything I paid for matched the experience, and then some.

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Snapshot Ratings

Category	Rating (out of 5)
Wi-Fi Speed	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Power Availability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Noise Level	⭐⭐⭐
Food & Drinks	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seating Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Workability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Reflection

When I left Café de Vie, I felt emotionally recharged. It was like I’d entered a little bubble of calm in the middle of Abuja. The coziness stood out, and the grunge details gave it edge.

If you’re looking for quiet coffee shops in Abuja for remote work, or you’re a freelancer searching for new spots in Nigeria that don’t feel stiff or corporate, add this one to your list.

You should visit Café de Vie if you feel like you need a hideout, or a cozy space to work. And if you want more glimpses into these work sessions, catch the behind-the-scenes moments on my TikTok: @beinghauwa.

Coming next in the Escaping the House series: somewhere unexpected. Stay tuned. ☕️✨