Friends Café sits on the riverbank in Mbombela, five minutes from the city and close to the old Nelspruit airport. The owners, Alan and Lesley Taylor, opened it in April 2019 after ten years of planning. The café is family-friendly and pet-friendly, with a Golden Retriever named Sam welcoming guests.

You can dine indoors among African artefacts or outdoors on the lawns under the trees. The covered veranda overlooks the river and is a popular spot. The menu focuses on fresh, unpretentious meals, from healthy options to indulgent treats and cakes. Coffee is served with views of the surrounding bushveld.

The property includes walking trails through indigenous bush and a mountain bike route. It shares the site with Core 360 Fitness Centre, which offers private gym sessions, massage therapy, yoga, and Pilates. The café also hosts functions and events, with space on the lawns, terrace, or indoors. It is suitable for birthdays, baby showers, and company events but does not host weddings or children’s parties.

The café is named for its friendly atmosphere, guests, and staff, aiming to make visitors feel like friends. It is a place to relax, enjoy good food, and take in the natural setting.