The Best Cocktails in Kigali: Where to get drinks around town
If you are hunting for the absolute best cocktails in Kigali, the city’s drink scene is stepping up. From high-energy rooftops with sweeping hill views to tucked-away garden patios, there is a spot for whatever vibe you are after.
Here is my list of where to go for a solid drink, excellent views, and the best atmospheres in town right now. I’ll update this post as I continue to explore Kigali. Let me know if I’m missing your spot.
If you are skipping alcohol, you will not be short on choices. Nearly every venue on this list serves excellent mocktails, fresh juices, local coffee, or a hot pot of ginger lemon tea.
Cocktails can range from 12k to 20k RWF, with most being around 15k for something a little fancy. I did see a cocktail for 42k at Imizi Residency (with saffron), so cocktail price limit can deff go up haha.
Rooftops and City Views
Zaria Court Rooftop
Located right by Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena, this spot offers two vibes: the lively Jaro rooftop or the more relaxed second-floor pool area. It features a great mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. If you visit on a Thursday, they have a sushi deal that looks well worth trying.
Boho
This is easily my favorite view of Kigali from Kimihurura. For the best experience, grab a seat at the high-top tables. While they have a strong selection of wine, the espresso martini is a personal standout.
Luma & Lua
Luma & Lua Hotel has an airy rooftop venue with a distinct Mediterranean feel, making it an ideal place to unwind as the afternoon turns into evening. I’ve done a staycation at their hotel and really enjoyed it, too.
Lemon
Another excellent vantage point for taking in views across Kigali. The drink menu is huge, and the atmosphere keeps people coming back. They also have events like salsa; check their Instagram for more events.
La Creola
La Creola is a brilliant spot to catch the sunset. Go around 5:30 for golden hour with (strong) drinks. It’s also got a good menu and appetizers.
The Rock
Perched up in Rebero, this spot offers panoramic views over Kigali. They occasionally host live music nights on Friday that bring a fantastic energy to the space. Check their Instagram for events. Both the alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks are well-crafted. Pair your order with their tacos or a bowl of fresh guacamole.
The Hut
While well-known for its food menu, this location also doubles as a great viewpoint to look out over the city hills with a drink in hand.
Eagle View Lodge
True to its name, this spot delivers a high-altitude perspective of the city alongside a reliable drink menu. Choose to sit past reception surrounded by views and artwork or ask to sit in the secluded dining area below.
Experience and Atmosphere
The Imizi Residency
The Imizi Residency venue focuses entirely on the drink experience and it’s the most innovative place to get cocktails in Kigali. They have rotating cocktails and specialty drinks that focus on their locally produced rum. Besides ordering the cocktails, the first time I went, I got to try the rum on its own as well as a welcome and goodbye (non alcoholic) brew.
It gets busy in the evening, so it is the kind of place where you are highly likely to run into people you know. As you leave, you’ll get a little tour of the botanicals used for the rum process and what they use to make the drinks. This is an experience!
It’s open Thursday through Saturday.
12 Degrees
I haven’t been yet, but 12 Degrees has cocktails and music on Thursdays and the occasional event. Check their Instagram for events. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday.
From Drinks to Dinner
Kozo
If you want to dress up a little, the upscale atmosphere here is perfect for drinks and an appetizer. While the food menu hasn’t entirely blown me away yet, the drinks and overall sophisticated vibe make it worth it for drinks.
Soy
If you want funky cocktails in Kigali, this is a top choice. I’ve had some fun drinks here like the Soy Tom Yummy and the Tom Kha (it’s so cool!). They also have classics like the Soy Mai Thai (my fav), Singapore Sling, and more. They pair creative mixology with an extensive Asian fusion menu that covers Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and sushi.
14th Ave
I really enjoyed at the atmosphere (and food) at 14th Ave. On a Monday night when I went with a friend to catch up, we spent 4 hours over appetizers and a shared main. Although I opted for a glass of house rose (I liked it but the one at Poivre Noir was better), next time I’ll try one of the signature custom gin tonics.
Rua
Perfect for transitioning from work to play. If you are spending the day at Kivu Noir for a working meeting, you can simply slide across to Rua when you finish. Stay at the rooftop for high-top seating, or go downstairs for a more secluded setting. They host a live DJ set every Sunday.
Poivre Noir
The house rose was so crisp here that next time I’m going to have to get a bottle. There are a few appetizers worth nibbling and the mains are great too. Start off with a cocktail or glass of wine though.
Cute, Cozy, and Green
Le Petit Jardin
This is the place to go when you want to buy specialty wine and imported cheeses (from Kenya, but so good!) in town. You can order a glass or a full bottle from their selection to pair directly with a cheese platter.
Casa Verde
Hidden away in Kiyovu, this spot is defined by its quiet, leafy green spaces. It offers a peaceful, tucked-away environment away from the main streets.
Convention Center Bar
For a polished evening, head to the second floor of the convention center. Here you can enjoy a drink with a direct view of the illuminated Kigali Convention Centre. It’s such a great spot in the evenings.
SZY
More cool than cute, SZY is Kigali’s fancy vegan spot. It looks like you’re sitting in an elevated garden throughout the property. The drinks are great too! I loved the Lagun Whisper with gin, passion, lime, fresh ginger, and tonic.
Fun Bar Vibes
Lavana
Lavana also deserves to be in the from drinks to dinner section because I love the Mexican food here. All of their cocktails are cool and innovative, or you can stick with a beer. Check their Instagram for movie nights and DJ events (that are known to be the most fun in town).
Sud
Sud gets really poppin in the evenings and it’s a great spot to get a beer.
Now Now Rolex
If you want a sharp kick without the alcohol, their ginger juice is easily the most intense in the city. It is also an excellent, laid-back choice for a casual beer and cocktail. Get one of their famous rolex (egg wraps) here too.
Pili Pili
A Kigali staple that combines reliable pool-side views with a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Zaria Court Sports Bar
If you have a game you want to watch, the Zaria Court Sports Bar will put it on for you. They have the most screens in one spot that I’ve seen in town. They serve the same cocktails as the Jaro rooftop at the hotel bar but also great for a panache, tea, or beer while you watch. I’ve been to watch both football and tennis games (with Wilhelm haha) and also for drinks before events at BK Arena with friends.
