It had been a pretty decent summer in Aberdeen, even when the clear skies were replaced by cloudy ones, because the temperatures held up regardless – and made for very enjoyable city walks. Having learnt the year prior that there is more to my home town than I had given it credit for – particularly on the cafe scene – I eagerly set off on another discovery mission, maximising my weekend step count.

I walked a good circuit around the West End before making it to what must be turning into one of the chicest postcodes in the Granite City: Thistle Street. It had been the Ladies that Lunch destination for years, courtesy of Grape & Grain and Almondine, but recently the options have at least doubled, with the opening of Mara – Italian wine and small plates – and Mediterranean restaurant; and, as I discovered only this day, Cafe Moyo.

I missed it at first, having placed it in my head opposite the fast-foods on the perpendicular Rose Street. Realising my error, I turned around and paid attention to the signage above doors. Moyo’s was subtle, in mint-teal colour, and the large window did not give much away, other than the interior wasn’t a large one. Regardless, when I stepped through the door, I knew it was special. While minimalistic – simplistic even – the design oozed quiet confidence and style. It was clean and warm at the same time; reading on the place later, the owner referred to it Japandi – “a harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics” – and when I read that, it made total sense. I loved the little details: from elegant matching water bottles and cups discretely located on every table as in part of the decor, to furry seat covers taking the edge of wooden stools and damping noise in the small interior.

The counter with its selection of cakes and pastries was another mesmerising display all together; rarely was I so stumped for choice, as the selection of some 10 pastries, bakes and cookies rivalled Mayfair in their looks and presentation. Even the sandwiches in the display next door could have convinced me I needed a second lunch. I couldn’t resist on this occasion and opted for a cookie, on the proviso I would probably take most of it away, which was met with a question: would I like it warmed up? Now that was another level of indulgence in my book – the answer was, yes, of course! Which was accompanied by a nifty box for whatever I couldn’t finish – which, at this point, I doubted I’d need.

My mocha took a while to prep and I mean it in a positive sense – I could hear the mixing of the chocolate mixture in the cup for a while before the assistant got to steaming the milk and pouring the espresso, which was very reassuring. Once ready, my cookie arrived first, followed directly by the beautifully-presented coffee. It was so Instagram-perfect, even I obliged.

I’m pretty sure my eyes shone when I picked up the earthenware cup – the look of the drink, with the shiny top surface under the generous cocoa dusting, perfectly poured to the edge of the cup, gave me a very good feeling. Not as good as the first sip though – nor the subsequent ones, for that matter.

The mocha was pure perfection – it ticked all the boxes of what I look for in a drink: firstly was the richness of milky chocolate – indulgent and moreish, not sickly sweet – balanced with the caffeine in such a way that you couldn’t tell it was there, but you knew it was. There was even a slight salty hint, like that posh M&S chocolate bar you’d pick up for a special occasion.

The texture was luxurious: smooth, velvety and dense, deliciously sitting on the tongue because it was of the ideal drinking temperature. So much so I had to force myself to lay the cup down after taking repeat sips one after another.

It was a joy in a cup that I didn’t want to end and that continued giving even when I mixed it up with the coconut macaroon served on the side; the box did come in handy as I decided the coffee deserved to be appreciated by itself – but I can report the cookie was a taste sensation as well, even served cold.

Wow, what can I say! I am so glad I discovered this place as I am totally in love with it; and maybe with the owner as well, having met her during my visit. I didn’t know it yet then, but it was easy to guess – she, too, oozed easy confidence like her venue, and even in just a few words of welcome and farewell she conveyed passion for her business and care for her customers’ experience. I think it was Instagram where I discovered the “run, don’t walk!” phrase – and it’s applicable to Cafe Moyo. If you’re looking for class, elegance and a mouthwatering cuppa, you will not be disappointed!

To learn more about Cafe Moyo, check out their Instagram page.