kafé

Kafé, also written kafé or kafè in some languages, is a term used in several European languages to denote a cafe or coffeehouse. The word is a borrowing from the French café and is used to name venues that primarily serve hot beverages such as coffee and tea, along with pastries, light meals, and space for socializing, reading, or work. In most of these languages, the beverage itself is named separately (for example kaffe or koffie), while kafé refers to the establishment.

Historically, coffeehouses emerged in the Ottoman Empire and spread to Europe in the 17th century, where they became centers of sociability, discussion, and commerce. They played notable roles in the dissemination of news, ideas, and cultural life; over time, distinct cafe cultures developed in various countries, shaping local customs, menus, and interior design.

In contemporary usage, kafé denotes a casual, public venue that ranges from simple, affordable coffee shops to stylish urban cafés. Typical offerings include coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals, with seating that supports conversation, study, or work. Spelling and usage reflect national orthographies, with some languages favoring kafé or kafè while others use café or similar forms.