at Cafe Silva: Photo by James Coreas

Masoom Khan at Cafe Silva: Photo by James Coreas

The exteriorly nondescript, strip-mall based Cafe Silva is brewing something special inside.

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Owners Masoom and Suraiya Khan have wisely taken advantage of the cafe’s view of White Rock Trail and the neatly landscaped park alongside it. Lake Highlands residents increasingly are drawn to the atmosphere that the couple has cultivated in their four years here — the  view of green expanse and trees, the sunshine pouring through wide glass windows, friendly banter, knowledgable and proficient service and, oh, the aromas: those of coffee, teas and spices mingling with fragrant pastries or toasting paninis.

Lake Highlands Advocate readers voted Silva’s coffee the best in the neighborhood, and that is no small thing, Masoom says, for Lake Highlands is home to several quality coffee providers. “We were shocked. We couldn’t believe it,” he says. “I mean, White Rock Coffee? They are great. We are just so thankful.”

Cafe Silva, named for the Khan’s 5-year-old daughter Nurah Silva Khan, serves locally roasted coffee from Noble Coyote Coffee (another Lake Highlander-owned business).

“We started out serving coffee from different regions, but now we keep it local, fair trade. These things are important to us. We try to keep the food and other products we use local when we can.”

Customers crave the Cuban espresso, Masoom says, which consists of two shots of espresso poured over a mound of natural cane sugar. The Mexican espresso, too, is gaining popularity — that’s espresso over Mexican chocolate. Guests also enjoy the iced, semi-sweet summer tea made with jasmine and lychee, a refreshing alternative to the punch-packing java preparations.

Pop in to Cafe Silva (7 a.m.-5 weekdays and 8 a.m.-2 on weekends) for a cup to-go, or stay a bit and savor not only the free WiFi, but also the Monkey Muffins or cranberry-orange scones, all made in-house by Suraiya. Fresh paninis are new to the menu this year too.

Contact: 8499 Greenville |  214.267.9836 | cafesilva.com

Cafe Silva: Photo by James Coreas

Cafe Silva: Photo by James Coreas

A close second to Cafe Silva in the coffee category is:

Runner up: White Rock Coffee

Third place: Seattle’s Best

Next up in our readers’ choice contest is best burger. Go here to cast your vote.

Related: White Rock Coffee’s pumpkin