Since 2005
Nisa and William Walker knew what great coffee culture felt like. Living in Manhattan, they were surrounded by vibrant cafes where conversation flowed as freely as the espresso. When they returned home to Guyana, they found themselves missing those spaces—and tired of asking friends to bring back quality coffee beans.
So they did something about it. In 2005, with Nisa's culinary training from New York and William's vision for community, they opened Oasis Cafe at 125 Carmichael Street in the heart of Georgetown's Cummingsburg neighborhood. What started as a simple dream became a movement that would change the way an entire nation thought about coffee.
“The intention was, and remains until this day, to make everyone visiting Oasis Cafe feel as though they are sitting in their living room.” — Nisa Walker, Co-founder
What started with just four workers has grown into a family of roughly twenty-five dedicated staff. But numbers only tell part of the story. Oasis Cafe didn't just serve coffee—it introduced coffee culture to Guyana, sparking a movement that would see many competitors follow in their footsteps.
The carefully controlled music enables conversation. The bistro-style seating invites lingering. The string lights overhead cast the kind of warm glow that makes strangers feel like friends. Nisa is often on the floor herself, making sure every guest feels the personal touch that sets Oasis apart.
With complimentary WiFi, a library room filled with books, and an outdoor patio overlooking the park, Oasis became Georgetown's living room—a place where the community gathers, connects, and belongs.
Nisa's New York culinary training brings international flair to traditional Guyanese dishes.
Fresh herbs grown right on the property — cilantro, rosemary, thyme, basil, and mint.
International collaborations featuring Israeli hummus, Cuban flan, Peruvian ceviche, and more.
Supporting causes like the Guyana Cancer Foundation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Like any two-decade journey, the road hasn't always been smooth. When Nisa contracted COVID in May 2021, she needed two months of oxygen support. But the staff she and William had raised stepped up magnificently, maintaining the cafe's standards throughout her absence—a testament to the family they'd built.
Today, Oasis Cafe stands as a Georgetown institution. Ranked #3 of 86 restaurants in Georgetown on TripAdvisor with hundreds of glowing reviews, it has earned its place as the heart of the community. The colonial wooden building with its green shutters and warm interior continues to welcome everyone—locals, expats, and travelers alike—just as it has for over twenty years.
Open seven days a week in the heart of Cummingsburg. Your table is waiting.