Cafe

Nabulu Coffee

4.6 · 555 reviews·Hidden gem: highly rated, still under the radar
Nabulu CoffeeBrian Copeland
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Nabulu Coffee, nestled on St Joseph Street in Toronto's Discovery District, is a minimalist cafe that attracts coffee purists. The space is bright and airy with white walls, concrete floors, and a long communal table. They focus on single-origin beans sourced from small farms, roasted in-house to highlight unique flavor profiles. The baristas are skilled and happy to discuss brewing methods. Their menu changes seasonally, featuring espresso, filter coffee, and creative drinks like a lavender latte. The cafe also sells brewing equipment and beans. Despite its central location near the University of Toronto, it feels like a hidden gem, often quieter than chain coffee shops.

Don't miss

  • Try a pour-over from a rotating single-origin bean
  • Watch baristas craft latte art at the sleek espresso bar
  • Grab a bag of beans roasted on-site
  • Enjoy the quiet ambiance perfect for reading or remote work
  • Sample seasonal drinks like the honey cinnamon latte

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Nabulu Coffee

You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Nabulu Coffee with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.

Getting there

Know before you go

  • They close earlier on weekends (around 5pm) vs weekdays (7pm).
  • Free Wi-Fi is reliable and fast.
  • Credit cards accepted; no cash? They prefer card or mobile payments.
  • Seating is limited; the communal table can get crowded.

A bit of history

Nabulu Coffee opened in 2015, founded by a duo with backgrounds in engineering and coffee. The name 'Nabulu' means 'to wake up' in a Ghanaian dialect, reflecting their mission to awaken palates to quality coffee. They've since expanded to a second location.

Common questions

Do they have food?

They offer pastries from local bakeries, but no hot food.

Is there outdoor seating?

No, but large windows let in plenty of natural light.

Can I buy beans online?

Yes, they have an online store for shipping within Canada.

Do they offer coffee subscriptions?

Yes, a monthly subscription for beans is available.

Is the cafe dog-friendly?

Service dogs only; no pets inside.

What's the wifi password?

It's posted at the counter; ask a barista if you can't find it.

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