In a landscape where cafés increasingly prioritize aesthetics over authenticity, Obano Café stands apart. It’s a haven for true coffee aficionados and those just beginning to appreciate the nuances of a good manual brew. Here, the love for coffee is palpable. The café’s warm, unpretentious atmosphere reflects a shared passion that’s becoming increasingly rare in Bali’s bustling coffee scene.

The day-to-day operations of the café are handled by Berril and Mathew, two self-proclaimed coffee connoisseurs who honed their skills in Surabaya before moving to Bali. With a years of experience under their belts, they bring a hands-on approach to every aspect of the services. These young men, who juggles the roles of barista, shopkeeper, and occasional “spotify playlist director,” approaches the café’s atmosphere with practicality in mind. The space is modest, with white walls adorned by surf photos, creating a setting where the focus is on what matters most: the coffee and the surf culture that defines life in the Bukit area.

The menu at Obano Café is simple and evolving. While the black coffee is always the star, the homemade pastries rotate regularly, offering something new for returning customers. A row of jars in front of the counter showcases their curated selection of beans—each one chosen for its distinct profile. Mathew’s trained palate guides guests through the coffee’s complexities, from bitter to savory, and even to the unexpected sweetness of tropical forests like flower and tamarind, which appear in one of their specialties, Forest Cherry.

great coffee starts with a deep respect for the land

The founders of Obano, who remain deliberately elusive, believe that great coffee starts with a deep respect for the land. Their beans come from local farmers in Bali who work on conservation forest land, using a natural, eco-friendly system. No pesticides, no shortcuts—just an approach that lets nature do what it does best. By growing coffee in harmony with the forest, they not only protect the environment but also support their families and communities. It’s a small way we’re helping keep Bali beautiful, one cup at a time.

Berril and Mathew’s approach to hospitality is as genuine as their love for coffee. Every guest who walks through the door is greeted with warmth and curiosity. On quiet days, conversations flow easily, often beginning with coffee and meandering into tales of travel and surf. But even on busier days, when time allows little more than a quick “How’s your drink?”, there’s an undeniable sense of community.

While Obano Café doesn’t cater to every trend—es kopi susu gula aren, the popular sweet latte with brown sugar, is notably absent—they’ve carved out a niche that reflects their philosophy. They know that not everyone will find what they’re looking for here, and they’re okay with that. For those who stay, the hope is that Obano becomes more than just a stop for coffee. It’s a place where memories are brewed as distinctly as the beans in the jars behind the counter.