Café Russo

Café Russo is a Black-owned café and listening lounge located in the heart of Roncesvalles Village. Founded by Nigerian-born siblings Rakiya and Suleiman Abdullahi, the space occupies a former bottle shop that has been transformed with mid-century modern furniture and a warm, burgundy-toned aesthetic. The concept centers on creating a community-focused environment where music is treated with as much care as the coffee, featuring a state-of-the-art vinyl sound system that plays a curated selection of jazz, soul, and Afrobeats throughout the day.

Visitors can expect a menu that balances specialty coffee staples with creative, playful beverages. Signature offerings include the vinyl shot latte—a creamy, not-too-sweet drink featuring cold foam, cinnamon, and condensed milk—alongside options like the Roncy Classic, dirty chai, and various iced lattes in flavours such as pistachio and banana bread. For tea enthusiasts, the café serves ceremonial-grade matcha and hojicha lattes. The food menu features a small selection of pastries and desserts sourced from local collaborators like Circles and Squares. The atmosphere is designed for lingering, whether to work, meet friends, or unwind. On weekends, the café invites guests to bring their own records to spin, further cementing its role as an immersive, nostalgia-driven escape in the neighbourhood.