Ethiopian coffee house · Whitehall, OH

Coffee — ቡና — Buna

Experience the ancient tradition where coffee was born. Authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and globally sourced brews.

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Location

Whitehall, OH

Weekdays

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Discover
Ethiopian coffee beans being roasted in a traditional pan

Kaffa, Ethiopia

Where coffee began

Our story

Ancient Grounds, Authentic Brews

Axum Cafe is rooted in culture, coffee, and connection. Women-owned and welcoming, our warm, modern space is where heritage meets hospitality.

Coffee was discovered in the highlands of Kaffa, Ethiopia, over a thousand years ago. From a shepherd noticing his goats dancing after eating red berries, to becoming the world's most beloved beverage — coffee's journey began here.

We serve both globally sourced coffee brewed with intention, alongside comforting breakfast options with a touch of East African flavor. At Axum Cafe, we invite you to slow down, sip deeply, and feel at home.

Learn More About Our Story

Ethiopian coffee being poured into a traditional serving bowl
“When coffee is drunk, stories are shared”

The Buna ritual

The Coffee Ceremony

Experience Ethiopia’s sacred coffee ritual — a ceremony of hospitality, community, and tradition that has been passed down through generations.
01

Roast

Green coffee beans are roasted over an open flame until fragrant and perfectly toasted.

02

Grind

Freshly roasted beans are ground by hand using a traditional mortar and pestle.

03

Brew

Coffee is brewed three times in the jebena, each round with its own unique flavor.

04

Serve

Coffee is poured with care and shared in small cups, fostering connection and conversation.

Share the ritual

Immerse yourself in this beautiful tradition. Contact us about a private Buna ceremony for your group and create lasting memories over freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee.

Guest notes

What Our Guests Say

“The coffee is primo! Great flavor and aroma. She (the person behind the counter and I assume the owner) even made some traditional style coffee for me and another guest to try and it was great! I also got the axum special and it's very good!”

Andrew Owens.

“Axum Café is the perfect spot for coffee and drinks in Columbus! Their Ethiopian coffee is absolutely incredible — rich, smooth, and brewed to perfection. You can really taste the quality in every cup. They also serve a variety of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, teas, and smoothies, all made fresh and full of flavor!”

Nomadic Flavors.

“Axum offers excellent coffee, food, and service. The owner is very welcoming and friendly. She provides great advice on food choices and insight into traditional Ethiopian coffee and cuisine. I plan to return regularly on my work trips.”

McKenna Forgash.

“I stopped by this wonderful coffee shop while taking a 15 minute break from work. I found Axum while googling/searching for a coffee shop nearby that I could visit. I ordered a 16 oz carmel latte with an extra shot. This latte was out of this world! Perfection! I must say perfectly made. And so good I had to go back inside to let them know that I was grateful for their service and their amazing latte. Thank you.”

Gratitude 33.

“Great coffee. Excited to have a coffee place so close by. Will visit again!”

Megan Hedeen.

“Definitely one of the better iced lattes I’ve had among small coffee shops in Columbus! The prices are great as well. They also had a variety of smoothies, baked goods and sandwiches available that all looked tasty. I’ll absolutely be coming back!!!”

Teresa Martin.

“Everyone was kind and helpful with questions. The food and drinks had incredible flavors and an incredible balance of flavors. It's a cozy, modern cafe.”

Jennifer Spencer.

Testimonial 1 of 7

Find your way

Visit Us

Come experience authentic Ethiopian hospitality at our warm and welcoming cafe in Whitehall.

Cafe details

Address

5188 East Main St
Whitehall, OH 43213

Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Parking: Free parking available in our lot and on surrounding streets.