Finally my post comes, 1,5 years later than planned – which was the day they opened.  We had happened to walk by the specialty coffee shop in Hamburg and thought what an awesome place this would become, even though all we had tried was coffee then.  Now I can surely say that this café is worth every cent.

Nord Coast already made it into my Açai-Bowl and Flat White guides for Hamburg, but they deserve a whole entry, for example to swarm more about the beautifully presented breakfasts: lox-red beet toast, hummus-avocado quinoa fritters or the beloved waffles.

The interior is set over two stories, it’s spacious and what I imagine British vintage to look like: old books and typewriters on the decorative shelves, a few leather lounge chairs and couches with old suitcases as coffee side tables.  But there’s also a slight industrial feeling, given by the old roasting machine and the piles of coffee bean sacks.  Apart from some large common tables, you’ll find tables for small groups and idyllic window sill spots with views on the town canal.

Just recently they’ve added table service – from whom you get a full water jug with glasses to refill.  If the service were as knowledgable and genuine as the owning couple, I couldn’t give any critic at all.  But if you know what you want, it’s fine.  I recommend all the waffles: from fresh berries and maple syrup to the gf banana one with peanut butter or basil-apple compote.  I’ve never been a waffle fan, but these are perfect.

For a savory breakfast the bread with plentiful lox on red beet schmear with baby spinach and sprouts has always been my top choice.  The gluten-free quinoa fritters are a new hit as well.  A bit pricey, but unique to Hamburg.  Topped with lime-hummus, avocado and either a poached egg or more avocado – I actually prefer the latter version. For poached egg I would take the avo-toast with pesto and one, that’s my dad’s favorite.

Paula, the owner, is Brazilian.  She grew up on a coffee farm there.  However this country is just as famous for their açai bowls, as for their coffee. That means she has the best experience with this trend. Açai bowls at Nord Coast are not as slushy as ice cream, but a healthier breakfast version.  They belong to one of my two favorites in HH. If you need to switch it up, try the more savory matcha-mango bowl.

Coming to their Specialty Coffee:

Nord Coast roasts five different coffee roasts right on site.  They offer the most filter methods, than any other specialty coffee shop in Hamburg.  But don’t worry if you’re an amateur.  The baristas can advise you if Karlsbader Kanne, Aeropress, Hario V60, Chemex or Syphon is best for the roast you choose.  Each roast is treated like a chem lab experiment.  They are presented in thin cylinders.  Next to each is a legend referring to the heritage, roasting strength, variety, growth altitude, preparation, classification, notes and flavours.  For the espresso drinks there’s the choice of the lighter or darker roast.  And lucky me, they also succeed in latte art with non-dairy milks. However the cows milk is as local as can be. So that’s not an awful choice either 😉

If I would have said it short, everything at Nord Coast is dainty, delicious and has high quality.  Even the freshly squeezed orange juice striked us.  It’s a spot for leisurely or birthday breakfasts, intimate business meetings, coffee connoisseurs, girls on instagram-dates or to chill and get some laptop work done.

Where? Deichstraße 9

When? Mo-Fr: 9-18, Sa-Su: 10-18

How much? flat white 3,30€, breakfast 5-9€, waffles 4-7€

bathroom, free wifi

food quality/diets: local milk, organic eggs, vegan and gluten-free options

My favorites: orange juice, lox-red beet toast, vegan quinoa fritter, lime-mascarpone waffle