Having seen pictures of Cafe Babu all over social media, I was fascinated by its natural-feeling exteriors and the use of neutrals and stone, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds apart from its location in the center of Nashville, Tennessee. We decided to visit Cafe Babu to see if the space felt as transportive in person as it did online. After spending time there and speaking with owner Shivani Darsinos, it became clear that Babu is far more than a photo-worthy cafe. It is a space built around hospitality, shaped by community and informed by a blend of cultures.
“I always knew I wanted to open up a coffee shop, a cafe, create a space where it becomes like a local ‘Cheers’ bar almost, where everyone knows each other’s names. I’ve always loved the idea of having a space to gather, to have conversation and enjoy, and have that third space,” Darsinos said. “Whether you’re coming with your family or on your own, there’s always something available for every age group, every demographic, whatever it may be.”
From the beginning, she said she envisioned a space that people could use in their own way, whether to gather, work or simply spend time. During our visit to Cafe Babu we saw this initiative first-hand as we came into the space to try some of the menu items and ended up extending our stay to do some schoolwork.
Building Cafe Babu was not a solo effort. While Darsinos leads the cafe, the space itself was designed in close collaboration with her husband, an architect who helped bring the physical vision to life. The space itself is very nature-inspired, incorporating lots of neutral tones and organic textures throughout.
“The space is very much an ode to Mother Nature. It’s very nature-oriented, playing with textures and creating something beautiful out of a simplistic idea,” Darsinos said.
Beyond its physical design, the atmosphere of Cafe Babu is shaped by a shared appreciation for Darsinos and her husband’s respective cultures: Indian and Greek. This influence extends throughout the cafe, from a design inspired by the villages their families come from to a menu that blends Indian and Greek elements in ways that feel both familiar and new.
“The Greek cappuccino is kind of like if you go to Greece, everyone’s drinking a cappuccino, so this was our take on that. And then with India, cardamom is one of the main spices that we really like to use, it shows up in a lot of what we do,” Darsinos said.
The name itself reflects Darsinos’ roots as well. Cafe Babu is named after Darsinos’ grandfather, whose influence and encouragement have guided the project. His background as a farmer and his emphasis on hospitality helped inform the cafe’s identity, grounding it in a sense of care, generosity and familiarity that extends beyond the physical space.
“I was very lucky that my parents really supported my dreams and my passion, same with my grandparents. They never once were like, ‘Why are you traveling so much?’ or ‘Why are you dreaming so big?’ Honestly, to them, it was always like the sky’s the limit,” Darsinos said.
Drinks
Babu Latte: $7
Rating: 9/10
This latte perfectly encapsulated Babu’s signature spice-infused syrups, with the warmth of cardamom balanced by a subtle sweetness. Though simpler than some of the cafe’s more inventive offerings, the quality of the coffee stood out, rich and well complemented by the lightness of the latte itself. I only wish I had also tried one of their more experimental drinks, like the Lovers Quarrel latte that Darsinos recommended.
Iced Indian Chai: $6
Rating: 7/10
As a chai connoisseur, it is only mandatory that I try the chai at every new café I visit. Café Babu’s surely did not disappoint, with lemongrass notes that shone through and gave the drink an earthy flavor I really appreciated. It was very refreshing, and I also thought the price was quite reasonable for a 12-oz. drink.
Food
Prosciutto and fig sandwich: $13
Rating: 7/10
As a huge fan of sweet and savory flavor combinations, I was immediately drawn to this sandwich. Quite honestly, I wasn’t surprised by the flavor at first and didn’t think it was anything particularly special. But a few bites in, I got “the bite” — you know, the one where you get the perfect ratio of all the ingredients and everything pairs together perfectly. That bite had a generous amount of fig preserves, which makes me think the sandwich could be elevated with a slightly heavier hand on the preserves overall.
Baklava: $5.75
Rating: 8/10
This take on a Greek classic was absolutely delicious. It was perfectly flaky and crisp, with a rich, nutty flavor from the walnuts and warm spices, all complemented by pistachio crumbles on top. It leaned on the sweeter side, but still felt balanced and indulgent without being overwhelming.
Overall, Cafe Babu succeeds in offering more than just aesthetically pleasing drinks and dishes as it delivers a space that encourages people to slow down, gather and feel at home. The cafe’s intentional atmosphere, cultural storytelling and genuine sense of hospitality make it a memorable addition to Nashville’s coffee scene.
