The 40 Best Coffee Shops in the World

If you are looking for coffee, then this list of coffee shops is exactly what you need. We have compiled a list of top coffee stores from all over the world including some in San Francisco, Berlin, Amsterdam and more! Whether coffee is your vice or not, if you love coffee shops then this article will be perfect for you.

We’re sure you would agree with us that nothing beats waking up to a fresh cup of brewed java. The smell alone is enough to lift your spirits, but many people like to take it an extra step by enjoying their morning (or afternoon) drink at their favorite cafes.

There’s a lot of competition when it comes to these cafes, so they have to offer something unique in order to attract customers. The top coffee shops in the world also serve food, and may offer live music or art shows.

The Top Independent Coffee Shops Around the World

What are the best coffee shops in the world? What makes them so special and how did they get to be at the top of their game? While using expensive coffee beans can make a difference, it’s all about the preparation skills.

Tag along with us as we introduce you to a few of the best coffee shops in different countries around the world. In this article, we’ve focused mainly on great coffee shops that roast their own beans or that have revolutionized coffee preparation in some way. Many of these exceptional coffee shops are part of the third wave of coffee movement.

Therefore, we haven’t included famous cafes such as Les Deux Magots in Paris or beautiful coffee houses like the New York Café in Budapest. Perhaps these historic cafes will be the subject of a future feature!

What is Third Wave Coffee?

The third wave coffee movement is a term used to describe the current trend in specialty coffee. This recent development focuses on providing high-quality beans from micro roasters specializing in single origins or those that roast their own harvests.

The third wave of coffee is also characterized by the rising popularity and availability of pour over bars, cold brews, coffee subscriptions and siphon brewing.

1. Tomoca Coffee, Ethiopia

Founded in 1953 in Addis Ababa, Tomoca Coffee Africa were the first Ethiopian coffee roasting company to supply ground and roasted coffee to local and international markets. The name TO.MO.CA comes from the Italian expression Torrefazione Moderna café, modern coffee roasting.  

Their coffee comes from the Ethiopian Highlands and is 100% roasted Arabica. At Tomoca cafes, the coffee culture is all about sharing a moment with friends.

2. Ritual Coffee Roasters, California, USA

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA., Ritual has been hailed for bringing third wave coffee to the Bay Area. They serve a variety of pour over and espresso based drinks as well as breakfast items.

This is one of the best coffee roasters in San Francisco. They have some great cafes in the city at Haight Street, Valencia Street and Octavia Street, as well as a coffee bar in Oxbow Public Market, Napa.

The Oat Milk Gibraltar and Nitro Cold Brew are a couple of popular drinks to get at their cafes. Ritual Coffee also sell their single-origin coffee beans on site.

3. Union Brew Lab, Edinburgh, Scotland

The best thing about this shop is that the single-origin coffee is really fresh and flavourful. Part of the Union Hand-Roasted Coffee group, they run several barista training courses such as a Latte Art Masterclass.

Union Brew Lab offer food options such as sandwiches, snacks and cakes. All of these are also freshly made, so you can be sure that they will taste great too.

4. Bugan Coffee Lab, Bergamo, Italy

Italy is the home of filter coffee and one of the best Italian micro roasters is Bugan Coffee Lab. Established by Maurizio Valli in 2014, it specializes in single origin beans.

Maurizio learnt a lot about coffee during a trip to Panama and later became an SCA certified trainer. Bugan Coffee Lab has its own SCA Coffee Skills Program as well as shorter brewing and tasting workshops.

There are four branches in Bergamo including the main Bugan Coffee Lab Roastery on Via Giacomo Quarenghi. Bugan Coffee Lab won gold at the Italian Barista Championship 2020.

5. Passenger Coffee & Tea Showroom, Lancaster PA, USA

It seems like coffee shops are popping up everywhere in Lancaster, PA. However, Passenger has some of the best tasting coffee.

At Passenger’s Coffee & Tea Showroom in downtown Lancaster, you can try more than 30 coffees served as Espresso or via Aeropress. They also offer freshly roasted coffee delivered direct to your door.

6. La Colombe Coffee Roasters, USA

La Colombe is best known for its cold brew coffees. The best-selling is the Draft Latte, which seems to be a favorite among baristas and customers alike.

They currently have 31 coffee shops in the USA including Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., San Diego and Beverly Hills. La Colombe’s Workshop Program produces single-origin coffees and small-batch blends from countries such as Papua New Guinea and Colombia.

7. Truth Coffee Roasting, Cape Town, South Africa

Specializing in organic, fair-trade products from small artisan farmers, Truth Coffee sources their beans through importers who work directly with the farmers. Truth Coffee are best known for their rich, fresh roasted coffee.

Their beans are roasted in small batches to ensure that they taste as good as possible. The Steampunk Truth Cafe has a stylish retro vibe and a vintage roaster.

8. Origin Coffee, U.K.

London is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to finding great places for coffee. Some of the best coffee shops here are by Origin Coffee, an independent espresso bar with three locations in London: Southwark, Shoreditch and at The British Library. Enjoy their specialty coffee drinks in these relaxed yet stylish locations.

Their roastery and barista training facility is situated in Porthleven, Cornwall which also has a sit-in cafe. Origin also their coffee online, together with brewing equipment and barista kit.

9. Industry Beans, Australia

With coffee shops in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Industry Beans is ideal for those who love a relaxed and cosy atmosphere with top quality service. The coffee menu changes fortnightly in each cafe, and the seasonal brunch menu is regularly updated too.

Industry Beans was established by brothers Steven and Trevor Simmons in 2010. Among their more unusual offerings, the Coffee Bubble cup combines cold brew coffee with tapioca pearls soaked in coffee.

10. Coffeehouse TasteHabitat, Cyprus

Cyprus has a thriving coffee scene, and the beverage plays an important role in Cypriot culture and social life. 

With 12 locations in Cyprus and 3 in Greece, Coffeehouse are known for their day to night coffee shops. Serving up freshly ground coffee beans by day and coffee cocktails by night, they also offer smoothies, acai bowls and other healthy snacks.

We really liked the vibe when we visited their Nicosia Central location. The ambiance is friendly and there are some interesting information panels about coffee dotted around.

11. The Coffee Academics, Asia

Established in 2012 in Hong Kong by Jennifer W. F. Liu, The Coffee Academics has since expanded to South Korea, mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

This coffee brand has a strong focus on sustainability and their beans are certified by Rainforest Alliance. Their coffee shops offer a range of signature lattes, ice steamed espresso and baked goods.

12. Verve Coffee Roasters, California, USA

Founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz by Colby Barr and Ryan O’Donovan, Verve Coffee aims to be a force for positive social and environmental change. Verve’s Farmlevel Initiative pays premiums to coffee farmers thanks to direct trade relationships.

Verve Coffee has eleven locations in California and four in Japan. Each of their coffee houses boasts a welcoming environment with stylish interior design.

13. Pilot Coffee Roasters, Toronto, Canada

Pilot Coffee Roasters was established in 2009 and now has several locations in Toronto. You can purchase their coffee directly on their online store, at one of their cafés or in a number of grocery stores.

One of the best coffee houses in the world, Pilot is committed to producing craft coffee that is ethical, balanced, complex and flavorful. Pilot Cold Brew ‘Black’ is one of their signature drinks, which contains no added sugar or preservatives.

14. Pigeonhole Coffee, Bintaro, Indonesia

Located in Bintaro in the Indonesian province of Jakarta, Pigeonhole Coffee is a cosy place for every coffee lover. Producing their own house blend coffee, Pigeonhole also offer other drinks like tea and smoothies as well as baked goods.

Their award-winning barista makes a signature double ristretto, named Magic.

15. Broadcast Coffee, Seattle WA, USA

This micro roasting company sources the best coffee from all over the world and then roasts it to perfection.

With three locations in Seattle and one in Boise, Broadcast Coffee Roasters is about creating a bridge between the global farming community and the end consumer. You can also buy Broadcast’s roasted coffees by the bag, online or in store.

16. Coffee Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil

One of the best places for coffee in Sao Paulo, this casual cafe is located on Rua Fradique Coutinho in Vila Madalena. Specializing in micro batches, Coffee Lab roast their own beans on the premises. Enjoy amazing Brazilian coffee and tasty sweet treats in stylish surroundings.

As well as their award-winning coffee laboratory, there’s a barista school which has received more than 4,000 students over the years. Vila Madalena is Sao Paulo’s most bohemian neighborhood and Coffee Lab is close to artsy bars, restaurants, galleries, and vintage shops.

17. Smellycat Coffee House & Roastery, Charlotte, NC, USA

Despite the comic name, Smellycat Coffee House & Roastery take coffee very seriously! The oldest coffee house in Charlotte, they’re located in the NoDa arts district.

The Smellycat coffee menu includes cold brews, pour overs, frappés and espressos such as cortaditos and Cubans. Smellycat also serves bagels, burritos and house made pastries.

18. Fuglen, Oslo, Norway

This Oslo-based coffee roastery takes its inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian design and culture. Their coffee houses serve up classic espresso drinks as well as pour overs and cold brews.

Transforming into cocktail lounges in the evening, all their furniture is for sale. As well as two Oslo coffee shops, the brand have expanded to Japan, with three different stores in Tokyo.

19. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, USA

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is a coffee shop chain that has made waves with its 100% Kona Brewed coffee. Known for their strong and bold blends, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is the perfect choice for those looking for a truly authentic Hawaiian coffee experience.

One of their most popular drinks is the Beach Bliss Latte, a creamy and delicious concoction that combines their signature Kona coffee with a white chocolate and macadamia nut flavor. So if you’re looking for a caffeine fix that’s both authentic and delicious, be sure to stop by Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii.

20. Crew Collective & Cafe, Montreal, Canada

Crew Collective & Cafe is an independent coffee shop specialising in local micro-roasters situated in the old Royal Bank of Canada building. With vaulted ceilings, a marble floor and brass lights, this coworking space and cafe is a place where people from all walks of life can come together to work, collaborate, and share.

The coffee isn’t too shabby either, with a custom filter coffee blend and several espresso specialties. You’ll also find premium teas and filling homemade soups.

21. Patio Coffee Roasters, Adelaide, Australia

This coffee roastery and cafe is located in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. Patio’s team of highly trained baristas serve up their high quality coffee daily for their customers to enjoy at the in-house cafe.

Alternatively, you can purchase their ethically sourced single-origin beans to take home or sign up for barista training of all levels.

22. MAME, Zurich, Switzerland

Founded by two coffee lovers, Emi Fukahori and Mathieu Theis in 2016, MAME takes its name from the Japanese word for beans. This Zurich roastery has won many awards including World Brewers Cup Champion 2018. Emi won gold at the Swiss Barista Championship in 2020.

MAME have made innovative use of a flavor wheel in their cafe on Josefstrasse. Customers are encouraged to select their preferred flavors and their beverage is made accordingly.

23. Devocion, New York City, USA

The only company in the world to roast farm-fresh coffee just 10 days after leaving origin, Devocion pride themselves on the freshness of their brews. Devocion Coffee buy and process their beans at origin, then process them at their own plant in Bogotá, Colombia before sending them to their Brooklyn roastery.

Steven Sutton, originally from Colombia, founded Devoción in 2006. Since then, the coffee company have opened three NYC cafes, in Williamsburg, downtown Brooklyn and Flatiron, Manhattan.

24. Coffee Collective, Denmark

Established in 2007, this Danish company is considered one of the pioneers of the third wave coffee movement. Today, they have four local coffee shops and a roastery in Godthåbsvej.

Coffee Collective roast their own beans on site and focus on seed to cup sustainability. They offer several courses including coffee tasting, barista training and coffee cocktail making.

25. Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans, USA

One of the most popular coffee shops in New Orleans, Cafe Du Monde opened in 1986 in the Riverwalk Marketplace. There are now ten Cafe Du Monde coffee stands in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. 

Cafe Du Monde are known for their delicious beignets and cafe au lait that consists of espresso mixed with chicory coffee, hot milk and steamed/frothed milk on top. Chicory softens the bitterness of roast coffee and gives it a warm, woody aroma.

26. Panther Coffee, Miami, FL, USA

This Miami-based coffee roaster is quickly becoming one of the most popular third wave roasters in the United States. Their cafes are located all over the city, from Coconut Grove to Little Haiti, Miami Beach and Wynwood.

Panther offers light-roasted coffees that allow customers to really taste the individual characteristics of each coffee as well as dark roasts which highlight the roasting process and accentuate Panther’s commitment to quality.

Try their espresso flight in store, or their rotating menu of single origin coffees with a breakfast sandwich or chocolate chip cookie.

27. Street Coffee Roasters, Oradea, Romania

Located in Oradea, Romania, Street Coffee Roasters roast their own beans and offer an ever-changing menu of specialty drinks. They have a good selection of single origin coffee as well as ice tea. There’s always a warm welcome.

28. Qahwah House, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Qahwah House is a Brooklyn-based specialty cafe that specializes in organic coffee from Yemen. It’s become known for its high standards in quality and sourcing, only using the finest ingredients for their products.

Originating from an original Yemeni recipe, their latte with cardamom is not to be missed. If you’re looking for unique flavor profiles and sustainably sourced ingredients, Qahwah House is the place for you!

Enjoy this unique coffee in a very quaint space, with a Yemeni sabaya pastry and raw sidr honey, rich in nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

29. Ozone Coffee Roasters, New Zealand

From their origins in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Ozone Coffee Roasters have branched out to an Auckland eatery and two UK branches. We’re regular visitors to their Shoreditch coffee shop, which has an onsite bakery and makes amazing fresh food.

Established over 20 years ago, Ozone roast their own coffee on site and supply many other coffee shops and restaurants.

30. Haraz Coffee House, Dearborn, MI, USA

Haraz Coffee House have brought the flavors of Yemeni coffee to the United States. As well as their original Dearborn location, they have expanded to Detroit, Dallas, Louisville, Chicago, Houston, Warren, Wayne Street University and the University of Michigan.

They offer a diverse menu of coffee drinks, all made with high-quality beans. If you’re a fan of simplicity, you can enjoy a classic espresso or cappuccino.

For those looking for something a little different, their Harazi Mofawar signature drink is a must-try. Blended with cream, this beverage provides a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors.

The cozy ambiance of the coffee house is perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a comfortable spot to unwind, Haraz Coffee House is definitely worth a visit.

31. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, USA

Originating in Portland, Stumptown has been leading the third wave coffee movement since 1999. These days, Stumptown has 10 Portland cafes as well as locations in Seattle, New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Stumptown is a subsidiary of Peet’s Coffee & Tea since 2015.

They offer a variety of brew methods from pour overs to cold press as well as pastries and breakfast items. Proponents of direct trade sourcing, the Stumptown coffee team regularly visit these farms to choose specific lots for roasting.

32. Coava Coffee Roasters, Portland, OR., USA

 With four locations in Portland, Coava Coffee Roasters are a great option for fans of freshly roasted single origin specialty coffee in the city. Head to the Public Brew Bar & Roastery to see the crew in action.

The name coava means green or unroasted and the company is all about responsibly sourcing the best green coffee. Coava Coffee Co. typically brews coffee by pouring hot water into a Coava Cone Filter and letting the coffee steep. This method allows for an even extraction.

33. Coffee & Coconuts, Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of our favorite coffee shops in Amsterdam, this all-day cafe has an on site roastery. Their head roasters source their beans from the Bali Beans Coffee Plantation, to create their signature house blend, single-origin espressos and pour-over coffees.

As well as coffee, they have some delicious food and an airy ambiance – the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing!

34. Bonanza Coffee Roasters, Berlin, Germany

Established in 2006, Bonanza Coffee Roasters pride themselves on being “unnecessarily good”. What began as a one café is now located in several stores throughout Berlin.

Bonanza also supply several Michelin starred restaurants and Soho House Berlin. They also sell their coffee and equipment online, including precision measuring scales and reusable glass jars.

35. Colectivo Coffee, Milwaukee WI, USA

There’s a Colectivo Coffee on many street corners in the Milwaukee area. In fact there are now 15 Colectivo coffee shops in Wisconsin and 5 in Illinois. Colectivo Coffee was founded in 1993 by Lincoln Fowler, Ward Fowler and Paul Miller who wanted to bring delicious coffee from around the world to the States.

Colectivo has developed a reputation for roasting every batch by hand. Their Troubadour Bakery makes all its goodies from scratch, including Bavarian pretzels, tea breads and almond croissants.

36. Maru Coffee, Los Angeles, CA, USA

This coffee roastery and neighborhood coffee shop in the Arts District of LA is known for its minimalist vibe. Maru means mountaintop in Korean, and the team pride themselves on their simple yet exacting approach to making coffee.

Their signature drinks are the Espresso Tonic and the Cream Top, with homemade organic cream.

37. Old Tavern Coffee Estate, Jamaica

Tucked away in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this picturesque spot is well worth the drive. Old Tavern Coffee Estate are Jamaica’s first single estate coffee.

Their coffee is roasted in small batches on this Blue Mountains farm. You can order beans direct for a farm to cup experience or visit in person.

38. Eightthirty Coffee Roasters, Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2009, Eightthirty Coffee Roasters are New Zealand’s first sustainable coffee roaster. They were one of the first coffee companies to move to reusable tins and to use compostable cups and packaging. Eighthirty’s coffee roaster also uses 80% less gas than comparably sized roasters.

Eightthirty offer a range of training and barista courses at their coffee school for those wishing to enter the world of speciality coffee roasting and learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

39. Copper Moon Cafe, Lafayette, IN, USA

This family coffee roastery takes pride in its smooth, high-grade coffee. The Copper Moon menu features brewed, pour over and Chemex coffee as well as flavored lattes and frappés.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, Copper Moon also donate to several charitable organizations such as We Give A Cup. You can buy their coffee direct from their website or visit their main coffee shop at 4729 Meijer Court in Lafayette, Indiana. There’s a very clean atmosphere and friendly service.

40. Quamaria Yemeni Coffee, Dearborn, MI, USA

Yemen is known for producing some of the best quality coffee beans in the world, and Qamaria Yemeni Coffee shops are the perfect place to get your fix. While their hot coffee is delicious, their iced aden might just be the star of the show. Made with iced coffee, milk, and cardamom, this refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day. The iced pistachio latte is another must-try!

The Qamaria Yemeni Coffee shops also offer a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making it the perfect spot to catch up with friends or finish up some work. So, if you’re looking to try something new or just want to enjoy some quality coffee, head over to your nearest Qamaria Yemeni Coffee shop.

41. Casa Café Cultor, Bogota, Colombia

Colombia is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of arabica coffee beans. As the domestic coffee culture has grown in Colombia, there has been a rise of third-wave coffee shops and roasters in Bogotá.

Casa Café Cultor serves some of the finest Colombian coffee in Bogota. They also sell a wide range of roasted specialty coffee online.

The company work closely with thousands of small coffee growers.

Final Thoughts on the Best Coffee Shops in the World

So what is the best coffee shop in the world? We don’t think that there’s one place that is better than all the others, however a friendly atmosphere, great tasting coffee and food are all essentials.

If you’re looking for good coffee, we hope that this article will help to guide you on your journey towards finding that perfect cup of java. Whether you prefer a caramel macchiato or a classic espresso, there’s something here for everyone.

From multi-roaster bars to single origin roasters and everything in between, these are some of the most notable places that serve up delicious cups of joe, with an eye towards sustainability and innovation.

Have any favorites that aren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below as we’re always interested in finding a good coffee shop. We won’t be able to fit them all in this article but we’ll bear them in mind for future features.

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