40 Cafes For The Best Coffee in Europe

 

The coffee culture in Europe is embedded in everyday life. Italians sip their morning espresso. The Swedes press pause in their workday for fika, while no country drinks more coffee per capita than the Finns. As an Australian, chasing that perfect flat white on the other side of the world may be as elusive as finding a four-leaf clover. But, that perfect flat white does exist – you only need to know where to look.

Which country has the best coffee culture? Oof, please don’t make us choose! We’ve compiled a list of 40 cafes where you’ll find the best coffee in Europe. We have personally visited each of these cafes and can attest to exceptional coffee, scrumptious bites, cutting-edge interior design and warm hospitality.

In the last few years, Europe has seen a surge of independent cafes and micro-roasters appearing across the continent. Many of the cafes included on this list are widely regarded as some of the best coffee roasters in Europe. Most organisations source their coffee beans directly from farmers and work on building direct relationships with the coffee growers. Many coffee roasters implement a code of ethics, ensuring that transparency and traceability is evident from crop to cup.

Sustainability remains a key focus. Several cafes have put in initiatives to minimise waste, particularly focusing on single-use plastic. Innovation in the industry also continues to surprise us with enterprises and baristas continually working to develop brewing methods to extract premium quality and flavour from coffee beans.

 Hereon, the words Starbucks, Costa Coffee and McCafe will be known as “what I used to drink”.

Two male baristas examine coffee beans in Crooked Nose & Coffee Stories cafe in Vilnius, Lithuania

DISCOVER THE BEST COFFEE IN EUROPE

Coffee is kind of a big deal in Finland. So much so that the country has the highest consumption rate of coffee per capita in the world. Go figure! And one of the leaders spearheading the third wave coffee movement in Finland is Kaffa Roastery. Born and bred in Helsinki, Kaffa Roastery roast all their coffee beans on site next to the Helsinki School of Coffee, which offer coffee courses to beginner baristas right up to industry professionals.

Kaffa Roastery is passionate about developing coffee culture in Finland. They choose to buy raw coffee beans directly from the farmers if possible in order to guarantee good ethics and high quality. You’ll find a variation of roasts on rotation in the coffee shop with various beans emitting flavours that are fruity and floral or smooth & chocolatey. Take a seat at one of the slick table tops with an expertly-brewed espresso blend and an almond croissant.

Address | Pursimiehenkatu 29, 00150 Helsinki, Finland
Opening Hours | Monday – Wednesday 7.45am – 6.00pm. Thursday – Friday 7.45am – 9.00pm. Saturday 10.00am – 9.00pm
Website | https://www.kaffaroastery.fi/

We ventured through Helsinki as part of our 50-day campervan trip around Europe. If you’re planning a European road trip, then read about what you should know before you hit the road.

Coffee and pastry at Kaffa Roastery, Helsinki

You might baulk at the idea of finding a cafe serving specialty coffee in Paris. We wouldn’t blame you because it’s not easy to find one! Fortunately we’ve done the hard work and discovered a gem in the 9ème arrondissement. Upon his return from Australia, Frenchman, Nicolas Piégay, applied his newly acquired coffee skills and opened KB Cafeshop (formerly “Kooka Boora” Cafe) in Pigalle in 2010.

It’s perhaps one place where you needn’t order un café and milk with your coffee is not considered strange or unheard of. Order a carefully brewed espresso-blend or single origin Aeropress alongside a homemade scone and bask in the Parisian sun on the cafe terrace. One of the wooden stools at the window inside the cafe is a perfect vantage point in the winter months.

Address | 53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris, France
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.45am – 6.30pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 6.30pm
Website | http://www.kbcafeshop.com/

We’ve put together a list of the best patisseries in Paris. The almond croissants at Pain Pain cannot be missed!

Starting our day with some espressos at KB CaféShop, Paris, France

Quality, transparency and innovation. These are the core principles that Bocca Coffee has always followed and for which the business has garnered respect and admiration from industry peers. As the first specialty coffee roaster in the Netherlands and arguably one of the best European coffee roasters, the cafe in Centruum is a must for coffee connoisseurs.

Ordering your coffee is simple, with the menu reduced to short blacks, long blacks, short whites and long whites. Nothing else. Served in customary teal blue cups and saucers, you are also provided with an information card detailing your coffee bean’s origin and tasting notes.

Address | Kerkstraat 96HS, 1017 GP Amsterdam
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 6.00pm
Website | https://www.bocca.nl/

Two perfectly made white coffees with heart latte art from Bocca Coffee in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Lot61 (formerly Lot Sixty One) claims to be a “coffee lover’s paradise” and we certainly agree with that description. The best quality green beans are roasted daily on their Probat roaster, which occupies the lower level of their Kinkerstraat cafe. Place your order and nab a seat on one of the outdoor bench seats. An added bonus: all coffees are served as double shots making it a perfect pit stop for those wanting to kick start their day.

Address | Kinkerstraat 112, 1053 ED Amsterdam
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 6.00pm
Website | https://lotsixtyone.com/

Feeling peckish? Here’s our pick of the top cafes for brunch in Amsterdam.

A latte and slice of cake at Lot 61 Coffee Roasters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

White Label stands for openness and this cafe loves to share everything they know about coffee. The specialty coffee roasters focus on quality and producing a good cup of coffee in a sustainable way. The multi-tiered cafe in Amsterdam West features the barista station in the centre of the cafe, amongst a back wall of lush green vines and moss covered table centrepieces. Take a cushion seat at one of the low coffee tables or squish into one of the couches down the back as you wait for your double naked espresso shot.

Address | Jan Evertsenstraat 136, 1056 EK Amsterdam
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 6.00pm
Website | https://whitelabelcoffee.nl/

Still craving caffeine? Check out our complete list of cafes for coffee in Amsterdam

The back room lounge area in White Label Coffee in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Barn’s reputation as one of the top European coffee brands and in the world is far reaching. So far is its reach that The Barn could arguably be called one of the best coffee roasters in Europe. Walk into many cafes listed in this blog post and it’s highly likely you’ll find coffee beans roasted by The Barn on their menu, a clear sign that this German brand is one of the best coffee roasters in Europe. The company is committed to working with sustainable coffee growers and admit to paying a premium for quality beans to ensure that the highest quality is translated to our coffee cups.

The respected coffee roasters now have six cafes operating in Berlin, the first flagship cafe located in Mitte. Each establishment presents a different cafe concept to reflect the neighbourhood’s character, yet they all serve the same exceptional espresso-blend and hand-brewed coffees. For a quintessential specialty coffee experience, a visit to The Barn is non-negotiable.

Address & Opening Hours | Multiple Locations 
Website | https://thebarn.de/

Get some German practice in (“einem starken Cafe Latte bitte”) as you go cafe-hopping with our Berlin coffee guide.

Filter coffee in black cup and saucer at The Barn, Berlin Germany

The best time to visit Bonanza Coffee Roasters is on a Sunday in combination with a trip to Mauerpark flea markets (although expect a larger crowd than usual as many patrons will have the same plan). Bonanza is another pioneer of quality coffee, tracing the process from seed to cup whilst forming an affiliation directly with coffee farmers. The cafe on Adalbertstraße is no secret amongst tourists and locals alike, so be prepared for a short wait as the expert baristas diligently work through the orders.  

Address | Adalbertstraße 70, 10999 Berlin
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Website | http://www.bonanzacoffee.de/

A large flat white at Bonanza Coffee in Berlin, Germany

Five Elephant is a specialty coffee roastery, bakery and cake shop in Berlin, Germany. The company’s mission is to bring the best coffee to its customers through building sustainable relationships with farmers and remaining mindful of their environmental and social impact. Transparency is at the core of Five Elephant’s values and the team strives to involve their customers in the journey from the farm to the cup. We’d recommend heading to the Kreuzberg location.

Along with a cup of superb coffee, we strongly suggest that you taste a slice of “the best cheesecake ever”. The urban legend is no myth and is an absolute must-try on any visit to Berlin.

Address | Reichenberger Str. 101, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:30am – 7:00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Website | https://www.fiveelephant.com/

Visiting the German capital? See a different side of the city with our alternative Berlin city guide.

A latte and slice of cheesecake at Five Elephant, Berlin Germany - best coffee in Europe

First class service and moustaches is what you should expect when popping into Concierge Coffee. The tiny cafe takes its name from the concierge’s hut which previously occupied the space. Owned by former Bonanza Coffee Roasters employees, Benjamin and Namy, the two close friends now tend to the caffeine-starved office workers in the surrounding gewerbekomplex. Given the limited space, order your espresso blend and nab a seat on one of the benches outside or take your coffee to go as you wander along the Landwehrkanal.

Address | Paul-Lincke-Ufer 39-40, 10999 Berlin
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Website | https://www.conciergecoffee.de/

Two baristas preparing espresso coffees inside Concierge Coffee - some of the best coffee in Europe

With several national and international barista champions on The Coffee Collective team, you can rest assured that you’ll be guaranteed a sensational cup of Copenhagen coffee at one of their cafes. What unites this multi-talented team is their mutual ethical values and unquenchable thirst for exceptional flavour.

The Coffee Collective has four coffee shops in Copenhagen, each featuring the clean, sleek decor that one expects in Scandinavia. The Jægersborggade location will make you feel like you’re in a cosy Nørrebro apartment with beautiful portraits of some of the coffee farmers the enterprise has worked with. If you also want a bite to eat, the Godthåbsvej coffee shop is a good choice. When you see The Coffee Collective logo, you can sip your cup of coffee knowing that you are also helping to maintain sustainable coffee farming practices.

Address & Opening Hours | Multiple Locations
Website | https://coffeecollective.dk/

You’re in one of the coolest cities in Europe so get equipped with our Copenhagen City Guide

Filter coffee at The Coffee Collective, Denmark

CUB, short for Copenhagen Underground Brewers, is run by a team of passionate coffee individuals across two branches in the Danish capital. CUB source their green beans from Nordic Approach and roasts beans in close collaboration with Copenhagen Coffee Lab.

The Boldhusgade coffee bar is located in a refurbished basement of one of Copenhagen’s 18th century buildings, across the river from Christiansborg Palace. It’s the perfect nook to grab a warm cup of coffee during the wintery days. The second coffee bar is a bit further out of the city centre, just a couple of minutes walk from the beach, Amagar Strand. If it’s a beautiful sunny day, grab one of the cedar green seats outside and settle down for a breakfast pastry.

Address | Strandlodsvej 48, 2300 København S & Boldhusgade 6, 1062 København, Denmark
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.0pm. Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm. Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Website | https://www.cubcoffeebar.com

Side Note! Copenhagen lives up to the hype of being home to hip Nordic cafes. During your meanderings, keep an eye out for Bean Bros coffee beans. A Scandi brand based in Copenhagen, this coffee roaster features as a guest roaster a few times a year. If you’re a filter coffee lover, look for the bright blue packaging.

Latte at CUB Coffeebar, Denmark

It’s no secret for most travellers that Norway is quite expensive. But if you’re going to spend your money on a drink, make it a cup of coffee from Tim Wendelboe. Award-winning roaster and Barista Champion, Tim Wendelboe, operates an espresso bar, roastery and training centre in Oslo, Norway. His goals is to be among the best coffee roasters and espresso bars in the world and we can tell you now that Tim Wendleboe is highly regarded as a premium European coffee brand.

The espresso bar offers black coffee, espresso blends and cold coffee drinks, with beans that change with the season. If you’re after a true coffee experience, take advantage of the coffee tasting platter. Customers have the option to choose 2 – 8 coffees which are served in small white cups on a wooden board. Quite a unique offering for the coffee nerds and likely to leave you buzzing for the rest of the day!

Address | Grüners gate 1, Grünerløkka, Norway
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm. Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm. Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Website | https://www.timwendelboe.no/

Planning to see more of the country? Check out these 20 photos of Norway that are guaranteed to spark your wanderlust

Best cafe in Oslo, Tim Wendelboe, Oslo, Norway

Budapest’s Kontakt operates by a few simple philosophies. Firstly, no sugar; as a perfectly blended coffee should not need it and will be enjoyable on its own. Secondly, no Americanos because hot water dilutes an espresso. And thirdly, no milk to be served with a filter coffee; if you want milk, order an espresso blend. The cafe’s appreciation for coffee is second to none and this passion flows into each cup that they prepare. We highly recommend asking the barista for their recommendation on a filtered coffee and let your taste buds be pleasantly surprised.

Address | Budapest, Károly krt. 22, 1052
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 7.00pm. Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Website | http://kontaktcoffee.com/

Discover several other highly recommended cafes in our detailed Budapest coffee guide

Flaylay view of filtered coffee at Kontakt, Budapest Hungary

We’d be remiss as Australians (or as a Melburnian) to not include a cafe paying homage to my home city. For the best coffee in Budapest, head into their brew lab which specialises in filtered coffee. Coffee fanatics can have some fun choosing from 9 – 10 different filtering methods for an unforgettable tasting experience. My Little Melbourne features beans from Workshop Coffee Co and Racer Beans Coffee Co and rotate a selection of European roasters too. A variety of sandwiches and pastries are on hand if you’re after a little snack in between your Budapest exploring.

Address | Budapest, Madách Imre út 3, 1075
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 8.30am – 6.00pm
Website | http://mylittlemelbourne.hu/

A pourover ready to be served at My Little Melbourne Coffee Cafe in Budapest, Hungary - best coffee in Europe

Scotland’s first specialty coffee shop and roastery has not slowed down since opening its doors on Broughton street in 2007. With three branches in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow, you’ll find Artisan’s flagship blend, Janszoon, and single origin coffee available, alongside a delicious range of soups and fresh bakes (hint: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options only at the Glasgow branch!). Combined with witty banter, comfy settings and a hipster ambiance, any coffee aficionado will feel right at home.

Address | 57 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ (multiple locations around Edinburgh and Glasgow)
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.30pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 6.30pm
Website | https://www.artisanroast.co.uk/

Check out the best cafes that the Scottish capital has to offer with our comprehensive Edinburgh coffee guide.

Entrance to Artisan Roast, Coffee in Edinburgh, Scotland

Once you’ve completed your morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat, head on down towards Brew Lab Coffee on South College Street. Housed in a former university office, Brew Lab has become the home of specialty coffee in Edinburgh. Offering single-origin filters, espresso blends and cold brew coffees, the much-loved cafe also works with local suppliers to dish up a simple brunch menu and tasty lunch offerings. Brew Lab is your full service option after a day of exploring the Old Town.

Address | 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA
Opening Hours | Monday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Tuesday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 8.00pm
Website | http://www.brewlabcoffee.co.uk/

No doubt you’ll spend a wee bit of time in the city so take a peek at our Edinburgh city guide

Filter coffee and magazine on a bench table at Brew Lab, Edinburgh

Okay, so technically this cafe is located in Asia but you’ll forgive us once you visit Montag Coffee Roasters. Hop on a ferry from the European side of Istanbul and you will arrive in Kadıköy. From the ferry terminal, navigate your way through a bustling marketplace towards the Armenian church. Ascend the stairs marked “good coffee is worth the stairs” and you’ll know that you’re heading in the right direction.

Montag Coffee Roasters offered five different roasts when we visited, which you can have served to you via an espresso-blend, chemex drip or aeropress. The open-plan studio-like space features a beautiful mural on the exposed brick back wall and leads out to a balcony where you can sit and watch the busy shoppers below.

Address | Caferağa Mahallesi, Muvakkithane Caddesi No:16 Kat:1, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
Opening Hours | Monday – Thursday 10.00am – 10.00pm. Friday – Saturday 10.00am – 11.00am. Sunday 11.00am – 9.00pm
Website | https://montagcoffee.com/

We’ve discovered some of the best cafes in the former Constantinople so take a look at our Istanbul coffee guide

Pouring a cup of coffee in Montag Coffee Roasters in Istanbul, Turkey

Back over on the European side of Istanbul you’ll find Norm Coffee grinding up single origin beans roasted by The Coffee Collective (see above). Tourists would probably not seek out this cafe as Norm Coffee is located within a residential neighbourhood. Offering a summer and winter coffee menu, the baristas are guided by their senses in bringing you the freshest cup of coffee. Say hello to the group of bobbleheads that sit atop the coffee machine whilst you wait for your brew.

Address | Cihangir Mahallesi, Güneşli Sk. 39/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 8.00pm
Website | http://www.normcoffee.com/

After your coffee at Norm, head down the road to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. It’s part of our Istanbul City Guide

A barista grabbing a coffee cup from atop the coffee machine in NORM Coffee, Istanbul, Turkey

In Portugal, a traditional coffee “uma bica” is a standard black espresso served with a generous helping of sugar. It’s not the type of coffee that non-Portuguese coffee snobs would be particularly fond of. Although a bit slower than some of their fellow European contemporaries, Portugal is now slowly catching up with the third wave coffee movement.

Fabrica Coffee Roasters has been helping to drive this transition, operating two cafes in the capital city, Lisbon. We have faith that Fabrica will become one of the leading European coffee roasters on the continent. Take a break from the chic shops along Avenida da Liberdade and settle in for a cup of delicious coffee with a gourmet sandwich. The V60 for two is a great choice if travelling with a companion.

Address | Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 136, 1150-265 Lisboa & Rua das Flores 63, 1200-193 Lisboa
Opening Hours | Rua das Portas de Santo Antão: Daily 8.00am – 8.00pm. Rua das Flores: Daily 9.00am – 6.00pm
Website | http://www.fabricacoffeeroasters.com/

Check out the pioneers of third-wave coffee in our Lisbon coffee guide

A man pours coffee while a woman reads the menu. Sitting on a red couch in Fabrica Coffee Roasters in Lisbon, Portugal

It’s wonderful to see specialty coffee roasters from Scandinavia spreading their wings and lending their knowledge around the continent. Copenhagen Coffee Lab has opened four branches in Lisbon and five in Germany. When you walk into a Copenhagen Coffee Lab branch, the clean, minimalist decor will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Copenhagen. Friendly baristas serve up freshly brewed coffee next to scrumptious homemade pastries and breads.

Address | Rua Nova da Piedade 10, 1200-298 Lisboa
Opening Hours | Daily 8.00am – 7.00pm
Website | http://copenhagencoffeelab.com/

One of our favourite European cities! Read all about it in our Lisbon city guide

Customers sit at the coffee bar in Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Lisbon, Portugal

Climpson & Sons has grown from a coffee cart at Broadway’s Saturday markets to a bricks and mortar business with two cafes and the original coffee cart. Illustrating their ability to deliver East Londoners with a quality cup of coffee, the team work diligently to enhance the city’s coffee scene. The cafe has a strong connection to its community, both locally and abroad, sourcing only quality ingredients to be prepared in their roastery and kitchen. Visit after midday and you should seriously consider choosing their “Nitro Coffee Martini”.

Address | 67 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7:30am – 5.00pm. Saturday 8:30am – 5:00pm. Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Website | https://climpsonandsons.com/

A visit to London is incomplete if you don’t visit one of the markets! These are our top picks in our London market guide

A takeaway coffee cup outside the Climpson & Sons flagship cafe in East London, England

Catering for social catch ups or anyone wanting to escape the daily grind (pun intended), TAP Coffee is happy to host you. Whether you need a break from shopping along Oxford Street or an escape from the desk, retreat into a TAP Coffee cafe.

We frequented their Wardour Street branch regularly during our time living in London. A relaxed setting with plenty of natural light and a community feel. Nab a wooden table in front of converted Lyle’s Golden Syrup tins which act as sugar bowls before you’re served with a decadent cup of coffee with vintage teaspoon. Oh, and don’t forget to order the chocolate and caramel brownie.

Address | Multiple Locations
Opening Hours |
Rathbone Place: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 7.00pm. Saturday 10.00am – 6.00pm

Tottenham Court Road: Monday – Friday 7.30am – 7.00pm. Saturday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Wardour Street: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 7.00pm. Saturday 10.00am – 6.00pm. Sunday 11.00am – 6.00pm
Website | http://www.tapcoffee.co.uk/

Oh, there’s plenty more of where that came from! Perhaps a contentious selection for the best coffee in our London coffee guide

Two flat whites and a chocolate and caramel brownie from TAP Coffee in London, United Kingdom

What is better than awesome coffee? Getting your first coffee order in whilst queuing for a breakfast table. Those clever folk at MILK know that it’s best not to leave caffeine-deprived customers waiting for a sweet cup of coffee and do their best to look after you as you wait on Bedford Hill.

Milk’s brunch menu is amongst one of our all-time favourites with the establishment using the freshest ingredients from farmers and suppliers across the United Kingdom. The menu changes seasonally but what doesn’t alter is the phenomenal quality of food, coffee and service.

Address | 20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG
Opening Hours | Monday-Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm. Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Website | http://www.milk.london/

Australians in London and global travellers need to make a beeline for this cafe. We’ve included it in our 9 must-try brunch cafes in London

Baristas behind the counter at Milk, Balham

A hub for social interaction in Prague, EMA Espresso Bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends with some good coffee. Their espresso coffee beans are rotated daily (sometimes twice daily), with the company choosing to feature coffee roasters from across Europe including some of our favourites listed here, such as The Barn, Concierge Coffee & Drop Coffee Roasters. The large communal table is perfect for travellers to shuffle their way into the Prague socialite scene.

Address | Na Florenci 3, Praha 1, Czech Republic
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Website |  http://www.emaespressobar.cz/

Other prominent specialty coffee cafes to visit are featured in our Prague coffee guide here.

A flat white and slice of pie on a table in the sunshine at EMA Espresso Bar, Prague, Czech Republic

La Boheme Cafe is led by Charles Fishes, a coffee pioneer dedicated to coffee quality, excellence, sustainability and environmental consciousness. Working directly with farmers in Africa and Central and South America, La Boheme works to deliver an unrivalled taste whilst ensuring the integrity of the coffee chain.

La Boheme is worth visiting for its design alone. The large open space is a lounge room cross library which invites solo laptop workers and groups of friends alike. If you’re after something a little different, choose one of their alcoholic coffee-infused drinks.

Address | Sázavská 2031/32, Praha 2, Czech Republic
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 8:00pm
Website | http://www.labohemecafe.eu/

Experience the best the Bohemian capital has to offer with our detailed Prague city guide. You’ll find enough tips to keep you going over 2-3 days!

An elegant iced latte in La Boheme Cafe in Prague, Czech Republic - best coffee in Europe

Quite possibly one of Europe’s smallest coffee bars, Kaffeemodul serves specialty coffee and nothing else. Quirky yet functional, this hole-in-the-wall cafe makes the most of their space provided. The cafe has room for only eight people inside and their filter coffee tools hang on the wall of the barista station to maximise space efficiency.

Kaffeemodul collaborates with Hamburg-based, direct-import roastery, Quijote Kaffee, and a number of guest roasters. If you’re served by Valentin or Boris, an Austrian Brewers Cup Champion and an Austrian Tasting Cup Champion respectively, then you and your coffee are in safe hands.

Address | Josefstädter Str. 35, 1080 Wien
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.30am – 5.30pm. Saturday 10.00am – 2.00pm
Website | http://kaffeemodul.at/en/

Find the modern-day Viennese coffeehouses serving specialty coffee with our Vienna coffee guide

Barista making coffee at Kaffeemodul, Vienna

Despite the cafe being larger in size than Kaffeemodul, finding a seat at Coffee Pirates will prove just as difficult. As the first third-wave coffee shop and specialty coffee roastery in Vienna, Coffee Pirates is a modern interpretation of the traditional Viennese coffeehouse. Mixing history and modernity so well has us shouting praises for Vienna as (in our tasteful opinion) one of the best coffee cities in Europe.

The lounge and table settings are perfect for groups, yet travellers may find themselves lodged at a window seat which is prime position for people watching. Should you choose an espresso-blend, you’ll be offered two choices of single origin coffee beans. Your selection will be delivered to you meticulously made and accompanied with a postcard containing details of your chosen beans.

Address | Spitalgasse 17, 1090 Wien
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm
Website | https://coffeepirates.at/
Coffee Pirates, Vienna Austria

Located across the road from the imposing Votivkirche and close to Universität Wien, you’ll join a melange of suited professionals and university students at Jonas Reindl. The team at Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters personally visit origin coffee farms to oversee the hard work and risk the farmers take to deliver yields with unique flavours. Beans from Nicaragua will emit dark chocolate, nougat and almond flavours, whilst those grown in Kenya will release a tangy acidity with lots of cherry, blackberry and citrus notes.

Address | Währingerstraße 2-4, 1090 Wien
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.30am – 9.00pm. Saturday 9.30am – 9.00pm. Sunday 10.30am – 6.00pm
Website | http://www.jonasreindl.at/

Fun fact! What’s in a name?

The cafe’s name would suggest the name of the coffeehouse owner. In fact, there is no Mr Reindl. Across the street from the first cafe stands the traffic construction Schottentor which was built by Mayor Franz Jonas in 1961. The Viennese word “Reindl” translates to an oval cooking pan. Since the tram station Schottentor U resembles a Reindl’s shape, the locals dubbed the cafe “Jonas Reindl” – and the name stuck.

A barista busy at work behind the coffee counter in Jonas Reindl, Vienna, Austria

STOR is a cafe for coffee, interior design and zero waste. Having been compared to contemporaries in London, Stockholm and Berlin, it’s easy for us to see why. Experienced baristas whip up espresso blends or filter coffees as you take a seat amongst the jungle of indoor plants. Whilst we resisted the cake cabinet with immense difficulty, we wouldn’t blame you if you gave in to one of the gourmet sandwiches, homemade vegan-soup or a slice of cake.

We do love a bench seat outside, however, an indoor seat at STOR allows you to admire each of the zero-waste elements the company has put in place to #reduce #reuse and #recycle. You’ll find ecological packing for takeaway food, discounts for the use of reusable coffee mugs, metal straws, LED light bulbs and foodsharing for the needy. STOR is setting an outstanding example to others of simple yet effective practices to minimise our carbon footprint and shift social attitudes towards everyday waste.

Address | Tamka 33, 00-355 Warszawa
Opening Hours | Daily 8:30am – 9:30pm
Website | http://www.stor.cafe/

A barista prepares coffee in STOR cafe, Warsaw, Poland

Whether you’re after that perfect espresso, single origin filter or refreshing cold brew, pop into Warsaw’s Ministerstwo Kawy. Translating to “Ministry of Coffee”, the Ministry certainly knows a thing or two about creating an excellent cup of coffee. The team of baristas features some of Poland’s finest.

Fascinated by Scandinavian coffee culture, the cafe’s main coffee supplier is Koppi Fine Coffee Roasters from Sweden. Scandi-design seems to also translate to the cafe space which is light and airy and features a chandelier made of desk lamps. Choose one of the single origin coffees for your Aeropress or Chemex and pair it with a delicious slice of cake.

Address | Marszałkowska St 27/35, 00-639 Warszawa, Poland
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 9:00am – 10:00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 10:00pm
Website | http://www.ministerstwokawy.pl/

Filter coffee at Ministerstwo Kawy, Warsaw, Poland

Crooked Nose & Coffee Stories is not a place for the espresso-blend coffee drinkers. It’s for the dedicated, hardcore coffee aficionados who must pin this coffee shop and micro-roastery on Google Maps. What you’ll find at Crooked Nose is a list of slow coffee methods and an eager, passionate owner, Emanuelis. This spot remains one of our all-time favourites and ranks high on our personal list of best coffee shops in Europe. You’ll find familiar coffee methods such as Aeropress and Chemex alongside lesser-known Siphon and Nerodrip.

When you visit this coffee shop, don’t rush. Let Emanuelis show you his own invention, Bro. Without having seen it in action ourselves, we understand it to be a blend between a V60 using a cheesecloth-material filter. Discovering Crooked Nose and meeting Emanuelis remains a highlight from our 2018 Europe campervan trip, so if you visit Vilnius, do yourself a favour and head to this spot. We’d love to keep this cafe as our little secret but we have a gut feeling that Crooked Nose & Coffee Stories will soon be featuring on many “best coffee shops in Europe” lists.

Address | Šaltinių g. 20, Vilnius 03213, Lithuania
Opening Hours | Thursday – Friday 10.00am – 7.00pm. Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Website | http://crooked-nose.com/

The key cafes that your should mark on your map are listed here in our Vilnius coffee guide

Head barista, Emanuelis of Crooked Nose & Coffee stories prepares a cup of specialty coffee in Vilnius, Lithuania

It was the name, Kokomo Coffee Roasters, that we heard several times when we visited Tallinn in 2018. What started as small pop-ups has grown into a full-blown retail store, cafe and public roastery. The company aims to develop the coffee culture throughout Estonia, which is no small feat! Offering a mix of blends and single-origin coffees, Kokomo’s quality roasts are held in high regard and used in cafes across the capital city. You can find the micro-roastery and shop in the same building as fine dining restaurant Sfäär Resto.

Address | Mere puiestee 6e, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Opening Hours | Monday – Sunday 10:00am – 8:00pm
Website | http://www.kokomo.ee/

Our Tallinn coffee guide provides all the details of a few spots that we recommend in the Baltic city.

Steely black interiors in the modern cafe of Kokomo Coffee Roasters in Tallinn, Estonia

RØST Bakery combines two of our favourite things in the morning: superb coffee and sweet pastries. If you visit the bakery early enough, you can watch the bakers at work and be seduced by the waft of freshly baked sourdough and cinnamon buns.

RØST sources their coffee beans from several European coffee roasters including Berlin’s Five Elephant, Stockholm’s Drop Coffee Roasters and Tallinn’s own The Brick Coffee Roastery. Order a strong flat white and a cinnamon scroll and we can guarantee that you’ll be ready for a full day of exploring the fairytale Old Town.

Address | Rotermanni 14, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm. Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Website | http://rost.ee/

Grab another cinnamon scroll and you’ll be on your way to discovering Tallinn with our 24 hour city guide

Flat whites and cinnamon scrolls at ROST Bakery, Tallinn

If we didn’t include an Italian cafe in our guide to the best coffee in Europe, we would likely have the mafia on our tails. Yet despite the country’s strong coffee culture, finding a specialty coffee cafe in Florence proved challenging. Thankfully, Ditta Artigianale came to our rescue. The cafe’s founder, Francesco Sanapo, is committed to serving single-origin exclusive and ethical coffee beans imbued with Italian craftsmanship and hospitality. Order an espresso blend accompanied with a flaky pastry to begin your Renaissance explorations. If you have more time, the brunch menu should not be overlooked in a hurry.

Address | Via dei Neri, 32/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours | Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 10:00pm. Friday 8:00am – 12:00am. Saturday 9:30am – 12:00am. Sunday 9:30am – 10:00pm.
Website | http://www.dittaartigianale.it/en/catalogo.aspx

We’ve put together the perfect walking itinerary covering all the essentials to see the best parts of Florence in one day

A flatlay of two flat whites and sweet pastries at Ditta Artigianale in Florence, Italy - a cafe for the best coffee in Europe

Award-winning organic roastery and cafe, Drop Coffee is Sweden’s premier specialty coffeehouse. Priding themselves on flavour, sustainability and good times, Drop Coffee focuses on delivering a bright flavour profile. Their beans are sourced from single origin farms and cooperatives in focus origins, mainly Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia and Kenya.

The cafe is located in the Södermalm district and is a suitable pit-stop for breakfast on weekdays or brunch on the weekends. Make sure to ask your barista for their coffee recommendation as they will be able to brew something tailored to your tastes. There is a mighty selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries with vegan and lactose-free options readily available too.

Address | Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10, 118 50 Stockholm
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6.00pm. Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Website | https://www.dropcoffee.com/

Explore the archipelago by foot, by boat or artistic subways. Check it out in our Stockholm city guide

Filter coffee and cinnamon bun at Kaffemik, Coffee in Vienna Austria

Fed up with subpar coffee in 2013, the team behind Rocket Bean Roastery went about crafting a revamped coffee experience for those searching for an excellent cup of coffee in Riga. They renovated an old sock factory on Miera iela, installed a Loring Smart Roast Kestrel35 roasting machine and started offering single-origin and blends across their filter and espresso options.

The roastery sits in a gorgeous industrial space in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in town. The L-shaped wooden counter features plenty of space for separate working stations; one third for preparing filter coffees, another to showcase the pastries and cakes and the third slot for the espresso machine. Insta-worthy plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available at the Miera iela branch.

Rocket Bean Roastery
Address | Miera iela 29, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1001, Latvia
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:00am – 9:00pm. Saturday – Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm

Rocket Bean Coffee House
Address | Dzirnavu iela 39, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvia
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 8:00am – 9:00pm. Saturday – Sunday Closed.

Website | http://www.rocketbean.lv/

Amongst the war history museums, don’t forget to look up! More details can be found in our one-day itinerary for Riga

A freshly prepared latte sits in the window sill at Rocket Bean Roastery in Riga, Latvia

A family run coffee and tea house in central Bruges, The Gulliver Tree is the perfect spot to rest your feet after a few hours of exploring. Their single origin coffees are brewed in a French press and served with a cute egg timer to let you know when your coffee is ready to be plunged and poured. If you have time to sit and enjoy the cosy sofa and lounge setting, select a title from the bookshelf, choose a slice of homemade cake and make yourself comfortable.

Address | Cordoeaniersstraat 4, 8000 Brugge
Opening Hours | Tuesday – Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Website | http://www.thegullivertree.be/menu/

Come and see this quaint Flemish town for yourself! 24 Hours in Bruges is plenty of time for canals, chocolates and frites.

Plunger coffee with an egg timer and cupcake all served on a dainty tray at The Gulliver Tree in Bruges, Belgium

If you find the white spindly trees out the front of the cafe, you’re in the right place. Head on inside WCAFE and the plant theme continues. Parakeet green palm fronts dangle from the roof next to twisting vines framing the cushioned bench seat and mismatched chairs. WCAFE’s menu offers coffee, breakfast, snacks or a glass of wine. Great detail is placed in bringing their customers a quality cup of coffee. For filtered coffee lovers, choose from the Kalita or Aeropress.

Address | Grössling 62 811 09 Bratislava
Opening Hours | Monday- Friday 7:30am – 10.00pm. Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Website | http://www.wcafe.sk/

If you’re exploring the CBD then be sure to drop into Urban House!

Coffee menu at WCAFE, Bratislava, Slovakia

Finding the best coffee in Dubrovnik is made somewhat easier where there is only one specialty coffee cafe in town. Cogito Coffee Roasters was established in Zagreb, Croatia in 2014 and now operates three cafes in the capital, a cafe in Zadar and the one in Dubrovnik.

The Dubrovnik branch is located in a corner of the historic Old Town, close to the Lighthouse and the Old Port. The cafe offers blends and single origin coffees alongside a small selection of freshly pressed juices. Be warned; the cafe is only open during Spring and Summer. On a particularly hot day, pick up a bottle of their cold brew before you tackle the walk around City Walls.

Address | Ul. od Pustijerne 1, 20000, Dubrovnik
Opening Hours | Spring & Summer. Keep an eye on this link for exact opening hours.
Website | http://www.cogitocoffee.com/

Come and see King’s Landing for yourself! We show you how to spend 2 days in Dubrovnik

An open window to Cogito Coffee cafe in Dubrovnik, Croatia

“Come rain or shine, we offer the city’s sunniest welcome”

Federal Cafe & Bar is owned and operated by Claudio and Emily, two like-minded souls with a power combination of management experience, hospitality and passion for great coffee. Opening their first cafe in the Northern Quarter, Federal serves up art pieces from their breakfast and brunch menu next to some expertly crafted espresso blends. If you have a wee more time on your hands, the brew bar includes a weekly selection of single origin coffees served as pourover or Aeropress. A healthy alternative is a spiced chai, matcha green tea, tumeric or beetroot latte if you’re needing a caffeine hit with an immunity booster.

Address | 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY, UK
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm. Saturday 8.00am – 6.00pm. Sunday 8.00am – 5.00pm
Website | https://www.federalcafe.co.uk/

P.S. We have to mention that you can find Vegemite toast on the menu for any homesick Aussies out there!

Coffee break at Brew Coffee, Vilnius

Found a specialty coffee cafe that you believe serves the best coffee in Europe? Tell us all about it below!

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A couple of flat whites on teal saucers at Bocca Coffee, Amsterdam
Emanuelis of Crooked Nose & Stories concentrates on pouring a Nerodrip in Vilnius, Lithuania

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