With a third wave of coffee creativity sweeping across Europe, we wanted to share the very best coffee shops in Europe.
Nothing stirs early morning debates across the world more than what makes a good cup of coffee and where to have it. It’s also a drink that has the potential to lift the mood, focus the mind and deliver instant happiness. Gimme.
So, if you’re traveling anytime soon then bookmark the list and use it as you go, or if you live in one of the featured cities then you’d better get down to your local winner ASAP.
We looked to our audience for suggestions regarding their favourite coffee shops, as well as contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team. Online reviews, previous media coverage and notable blogs were also included in the overall rating. The result? One impressive list of the best coffee in Europe.
The 50 Best Coffee Shops In Europe
How do these rankings work?
1. Jonas Reindl – Vienna, Austria
A wonderfully designed coffee shop where you can feel how much love and expertise has gone into every single cup. They aim to create unique coffee experiences by providing distinct flavours and aromas, as well as a placing a big focus on transparency on the journey of their beans.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 Most Instagrammable spots in Vienna.
2. Fenster Cafe – Vienna, Austria
Fenster Cafe is quite possibly the cutest little coffee hatch in the world, which you’ll find in a small alley way. Despite the miniature set up, the owner also sells beans and is a wealth of knowledge and talent. Good things come in small sizes.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 Most Instagrammable spots in Vienna.
3. Or Espresso – Brussels, Belgium
Or Espresso roast their own coffee and are distributors – they even have a school teaching baristas. So it’s safe to say that they know what they’re talking about and serve some of the best Brussels coffee in several locations around the city.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Brussels.
4. Mok – Brussels, Belgium
They have outlets in both Brussels and Leuven (a small town outside Brussels) and they source and roast all their coffee themselves to ensure the highest standards. Mok is shining the light in terms of leading the coffee revolution that has been sweeping Brussels in recent years.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Brussels.
5. Kolonel Coffee Roastery – Antwerp, Belgium
Founded in 2011, they now quality control the entire process of their store, with their beans being prepared and roasted in their own coffee roastery. They also make a large selection of quality teas and lemonades using their own syrups – something for everybody here.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Belgium.
6. Chucky’s Coffee House – Sofia, Bulgaria
Chucky’s Coffee House is leading the way when it comes to driving the whole third wave of coffee forward across Bulgaria. The shop is fantastic but they also focus on wholesale, training and education. So much more than just a good cup of coffee.
After your coffee Check out the 7 Most Instagram places in Sofia
7. Cogito – Zagreb, Croatia
Cogito is an independent, quality-driven coffee company established in Zagreb in 2014. Their big focus on what coffee they serve is based around seasonality; coupled with their strong brand and talented baristas they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Zagreb.
8. Brew Lab – Cyprus
This slick spot opened in 2013 and you won’t find a more passionate coffee shop owner in the world. Bringing so many of the exciting and cutting edge coffee trends, tools and blends from around the world for Cypriots to enjoy the very best coffee.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Cyprus.
9. Misto – Prague, Czech Republic
Misto is a modern, bright and vivacious light airy space. You’ll be drawn in by the coffee, but soon realise the food menu is what will also keep you coming back. Some brilliantly innovative drinks on the menu for those looking for some variety.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Prague.
10. EMA Espresso Bar – Prague, Czech Republic
A large industrial space where their team of super talented baristas make some of the best coffees in the country. There’s a real community vibe here, and that combined with the bright airy space makes it somewhere you’ll probably settle in and have a second cup.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Prague.
11. Sonny – Copenhagen, Denmark
David and Sara are clearly coffee mad, but they’ve teamed their drinks up with a super strong food menu that helps both elements shine and complement each other. A wonderfully relaxing place to spend time with friends.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Copenhagen.
12. Prolog – Copenhagen, Denmark
Along with their artisan coffee, they serve croissants that are the thing of legends. Sitting out on the terrace here in the summer with an iced drink and freshly baked pastry is one of life’s great pleasures.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Copenhagen.
13. The Coffee Collective – Copenhagen, Denmark
This has various locations around the city but for the best experience head to the city centre food market at Torvehallerne, where you’ll find their team dishing up delicious drinks to happy customers who’ve just eaten at the various stalls.
They’ve been driving the coffee scene to new higher levels of perfection in Denmark for years.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Copenhagen.
14. Tim Wendelboe – Oslo, Norway
If ever one person defined Oslo’s coffee scene and drove the entire culture to a new level, then it’s Tim. He’s constantly winning awards and his own personal Instagram presence is a masterclass in coffee culture from all over the world. Online ordering for take-home beans is a huge part of what they do here.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Olso.
15. RØST – Tallinn, Estonia
RØST is a Scandinavian influenced sourdough bakery in the heart of Rotermann district, Tallinn. They team their baked goods with coffee made with such passion, precision and perfection that you’ll want to come back every single day.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Talinn.
16. Good Life Coffee – Helsinki, Finland
Good Life Coffee have a carefully selected range of high grade beans that they combine with precise procedures and what they call a “no bullshit” take on roasting and brewing. It works. They also say that life is too short for “weak” coffee – which is something that’s very hard to argue with.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Helsinki.
17. Helsingin Kahvipaahtimo – Helsinki, Finland
This small shop is still run in the same garage where they first started roasting beans, and it comes without any of the fancy trimmings, food or prestige of some coffee shops. Hear all about the type of coffee you are drinking and get to know the down and dirty of it all.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Helsinki.
18. Café Oberkampf – Paris, France
This is a tiny spot and you could easily miss it in a city full of iconic cafes. Those who do discover it are hooked on their brunch (try the avo on toast) and their rich and delicious coffees. The only hard thing is getting a table, but their coffees are just as good on the go.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Paris.
19. La Boîte à Café – Lyon, France
Owned by a group of people bringing the third wave of coffee to France and doing so by roasting, selling wholesale and opening cafes, this is a real gem. It does some of the best coffee in France and sitting outside on the terrace in the summer people watching is a joy.
20. The Barn Roastery – Berlin, Germany
The Barn is a leading coffee roaster known all over Europe and has been driving the speciality coffee movement forward since 2010. Drinking coffee in their shop at source is one of the greatest culinary experiences you’ll have in Berlin.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Berlin.
21. Man Versus Machine – Munich, Germany
When people first stumble upon this place they instantly get hooked and realise the coffee is the best in Munich. Man Versus Machine also does wholesale and even outdoor catering for events like weddings. Their wholesale coffee branding is as good as it gets and customers can’t wait to get their deliveries.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Munich.
22. Public Coffee Roasters – Hamburg, Germany
A small and intimate space that packs a big punch when it comes to their brews. They’ve turned off the wifi in an effort to encourage their customers to have face-to-face conversations, which creates a wonderful vibe in this super pretty location.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Hamburg.
23. Taf Coffee – Athens, Greece
At Taf Coffee you’ll find expert baristas who really know what they are talking about especially when it comes to the sourcing of their coffee and the huge effort they put in.
It’s about 30 minutes from the city centre, but well worth the trip.
24. My Little Melbourne – Budapest, Hungary
This is a small coffee shop that packs in so much passion between their four walls with regards to coffee. Their staff are always open to sharing their passion and educating people. Once you taste a coffee here, it’ll be your go to Budapest coffee shop time and time again.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Budapest.
25. 3fe – Dublin, Ireland
The beacon of great coffee in Ireland with people coming from all over the city to try it. 3fe has since opened three other locations and their staff are as knowledgeable and talented as you’ll find in Europe. Look out for their great brunch options and a passionate local community who rave about the place.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Ireland.
26. Milano Roastery – Milan, Italy
On a list dominated by independent coffee stores, many will be surprised to see Starbucks feature. Even more surprising is that it would be in Italy where coffee is like religion and a huge American interloper might not have been welcome. The trust is that this new “Starbucks Reserve” venue is so spectacular, so forward thinking and such an homage to coffee, that it’s quite simply one of the best coffee shops in Europe.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Milan.
27. Roscioli Caffè – Rome, Italy
The coffee here is outstanding but when it is combined with one of their delectable pastries then you really understand the magic of the place. Roscioli is small space that is always buzzing with people coming and going, although the super attentive staff help manage the flow. You can’t go wrong with a cortado.
28. Faro – Rome, Italy
Faro is a real haven for speciality coffee lovers in a city where you get served so many sub-standard brews. Throw in their legendary breakfasts and it’s the sort of place you’ll go to bed at night dreaming about for the next day.
29. Rocket Bean Roastery – Riga, Latvia
Built into an old Latvian sock factory, this cafe lets you see the roasting process right in front of you instead of hiding the industrial part away behind scenes. It adds to the theatre of the cafe and the brews are spectacular.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Latvia.
30. Crooked Nose & Coffee Stories – Vilnius, Lithuania
Walking into this store is liking walking onto a design magazine photoshoot. They hold regular education events to help build the coffee culture across the country. Plus, they serve their brews in a variety of different ways and techniques and are always coming up with something new.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Lithuania.
31. Knopes Coffee – Luxembourg
Knopes Coffee is a large industrial space that is beautifully lit, making you want to stay here for a couple of coffees. It’s well worth the journey out of the city centre and their baristas are super attentive and well trained to your caffeine needs.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Luxembourg.
32. Lot Sixty One -Valletta, Malta
This gorgeous cafe is the perfect addition to the old walled city of Valetta. They roast locally fresh daily on location at their roastery, located in Naxxar. Their sweet treats served with the coffee are an absolute joy – a real must have.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Malta.
33. Man Met Bril Koffie – Rotterdam, Netherlands
You’ll find them under the railway track and you’ll know just how serious they are by the scale of their roasting unit that’s within the shop. These folk are serious coffee operators doing their thing at a consistently high level.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Rotterdam.
34. Bocca – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Their journey began nearly two decades ago in Ethiopia, when their founder Menno stumbled upon a hillside of beautiful coffee trees ripe with red cherries. It was love at first taste. Their coffee is top notch but you also can tell that when they talk about being ethical they are walking the walk. An absolute joy of a place to enjoy coffee.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Amsterdam.
35. Hopper – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Hopper has two equally great locations in the city (you couldn’t possibly split them on quality). Their focus is on controlling the coffee process from start to finish, as well as baking great bread. They are fiercely independent and bring caffeinated joy to the lives of many on a daily basis.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Rotterdam.
36. Coffeedesk – Kołobrzeg, Poland
One of the brightest and most colourful coffee shops you’ll find in Europe, ,they are proudly leading the way in introducing new coffee standards in Poland. Alongside the . great coffee you’ll find an abundance of sweet treats and healthy breakfast options. An absolute dream of a coffee shop.
37. Proficiency Coffee – Kraków, Poland
Proficiency Coffee imports and roasts coffee from all over the world in the most ethical ways possible. They do a booming wholesale business but their coffees are best enjoyed served up by one of their super talented baristas in the shop. Coffee perfection.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Warsaw.
38. Fábrica Coffee Roasters – Lisbon, Portugal
A perfect little cafe that focuses on quality and putting smiles on the locals who frequent it on a regular basis, as well as the tourists who are lucky enough to stumble upon it. Serving up some of the very best coffee in one of Europe’s coolest cities.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Lisbon.
39. Copenhagen Coffee Lab – Lisbon, Portugal
Despite the name, they’re actually a small chain (with 10 shops around Europe), including four shops in Lisbon. Copenhagen Coffee Lab is doing their bit to boost the third wave coffee culture into Lisbon and indeed raise the standards in the whole country.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Lisbon.
40. Bob Coffee Lab – Bucharest, Romania
A roastery and coffee shop where the owner Paul displays and conveys his pure passion for coffee on a daily basis. The sort of place that you come for a simple flat white and leave wanting to preach the coffee gospel to everybody you meet.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Bucharest.
41. Urban House – Bratislava, Slovakia
Urban House is a space that is bursting full of creativity. You could be here to read a book, dance, drink a cocktail or eat their amazing food, but really it’s the coffee that underpins the whole place. Top quality brews served in an amazing room.
42. Jumping Goat Coffee – Maribor, Slovenia
A tiny little coffee shop with a wonderful name where the mission is to convert the Slovenian people to a new way of coffee. In a country where the espresso reigns supreme, this is a one-man passion project that’s absolutely bursting full of joy in every cup served.
Once you’ve finished the coffee check out the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Slovenia.
43. Satan’s Coffee Store – Barceolona, Spain
In a city that oozes cool, this window coffee shop fits in perfectly. Locals mingle with tourists waiting patiently for their favourite brew. One thing that is certain, is that as soon as you taste it you’ll be hooked.
44. HanSo Café – Madrid, Spain
A super cafe that has nice design touches and where the odd nod to Japan appears on the menu. As well as serving world class coffee their small and compact brunch menu is delightful.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Madrid.
45. Drop Coffee Roasters – Stockholm, Sweden
Although they sell beans and run coffee courses, the real experience to be had is by coming into the shop and being served a hot cup of coffee by their incredibly knowledgable staff. An absolute dream of a place to spend time in.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Stockholm.
46. Takk – Manchester, United Kingdom
Takk is a simple room in the Northern Quarter that’s been pushing the Manchester coffee scene forward for years. Stripped back benches and a room full of co-workers sipping drinks from their big wholesome mugs. Great simple breakfast options too.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Manchester.
47. Kaffeine – London, United Kingdom
The founders set up Kaffeine after being inspired by the coffee culture in Australia and New Zealand. It’s an independently owned cafe and espresso bar with two locations just five-minutes walk from Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road. Their customers are all super advocates of the amazing brews they push across the counter on a daily basis.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in London.
48. Dark Arts Coffee – London, United Kingdom
You’ll find this slick coffee store/roastery in Hackney, in a railway arch where everyone seems to have tattoos and ride a motorcycle. Don’t have either? Don’t worry, all coffee lovers are welcome.
Order a cuppa Thursday-Sunday at the in-store cafe I Will Kill Again, which also serves brunch Get their house home brew – “Revenge: Best Served Cold.”
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in London.
49. Small Batch Coffee Roasters – Brighton, United Kingdom
This beaut has done more for bringing great coffee to the masses in the south of England than any other business. Their flagship store is still the best, but as they branch out across the country and share their farm-to-cup ethos the standards stay as high as ever.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Brighton.
50. Brew Lab – Edinburgh, United Kingdom
They’ve been serving the best coffee in the city here since 2012. Brew Lab feels more like a high end cocktail bar than a coffee shop, and we love the uniqueness of the place. Their coffee menu features four rotating single-origin coffees: two brewed on their brew bar as pour-overs, and two on their espresso bar.
Once you’ve finished the coffee take a walk around the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Edinburgh.
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