10 Uniquely Designed Coffee Shops Around the World

Looking for more than just a caffeine fix on your travels? Whether you're hunting for Instagram-worthy interiors or unforgettable coffee experiences, these 10 coffee shops around the world deliver both—with striking designs, rich backstories, and some of the most memorable cups you'll ever taste.

From a ship once owned by Jacques Cousteau in New Zealand to a Tibetan-style teahouse in Nepal serving Flat Whites at 3,550 metres, we’ve rounded up 10 globally unique coffee shops that combine extraordinary settings with great coffee—10 must-visit spots for any coffee-loving traveller.

England: Amid Giants and Idols

Nestled in Lyme Regis, this cool café is where one traveller had the best coffee of their life. Its quirky name? A rearrangement of letters from the owner’s niece and nephew’s names. Owned by an Australian now based in Byron Bay, it’s a hidden gem serving standout coffee in a laid-back setting.

Canada: Caffe Furbo

Situated in Toronto’s Distillery District, Caffe Furbo specialises in expertly crafted southern Italian-style espresso and freshly roasted beans. Reviewers describe it as an artist’s studio steeped in nostalgia—a perfect spot for a rich, authentic espresso with character.

New Zealand: Espresso Ship

This exceptional coffee comes with a twist—you drink it on a boat. Previously owned by Jacques Cousteau, the vessel is now moored in New Zealand’s Golden Bay. It’s not just the location that impresses, but the quality of the coffee served onboard.

Nepal: Tip Top Teahouse

At 3,550 metres in Langtang, after hours of trekking through snow, you’ll find a bright yellow coffee bean sign. Step inside, shed layers by a small wooden stove, and savour a delicious Tibetan couple’s take on a Flat White—with milk flush to the cup’s rim, topped with chocolate or cinnamon. A surreal high-altitude treat.

China: Base Camp of Photographer Cafe

In Danba, Sichuan—a town over nine hours from the nearest city—this enigmatically named café serves some of the freshest, most authentic-tasting coffee in the region. The real payoff? Breathtaking views you won’t find at any other café in China.

Thailand: Bevanda Cafe

Tucked away amid trees in Bangkok, Bevanda Cafe offers a cool respite even when temperatures hit 35°C. Its slightly hidden location and lush surroundings make it a serene escape for great coffee in the city.

Vietnam: A Beach in An Bang

In a small Vietnamese fishing village, a 50-metre-long thatched-roof shack serves filtered coffee with sweetened condensed milk and ice. With just plastic chairs, simple decor, and excellent coffee, it’s a no-frills favourite.

Norway: Kaffe Brenneriet

In Oslo, this chain feels like the Scandinavian answer to Starbucks—but with more charm. Locals sip coffee here while watching the world go by, often followed by a trip to the neighbouring bookstore to plan their next adventure.

Ethiopia: Tomoca Coffee

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, is home to Tomoca Coffee in Addis Ababa. Thanks to expert roasting techniques honed under Italian influence, it serves some of the best cups in the country—rich, authentic, and deeply rooted in coffee history.

USA: Coffee Klatch

Run by Heather Perry and her family in Southern California, Coffee Klatch focuses on retailing premium beans sourced globally. They occasionally brew your coffee themselves—a personal touch that has earned them a loyal following.

Austria: Cafe Dommayer

One of Vienna’s classic coffee houses, Cafe Dommayer enchants with live piano music, exquisitely crafted pastries, and attentive service. It’s a short walk from Schönbrunn Palace, making it a perfect cultural pitstop to end a Sunday stroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Amid Giants and Idols in England so special?

Amid Giants and Idols in Lyme Regis is celebrated for serving some of the best coffee the traveller had ever tasted, and its name is a playful rearrangement of letters from the owner’s niece and nephew’s names. Owned by an Australian based in Byron Bay, it’s a cool, lesser-known café with standout coffee in a relaxed vibe.

Where is the Espresso Ship located and why is it notable?

The Espresso Ship is located in New Zealand’s Golden Bay, housed on a boat formerly owned by Jacques Cousteau. It’s notable not just for its unique maritime setting, but also for serving excellent coffee in a truly one-of-a-kind environment.

What is special about the Flat White at Tip Top Teahouse in Nepal?

At 3,550 metres in Langtang, the Tibetan couple at Tip Top Teahouse prepare a Flat White with milk levelled perfectly to the rim of the cup, topped with either chocolate or cinnamon. It’s served in a cosy, high-altitude setting by a wood stove after a trek through snowy mountains.

Why is Base Camp of Photographer Cafe in China worth visiting?

Despite its hard-to-decipher name, this café in Danba, Sichuan—reachable only after a nine-hour drive from the nearest city—serves some of the freshest, most authentic coffee in the area, along with unmatched scenic views you won’t find anywhere else.

What’s the appeal of Bevanda Cafe in Bangkok?

Bevanda Cafe stands out for its slightly hidden location surrounded by trees, offering a cool, shaded retreat even when Bangkok’s temperatures soar to 35°C. It’s a tranquil urban coffee spot with a peaceful ambiance.

What can you expect at Cafe Dommayer in Vienna?

Cafe Dommayer is one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses, known for its live piano performances, finely made pastries, and attentive service. Its central location near Schönbrunn Palace makes it a great spot to conclude a cultural day out.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Café Culture

For coffee adventures inspired by these global spots, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera—bright and juicy with blueberry and floral notes—or their Colombia Huila Popayan, a balanced cup with caramel and citrus. For something deeper, their PWN Golden Mandheling offers classic Indonesian earthiness with low acidity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.