7 Must-Visit Specialty Coffee Shops Around the World

You’re halfway through the week and need a coffee that hits just right. But if you're a true coffee obsessive, you know that buzz comes from more than caffeine—it comes from the place, the people, and the perfect pour. For travelers who chase great coffee, we've mapped out seven legendary coffee shops around the globe where baristas, brews, and vibes align.

From Portland to Stockholm, these are seven must-visit specialty coffee destinations known for their signature drinks, pioneering techniques, and unforgettable coffee experiences. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect affogato or a flat white poured like art, these cafes deliver.

1. Heart Coffee Roasters – Portland, USA

Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland is famous for serving an affogato made with house-made coconut ice cream and espresso. Their menu highlights fresh-roasted single-origin beans from around the world, creating an aromatic environment loved by coffee fanatics. Baristas here are well-versed in global coffee profiles, making it a hub for deep coffee discussions.

2. Blue Bottle Coffee – Oakland, USA

Blue Bottle Coffee, headquartered in Oakland, California, is renowned for its commitment to single-origin beans and precision brewing. Their signature New Orleans iced coffee—a blend of cold-brewed coffee, roasted chicory, and organic cane sugar steeped for half a day—offers balanced sweetness and bold flavor. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Oakland’s specialty coffee scene.

3. Coffee Supreme – Wellington, New Zealand

Coffee Supreme in Wellington offers a playful yet functional coffee experience with its unique soda syrup coffee. Customers can customize drinks with sparkling water and milk, turning a simple cup into a refreshing and energizing option ideal for a work session. It’s also a great spot to pair coffee with their tasty baked goods, including muffins that hold their own against any lunch option.

4. Coffee Academics – Hong Kong

Despite the academic-sounding name, Coffee Academics in Hong Kong is all about experimental coffee experiences. One standout is their hand-brewed glass-filtered coffee served with unique latte flavors like organic dragon fruit blossom honey and five-spice black pepper. The unusual flavor combos challenge traditional expectations and offer a truly local twist on specialty brewing.

5. Workshop Coffee – London, UK

Workshop Coffee in London is widely regarded as serving some of the city’s best brews. The shop is celebrated not only for exceptional coffee but also for its educational ethos—baristas often host talks and demonstrations. Every cup feels crafted with intention, resembling a piece of liquid art that invites you to pause and appreciate the craft behind it.

6. Coffee Collective – Copenhagen, Denmark

Walking into Coffee Collective in Copenhagen feels like stepping into a high-end coffee gallery. The cafe is known for classic Italian-style coffees such as espresso and traditional cappuccino, often prepared by world champion baristas. A popular option is an espresso added to a regular cappuccino, creating a layered intensity favored by regulars. The minimalist Nordic interior only adds to the Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

7. Drop Coffee Roasters – Stockholm, Sweden

In Stockholm, Drop Coffee Roasters is famed for its latte artistry and customer-first service. Baristas take pride in crafting pour-over masterpieces and delivering a welcoming vibe. Every cup is an opportunity to experience Swedish hospitality paired with expertly brewed coffee, often featuring light, nuanced roasts reflective of Scandinavian minimalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland famous?

Heart Coffee Roasters is known for its house-made coconut ice cream affogato and fresh-roasted single-origin coffees from around the globe. The café is a gathering spot for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy discussing brewing techniques and global coffee origins with skilled baristas.

What is Blue Bottle Coffee’s signature drink in Oakland?

Blue Bottle Coffee’s signature drink is the New Orleans iced coffee, made with roasted chicory, organic cane sugar, and cold-brewed coffee chilled for half a day. The combination delivers a distinctive sweetness and bold flavor profile typical of the region.

What unique coffee does Coffee Supreme in Wellington offer?

Coffee Supreme offers a soda syrup coffee that can be mixed with sparkling water and milk. This customizable drink is popular among locals for its refreshing taste and is often paired with baked goods like muffins for a casual work-friendly meal.

What experimental flavors does Coffee Academics in Hong Kong serve?

Coffee Academics serves hand-brewed glass-filtered coffee with unique latte flavors, including organic dragon fruit blossom honey and five-spice black pepper. These inventive combinations provide a modern and locally inspired take on traditional espresso drinks.

Why is Workshop Coffee considered one of London’s best?

Workshop Coffee is celebrated for having some of London’s highest-quality brews and for its barista-led educational events. The attention to detail in every cup, along with the artistic presentation, makes it a favorite among coffee aficionados.

What can you expect at Coffee Collective in Copenhagen?

Coffee Collective is known for classic espresso and cappuccino preparations, often executed by world champion baristas. A local favorite is adding espresso to a regular cappuccino for a bolder flavor, all served in a sleek, photo-friendly Scandinavian setting.

How does Drop Coffee Roasters in Stockholm stand out?

Drop Coffee Roasters is recognized for expertly poured latte art and exceptionally friendly service. The cafe emphasizes high-quality light roasts and creates a welcoming space where every cup reflects Swedish coffee culture and precision brewing.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Coffee Explorers

For coffee adventurers inspired by these global cafes, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon for its rich caramel sweetness, Colombia Huila for balanced dark chocolate and fruit notes, or Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral tones. Each reflects the diverse terroirs featured in the world’s top coffee scenes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.