How Coffee Spread Across Europe and North America

Ever wondered how coffee made its way from the Middle East to the cafes of Paris, London, and Vienna? The journey wasn’t instant—it unfolded over more than a century through trade routes, colonial companies, and a series of key introductions by travelers, merchants, and doctors.

By the early 1600s, coffee had reached Venice via French and possibly Venetian traders. The first documented European coffee import came in 1615, and by the mid-1600s, coffeehouses were opening across major European cities. By 1668, coffee had arrived in North America—just four years after the British renamed New Amsterdam as New York.

The First Mentions and Early Spread (1573–1625)

Europe’s first descriptions of coffee came from a German doctor living in Syria in 1573. Over the latter half of the 16th century, more Europeans traveling along the eastern Mediterranean encountered coffee. By 1625, Cairo already had over 300 coffee shops, many serving coffee with sugar—a sign of local refinement.

Coffee Arrives in Europe (1615–1650)

European coffee first arrived in Venice in 1615, brought either by a French traveler from Turkey or possibly already present among Venetian merchants by the late 1500s. The first recorded European coffee import took place in 1640, when Dutch merchants shipped coffee from Yemen’s port of Mocha to Amsterdam.

In 1645, Venice saw the opening of its first coffeehouse, making coffee an everyday Italian drink. In 1650, Britain’s first coffee shop opened in Oxford, established by Jewish proprietors. Just two years later, in 1652, London got its first coffeehouse, opened by a Greek.

Coffee Reaches France, Germany, and Beyond (1660–1683)

France imported its first coffee in 1660, with shipments arriving from Egypt to the port of Marseille. In 1664, both the Netherlands and Britain saw major developments: the first Dutch coffeehouse opened in The Hague, and Britain captured New Amsterdam (later renamed New York), where coffee would arrive by 1668.

Germany saw coffee by 1670, and in 1672, Paris got its first café, opened by an Armenian. Prior to that, coffee had been sold by street vendors. That same year, Louis XIV began his second war against the Dutch. By 1683, Vienna welcomed its first coffeehouse, established by a Pole using beans left behind after the failed Turkish siege.

Coffee Culture and Milk Coffee (1650–1686)

By 1650, coffeehouses were common in London. In 1656, Paris saw the launch of its first literary-style café—the Procope, opened by a Sicilian. This salon-style venue attracted thinkers and writers, starting a trend replicated across the continent. In 1685, a French doctor introduced milk coffee for medicinal use, leading to its popularity in France. Then, in 1686, Paris’s Procope became the world’s first true café-salon—a hub for intellectuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in Europe?

Coffee first arrived in Europe in 1615, when it was brought to Venice—either by a French traveler from Turkey or possibly already present among Venetian merchants by the late 1500s.

What was the first European city with a coffeehouse?

Venice opened the first European coffeehouse in 1645, making coffee an everyday beverage in Italy shortly afterward.

When did coffee reach England and London?

The first coffee shop in England opened in Oxford in 1650. London’s first coffeehouse followed in 1652, established by a Greek.

How did coffee get to North America?

Coffee reached North America by 1668, just four years after the British captured New Amsterdam and renamed it New York in 1664.

Which country first imported coffee from Yemen?

The Dutch were the first to import coffee from Yemen’s Mocha port in 1640, transporting it to Amsterdam.

Where was the first literary or salon-style café opened?

The first salon-style café, the Procope in Paris, was opened in 1686 by a Sicilian and became a gathering spot for intellectuals and writers.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans Inspired by European Coffee History

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright floral and citrus notes reminiscent of early Arabian coffee, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and lemon acidity similar to what 17th-century Venetians might have sipped. For a deeper, spicier profile akin to Turkish-style coffee, their Classic Blend offers chocolatey body with nutty undertones. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.