7 Incredible Coffee Shops: Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or someone who just enjoys a cozy space to relax, coffee shops are the perfect spot to sip on expertly brewed coffee and experience local culture. From unique brewing methods to stunning interiors, these coffee shops offer more than just a cup of joe—they provide unforgettable experiences. As the editor of StarAvis.com and a lover of all things coffee, I’ve compiled a list of seven incredible coffee shops around the world that you absolutely need to visit.
1. Blue Bottle Coffee – Tokyo, Japan
Why You Need to Visit:
Known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality beans, Blue Bottle Coffee in Tokyo offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With its focus on precision brewing and Japanese design, this coffee shop blends the art of coffee-making with beautiful architecture.
What to Try:
- Single-origin pour-over coffee for a smooth, clean flavor.
- Try their New Orleans-style cold brew, which has a subtle sweetness and chicory notes.
Pro Tip: Visit the Aoyama location for a stunning interior inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, offering a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy your coffee.
2. Café Central – Vienna, Austria
Why You Need to Visit:
A historic gem, Café Central in Vienna is one of the most famous coffeehouses in Europe. With its grand architecture, marble pillars, and opulent atmosphere, this café has hosted famous writers, philosophers, and politicians for centuries. It’s the perfect place to indulge in both coffee and a bit of history.
What to Try:
- Wiener Melange, Vienna’s version of a cappuccino, paired with a traditional Austrian pastry like Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or be prepared to wait—Café Central is popular with tourists, but the experience is worth it.
3. Heart Coffee Roasters – Portland, Oregon, USA
Why You Need to Visit:
Heart Coffee Roasters is a Portland staple, known for its dedication to sourcing the best beans from around the world and roasting them in small batches. Their focus on light roasting allows the nuanced flavors of the coffee beans to shine, making it a favorite for coffee purists.
What to Try:
- A single-origin espresso or a pour-over, which highlights the complex flavors of their carefully selected beans.
Pro Tip: Visit their Eastside location, where you can watch the roasting process in action while enjoying your coffee in a sleek, industrial setting.
4. La Fontaine de Belleville – Paris, France
Why You Need to Visit:
This charming café in the heart of Paris feels like a step back in time. La Fontaine de Belleville offers the quintessential French coffee shop experience, with a relaxed sidewalk seating area where you can sip your coffee while watching Parisian life unfold. It’s a perfect blend of traditional French culture with a modern twist on coffee.
What to Try:
- A classic café au lait or a noisette (espresso with a dash of milk) paired with a buttery croissant.
Pro Tip: Grab a seat outside if the weather permits and enjoy people-watching in one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods.
5. The Coffee Academics – Hong Kong
Why You Need to Visit:
The Coffee Academics in Hong Kong is a trendy spot known for its innovative coffee concoctions and exceptional quality. As one of Asia’s most celebrated coffee chains, it combines the latest coffee brewing techniques with a focus on sustainability and excellence.
What to Try:
- The Manuka Honey Latte, which combines smooth espresso with the subtle sweetness of New Zealand Manuka honey.
- For an adventurous choice, try their signature iced coffee infused with citrus or exotic spices.
Pro Tip: Visit the flagship location in Causeway Bay for a chic, urban experience that also offers coffee workshops and tastings.
6. Truth Coffee Roasting – Cape Town, South Africa
Why You Need to Visit:
If you love a bit of theater with your coffee, Truth Coffee Roasting in Cape Town is a must-visit. Known for its steampunk-inspired interior, complete with vintage machinery and industrial décor, this coffee shop is as much a visual experience as it is a place to enjoy some of the best coffee in Africa.
What to Try:
- Their signature Resurrection Blend, a bold, full-bodied roast with hints of dark chocolate and spice.
Pro Tip: Take a tour of their roastery to learn more about their unique approach to coffee roasting while soaking in the shop’s one-of-a-kind ambiance.
7. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – New York, USA
Why You Need to Visit:
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a legendary name in the American coffee scene, known for being a pioneer of third-wave coffee culture. The Greenwich Village location in New York offers a hip and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for coffee enthusiasts looking to experience expertly roasted beans from around the world.
What to Try:
- A classic nitro cold brew for a smooth and refreshing pick-me-up.
- Or go for a latte featuring Stumptown’s house-made almond or oat milk.
Pro Tip: Grab a bag of their freshly roasted beans to take home—you’ll want to recreate the Stumptown experience in your own kitchen.
Incredible Coffee Shops
Each of these coffee shops offers a unique experience that goes beyond the cup. From historic Vienna cafés to trendy, modern spaces in Asia and Africa, these seven spots showcase how coffee culture differs around the world while maintaining the shared love for expertly brewed coffee. At StarAvis.com, we believe that a visit to a great coffee shop is one of the simplest pleasures in life—and these destinations are sure to deliver unforgettable memories.
