Two South African coffee shops just brewed their way onto the list of the world’s best… proving that when it comes to flavour, passion and community, Mzansi serves it hot.
South Africa (01 May 2025) – South Africans know good coffee. And now the world knows it too.
The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2025 have just been announced and two proudly South African spots have earned their place among the best on the planet… Espressolab in Cape Town at number 11 and The Whippet in Johannesburg at number 89.
The rankings were compiled using a mix of public votes (30%) and expert input (70%), and after all the caffeine-fuelled data was poured over, Toby’s Estate in Sydney, Australia was crowned number one. But let’s be honest, our local favourites give them a serious run for their money.
Espressolab – Cape Town’s Brewed Brilliance
Ranked just outside the global top 10, Espressolab Microroasters is perched inside Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock and is as much an experience as it is a coffee shop. With a sleek, minimalist, lab-like aesthetic, this spot draws in coffee lovers who are serious about their beans.
Here, it’s not just about the caffeine fix, it’s about the craft. Espressolab sources sustainable single-origin beans from Africa and South America, roasting in small batches to bring out every subtle note and nuance. The baristas are artists in their own right, offering not just a cup of coffee but a masterclass in flavour, balance, and origin. And now? The world has noticed.
The Whippet – Joburg’s Community-Driven Café
Coming in at number 89, The Whippet has long been a local treasure in the leafy suburb of Linden, Johannesburg. It’s the kind of place where regulars are known by name and the story behind the building, once the Old Linden Hotel, is just as rich as the coffee served inside.
Celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage, The Whippet serves its signature Linden Blend (a perfectly balanced mix of Costa Rican and Malawian beans), roasted locally to ensure each cup is as fresh and flavourful as possible. Pair it with their buttermilk chicken Benedict or a slice of old-school milk tart and you’ll quickly understand why it’s earned a spot on the global map.
But more than that, The Whippet is about people. It’s a hub for the community, a place that champions local produce, friendly faces and a good, strong cuppa.
This kind of recognition goes far beyond bragging rights (though let’s be honest, it’s still a vibe). It shines a spotlight on the skill, creativity and hustle of South African entrepreneurs and baristas who’ve mastered their craft and shared it with the world. It cements South Africa’s place on the global coffee map, drawing in curious travellers, uplifting local farmers and producers and fuelling a thriving café culture that’s uniquely ours.
So next time you find yourself in Cape Town or Joburg, skip the big-name chains. Head to the places where passion is poured into every cup… because here, coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. And we’re doing it brilliantly.
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