The second edition of THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS was unveiled on February 16, 2026, during CoffeeFest Madrid. This prestigious ranking identifies the best specialty coffee shops worldwide, highlighting the growing global coffee culture. Leading the list is Onyx Coffee Lab from the United States, recognized for its dedication to quality and innovation in the coffee industry.
Top Coffee Destinations Worldwide
The United States boasts the highest representation with nine coffee shops, followed by Australia with seven. Peru has five, while Spain, Honduras, and Taiwan each have four establishments featured. The full list is available at theworlds100bestcoffeeshops.com.
Cesar Ramirez, CEO of The World 100 Best Coffee Shops, emphasized the significance of this ranking, stating, “In the end, we are embracing global trends. Coffee shop culture continues to grow, and this ranking aims to give greater visibility to more coffee shops worldwide.” The organization plans to release continental lists throughout the year to reflect the expansion of this community.
Recognition for Excellence in Specialty Coffee
Onyx Coffee Lab, based in Arkansas, has earned the title of the world’s best coffee shop due to its commitment to specialty coffee, technical innovation, and community engagement. Adhering to the philosophy of “Never Settle for Good Enough,” Onyx prioritizes quality at every stage, from sourcing beans to rigorous roasting practices. The shop also incorporates sustainable practices, including the use of solar energy and ongoing training for its baristas.
The top three spots are rounded out by Tim Wendelboe from Oslo, Norway, a renowned name in specialty coffee, and Alquimia Coffee from Santa Ana, El Salvador, which focuses on promoting Salvadoran coffee through its unique offerings.
Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager of Food Service Brands at Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, expressed pride in sponsoring the event, stating, “The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops is the global benchmark celebrating the cafes shaping the future of coffee.”
The ranking is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process that combines insights from over 800 judges across the globe with public voting, which garnered more than 350,000 votes this year. The jury includes notable figures such as Kat Melheim from North America and Michalis Dimitrakopoulos from Europe, among others.
Criteria for evaluation encompass various factors, including coffee quality, barista skill, customer service, innovation, design, sustainability, and food quality. The aim is to not only recognize exceptional coffee shops but also to celebrate the unique experiences they offer to patrons.
The 2026 edition is supported by DaVinci Gourmet as the global title sponsor, alongside other main sponsors like Slayer and Markibar. Their backing underscores the importance of coffee as a cultural and gastronomic phenomenon.
Organized by Neodrinks, which specializes in hospitality and retail trends, the event highlights the ongoing evolution of the coffee industry and its influence on global culture.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at this link.
