Brew-tiful breakthrough: South African cafés stir up global coffee rankings

Cape Town – South African coffee is making waves worldwide, with two local cafés securing spots on the coveted World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2025 list.

Espressolab De Waterkant in Cape Town and The Whippet in Johannesburg have both earned their place among the top coffee destinations globally.

With their unique offerings and exceptional quality, these coffee spots are putting South Africa firmly on the international map, showcasing the country’s growing prominence in the global coffee scene.

Espressolab, ranked 11th globally, is the highest-placed African coffee shop on the list. Located in Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill, the café is renowned for its minimalist design and its dedication to the craft of coffee making.

According to reports, Espressolab sources sustainable, single-origin beans from Africa and South America, which are roasted in small batches to enhance their unique flavour profiles. The café’s skilled baristas are celebrated not only for their technical expertise but also for offering patrons an immersive coffee experience.

 

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Meanwhile, The Whippet in Johannesburg secured 89th place, further cementing South Africa’s position in the global coffee arena.

Located in the charming suburb of Linden, The Whippet is celebrated for its strong community ties and its Linden Blend, a harmonious combination of Costa Rican and Malawian beans roasted locally for maximum freshness.

The café’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality food and coffee have made it a beloved neighbourhood spot, where customers are treated like family.

The rankings, announced at CoffeeFest Madrid in Spain, were determined through a combination of public voting (30%) and expert input (70%). Toby’s Estate from Sydney, Australia, claimed the top spot, but South Africa’s two coffee spots are proving that local cafes are giving global giants a run for their money.

This achievement highlights the growing reputation of South African coffee shops on the world stage.

As noted by IOL, the recognition is not just a source of pride for the local coffee scene but also shines a light on the creativity, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit of South African baristas and café owners.

Daily Investor also highlights that this recognition puts South Africa firmly on the global coffee map, with these cafés attracting international attention and tourism.

According to GoodThingsGuy, these rankings further highlight the country’s rapidly expanding coffee industry and its impact on the international coffee scene.

With local cafés like Espressolab and The Whippet continuing to receive global acclaim, South Africa’s coffee culture is poised for even greater recognition in the years to come.