Brew-tiful achievements: South African cafés steal the spotlight on the World’s 100 Best list

In a remarkable showcase of South African coffee culture, two local cafés have secured coveted spots on the prestigious World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2025 list.

With Espressolab in Cape Town ranking at an impressive number 11 and The Whippet in Johannesburg landing at 89, South Africa is brewing not just a cup of coffee but a growing international reputation for quality and community.

Rankings were announced during a ceremony recently at CoffeeFest Madrid in Spain, one of the leading global events in the coffee industry. 

The list was compiled through a combination of public votes, accounting for 30%, and input from expert judges, which made up the remaining 70%.

While Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters from Sydney, Australia, clinched the number one spot, South African coffee shops are certainly giving them a run for their money.

Onyx Coffee LAB USA, Gota Coffee Experts Austria, Proud Mary Coffee Australia and Tim Wendelboe in Norway rounded up the Top 5. 

More about Espressolab

Nestled within Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, Espressolab is not just a coffee shop; it's an experience that tantalises the senses.

The café’s sleek, minimalist design creates an atmosphere that appeals to serious coffee aficionados.

According to their website, the focus is on the craft of coffee making, with sustainable single-origin beans sourced from Africa and South America, roasted in small batches to highlight the finest flavour notes.

The baristas at Espressolab treat each cup as a masterpiece, providing patrons with a masterclass in flavour, balance and coffee origins.

Their dedication to quality and innovation has propelled them to new heights, with this latest accolade reaffirming their status on the world stage.

Meanwhile, The Whippet, a long-standing gem in the leafy suburb of Linden, Johannesburg, rounds out the list at the 89th position. This café has established itself as a beloved local gathering spot where regulars are greeted by name.

Their website notes: "Coffee is a sit-down moment, an intimate time together with those you love. We source only the best beans, roasted by an all-female roasting team and then blended and made with passion and love by competition-ready baristas."

Championing a farm-to-table ethos, The Whippet serves its signature Linden Blend, a harmonious mix of Costa Rican and Malawian beans, roasted locally for optimal freshness.

These accolades extend beyond mere bragging rights. They shine a spotlight on the creativity, skill and resilience of South African entrepreneurs in the coffee industry.

With the global coffee scene increasingly recognising their excellence, these cafés not only uplift local farmers and producers but also draw curious travellers intrigued by the burgeoning café culture of Mzansi.

Next time you find yourself in Cape Town or Johannesburg, immerse yourself in the passion-driven brews of Espressolab and The Whippet.

After all, in South Africa, each cup served is not just a beverage but a rich experience brewed with love and dedication.