As selected by experts for Food & Wine’s Fourth Annual Global Tastemakers Awards, here are the 10 cities defining our modern relationship to this coveted crop. And Cape Town is number 7!
Across continents and time zones, coffee culture reveals something essential about a place. In this year’s top 10 international coffee cities, one thing is clear: From farm to cup, coffee connects communities.
Even in destinations long defined by tea rituals or aperitivo hour, cafés are multiplying at a remarkable speed. Inside centuries-old courtyards and sleek, design-forward roasteries alike, locals and travelers gather over meticulously sourced beans and expertly pulled shots. The settings may vary, but the impulse is the same — to slow down, sip thoughtfully, and share a table.
Cafe culture across the world is stronger than ever. And here are the Top10 Cities.
1. Winner: Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Melbourne, Australia
4. Istanbul
5. Milan
6. London
7. Cape Town
8. Tokyo
9. Vienna
10.Seoul, South Korea
Cape Town has developed into a coffee lovers’ metropolis. The focus on sourcing and roasting is evident in cafés across the city, from Deluxe Coffeeworks to Rosetta Roastery. At Ollie’s, V60 drippers and La Marzocco espresso machines buzz, next to the OSCS Clubhouse, filling distinctive, bright yellow cups with specialty coffee while customers browse running and cycling apparel. Truth’s steampunk-inspired roastery doubles as a sourdough bakery and wine and cocktail bar, while Pang’s Specialty Coffee offers pour-overs inside the colorful Kaap Diem thrift shop.
Deluxe Coffeeworks, 171A Buitenkant | 8 & 82 Koof Street, Cape Town
Rosetta, 101 Bree St, CBD, Cape Town, 8001 | 2 Roodehek Street, Gardens, Cape Town | Ground Floor, 1 Osborne Road, Cape Town
Ollie’s & OSCS Clubhouse, 315 Main Road, Sea Point, 315 Main Road, Sea Point
Truth Coffee Roasting, 36 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Kaap Diem, 92 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
CONGRATS to Cape Town and the listed Coffee Shops for making it into the TOP 10!
WHAT: Food & Wine’s Fourth Annual Global Tastemakers Awards
WHERE: Cape Town
INFO: See Article By Julie Wolfson Published on April 8, 2026 in Food and Wine
PHOTO: Deluxe Coffeeworks
