What makes a great coffee shop?

The approach to brewing coffee, especially in quality coffee shops, is usually the same globally. There is a certain method and precision that goes into any “good” coffee brewing and this is true no matter where you go. Yet, it is the distinct ambiance and style, shaped by each city’s unique culture and character, that truly distinguishes each coffee shop.

Consider Glasgow, for example. Here, a great coffee shop, in my opinion, isn’t defined solely by the quality of the coffee it serves. It is important, of course, but that is only half of the equation. A good coffee shop in Glasgow also resonates with the city’s raw, rustic essence, blending well with its lively, unrefined spirit. A sleek, modern coffee shop in this setting, despite serving excellent coffee, may be a bit incompatible…missing Glasgow’s gritty, authentic vibe. In Tokyo, the most representative coffee shops exude quiet serenity, reflecting the city’s orderly, meditative, and thoughtful nature. You get the idea.

So, I thought I’d compile a list of a few coffee shops I have visited over the years that I think embodies this concept. This is not a list of the best coffee shops, but just a list of coffee shops that serve excellent coffee and resonate with the local personality of the city - my idea of a great coffee shop.

I should also mention that there is no grand purpose behind this list; this has been on my mind for a few days and I needed an outlet. But, if you find yourself visiting a coffee shop from this list on your travels, then maybe, in some small way, this piece has served an extrinsic purpose too.

Chatei Hatou, Shibuya, Tokyo: On a friend’s recommendation, I found myself at Chatei Hatou, a traditional kissaten in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is a place that really captures the general vibe of Japan: methodical, quiet, and serene. Each morning while I was in Tokyo, I was the first customer when they opened at 11 am. By the third day, the brewmaster recognized this routine and with a bit of surprise, said to me, “everyday! everyday!!”

Café Verlet, Paris: Café Verlet was a lucky find while wandering the streets of Paris. It turns out this place is more than just a café; they're also a roastery and a tea shop, with a history dating back to 1880 (?). The coffee was excellent, and the style and ambiance unmistakably Parisian. 

Koffee Mameya, Tokyo: Walking into Koffee Mameya felt like entering a coffee ‘speakeasy’ – down a narrow road and through an unmarked door. The owner’s idea, I thought, was quite unique: treat coffee like wine. He sourced beans globally, focusing on customer tastes to recommend the right coffee, much like a wine seller would. He also made excellent pour over coffee.

Caffe’ Delteatro, Rome: Caffe’ Delteatro in Rome was a classic Italian coffee experience for me. It is straightforward: walk in, order an espresso at the bar, drink it quickly, and get out. Those who are familiar with the Italian coffee culture will know this no-frills, fast-paced style is pretty typical in Rome, where enjoying a quality espresso quickly is part of daily life. 

Also, a side note: ordering a ‘latte’ in Italy means you will get served warm milk and not coffee, as I found out. The correct order is ‘caffé latte.’

Modigliani, Cambridge/UK: Modigliani keeps it simple and straightforward. The coffee shop’s vibe perfectly embodies the unique blend of Cambridge’s town and gown atmosphere. I also frequented Hot Numbers (next to Judge Business) while in Cambridge, and while they too serve excellent coffee, the vibe at Modigliani seemed more attuned to the little I know of the ‘Cambridge soul’ so far.

Broken Clock Cafe, Glasgow: Another spot discovered while walking through Glasgow streets, the place has great coffee, and very polite baristas. It reminded me of something my classmate James from Scotland mentioned at Cambridge: “Scots are unusually friendly to tourists.” The cafe’s rustic feel aligns perfectly with Glasgow’s overall vibe. Across from the cafe, a sign reads: life is a riot.

Nook Bakery and Coffee Bar, Philadelphia: The cafe is a bit quaint (in a good way), reflecting the informal, inviting nature of Philly. The core appeal, however, is the coffee —really good. Nook is also one of the few places in Philly where I’ve found coffee from Yemen, which tragically is becoming pretty rare these days. 

Chikusa, Kathmandu: Their sign asks, ‘Tired of Nescafe?’ and that really sums it up. It’s a small place, kind of a hole-in-the-wall, but it has a lot of character. I first went there in 2010 and the 19-year old me was really taken by their iced coffee: the ice was made of coffee, so it never got watered down. It’s this kind of simple, creative touch that makes the place feel so much like Kathmandu itself: frugal, inventive, and welcoming.

%Arabica, Covent Garden, London: I visited %Arabica in Covent Garden after reading good things about it online. Despite the high foot traffic of the area, they haven’t sacrificed quality for output. I tried a double shot espresso there, and the extraction was top-notch, quite opposite the typical expectations of a busy location.