Sydney has clinched the title of the world’s best coffee shop for 2025, surpassing its long-time rival Melbourne. Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters, based in Sydney, emerged as the global champion, followed closely by Onyx Coffee Lab from Arkansas, Gota Coffee Experts in Vienna, Proud Mary Coffee in Melbourne, and Tim Wendelboe in Oslo. The top ten coffee shops also included establishments from Singapore, France, Malaysia, and Colombia.

Judging criteria for the best coffee shops encompassed various factors such as coffee and food quality, sustainability practices, and customer service standards. The final selection was a result of both public feedback and expert evaluations, as highlighted by the “World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops” ranking.

Jody Leslie, the general manager of Toby’s Estate, expressed immense joy at the victory, emphasizing the team’s dedication to consistency and quality. The flagship store in Sydney’s Chippendale neighborhood garnered significant attention, leading to a notable increase in sales post the prestigious recognition. In appreciation of their customers, Toby’s Estate announced a free coffee day on February 27.

Toby’s Estate, which originated in 1997 from a garage in Sydney, has expanded its presence across Australia and Asia, with branches in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Middle East. The brand’s commitment to freshly roasting beans daily and engaging customers with an interactive brew bar has been pivotal to its success.

In a nod to the broader context of Australia’s coffee culture, the ongoing friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne is a central theme. While Melbourne has historically been hailed as the coffee capital, Sydney has been making significant strides in recent years, challenging Melbourne’s dominance. The evolving coffee landscape reflects Australia’s prowess in the global coffee arena, with establishments like Proud Mary Coffee in Melbourne also earning accolades.

The recognition of Toby’s Estate as the world’s best coffee shop for 2025 is not just a win for Sydney but a testament to the exceptional coffee culture that Australia has cultivated. Leslie emphasized the collective strength of Australian coffee, transcending city boundaries and uniting coffee enthusiasts nationwide. The victory underscores the country’s position as a powerhouse in the realm of coffee, solidifying its reputation on the global stage.