Toby’s Estate in Australia Was Just Named the Best Coffee Shop in the World

You might insist that your neighborhood spot brews the world’s best coffee, but what do the experts say? 

Toby’s Estate, a specialty chain headquartered in Australia, was recently named as the best coffee shop in the world, determined by Top 100 Best Coffee Shops. As a global ranking of the best spots to grab a cup of coffee, this inaugural ranking determines the best-of-the-best among the world’s most innovative cafés.

The reigning chain’s southern Sydney flagship in Chippendale secured the top spot, which might not surprise you: Last year, experts told Food & Wine that Sydney is among the best cities for a good cup. As an international chain, Toby’s Estate also previously licensed its name for outposts in New York City (but a 2019 redirection led to its renaming as Partner’s Coffee). In the announcement, Toby’s Estate called attention to the Sydney staff and the café’s flow. 

“Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we’re absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition,” general manager Jody Leslie shares.

Stateside, 14 domestic coffee shops graced the list. Onyx Coffee LAB, an innovative roastery and shop with five total locations across Arkansas, ranked No. 2 in the world. Its seasonal offerings include Toasted Sesame White Chocolate Mocha and a Salted Honey Oat Milk Flat White, but its house-roasted coffee and experienced baristas have earned it numerous awards. Meanwhile, the community-focused Prevail Coffee (with locations across Alabama and Georgia) also received high acclaim in the 17th overall spot. 

The ranking process for this award is no small feat: Criteria is based on a number of visitor-related insights, including coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambiance, sustainability, food quality, and consistency. To capture the most comprehensive overview, World’s 100 Best Coffeeshops says it considers both a public vote and a panel filled with renowned coffee experts. It then weighs the two groups’ insights, and from there, ranks the shops with the highest scores. 

As for Toby’s Estate, the specialty roaster traces its origin back to 1997. Former lawyer and namesake Toby Smith kicked off the brand by learning the basics of roasting from his mom’s garage in a Sydney suburb. Over the past quarter-century, he’s transformed that passion into a thriving chain with locations across Sydney, Brisbane, Singapore, Melbourne, and more. Menus differ by location, but it’s best known for its full-bodied Woolloomooloo blend, named after the suburb where it started.

There’s nothing like realizing your local favorite is among the best in the business.