Australia’s coffee culture has long been celebrated for its high standards, and in 2025, this reputation was further solidified as Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in Sydney was named the world’s best coffee shop.
The announcement came at the Madrid Coffee Festival in Spain, where the World’s 100 Best Coffee Spots were unveiled. Toby’s Estate took the top spot, beating out coffee shops from the United States, Austria, Norway, and Singapore.
Founded in 1997, Toby’s Estate has built a strong reputation for sourcing high-quality coffee beans while prioritizing ethical and sustainable practices. This achievement is not just a win for the café itself but also a proud moment for the Australian coffee industry, which continues to set global standards.
The coffee brand celebrated its victory on Instagram, posting, “Not every day you get to say you’re #1 in the world at something, but here we are – Toby’s Estate has officially taken the crown!” The post reflected the pride and excitement of the entire team behind this award-winning café.
A Triumph for Australian Coffee Culture
The competition to be named the world’s best coffee shop was intense, with the final rankings considering various factors, including coffee quality, customer service, ambiance, barista expertise, sustainability policies, and overall innovation. Public opinion, along with expert evaluations, played a crucial role in determining the top spots.
Toby’s Estate’s victory is particularly significant given the ongoing friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne over which city boasts the best coffee scene. While Melbourne’s Proud Mary Coffee secured fourth place on the list, it was Sydney’s Toby’s Estate that ultimately triumphed.
General Manager Jody Leslie expressed pride in the win, emphasizing that it was not just a victory for Sydney but for the entire Australian coffee industry. “I think our win is a win for the country. Australian coffee is, I think, the best in the world and so it doesn’t come down to Sydney and Melbourne,” Leslie told CNN Travel.
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Australia’s strong presence on the list was evident, with a total of nine coffee shops making the top 100. This reinforces the country’s reputation for setting global coffee trends and consistently delivering exceptional experiences to coffee lovers.
The Rise of Coffee Culture in Australia
Australia’s deep-rooted love for coffee dates back to the 1880s when the Temperance Movement in Melbourne encouraged people to move away from alcohol consumption and embrace alternatives like coffee.
This period saw the emergence of coffee palaces, grand establishments that offered a refined social setting for Australians to gather, much like the elegant cafés of Paris. These establishments quickly gained popularity, and coffee became an essential part of Australian social life.
While Melbourne was at the forefront of this early coffee culture, Sydney and other cities soon followed, establishing their own unique coffee identities.
The real transformation, however, came in the 1930s when Italian immigrants introduced espresso machines to Australia. By the 1950s, after World War II, European immigrants played a crucial role in shaping the café culture that would become synonymous with Australia.
Among the most debated aspects of Australian coffee culture is the origin of the beloved flat white. Alan Preston, who founded Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney, claims to have coined the term “flat white” in 1985, inspired by a popular style of espresso served in Queensland during the 1960s and 1970s.
However, New Zealander Frank McInnes argues that he accidentally invented the drink when a failed attempt at making a frothy cappuccino led him to apologize to a customer, saying, “Sorry, it’s a flat white.” The debate continues, but regardless of its true origins, the flat white has become a defining feature of Australian coffee culture.
Global Recognition and the Future of Australian Coffee
The recognition of Toby’s Estate as the world’s best coffee shop is a testament to the dedication and innovation of Australian coffee professionals. The café’s focus on breaking down traditional barriers between baristas and customers has been a defining feature of its success.
Designed with an open-concept layout, the space allows coffee enthusiasts to interact with the team, observe the brewing process, and appreciate the craft behind every cup.
Toby’s Estate’s commitment to sustainability also played a key role in its global recognition. The brand has prioritized ethical sourcing, working closely with coffee farmers to ensure fair trade practices while maintaining a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. This dedication to both quality and ethical practices has helped set the brand apart from its competitors.
The impact of this achievement extends beyond just one café. It reinforces Australia’s position as a leader in the coffee industry, inspiring other coffee businesses to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence. With nine Australian cafés making the top 100, the country’s coffee scene remains one of the most influential in the world.
As Australian coffee continues to gain international acclaim, it is clear that the country’s café culture is here to stay. Whether in Sydney, Melbourne, or beyond, Australian coffee shops continue to shape global coffee trends and set new standards for quality and innovation.