Speciality coffee (also spelled specialty coffee) is coffee scored above 80/100 by a Q-grader, with full traceability from farm to cup — origin, variety, processing method, and roast profile known and valued.
The addresses below are places I have tried on my travels, sorted by country.
An open laboratory and neighbourhood roastery in Ixelles, where Xavier Beressy and his team roast specialty coffees on-site. Simple, lively atmosphere, standout filter coffees and barista workshops. Belgian Aeropress Champion 2024.
A cosy coffee shop on the fish market quay (Vismet), known for a creative menu: classic espressos, cold brew, and signature lattes (butterfly pea, beetroot, ube, black sesame…). Small pastry selection with vegan options.
Belgian micro-roastery south of Brussels, founded by Tanguy in 2020. Seasonal, traceable and ethical coffees, roasted to highlight each origin’s clarity and character. Online shop and subscriptions from the roastery.
A warm little coffee shop near Mons’ Grand-Place, run by Ludovic Pirrera — a globe-trotting barista who roasts his own beans in Ghlin. Bold espresso, V60 and Aeropress, beans for sale and cupping workshops. Traceable cooperative sourcing.
A pioneering Belgian specialty roaster, founded in Leuven in 2012 by Jens Crabbé, two-time Belgian Cup Tasters champion. The Brussels flagship on Dansaert — housed in a former art gallery — combines roasting, an open bar, two rotating espressos and four filter options. Ranked 67th on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops.
Also at Diestsestraat 165, 3000 Leuven · Rue Saint-Laurent 36, 1000 Brussels (MOK Studio).
A specialty café born from a simple idea: quality coffee that’s accessible in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. Carefully selected beans, partner roasters, full traceability and a welcoming atmosphere — small producers, espresso and filter in a friendly setting.
A contemporary Brussels roaster sourcing, roasting and serving exceptional coffees. City-centre flagship (Sainte-Catherine), plus Flagey (Lesbroussart) and Dansaert (rue de Flandre). « Released on 12 » series, subscriptions and wholesale.
A Lille institution since 2013: espresso bar, tea room and certified organic artisan roaster (Ludovic Fiers). Breakfast, Saturday brunch, homemade pastries, matcha and hot chocolate in a cosy city-centre coffee shop.
Paris specialty coffee roaster open since September 2023, nestled in the 9th arrondissement. Liperli selects only coffees scored above 84 SCA, roasted on-site, and regularly offers ephemeral micro-lots and nano-lots that can’t be repeated. Kees van der Westen machine for precise espressos, gentle extractions (V60) and creative drinks. Warm atmosphere, carefully curated playlist and artisan pastries — a real favourite.
Sifnos-based roaster founded by Isavella Venaki, born on the island, with Konstantinos Tsekouras as head barista — awarded in Italy in 2015 for his coffee work. They’ve been in coffee since 2010; roasting took shape after that prize, first on trial at a Platis Gialos beach café, then with a mill in Chrysopigi since 2019 (their Summer Spot runs in the summer months).
At Platis Gialos I of course had to try a flat white — and it delivered. They also sell ice cream and, of course, their coffee (beans and Nespresso-compatible capsules). A welcome stop beyond the classic Greek freddo on a Cycladic trip.
Quality coffee stop in Old Montreal, steps from Square-Victoria. Rotating Canadian roasters (including Bows & Arrows), friendly vibe and pastries from Hof Kelsten and Godley & Creme. The name is a philosophical wink — with an « A », not an « E ».
A small independent Ottawa roaster, co-founded by a roaster and a barista, with three cafés and a wholesale operation. Careful coffee culture, warm hospitality and a commitment to raising the Canadian scene. Ranked 71st on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops.
Steps from Anguk station and Changdeokgung Palace, tonti hides in the quiet alleys at the foot of Bukchon Hanok Village. Creamy filter coffee, Dubancho and Ethiopian Banko Gotti, soft cookies — an affordable, photogenic stop between hanok houses and sloping lanes.
A favourite for atmosphere and views — but to be clear: it’s more of a traditional tea house than a specialty coffee shop. Cha.ddeul is one of Bukchon’s most peaceful addresses, set in a hanok at a turn in the village lanes. Silent inner courtyard, Korean teas, delicate desserts and filter coffee in a preserved, almost meditative setting.
Between Changdeokgung Palace and a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, the perfect place to slow down after Seoul’s bustle — especially in autumn when leaves fall in the garden.
What a lovely surprise to stumble upon Mosaic Specialty Coffee down a side street in Madaba! Cosy, modern decor — this charming spot opened in early 2024, run by barista Iskandar and his wife. We received a warm welcome and enjoyed filter coffee prepared with real care. The rest of the family went for iced teas and homemade pastry. I highly recommend stopping by before or after visiting St. John the Baptist Church.
Dead Poet Society — intense alternative rock from Los Angeles, blending sharp riffs with cathartic melodies. New album Monarch out October 2, 2026; European tour early 2027.
