World’s Best Coffee Is In Surry Hills

Aussies are known for their coffee — now, the world agrees

Toby’s Estate Chippendale

By Lucy Pearson

Australians take their coffee seriously. From hole-in-the-wall espresso bars to sprawling roasteries, the country’s coffee culture is revered worldwide. Now, it’s official — one of our own has taken the crown. Toby’s Estate Chippendale has just been named The World’s Best Coffee Shop at the inaugural World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops awards, held in Madrid, Spain.

The global recognition comes as part of a newly established ranking system that celebrates excellence in coffee. The awards assess cafes worldwide based on a series of factors: coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability, food quality, and consistency. After a rigorous selection process—incorporating both public votes and expert panel evaluations — Toby’s Estate emerged victorious.

Australia’s reputation for outstanding coffee is well-earned, and Toby’s Estate Chippendale’s win cements Sydney’s status as a global coffee capital. The Chippendale flagship, home to Toby’s Estate’s renowned roastery and Island Brew Bar, has long been a favourite among coffee aficionados, and now the world has taken notice.

Jody Leslie, General Manager of Toby’s Estate, spoke of her enormous pride in the team’s achievement:

“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. Coffee is at the heart of everything we do, and this honour is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation.”

It wasn’t just a win for Sydney — Australian coffee culture made a strong showing in the global rankings. Melbourne’s Proud Mary secured fourth place, while Brisbane’s Coffee Anthology landed in eighth. In total, nine Australian coffee shops featured in the top 100, solidifying the country’s reputation as a coffee powerhouse.

Toby’s Estate is no stranger to pushing boundaries. What began in a Woolloomooloo garage over 25 years ago has grown into an internationally recognised brand, with flagship locations in Brisbane, Singapore, the Middle East, the Philippines, and, most recently, Melbourne’s Fitzroy. But Chippendale remains its beating heart — a space where coffee innovation thrives.

Toby’s Estate Chippendale stands out thanks to its unique Island Brew Bar, where there are no barriers between customers and baristas, offering an interactive, immersive coffee experience. The roastery is also a key highlight, allowing visitors to observe the roasting process through glass doors, gaining insight into the craftsmanship behind each cup. Though coffee is the main attraction, Toby’s Estate goes beyond just serving exceptional brews, with a selection of high-quality offerings that complement the coffee experience. The combination of these elements makes it a must-visit for coffee lovers seeking both education and enjoyment.

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops awards aim to spotlight the finest coffee experiences worldwide. The ranking process combines public votes (30%) with expert evaluations (70%), ensuring a balance of popular opinion and industry expertise. Nominations are open to the public, and a panel of seasoned baristas, coffee roasters, and industry professionals assesses the final contenders. The winners represent the very best in specialty coffee, showcasing those that have mastered the delicate balance between craft, innovation, and community.

For Sydneysiders and tourists alike, there’s never been a better time to visit Toby’s Estate Chippendale. Located at 32-36 City Rd, Chippendale, the cafe welcomes coffee lovers to experience its award-winning brews firsthand. Even better? The roastery hosts free monthly coffee tastings, inviting guests to deepen their appreciation for specialty coffee in a space that champions knowledge-sharing and experimentation.

Toby’s Estate has always been about more than just coffee — it’s about passion, craftsmanship, and the connection forged over a great cup. Now, with the world watching, Sydney’s coffee culture has never shone brighter.