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Unveiled recently at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, this year’s World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list features two Japan spots: Osaka’s Ult Coffee at No. 24, followed by Tokyo’s Koffee Mameya Kakeru at No. 28.
It’s satisfying to see Osaka edge out Tokyo this time, considering the enduring friendly rivalry between the two cities. But more importantly, we’re proud to witness Japan’s exceptional coffee scene being recognised on the world stage, especially with two shops ranked in the top 30.
Making it onto the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list is no easy feat, as the evaluation process covers a long list of criteria: coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food and pastry offerings, plus overall consistency. Scores are then tallied using a weighted system: expert panel evaluations account for 70 percent of the total, with public votes making up the remaining 30 percent.
Located in the underrated Kyomachibori neighbourhood, which is quietly gaining a reputation for its sophisticated food and drink scene, Ult Coffee is a beautiful space, replete with calming earth tones and artisanal design details. The coffee shop itself is compact, with just a couple of benches, while next door, behind a stylish wooden façade, sits its far more spacious roastery.
The fact that the roastery occupies the larger footprint clearly signals where Ult’s priority lies. This is likely a main reason why Ult is ranked so highly on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list for 2026. Founded by 2023 World Barista Champion Borum Um, Ult specialises in competition-level coffee, micro-lot beans and speciality blends. Through meticulous roasting and brewing designed to highlight the beans’ natural flavours, Ult produces coffee that is driven by terroir. And this dedication has now earned global recognition.
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So, for the best cup of coffee in Osaka, as certified by the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list, you know where to go. In the meantime, check Ult Coffee’s website for more information.
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