TL;DR
Looking for the best cup of coffee in Munich? You've come to the right place!
Munich is home to about 500 coffee spots, with about 50 specialty coffee shops serving up high-quality, artisanal brews. My own passion for coffee recently led me into the world of specialty coffee, and I've been on a mission to find Munich's finest brew ever since.
If you're looking for the best coffee experiences in the city, I've got you covered. Let's dive into my honest reviews of Munich's top coffee shops, where quality, flavor, and craftsmanship meet.
Before I reveal my favorite coffee shops, some words on Munich’s coffee tradition (you might be surprised…).
Coffee Shops Munich: Where Coffee Meets Beer
Munich is not only a city of lederhosen and Oktoberfest, but also a city with a rich, aromatic coffee history that dates back to the 17th century. In fact, the city's first coffeehouse opened its doors in 1685. It's one of the oldest in Germany. In those early days, coffeehouses served as intellectual hubs where artists and thinkers gathered to discuss ideas over steaming cups of coffee.
Octoberfest Meets Coffee
Although Oktoberfest is synonymous with beer, coffee has been making its mark at the festival in recent years. Specialty coffee stands at Oktoberfest offer festival-goers an alternative to beer, providing a caffeine boost with traditional coffee, espresso-based drinks, and even coffee-infused cocktails like the Espresso Martini.
The 1950s marked a significant shift in Munich's coffee culture with the introduction of espresso machines. This innovation transformed coffee consumption from a leisurely activity to a faster, more refined experience. Lattes and cappuccinos became popular choices, diversifying the city's coffee offerings.
Did you know that white coffee (or Milchkaffee), brewed coffee mixed with steamed milk, is a staple of Bavarian coffee culture? It became popular in the coffeehouses of 19th-century Munich, where people gathered for long, slow conversations over large cups of this mild, comforting beverage. This milder alternative to espresso-based drinks was perfect with pastries such as kuchen and strudel, and remains a popular drink in the region's coffeehouses and bakeries to this day.
Nowadays, you'll find that Munich's coffee landscape is incredibly diverse:
- Traditional Viennese-style cafes
- Modern specialty coffee shops
- Artisanal roasters who focus on bean quality
Munich's coffee scene is strong. Coffee lovers can explore a wide range of options, from classic espresso drinks and innovative flavor combinations to carefully sourced, locally roasted beans.
About Coffee and Royalty
Munich's coffee culture has been deeply influenced by its connection to Vienna, particularly through the marriage of King Ludwig I of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810. Viennese-style cafés, which emphasized elegance and a relaxed atmosphere, became popular in Munich, where patrons could enjoy not only coffee, but also pastries and long intellectual discussions. The most popular Viennese-style coffeehouse in Munich is Café Luitpold, founded in 1888.
Specialty vs Artisan Coffee in Munich
When looking for coffee shops in Munich, you'll come across both specialty coffee shops and artisan coffee shops. While they are similar, there are important differences between them.
Specialty Coffee
Specialty Coffee is all about quality and transparency. The philosophy prioritizes every step of the coffee process, from bean sourcing and ethical trading practices to meticulous brewing methods. The goal is to produce coffee that scores high on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Scale (80 points or higher on a 100-point scale), focusing on flavor complexity, aroma, and consistency. In practice, this approach involves direct trading relationships with farmers, precision in roasting and brewing, and educating consumers about the nuances of coffee origins and flavor profiles. Specialty coffee shops often highlight single-origin beans and provide detailed tasting notes. Man vs. Machine Coffee Roasters, a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts in Munich, Germany, exemplifies this approach by roasting beans to perfection and serving expertly crafted beverages.
Artisanal Coffee
Artisanal Coffee, on the other hand, embraces the art of coffee roasting and celebrates creativity in every step of the process. The focus is on craft, with an emphasis on small-batch roasting and hands-on techniques that allow for experimentation and the development of unique, custom blends. The artisan approach prioritizes craftsmanship over standardization, allowing roasters to express their creativity by experimenting with roast profiles, blending beans, and trying new brewing methods. It's a more personal, handcrafted experience where the process itself is as important as the final cup. One of the most popular artisan coffee shops in Munich is Vits der Kaffee, which focuses on small-batch roasting, allowing them to tailor their approach to the unique characteristics of each coffee variety.
In essence, specialty coffee emphasizes bean quality and precision, while artisan coffee celebrates the craft and creativity of small-batch roasting and unique flavor development.
Finding Munich's Best Coffee: My Evaluation Criteria
Before I share my top picks for the best coffee in Munich, I want to outline the key factors I used to evaluate each place. This way, you'll understand why these coffee shops stood out and what influenced my decisions. These criteria help me find not just good coffee, but great coffee, where the experience is as enjoyable as the drink itself.
Quality of Coffee Beans
Great roasters often source single-origin beans and use precise roasting techniques to bring out the unique flavors of those beans. Single-origin coffee comes from a specific location-whether a single farm, region, or country-giving the coffee a distinct flavor profile tied to the soil, climate, and elevation of that area. These coffees often have more distinct and individual flavors than blends, which mix beans from different locations for consistency. If you're a coffee lover, you know that single-origin beans allow you to truly taste the differences between regions, offering a more complex and rewarding experience.
Brewing Methods
Pay close attention to how your coffee is brewed. The best coffee shops don't just offer espresso or a flat white; they give you options like pour-over, cold brew, and more. Each brewing method brings out different aspects of the coffee's flavor profile, making it easier to appreciate its quality and depth. On the other hand, poor quality beans or improper roasting are immediately apparent with pour-over or espresso, where precision is key. These methods bring out off-flavors, inconsistencies or lack of depth that can easily go unnoticed with other, more forgiving methods, especially when milk and sugar are involved.
Barista Expertise
A skilled barista makes all the difference. Not only do they understand coffee profiles, but they can recommend brews tailored to your preferences. One indicator I always look for is their mastery of milk texturing and latte art. While latte art may seem like a small detail, it actually shows the barista's ability to control milk texture and pouring. A well-poured design means they've perfected their craft, which makes a big difference in the overall experience.
Connection with Local Farmers
One question I always ask is whether the coffee shop has direct contact with the farmers who grow their beans. This connection is critical to quality coffee because it fosters collaboration, innovation and transparency between the farmer and the roaster. Not only does it ensure a better product, but it also promotes sustainable and ethical practices. I love hearing the stories behind the beans - where they come from, how they're grown - because it adds a personal touch to the whole experience.
Taste
At the end of the day, it all comes down to taste. If the coffee doesn't taste good, I won't come back. Simple as that. Personally, I love rich, dark flavors with low acidity and a smooth, chocolatey finish. But I've also come to appreciate more complex flavor profiles, especially in drip coffee. Lately, I've been enjoying brews with more fruity, cherry-like notes that add a new layer of nuance to the cup.
Atmosphere
For me, a great coffee shop is like a second living room - a comfortable, inviting place where I feel at home. The atmosphere, the decor, and even the way the coffee is presented are all important. As a digital nomad, I also appreciate places with reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment in which to work. But work isn't always my priority. Sometimes it's just about disconnecting, enjoying the moment, and having meaningful conversations. Whether a coffee shop is great for remote work or just a great place to relax, I'll make sure to include it in my picks.
Munich’s Best Specialty Coffee Shops
The time has finally come for me to share with you my favorite coffee shops in Munich. PS: The list is constantly updated to reflect my latest discoveries.
Kanso Coffee Lab
Kanso Coffee Lab is my latest and greatest discovery: Only five months old and tucked away in a courtyard in downtown Munich, they serve the best cup of coffee I've ever had in the city (and I've had a lot!). They are a specialty coffee shop and roast their own beans. They use only the highest quality beans for their coffee, scoring as high as 85-90 points on the SCA Scale. Be sure to try their drip coffee experience where you can enjoy three unique flavors in one go - perfect to share with your friend or partner. Oh, and they master latte art like no other. These aspects make them my new favorite coffee shop in Munich.
When you visit, be sure to ask about the different roasts they offer. That way you can tailor the taste to your personal preference.
The interior is upscale and minimalist. Seating inside and outside is limited. Since they are new to Munich, there has always been plenty of seating during my visits, but that could change quickly as they become more popular over time.
Man Versus Machine
Man Versus Machine remains one of my favorite coffee shops - and rightly so. They offer some of the best specialty roasts I have had in Munich. No matter which roast, it is always flavorful and exquisite - even in a capucchino.
Mind you, they are so popular that even though they have two locations in the city - one in Schellingstrasse and the other in Glockenbachviertel - people regularly line up at both of their coffee shops. Yes, their coffee is that good! And since they have limited seating, you might want to consider ordering their coffee to go.
Roca Junior Artisan Coffee
Roca Junior Artisan Coffee is a cozy specialty coffee shop in Maxvorstadt. Onur, the founder and owner, is very knowledgeable and can recommend the ideal roast for the perfect cup. Be sure to ask about the roast before ordering and I recommend drip coffee or espresso to get the full coffee flavor. Again, the latte art is top notch.
I also appreciate that he always serves coffee with a glass of water, another testament to his excellent coffee and commitment to providing the best customer experience possible. No wonder he still enjoys an average of 5 stars on Google after 500+ reviews!
Seating is very limited.
Sweet Spot Kaffee
If you believe that good things come in small packages, then Sweet Spot Kaffee is your coffee stop. This tiny coffee shop next to the Viktualienmarkt is all about taste. Here you will find mostly light roasts. The result: A coffee that delights with its complex flavor profiles and lively notes.
When you've enjoyed every last drop, look inside your cup. You'll find a smiley face at the bottom, like a cherry on top of your coffee experience. It's a small gesture that adds a little sunshine to your day!
They are so small that I usually get my coffee to go.
Fausto Kaffeerösterei
Fausto Coffee Roastery is another specialty roaster that offers a choice between their staple barista mix or the rotating coffee of the week, perfect for those who like to explore different flavors. My favorites are Paradiso and Simao, as I like the more intense and chocolatey flavor. Recently, their fruity Flor de Flor de Macala caught my attention - probably another favorite in the making. Also at work we have Fausto Coffee Beans (I’m so blessed).
Fausto has plenty of seating inside and out. However, the internet there is not reliable enough to work remotely.
Billy's Café & Kiosk
Don't let appearances fool you - Billy's Café & Kiosk serves seriously good coffee.
Billy's Café & Kiosk has so many fun facts: They're run by LMU students, they get their beans from Munich's own Fausto Coffee Roastery, and they roast the beans themselves. I loved their beans so much that I bought their coffee beans for over a year. The mocha and the small cappuccino are my favorites! I also highly recommend their delicious banana cake!
The place is very small, so you have to get there early or be lucky to find a seat. Again, since they don't offer wifi, this is not a great place to work remotely.
Autumn special: Want to kick off pumpkin spiced latte season this year? Head to Billy's - they offer a variety of coffee drinks and flavors.
Morso Cafe
If you're looking for specialty coffee and a cozy atmosphere, you can't go wrong with Morso Cafe. With three locations across Munich, Morso Cafe combines specialty coffee with inviting atmospheres. You'll find branches:
Morso Café offers Swiss-roasted specialty coffee and delicious pastries. The cafés are particularly inviting on chilly evenings, making them ideal winter retreats.
Final Words
Munich may be known for its beer and Oktoberfest, but as you've discovered, it also has a rich coffee culture. In particular, specialty coffee shops in Munich are becoming increasingly popular. I hope you found my top picks for coffee shops inspiring and will try them out to see for yourself. As always, I welcome your feedback and would love to hear if you like what I have selected.
Before you go, check out the FAQ section below, where I've added two more rather different coffee shops that I haven't mentioned yet. I'm sure you'll enjoy them.
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Now I have to leave you because my cup of homemade pumpkin spice latte is waiting for me.... coffee nirvana, here I come!
