Finding exceptional coffee in Taipei can overwhelm visitors facing hundreds of cafes claiming specialty status.
Most generic cafe guides skip the crucial details. Which spots actually employ world barista champions, where third wave coffee movement truly thrives, or which independent coffee shops deliver authentic Taiwan coffee experiences beyond Instagram aesthetics.
This guide cuts through the noise, spotlighting Taipei’s finest specialty coffee roasters where award winning baristas practice genuine coffee craftsmanship. From atmospheric cafe spaces in diverse neighborhoods to establishments recognized in international coffee competitions, discover where quality focused establishments serve handcrafted beverages using artisan brewing methods and pour over expertise that coffee enthusiasts actually seek.
Short Answer:
The best cafes in Taipei are Simple Kaffa, Fika Fika Cafe, VWI by CHADWANG, All Day Roasting Company, and Mountain Kids Coffee Roasters. Most are in Da’an District, Xinyi District, and Zhongshan District with specialty coffee roasters, world barista champions, and Instagram worthy interiors.
12 Best Cafes And Coffee Shops In Taipei
Simple Kaffa
Where: Section 5, Xinyi Rd 7, Xinyi District Taipei 101; 88th Floor, Taipei 110 Taiwan
Founded by Berg Wu, Taiwan’s first World Barista Championship winner, Simple Kaffa sets competition level coffee standards in Da’an District.
The minimalist interior design reflects their meticulous brewing standards. Nothing distracts from single origin offerings extracted with champion caliber precision. Professional barista training is evident as staff explain coffee tasting notes and flavor profile complexity for each seasonal coffee menu selection.
Their direct trade relationships ensure farm to cup transparency for specialty grade beans. During my visit, the signature espresso blend showcased technical coffee knowledge through precise extraction methods.
Manual brewing stations allow serious coffee drinkers to witness barista technique demonstrations. Cupping sessions regularly educate the dedicated coffee community on coffee sourcing ethics.
Fika Fika Cafe
Where: No.33 Yitong Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei Taiwan
James Chen, another World Barista Championship medalist, brings Nordic coffee tradition to Xinyi District through Scandinavian cafe concept Fika Fika.
The Swedish coffee culture emphasis on light roast profiles reveals delicate flavor notes following Nordic brewing philosophy. Their latte art championships pedigree shines in milk based drinks. The flat white specialty demonstrates smooth milk texture and refined flavor balance I’ve rarely encountered.
Hygge inspired design features wooden interior elements and natural lighting creating a cozy Scandinavian atmosphere.
European style pastries like cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns complete the coffee pastry pairing experience. This approachable coffee culture spot attracts locals for traditional afternoon fika breaks in comfortable seating arrangements that embody international coffee standards.
VWI by CHADWANG
Where: No. 36-8, Section 1, Fuxing South Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei Taiwan
VWI concept by CHADWANG branding redefines contemporary coffee space with Instagram worthy interior combining industrial chic design and exposed concrete walls.
The architectural coffee shop features designer furniture throughout its modern minimalist aesthetic, making it an urban coffee destination for young professional clientele.
Beyond photogenic presentation, their specialty coffee drinks showcase genuine coffee innovation. The signature coffee creations include:
- Filtered coffee options using premium coffee beans • Cold brew specialties with artistic plating • Sophisticated drink offerings on weekend brunch menu
Spacious seating layout benefits from natural light flooding the downtown location. This design conscious venue attracts trendy Taipei cafes enthusiasts seeking elevated coffee experience at a notable cafe photography hotspot.
All Day Roasting Company
Where: No.329, Yanshou St, Songshan Dist, Songshan, Taipei 105 Taiwan
This in house roasting operation in Zhongshan District exemplifies the roastery cafe model with coffee roasting transparency as roasting equipment visible greets visitors.
The warehouse style space fills with roasting aroma atmosphere during their small batch roasting schedule. Freshly roasted beans with roast date tracking ensure roaster to cup freshness for rotating coffee selections featuring origin specific coffees.
Staff share bean origin stories and coffee provenance details demonstrating roasting expertise.
I sampled their tasting flight options comparing espresso roast levels to filter roast offerings, appreciating roast profile development for different coffee bean varieties. Coffee education displays explain quality control standards and coffee sourcing information. After exploring Taipei’s cafe scene, check out the best restaurants in Taiwan for an equally impressive culinary journey beyond coffee.
This cafe roastery hybrid offers coffee brewing workshops showcasing their transparent coffee journey.
Summer Savage
Where: No. 1, Lane 330, Songjiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei 10491 Taiwan
Summer Savage ambiance captures laid back coffee culture through its casual neighborhood vibe and approachable coffee shop atmosphere.
The unpretentious coffee service from friendly barista interactions creates a community coffee space favored by weekday coffee regulars seeking everyday coffee quality.
Their simple menu focus delivers reliable espresso shots and smooth coffee drinks with impressive quality to price ratio at accessible coffee pricing. The milk coffee balance in classic coffee preparations produces easy drinking coffee that builds neighborhood coffee loyalty.
During multiple visits, the consistent brewing methods and welcoming cafe staff maintained dependable coffee spot standards.
Comfortable cafe seating accommodates the afternoon coffee crowd and regular customer base who appreciate this no fuss coffee experience for everyday cafe visits.
After 5
Where: 10491, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Lane 310, Linsen N Rd, 34號
True to its after work cafe concept, After 5 thrives during evening coffee service with extended operating hours serving post work coffee crowd and night owl cafe culture enthusiasts.
The evening cafe atmosphere transforms with dimmed ambient lighting creating a relaxed evening vibe perfect for unwinding coffee spot conversations.
Their specialty coffee after hours maintains nighttime coffee quality matching daytime standards. Evening espresso drinks and after dinner coffee pair excellently with their dessert selection variety.
The conversation friendly environment works as an evening social space for after work meetups or a date night coffee venue.
During my late afternoon arrival, the evening menu offerings included fresh evening pastry options. This nighttime cafe destination fills a gap in after hours coffee scene for evening coffee enthusiasts seeking a late day coffee fix.
Mountain Kids Coffee Roasters
Where: No. 126, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100 Taiwan
Mountain Kids philosophy connects outdoor inspired branding with serious specialty roasting operation, attracting adventure loving clientele through nature themed cafe design featuring wooden design elements and rustic interior touches.
The mountain coffee aesthetic isn’t superficial. They source high altitude coffee beans from mountain grown origins, emphasizing elevation specific coffees and terroir focused roasting.
Their direct farmer partnerships ensure sustainable coffee sourcing following ethical roasting practices. The batch roasting quality delivers fresh roast availability with roasting date transparency.
I appreciated their coffee origin emphasis explaining coffee tasting characteristics like:
- Bright acidity profiles from high elevation beans • Clean flavor finishes showcasing terroir • Multiple brewing method variety in preparation options
The outdoor casual atmosphere complements their specialty coffee dedication from these quality focused roasters.
Dreamers Coffee
Where: No. 5號, Lane 135, Section 1, Fuxing S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10666
Dreamers Coffee ethos embraces aspirational cafe branding through its creative coffee space that attracts an artistic coffee community and creative professional crowd.
The artistic cafe interior with creative design touches establishes an inspiring cafe atmosphere reflecting motivational coffee culture for their dream chasing clientele.
Beyond aesthetics, the experimental coffee menu showcases barista artistry focus through innovative brewing techniques and coffee creativity. Their seasonal coffee experiments and limited edition drinks demonstrate creative menu development emphasizing coffee flavor innovation.
The handcrafted beverage focus means carefully crafted drinks with attention to detail service and presentation aesthetics creating visual coffee appeal.
Each unique coffee presentation reflects artisan coffee preparation and thoughtful coffee curation. This inspirational cafe environment fosters creative coffee expression through genuine specialty coffee artistry.
RUFOUS COFFEE
Where: No. 339, Sec. 2, Fuxing S. Rd., Daan Dist, Da’an, Taipei Taiwan
Rufous Coffee reputation as a specialty coffee pioneer and long standing coffee excellence provider makes it a trusted coffee destination with loyal customer following.
Among early specialty adopters in Taipei, these coffee scene veterans maintain consistent quality maintenance through traditional brewing methods and time tested recipes.
Their espresso program strength shines in milk based specialty drinks with signature drink consistency that earned neighborhood institution status.
The classic cafe atmosphere features timeless interior design providing comfortable familiarity for an established customer base. Convenient location access generates steady customer traffic during morning coffee rush and lunch hour crowd throughout all day coffee service.
Word of mouth recommendations consistently reference their reliable coffee standards and proven coffee excellence as a local coffee landmark.
Fujin Tree Cafe
Where: No. 15, Lane 199, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei 105 Taiwan
Fujin Tree setting distinguishes this venue through its tree shaded location and expansive outdoor seating area creating genuine garden cafe atmosphere.
The nature surrounded venue in a leafy neighborhood provides tree lined street position with natural shade coverage and impressive outdoor indoor flow.
Botanical cafe elements and green space integration throughout garden style seating deliver a tranquil coffee experience with escape the city feeling.
During my visit, the afternoon shade spot offered temperature comfortable seating thanks to natural cooling effect beneath seasonal foliage views. The bird song atmosphere enhanced the peaceful cafe environment perfect for relaxed outdoor dining.
Garden furniture arrangement accommodates nature loving customers seeking al fresco coffee and fresh air coffee in this green oasis cafe promoting outdoor cafe culture.
GaBee Coffee
Where: No. 21號, Lane 113, Section 3, Minsheng E Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
GaBee Coffee legacy extends beyond excellent coffee into barista training center operations providing professional coffee education and barista championship training.
This teaching cafe model functions as a technical training facility where hands on coffee learning through barista certification programs produces competition winning graduates who shape Taipei’s coffee industry influence.
The educational coffee space offers:
- Advanced brewing training and espresso technique mastery • Latte art instruction alongside coffee sensory training • Cupping skills development for coffee knowledge depth
Visiting feels like entering a learning focused environment where student barista practice demonstrates coffee excellence standards. Their industry respected training and coffee professional network supports barista career development.
The training cafe atmosphere balances skill development focus with quality service, reflecting decades of coffee education leadership.
Wilbeck Cafe
Where: 26-7 Xin Yang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Taiwan
Wilbeck Cafe style combines contemporary cafe design with modern cafe aesthetic creating a design forward space showing interior design attention throughout its curated cafe atmosphere.
This stylish coffee venue achieves sophisticated coffee culture through quality without pretension. The simple done well philosophy delivers elevated everyday coffee with accessible sophistication.
Their balanced coffee menu offers espresso and filter options alongside milk drink expertise using quality ingredient focus. The fresh pastry selection of daily baked goods enables excellent food coffee pairing for their brunch friendly menu.
The neighborhood chic vibe attracts both weekend cafe crowd and weekday regular customers, establishing local favorite status as an all occasion coffee spot.
This versatile cafe venue functions as a neighborhood gathering place and genuine community coffee hub.
Recommendations for Accommodation in Taipei
Strategic hotel location significantly enhances cafe hopping convenience in Taipei.
Da’an District hotels position visitors near Simple Kaffa and multiple specialty roasters, offering excellent walkable neighborhood areas for morning coffee walk distance visits.
Zhongshan District lodging provides central district advantages with MRT proximity benefits accessing All Day Roasting Company and surrounding cafes.
Xinyi District accommodation suits those prioritizing Fika Fika Cafe access and shopping convenience.
Regardless of neighborhood selection criteria, prioritize public transportation access for efficient cafe touring across district specific stays. Consider boutique hotel options for local area immersion or international hotel chains offering reliable comfort.
Your accommodation cafe proximity strategy should match multi cafe visit strategy plans, as neighborhood base selection impacts multiple cafe accessibility and overall cafe district concentration exploration efficiency.
