The Philippines has a
vibrant and diverse coffee culture, featuring a wide array of cafes that span
from celebrated specialty coffee shops to charming local spots. As of early
2025, various lists, awards, and reviews have spotlighted the top five coffee
shops in the country, showcasing a dynamic coffee scene that marries
international expertise with a uniquely Filipino flair.
These establishments have
received recent accolades and widespread acclaim, emphasizing their distinctive
qualities and what sets them apart.
1. The Curator Coffee & Cocktails (Makati)
The Curator Coffee &
Cocktails, located in Legazpi Village, Makati City, is a distinctive and highly
regarded establishment. Renowned for its dual identity and commitment to
exceptional beverages, it boasts a sleek, minimalist, and industrial design.
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Ambiance
The front area serves as a
bright café during the day, while the back room transforms into an intimate,
dimly lit speakeasy bar in the evening. This versatile concept allows it to
cater to both morning patrons and late-night guests.
Popular Coffee Beverage
The Curator offers an
extensive selection of espresso classics and manual brew methods, often
featuring single-origin beans in their coffee program. A favorite among
visitors is the Chakowhat-To, a red eye with milk served in a wine glass, often
likened to a rich iced latte.
Signature Cocktails
The Curator is celebrated
for its innovative and carefully crafted cocktails. While there isn't a fixed
"signature" cocktail on the menu, the offerings change to highlight
seasonal ingredients and creative inspirations. The drinks are characterized by
a blend of unique flavors and classic techniques. Notable past creations include:
Pandesal: A Filipino spin on the Espresso Martini,
incorporating local elements with a bread-like essence.
Gypsy Fizz: A refreshing and intricate cocktail featuring guava
and herbal notes.
The Work For Tomorrow: A robust drink that combines elements of an Old Fashioned and a Negroni with a tropical flair.
The skilled bartenders at
The Curator are known for their expertise and are eager to craft drinks
tailored to customers' preferences, making the personalized experience a
hallmark of the bar itself.
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Awards and Recognition
The Curator consistently
shines on the international stage, having been named "The Best Bar in the
Philippines" for several consecutive years. It has also secured a spot on
the esteemed "Asia's 50 Best Bars" list since its inception,
highlighting its enduring quality and influence within the region's bar scene.
Additionally, it has been recognized in the "World's 100 Best Coffee Shops
2025."
2. Yardstick Coffee (Makati City)
Ranked 18th globally
Yardstick is a trailblazer
in Manila's "third-wave" coffee movement. Renowned for its minimalist
design and commitment to craftsmanship, Yardstick stands as a premier specialty
coffee roaster in the Philippines. It serves as a haven for coffee aficionados
and is an active hub for the coffee community, offering various training
sessions and workshops.
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Signature Blend
One of Yardstick's most
iconic offerings is the Golden Ticket, not a drink but a roasted coffee
blend utilized in many of their espresso-based beverages. Inspired by the
whimsy of Willy Wonka, the Golden Ticket boasts a sweet and chocolatey profile.
It features tasting notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and nuts, making it a
favorite, particularly in milk-based drinks such as lattes and flat whites.
Most Popular Drinks
Sea Salt Latte: A beloved choice among patrons, this drink combines
sweetness and savory elements, topped with a distinctive sea salt foam. Its
balanced flavor profile is both delicious and unique.
The Fluffy: This drink has garnered a bit of a cult following. "The Fluffy" is a cold brew topped with sweet milk foam, resulting in a light, layered, and refreshing experience.
Flat White: Known for its quality beans and expert preparation,
Yardstick's classic Flat White is a favored option for those wanting to savor
the harmonious flavor of espresso paired with milk. It's a staple for coffee
purists and regular visitors.
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Yardstick also features a
rotating selection of special and exclusive drinks, including the limited-time Wanderlust
and unique creations tailored for different locations, such as the Iced
Umami Creamy Latte available at their Atmos BGC branch. This dedication to
variety and innovation ensures their menu remains fresh and exciting for loyal
customers.
3. El Union Coffee (San Juan, La Union)
Ranked 61st in the World
A cherished gem in the surf
town of San Juan, El Union has earned national acclaim and was recognized as
one of the “World's 100 Best Coffee Shops” in 2025. Renowned for its relaxed
atmosphere, signature beverages like the “Dirty Horchata,” and its commitment
to high-quality beans sourced from northern Philippine producers.
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Why the Dirty Horchata is Their Signature Drink:
A Unique Concept: The Dirty
Horchata is an original creation of El Union. They formulated a recipe
featuring rice milk-based horchata combined with a double shot of espresso,
resulting in a distinctive and highly popular beverage.
Upon its introduction, this
drink became an immediate sensation and continues to be their top seller. El Union refers to the Dirty Horchata as a
"labor movement." During the pandemic, the owner shared the
recipe as a gesture of support for the community and empowerment, demonstrating
that revealing trade secrets enhanced their reputation rather than harming
their business.
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Customers enthusiastically
praise its creamy texture and the perfect harmony of light cinnamon flavor
and espresso. It is often described as a refreshing and unique iced coffee
drink, ideal for the warm weather of La Union.
4. Single Origin (Various Branches in Metro Manila)
Ranked 83rd globally
Single Origin truly embodies its name by specializing in coffee brewed from international beans and diverse brewing methods. In 2025, it earned a spot on the "World's 100 Best Coffee Shops" list. Beyond its exceptional coffee, it serves as a popular all-day dining destination, featuring a broad menu of beloved comfort food classic.
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The cafes are typically
designed with a rustic, homey, or minimalist industrial style, providing
comfortable seating and a relaxed ambiance. They are often regarded as ideal
locations for work, study, or socializing with friends.
Signature and Popular
Coffee Drinks
Single Origin is renowned
for its range of specialty coffee drinks, particularly those that showcase
their expertly roasted beans.
Some of their signature and
popular beverages include:
Salted Caramel Latte: A fan favorite, celebrated for its harmonious
blend of espresso, house-made caramel, and a touch of sea salt. This sweet and
savory delight can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Peruvian Mocha: A rich and luxurious drink that merges espresso
with textured milk and Noir Peru chocolate, providing a deeper and more complex
chocolate flavor compared to a standard mocha.
Orange Infused
Cappuccino: A fragrant and unique
take on a classic, this drink features orange-infused textured milk combined
with espresso, dusted with cacao for a subtle citrus and chocolate experience.
18-Hour Cold Brew: Ideal for those who appreciate a robust and smooth
black coffee, their 18-hour cold brew is a popular option, known for its low
acidity and rich flavor.
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Single Origin is a
well-loved all-day café and bistro in the Philippines, renowned for its
specialty coffee and extensive menu of food and beverages. While their
"single origin" coffee concept serves as both their namesake and
foundation, they offer a diverse menu that goes well beyond just coffee.
5. Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters (Quezon City)
Ranked 86th globally
This coffee shop is
celebrated for its artisanal, in-house roasting method. They are committed to
providing high-quality beans and also offer coffee workshops.
Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters is renowned for its expertly roasted coffee, complemented by a menu featuring unique beverages and beloved classics. Their focus is on delivering an exceptional coffee experience, whether you opt for a traditional espresso or an imaginative creation.
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Signature Coffee Concoctions (mixtures)
Here are some standout
options that you should definitely try:
Why Not Coconut? This unique drink combines coffee, chocolate, milk,
and coconut, resulting in a rich and flavorful blend that is frequently
mentioned as a favorite.
Orange Cinnamon Iced
Americano: A refreshing twist on
the classic, this drink blends espresso with a hint of orange and cinnamon,
offering a bright and aromatic profile perfect for warm days.
Espresso Soda: For those willing to explore, this beverage
combines espresso, brown sugar, and soda water for a sparkling and sweet coffee
experience.
Apple Pie Aerocano: A newer addition that has garnered attention, this drink melds espresso with apple and cinnamon syrups for a delightful flavor.
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Popular Classic Coffee Drinks
While their unique
concoctions shine, their mastery of classic coffee beverages is what solidifies
their reputation as a respected roaster. Patrons often commend their standard
selections, including:
Iced Spanish Latte: A favored choice for its harmonious balance of
strong espresso and sweetened milk, resulting in a smooth and creamy drink.
Latte & Flat White: As a specialty coffee roaster, their lattes and
flat whites are highly esteemed for their rich, well-balanced flavors and
expertly steamed milk.
Filter Coffee: For true coffee aficionados, their pour-over and
other filter coffee options highlight the distinct notes of their single-origin
and in-house roasted beans.
Crema & Cream Coffee
Roasters has established a strong presence in the Philippine coffee scene,
particularly in Quezon City.
Key Highlights:
1. Expert Roasting and Coffee Focus: Crema & Cream prides itself on meticulous in-house roasting, aiming to extract the highest quality from each bean. Their skilled team features experienced roasters and tasters, with a selection of rare, exclusive, and award-winning coffee beans.
2. Holistic Café Experience: While coffee is the star, Crema & Cream has broadened its offerings to include a full menu of "elevated comfort food," ensuring that each dish complements the diverse range of coffee they serve, creating a cohesive dining experience.
3. Reputation
and Recognition: Having earned a
spot on the international stage as one of the world's best coffee shops, Crema
& Cream exemplifies quality and consistency in coffee alongside a
dedication to their craft.
In summary, Crema &
Cream is a must-visit for serious coffee enthusiasts who admire the art and
science of roasting, all while enjoying a well-curated meal in a setting
focused on exceptional coffee and culinary experiences.
The Best of Philippine Coffee: Top 5 Five Exceptional Shops
The five coffee shops
spotlighted—Yardstick Coffee, El Union Coffee, Single Origin, Crema & Cream
Coffee Roasters, and The Curator Coffee and Cocktails—represent the peak of
the Philippine coffee landscape. While each offers a unique experience, they
collectively highlight the country's rising reputation for specialty coffee.
Yardstick and The Curator,
both located in Makati, are pioneers of the third-wave coffee movement in
Manila, renowned for their meticulous brewing techniques, innovative concepts,
and commitment to coffee education.
El Union, situated in La
Union, has established itself as a must-visit destination, merging a relaxed
surf-town atmosphere with high-quality, locally sourced beans.
Single Origin and Crema
& Cream have successfully found their niches through extensive coffee menus
and a strong dedication to the art of coffee roasting, respectively.
In summary, these five coffee shops not only serve outstanding coffee but also capture the Philippines' dynamic coffee culture, showcasing a blend of meticulous craftsmanship, community engagement, and creative innovation that has earned them a spot among the world's finest.