Up and Coming Cafes In New York City: A Travel Guide

No matter where you come from, coffee is universally beloved. It provides an encouraging boost of energy, ready to get you through anything, at any time of day. Over time, drinking coffee has become more of a ritual than merely a beverage. In fact, many different cultures all over the world incorporate coffee into their day to day lives. Since the late 17th century, cafes have served as intellectual hubs. Today they are used for anything from a meeting venue to a space to study. 

With the recent glamorization of coffee and teas, due in large part to social media platforms like Instagram, where you drink coffee is very important. And in the city that never sleeps, drinking coffee is a must, but choosing where to go can feel daunting. You are bound to find at least one semi-decent cafe on every block. But in a city with over 2,000 cafes, why should you have to settle? Luckily, after thorough research, we have found the top 5 best cafes in New York City—in no particular order—that boast not only delicious coffee but a unique atmosphere worthy of any Instagram feed.

It is important to keep in mind that many of these establishments, while being highly regarded for their culinary services, were noted to have limited seating as well as high prices on some dishes. It is highly recommended to arrive around their opening hour, which is approximately 7:00 a.m. with most stores closing at around 6:00 p.m.

La Cabra

La Cabra has earned its reputation for a reason. The Danish specialty coffee company is built around an obsession with high-quality beans and meticulous preparation. Its reach now extends well beyond Denmark, with locations not only in Oman and Bangkok but also in New York City, where it operates cafés in SoHo, the East Village, and Brooklyn. For those who can’t visit in person, La Cabra also offers an impressive range of beans and brewing equipment available for delivery straight to your door.

Just like their coffee program, the food menu is dedicated to excellence. The café recently went viral on TikTok for its cardamom bun, frequently hailed as “the best in the city.” And if that alone isn’t enough to convince you to stop by, the calm, minimalist interior might be. Warm lighting, clean design, and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot to work, study, or simply unwind. If you’re searching for exceptional coffee, beautifully spiced pastries, and a cozy space—especially during the winter months—La Cabra is absolutely worth the visit.

Maman

Maman, a famous French cafe chain can be found virtually all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. Not only can you order online through their app, but they also provide seasonal catering options. In fact, through their new year-long partnership with Martha Stewart herself, you can order some of Martha’s specialties, like her Ultimate Kitchen Sink Cookie or Tomato Tart. Their catering menu also features an assortment of hot and iced beverages, juices, sandwiches, and gluten-free pastries. While the in-store menus vary slightly by location, each offers its own selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. The real highlights, however, are their coffees and teas. Guests can choose from playful specialty drinks like the Blueberry Caramel Iced Latte and the popular Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte, as well as comforting classics such as chai and matcha lattes.

Every location carries a charming French countryside aesthetic, enhanced by toile wallpaper, exposed brick, and rustic furnishings, creating a warm and distinctly inviting atmosphere. Head on over to Maman and try one of their unique lattes if you’re looking to spice up your morning coffee order.

Remi Flower & Coffee

Offering a high-quality experience unlike many other cafes in the city, Remi creates a unique blend of florals and coffee. Not only can you place an order for a floral arrangement through their website, but you can also stop in their two charming locations in Midtown and the Financial District. When you step inside either of these two locations, you will find yourself surrounded by various plants and florals, and can expect to be served beautiful presentations of coffee or tea in ornate teacups. Their menu is the perfect blend of florals and caffeine, offering drinks such as a rose latte, an iced lavender latte, and a butterfly pea latte. 

If you prefer to stick to a classic coffee order, not to worry, they offer everything from an espresso to a cafe au lait, as well as chai lattes, iced tea, and other tea options. Additionally, they provide pastries such as a croissant, pain au raisin, and a gluten free madeleine. If you’re not satisfied with just a cup of coffee - no worries - you can purchase the Bud Vase Buddy, a special gift that combines a fresh or preserved flower arrangement in a petite bud vase with a hot or cold drink. Remi is the perfect place to stop by, whether you’re looking for a vibrant floral arrangement to brighten up your day, or an Instagrammable latte.

Felix Roasting Co. 

As for food, Felix Roasting Co. serves an elevated but comforting menu. Their avocado toast comes topped with radishes, red onion, and Maldon sea salt, with the option to add smoked salmon. Another standout is the whipped ricotta and fig toast, which can also be paired with prosciutto di Parma. Guests will also find a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and bagels, along with an enticing pastry case—think flaky almond croissants or their well-known chocolate chip cookie.

At their more formal Hotel Hugo location in SoHo, the menu expands to include starters like crudités and calamari, an array of salads and sandwiches, and hearty entrées such as rigatoni pomodoro and steak frites. Classic desserts, including key lime pie and New York cheesecake, complete the experience. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee and croissant on your way to work or sitting down for a refined dinner at Hotel Hugo, Felix Roasting Co. offers something for every occasion.

In Common

An Australian cafe focused on uniting the people of New York City through good food and delicious coffee, In Common is open seven days a week and should definitely be next on your list. This cafe is located in Hudson Yards inside a newly renovated warehouse, and has been well-rated for being very clean with fast and friendly service. It is important to note that this cafe is currently laptop and tablet free due to their mission of creating a peaceful, stress-free environment. In Common offers outdoor and indoor seating, with modern interiors and a clean-cut aesthetic. This cafe is known for having good-quality coffee; offering lattes, espresso, matcha, tea, hot chocolate, and more, as well as a variety of pastries to pair with these drinks. Their separate food menu offers Instagrammable dishes, such as their mixed berry French toast, shakshuka, eggplant katsu, and breakfast sandwich. Seating can only be reserved if you are ordering from this menu. Food from this menu can also be ordered online for pickup. In Common Cafe is also near many popular tourist attractions, such as the High Line, making it the perfect lunch stop or pick-me-up if you’re looking for an extra boost of energy from their delicious coffee. 

Coffee is something that unites us no matter where we come from. Going to a cafe is a form of socializing, or a place to study and get hard work done. Whether you are a born and bred New Yorker or a tourist, you should have the best pick of new, trendy cafes in this coffee-powered city. Whether you stop by La Cabra for a cup of coffee and a pastry, step back in time into a Victorian-era Europe in Felix Roasting Co., or pick up a bouquet and rose latte at Remi Flower & Coffee, you can’t go wrong with any of these charming cafes.