If you know me, you’ll know I’m pretty much obsessed with coffee. Whenever I travel somewhere, I always look up the best specialty coffee spots before I even think about where to eat. I love learning about different types of beans and brewing methods, but I’m just as happy with a regular cup if the atmosphere is right. So, if you’re anything like me, you’re going to love this guide to the best cafés in Gdańsk that know how to serve a proper cup.
It was honestly tough narrowing the list down, because there are places I like more for the coffee, others for the vibe or the cakes, and some that tick all the boxes. I’m also working on a separate dessert guide (because trust me, this post would’ve been way too long otherwise!).
So, whether you’re a full-on specialty coffee lover or just someone who enjoys a good brew without caring where the beans came from, I’ve put this list together with a bit of everything in mind. Let’s dive in!
Best cafés in Gdańsk
Fat Duck Espresso Bar
📍 ul. Cystersów 12
This is definitely my favourite coffee shop in Gdańsk. I used to be a regular when I lived nearby, back when it was still called Przelewki.
It was the kind of place where you started off as a stranger and quickly felt like a friend – to the point where the owner gave us café recommendations for our trip to Berlin!
Back when it first opened, the hours were a bit all over the place – hence the playful sticker by the door saying “open or closed”. You had to check their Instagram, as the owner would sometimes close up shop if he wasn’t feeling great or just wanted to spend time with his family.
Over the years, they’ve grown massively in popularity and eventually rebranded to Fat Duck Espresso Bar. It’s still the same great spot, just with espresso-based drinks, fewer baked goods (I still grieve this – their cakes were the best), coffee from their own roastery you can take home, and regular opening hours. They also host cupping workshops and guest shifts, where you can try coffee prepared by award-winning baristas.
I don’t go as often now that I’ve moved to a different part of town, and it’s harder to find a free seat. However, I still think their coffee is top-tier – and one of the coolest things is that they offer omakase coffee, where you leave your order up to the barista and let them surprise you.
They’re also one of the few places in Gdańsk that sell nitro coffee – cold brew that’s infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a smooth, creamy texture. It’s my go-to coffee order during the warmer months. If you love specialty coffee, this is one place you absolutely can’t miss.
Sips
📍 ul. Świętego Ducha 38
This is a newer addition to the Gdańsk coffee scene, but it instantly shot to the top of my list. You’ll find it on Świętego Ducha street – just look out for the stairs leading down into the basement, or you might walk right past it.
The only real downside is the limited space. There are just a few seats lined up along the wall, so it’s not the most comfortable setup if you’re coming with a group. Plus, you’ll likely end up sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers, so don’t expect a lot of privacy.
They serve coffee, tea, and matcha – and while I’m not much of a tea person, I’ve tried both the coffee and the matcha, and they more than deliver. I’d confidently say their matcha is in my top 3 in Gdańsk, and the coffee is just as strong.
Last time I ordered a lavender latte, the barista came over to tell me they source their lavender directly from a local farmer and make all their syrups in-house – no additives or shortcuts. You can genuinely taste the difference too, both in the beans and the extras. I haven’t tried their desserts yet, so I can’t vouch for those, but when it comes to coffee or matcha, you really can’t go wrong here.
Las
📍 ul. Tetmajera 5
Any specialty coffee lover in Gdańsk will know the original Las coffee shop in neighbouring Sopot. It brings back some funny memories for me too, as it’s actually where my boyfriend and I went for our third date.
This was long before we had any clue what specialty coffee even was. So, you can imagine our confusion when we walked into this quirky space, complete with a huge statue of Mary carved into one of the walls. The menu had all these mysterious terms we didn’t understand at the time, so we panicked and ordered a Chemex, pretending like we totally knew what we were doing. We absolutely did not.
They’ve since opened a second location in Gdańsk, in the Oliwa district near the Olivia Star building. It’s set inside a charming old house, and I’d say it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable cafés in the city.
I’ve never been a huge fan of their baked goods, as they tend to focus on fruity vegan cakes – which just aren’t my thing. The coffee is great, though. In the warmer months, people spill out into the garden, lounging in deck chairs with their drinks. It’s the kind of cosy place that makes you want to stay a while, either with a book in hand or just quietly people-watching.
Plenum
📍 ul. Elektryków 1
Plenum Café is located in the revitalised spaces of the Gdańsk Shipyard, right on Elektryków Street. You’ll find it on the right-hand side after you pass W4 Food Squat and the B90 Club. Look for the door with Drizzly Grizzly on the ground floor – Plenum is just upstairs, on the first floor.
The space is huge, stretching across the entire floor, and they often host fairs, food markets, or contemporary art exhibitions. There’s even usually one weekend in December when they turn it into their own version of a Christmas market.
Plenum is open from early morning into the evening, and you can pop in for all-day breakfast, coffee and pastries, or try one of their natural wines. If you’re into matcha, their drinks are among the best in Gdańsk too. They’ve also got some more unusual options on the menu, like matcha with bee pollen, Thai-style lattes and matcha, or even Kabayaki-infused drinks if you want to try something a bit different.
If I needed a spot to work with a coffee, this is probably where I’d go. There are always people working on their laptops, and the space is big enough that it doesn’t feel packed. The only risk is that those views of the industrial cranes and shipyard buildings are seriously distracting. 😉
Laba
📍 ul. Leśmiana 1
This café is one of my latest discoveries. I’ve always loved an aesthetically pleasing space – working in the creative industry, I find these places inspiring, and they really help fuel my own creativity too.
Laba doubles as both a flower shop and a café, so I was a little sceptical at first. I assumed the focus would be on flowers, with coffee as more of an afterthought – limited options and not the best quality. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
They actually serve specialty coffee, and the quality easily matches some of the best coffee spots in town. I haven’t tried their desserts yet, but I’ve heard they’re excellent too. And the flower arrangements honestly look like something straight out of a magazine, so I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for flower orders either.
Lang.fuhr
📍 ul. Aldony 6/1
In my guide to the best restaurants in Gdańsk, I mentioned how Wajdeloty Street is one of my favourites thanks to the sheer number of great cafés and restaurants. Technically, Lang.fuhr is on Aldony Street, but it’s right by the roundabout that cuts through Wajdeloty, so it absolutely counts.
The name Lang.fuhr comes from the 15th-century German name for Wrzeszcz. It means “long journey” in German and referred to the old route from Gdańsk’s Main City to Oliwa, where you had to cross several streams to get there.
I really love the cosy, homey vibe, with mismatched vintage furniture and quirky posters all over the place. You’ll find specialty coffee, craft beers, lemonades, and some seriously good homemade cakes.
If you ever see their white chocolate tart in the display case, don’t even think twice – just grab it. I’ve only had it once and I still think about it.
They’ve also started hosting all kinds of events lately – DIY workshops, small concerts, and even bingo nights. And as someone who’s been a bingo fan since her teenage years (no shame), I’m loving every bit of it.
Drukarnia
📍 ul. Mariacka 36
Drukarnia is one of the best cafés in Gdańsk and one I always recommend first, alongside Fat Duck Espresso Bar. It’s not just the location – right on the most beautiful street in Gdańsk’s Main City – but also the interior, which is every bit as cool and creative.
The name means “Printing House”, and it’s a direct nod to the building’s history. For many years, it housed the printing house of Gazeta Gdańska, the first Polish-language newspaper published in the city, dating all the way back to 1891.
When I first visited, they used to give you wooden blocks shaped like letters instead of number stands, and you’d wait to hear yours called out when your order was ready. It was especially funny when you got one of the Polish letters like ś or ć.
The owners are artists – one’s an interior designer, and the other is a graphic designer and lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts – and it really shows. From the branding to the interiors, everything feels thoughtfully designed.
As for the coffee, it’s some of the best you’ll find in Gdańsk. They even make their own syrups, and aside from specialty coffee, you’ll also find delicious cakes, teas, lemonades, matcha, and more. You can also get breakfast or sandwiches, though I haven’t tried those yet.
If you’re into specialty coffee, Drukarnia is a must-visit. Just keep in mind that it’s one of the most popular cafés in Gdańsk, and since people like to settle in with a laptop or a book for hours, it fills up quickly.
Ratuszowa Caffe Cocktails
📍 ul. Długa 46 (courtyard of the Main Town Hall)
Ratuszowa is Drukarnia’s younger sister, and it might just be one of the prettiest and most atmospheric cafés in Gdańsk. To find it, head towards the gate of the Main Town Hall. There’s a ticket office on the right, Ratuszowa on the left… but the real reason I love this place is just ahead.
You’ll find marble tables scattered around the courtyard, surrounded by brick walls and wooden shutters that make the whole place feel wonderfully cosy. The coffee and cakes are just as good as what you’d expect from Drukarnia, but – as the name suggests – you can also grab a cocktail here, which makes it one of my favourite places for a casual drink in the city.
I could be wrong, but it never feels quite as crowded as Drukarnia. So if you’re not fussed about working from your laptop (the indoor seating is a bit on the dark side anyway) and just want a peaceful spot for a quality brew, this one’s worth stopping by. It’s also the perfect place to relax after climbing the Main Town Hall tower – which, by the way, is one of my top recommendations for things to do in Gdańsk. 😉
Ciekawa Cafe
📍 ul. Świętojańska 68
This place has been on the Gdańsk coffee scene for a few years now, but I only heard about it recently when it reopened. The original café closed at the end of 2021, but it was brought back to life by the team behind Leń – which, if you know it, already says a lot about the quality you can expect.
What really sets Ciekawa apart, though, is its mission. It’s the first café in Gdańsk to employ people with intellectual disabilities, and the menu is written in ETR (easy-to-read) language to be more inclusive and accessible.
If you’re into specialty coffee, you’ll love the attention to detail. When we ordered, we were given a coffee tasting card so we could learn more about the beans we were drinking. They also serve pastries from Must Bake (one of my favourite bakeries in Gdańsk!) and roast their own coffee – part of the profits go towards supporting a local organisation working with people with disabilities.
So, if you want a great cup of coffee and to support a good cause, this place is more than worth a visit.
Publiczna
📍 ul. Łąkowa 35/38
Publiczna is another one of my favourites. Back when my old office was just around the corner, I used to pop in for coffee breaks – especially in the warmer months, when you could sit outside with a cuppa.
It’s located inside the former Royal Rifle Factory, a 19th-century industrial complex that’s seen it all: from a Prussian arms factory, to the headquarters of a local unit of the Nazi Party, to a tobacco and fur factory.
The interior is a bit of a mix-and-match – think a bike hanging on the wall, a plaster sculpture, and crystal chandeliers – but it works. Their coffee is top-notch. If you like your coffee black, try the shakerato with a slice of orange. If not, you can’t go wrong with the classics.
They also bake their own sourdough, and if they’ve got any left when you visit, grab it – it’s honestly some of the best I’ve had.
There’s a barber shop in the same building, and if you’re hungry, they’ve opened a pizza spot at the back too. I haven’t tried it yet, but the guy who runs it came second in the Olimpiadi Vera Pizza Napoletana 2022 and used to work at Mąka i Kawa (one of my favourite pizza places in town), so I’ve got no doubt it’s incredible!
Kompozyt Cafe
📍 ul. Jaracza 14
Kompozyt Cafe is located inside the New Art Museum, and the design is just as artsy as you’d expect from a place like this. The interior is bright and spacious, making it a great option if you’re looking for somewhere to work – it’s usually much quieter than other cafés in the city centre. There’s even a separate area where kids can play while parents enjoy their coffee and cake.
They serve specialty coffee and occasionally host cupping sessions too. It’s a great spot to pop into if you’re visiting the museum or just looking for a less crowded café near the shipyard or Main City. And if you’re planning to explore the museum, don’t forget that entry is free on Fridays – so it’s almost like you’re getting your coffee on the house. 😉
Łyk Kawy
📍 Aleja Grunwaldzka 140
Łyk Kawy is one of those coffee places you’re unlikely to stumble upon as a tourist – a real hidden gem in Gdańsk. It’s on the city’s main street, but even as a local, you probably wouldn’t walk down that particular stretch very often unless you live or work nearby.
I only spotted this tiny café while driving past and made a mental note to come back – and I’m so glad I did! There are only a couple of seats inside, but don’t let the size fool you. It’s easily one of the best specialty coffee spots in the city.
The owner does everything herself – from baking the pastries to brewing the coffee – which is why the opening hours are a bit limited. She learned the ropes in the UK and really knows her stuff. I remember when we visited for the first time, she was telling another customer that she’d just returned from London late at night, and still managed to bake fresh pastries for the day. That’s the level of dedication you can expect here.
I know it sounds basic, but I’m a sucker for a good pumpkin spice latte – and hers, made with craft syrup and real spices, is the closest thing I’ve had to the Starbucks version in homemade form. She’s also a huge fan of Japanese teas and imports her matcha straight from Kyoto, but I’m yet to try it!
Leń
📍 ul. Piwna 52/53
The name of this café translates to a lazy person – and it’s the perfect place to do just that: laze around with a quality cup of coffee.
It’s one of Gdańsk’s best-known spots for specialty coffee. In the summer months, the terrace and the pavement tables outside are almost always packed, and for good reason. It’s the perfect place to get some rest during your sightseeing walk around the Main City, with tenement houses all around and St. Mary’s Church just to your left.
The coffee at Leń is up there with the best. I especially love coming here for their nitro coffee, which is cold brew infused with nitrogen. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it. It’s kind of like a cross between black coffee and Guinness, and it’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day. The only downside is that I probably looked like I was walking around with a pint in the middle of the day when I once took it to go. 😅
They also serve some quirky options you don’t often see, like espresso with coke – so if you’re up for trying something different, this is the place.
Kawana
📍 ul. Wallenroda 7, ul. Łąkowa 16
If you’re after some coffee beans to take home, Kawana (alongside Nieczapla) is one of the best spots in Gdańsk. They’ve got a great selection for all brewing methods, including decaf options.
Their original location on Wallenroda Street is quite small, and I’ll admit it’s never been my favourite spot to sit down for a longer coffee – especially for chats, as it doesn’t feel the most private. So, I was really glad when they opened a second location on Łąkowa Street in the former pharmacy across from my old office.
Part of me was sad it didn’t happen while I still worked nearby, but the other part was probably relieved for the sake of my bank account. 😉 The newer café is also on the smaller side, but it’s so much cosier and a place I’d happily return to more often if I lived closer.
The coffee itself is excellent, and if you’re looking to stock up, the baristas are always happy to help you pick something that suits your taste and brewing setup. They also run coffee-making and latte art workshops, where they walk you through everything – from the origins of specialty coffee to how to brew at home using tools like an espresso machine or Moka pot. You even get some beans to take with you at the end.
So, whether you’re just getting into specialty coffee or already deep into it, Kawana is definitely worth a visit.
Are you into specialty coffee too, or do you prefer more classic brews? Which of these cafés would you like to visit the most?
