B.C.’s Best Brew: Nemesis Named One Of The Top 15 Coffee Shops On Planet Earth

Move over, Italy and Seattle—Vancouver is officially a global coffee heavyweight. Nemesis, the beloved B.C.-born specialty coffee company, has just been ranked No. 15 in the world at the prestigious World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops awards in Madrid. Not only did they crack the top 20, but they also took home the crown as the highest-ranked coffee shop in all of Canada.

From Gastown to Global Greatness

What started as a single, ambitious café in Gastown back in 2017 has blossomed into a “coffee creating culture” powerhouse with five locations across British Columbia. The recognition is a massive birthday gift for the brand, which celebrated its ninth anniversary on February 14, 2026.

“To us, what matters most is that nine years ago, we opened a small door in Gastown, and it grew into something far bigger than we ever imagined,” says Jess Reno, founder and CEO of Nemesis. “Being named one of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops is an honour, but what truly matters is the community behind it”.

The Anatomy of a World-Class Café

Earning a spot on this list is no small feat. The rankings are decided by a panel of over 800 international coffee and gastronomy professionals, who account for 70% of the score, alongside a community vote. Nemesis was evaluated on everything from:

• Coffee Quality & Barista Technique: Precision in every pour.
• Pastry Excellence: Shoutout to their standalone pastry home, Dope Bakehouse.
• Design & Atmosphere: Creating spaces that act as catalysts for local creators.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Leading the industry forward with ethical practices.

Where to Get Your Fix

Ready to sip on the 15th best coffee in the world? You can find the “hospitality-driven” Nemesis magic at any of their five B.C. outposts:

• Vancouver: Gastown and Great Northern Way.
• North Vancouver: The Polygon Gallery.
• Surrey: Pavilion.
• Coquitlam: TriCity.

Whether you’re there for the elevated brunch, the dynamic music, or a latte that is literally world-renowned, Nemesis is proving that B.C. hospitality is second to none.