In 2026, the Spanish coffee market is undergoing significant changes: for the first time, a coffee shop from Barcelona has been ranked among the top twenty establishments in the world by The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. This achievement highlights not only Spain’s growing interest in coffee culture but also demonstrates that local entrepreneurs can compete with the industry’s recognized global leaders. For the country’s residents, this means new quality standards and a fresh perspective on familiar traditions.
Nomad Frutas Selectas, located in the Poblenou district at Carrer de Pujades, 95, became the highest-ranked Spanish coffee shop on the international list, earning 16th place. The café is part of the Nomad network, which in recent years has transformed the perception of what coffee can be in Spain. Here, the focus is on in-house roasting, a variety of preparation methods, and meticulous attention to detail. This approach has already captured the attention not only of locals but also of visitors seeking new flavors and experiences.
The road to recognition
Nomad’s story began far beyond Spain. The founder, Jordi Mestre, in 2011 decided to leave his job as a barista in London and set up his own coffee cart. It was there he first tried his hand as an independent entrepreneur, serving coffee at popular markets around the British capital. Three years later, Nomad appeared in Barcelona, quickly becoming one of the driving forces of the new wave of interest in high-quality coffee.
Since then, the company has continued to grow: expanding its range, opening new locations, and introducing its own roasting standards. In 2021, the Frutas Selectas project was launched—a space where coffee is complemented by fresh pastries, dishes made with seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as signature cuisine. This format quickly gained popularity among Barcelona residents, who appreciate not only great taste but also the unique atmosphere.
Design and Ambience
One of the highlights of Frutas Selectas is its revamped interior, created by designers Skye Maunsell and Jordi Veciana. The minimalist style, light tones, and thoughtful ergonomics foster a sense of comfort and spaciousness. The venue now serves more than just as a coffee shop; it’s a place to work, meet friends, or simply relax with a drink. Previously, the space also housed the roasting facility, but that part of the production has since moved to a different location, making the main hall more versatile.
The menu features more than just coffee; it also offers fresh pastries, sandwiches, and lunch options. Every beverage is made with beans roasted at the company’s own facility, and the selection is regularly updated. This approach ensures high quality and introduces guests to new flavor combinations.
Market Impact
Nomad is actively developing educational projects: The Coffee Academy offers courses and master classes for both professionals and enthusiasts. This helps shape a new generation of specialists and raise the overall coffee culture in Spain. According to RUSSPAIN.com, this year the list of the best also included Hola Coffee Lagasca from Madrid, D·Origen Coffee Roasters, and Kima Coffee from Málaga, reflecting the growing interest in the specialty coffee segment across the country.
In recent years, the number of independent coffee shops in Spain has noticeably increased, focusing on quality, transparency of bean origin, and a personalized approach to guests. These venues are becoming hubs for locals and tourists alike, setting new standards for service and taste. In 2025, a café from Valencia celebrated similar success, and in 2024, two Spanish spots made it into the European top 50. These trends confirm that Spain is gradually becoming one of the key countries on the European coffee map.
