On a mission to find the best flat white in the world
Flat White Leaderboard
The way I score coffee bars has gone through a few transformations. Over time, I’ve tested three different scoring models, each one evolving alongside me as a flat white drinker and reviewer. From a simple overall score to a more structured approach, each model helped me figure out what really matters when judging a flat white and the experience around it.
The latest model is here to stay.
The 5+5 Leaderboard
The newest version of the leader board, which separates the coffee itself from the overall experience. The flat white gets 5 points based on the coffee, while the experience gets 5 points, covering things like the service, atmosphere and overall visit. This gives a more complete picture of what makes a great flat white experience.
11.0 - Bouche - Brussels - Aug 2026
10.0 - Malo - Brussels - Aug 2026
10.0 - Oktober Cafe - Antwerp - Aug 2026
10.0 - Pinpin - Brussels - Sep 2026
10.0 - Reason - Brussels - Aug 2026
9.0 - Café Colombia - Brussels - Sep 2026
9.0 - Jeff's Coffee - Brussels - Sep 2026
9.0 - Palco - Brussels - Sep 2026
8.5 - Syncycle - Brussels - Aug 2026
8.0 - Fernand - Brussels - Aug 2026
8.0 - Funk - Antwerp - Aug 2026
7.5 - Rare Café - Brussels - Sep 2026
7.0 - Asteri - Brussels - Aug 2026
The 3-Category Leaderboard
Here, each coffee bar is placed into one of three categories based on my overall impression of their flat white.
TOP PICKS
Berns - Brussels - Hidden gem
Bleu - Brussels - Stunning design
Culture - Brussels - Stunning design
Eight - Brussels - Incredible bagels
Grain Janson - Brussels - Exceptional bakery
Mains - Brussels - Exceptional bakery
Oh Boy - Ghent - Scandinavian concept
The Wayne - Brussels - Futuristic interior
WORTH A VISIT
Café Betty - Antwerp - Neighbourhood café
Café Noé - Brussels - Rising star
Batch Glacier - Brussels - Signature affogato
Belga & Co - Brussels - Relaxed vibes
Dogood Café - Brussels - Social impact
Fika Lab - Leuven - Scandinavian vibes
Jackie - Brussels - Cozy atmosphere
Kolonel - Antwerp - Coffee roastery
La Senda - Antwerp - Salvadoran breakfast
Luce - Brussels - Fresh pastries
Malō - Brussels - Warm hospitality
Ondo - Brussels - Korean influence
Phil - Antwerp - 100% Robusta
Somista - Antwerp - Friendly service
Vānni - Leuven - Genuine passion
OTHER
Bigg Cake - Brussels - Beautiful interior
Café du Sablon - Brussels - Prime location
Chonchote - Limoges, FR - #97 in Europe
Cotta - Brussels - Commercial coffee
Dailly Dailly - Brussels - Shopping break
Grain Flagey - Brussels - Artisan bakery
Have a Roll - Brussels - Cinnamon rolls
The Coffee. - Brussels - Coffee chain
The OG Leaderboard
The original Flat White leaderboard was based on my overall impression of each flat white. I’d rate the drink as a whole, considering things like taste, texture, balance and presentation, and give it a final score. The score was then determined with the help of AI, based on my review and assessment of the flat white.
9.90 - St-Géry - Brussels - Last review in this scoring model
9.82 - Kosto - Brussels
9.75 - Stella - Brussels
9.68 - Wide Awake - Brussels
9.56 - Polly - Antwerp
9.44 - Tulipe - Brussels
9.31 - Buddy Buddy - Brussels
9.26 - Barkboy - Brussels
9.20 - Bouche Froissart - Brussels - First review in this scoring model
9.17 - Mimi - Mechelen
9.12 - Madmum - Leuven
9.10 - Café Capitale - Brussels
9.08 - Holy Bagels - Brussels
9.04 - Nido Café - Brussels
9.01 - Voort x Velvet - Brussels
8.97 - Yoko Café - Antwerp
8.93 - SŪN - Brussels
8.89 - Eigenwijs Speelcafé - Merchtem
8.86 - Andy Roasters - Antwerp
8.84 - Lucifer Lives - Brussels
8.77 - Cafe Recup Jourdan - Brussels
8.72 - Winok - Brussels
8.64 - Noir Coffeebar - Leuven
8.58 - Coffee Onan - Leuven
8.56 - Alfio Place Jourdan - Brussels
8.54 - The Unusual - Brussels
8.18 - Animo SWPC - Brussels
8.15 - Crème - Brussels
8.12 - Utamu Collective - Brussels
8.10 - Kawa Club Fox - Brussels
8.08 - SOON - Brussels
8.06 - Drache - Brussels
7.98 - Woodpecker BDLC - Brussels
7.94 - Frank Stéphanie - Brussels
7.91 - Café Oumpa - Brussels
7.88 - Le Berry - Brussels
7.48 - Joe & The Juice - Brussels
7.42 - Chocolatte - Leuven
7.36 - Papier Beurre - Brussels
7.34 - Kapa Bakery - Brussels
7.22 - Damn Good Café - Brussels
7.18 - Le Schmet - Brussels
6.88 - Starbucks - Zaventem
6.30 - Joule Mix - Brussels
4.99 - GAT - Brussels
4.75 - La P - Brussels
3.51 - Shell Café - Wetteren
2.72 - Cotti Coffee - Brussels