Penang cafes may not be the first thing that comes to mind – that would be the ho-chiak Penang food, Penang Dim Sum, Penang’s local Hokkien mee, and Michelin-star eateries.
But Penang is blooming with cafés too!
There are many newly-opened ones, each with their own quirkiness! From aesthetically-designed interiors to original food creation to aromatic coffees!
Café hopping is easier with this list of the best cafés in Penang by location!
Table Of Contents:
- Best Cafés Near George Town
- Best Cafes In Gurney Drive/Pulau Tikus
- Cafés Near Batu Ferringhi
- Cafés Near Ayer Itam
- Penang Cafés Near Relau
Best Cafés Near George Town
1. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Tucked away in a quiet alleyway, this minimalist café has exposed bricks walls, timber furniture, cement floor, and natural lighting. It is quite cramped in here but the café is the perfect Instagram setting!
Their fresh cakes and bread are baked every day in-store! Olive oil and zucchini cake is worth trying, in our opinion. Although their other cake flavors are just as unusual.
Espresso coffees are especially popular here! Check out the art exhibition upstairs too!
You might have to wait awhile for a table if you have a large group with you and if you’re visiting on a weekend. It might be easier to walk or take an e-hailing service too since there are not many options for parking around here.
Note: No mains here, just light meals.
- Location: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30am to 4pm (Closed on Thursdays & Fridays)
- Contact: +6019-6908259
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: Olive oil zucchini cake, specialty coffee and vegan apple crisp
2. Coffee 45 Cafe
A hidden gem in Love Lane, Coffee 45 is an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Ranging from heavy meals to light snacks, there’s also a fair share of vegan food on the menu!
Choose from a wide array of hot and cold coffees and sip out of a camera lens cup! Or opt for tea instead!
- Location: 45, Love Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30am to 7pm
- Contact: +6012-364 4661
- Cuisine: Fusion of western and local
3. Lunabarcoffee
Lunabarcoffee is along a main road (Jalan Clove Hall) and it takes residence in a corner lot house. You might not notice it is a café because of its exterior. Which is overrun with lush greenery. This carries into the front atrium of the café as well.
And further inside is an equally cozy and quiet space with a mix and match of solid wood furniture and more plants. There is counter seating as well as little tables to gather round with a small group of friends.
The staff is very welcoming. Pricing is high here with a minimum order imposed but you can expect good coffee (especially the drip sort and espresso) and cakes!
- Location: 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: 8am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Specialty: Filtered coffee and cakes
4. Constant Gardener Coffee
Smacked right in the middle of George Town, Constant Gardener Coffee is serious about its coffee!
The knowledgeable staff is not shy to teach you a thing or two about coffee – you need only ask!
Taste different beans from all over the world! Or sample all of them from their Espresso Tasters Menu!
And if you’re not up for coffee, they have other delightful beverages like their Belgian hot chocolate!
Note: Not easy to find parking in this area!
- Location: Ground Floor, Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 8pm (Last order 7:30pm)
- Contact: +6011-60787883
- Cuisine: French and Asian fusion – they’re pork-free! No mains.
- Must-try: Croissant ice cream sandwich, matcha tiramisu specialty coffees
5. Lagenda House & Café
Lagenda Café is truly a unique local favorite! Serving an extensive range of Malaysian-inspired cuisines, huge portions will surely satisfy anyone with a big appetite!
Ramlee fans will immediately notice a mural of the musical legend!
In fact, the café pays further homage with songs by and dishes named after the late P. Ramlee, who was a Penangite himself!
Due to health and safety concerns, reservations are now required.
- Location: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12pm – 11pm
- Contact: +604-251 9300
- Cuisine: Malaysian cuisine with options for vegetarians
- Must-try: Belalang chicken rendang
6. Dolce Dessert
Get your sweet tooth fix at Dolce Dessert! The stars of this café are undoubtedly the fine assortment of charming desserts.
Pamper yourself with a good cup of Joe, tea or juice to go with them!
Murals of adorable-looking cartoon rats add a nice touch to the interior of the café!
You can choose either an outdoor or indoor seating, with more seats upstairs!
- Location: 18, Jalan Kek Chuan, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 6:30pm; Closed on Mondays
- Contact: +604-226 9118 or +6016-5204795
- Cuisine: French
- Must-try: Tiramisu cake, lemon praline, creme brulee
7. Wheelers Café Penang
A must-visit in Love Lane is this two-storey bicycle-themed café!
Marvel at the furnished bicycles and wheels that line the interior in creative ways! The setting is very cozy too!
Note: They have beer, wine and cocktails!
The relaxing ambiance makes it a great place to hang out with friends for birthday celebrations or reunions!
You can also get the Wheeler’s Card to enjoy members-only privileges!
- Location: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: 8am–12am
- Contact: +6019-524 7703
- Cuisine: Western (Pork-free)
- Must-try: Panini sandwiches, big breakfast, bagels – with options for vegans
8. Norm Micro Roastery
The new location of Norm Micro Roastery is not far from Pinang Peranakan Museum. Fans of industrial and minimalist interiors will love the new look of the café.
High ceilings give the café a spacious and bright appearance that is very photogenic. It will likely take you a while to locate the hidden entrance of this café though.
And depending on when you visit, the menu may have more or less food options. At night, the menu has less food options.
Price-wise, it’s quite pricey as it is easy to spend about RM50 per person for a meal, drink and dessert. It is worth going here at least once. Not just for the unique interior of this café, but for the food and service too!
Read more about Norm Micro Roastery (more photos).
- Location: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 11pm
- Contact: +6016-5276273
- Specialty: Coffee, Tiramisu (With Alcohol), Risotto
9. Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company
Macallum Connoisseurs occupies an immense space in a former warehouse!
A start up by coffee enthusiasts, it is suitable for large-group meet ups with their ample parking spaces and seats!
Their menu offers a great selection of mains, beverages and desserts! Make sure you try out the specials, especially the Coffee Spaghetti!
- Location: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-261 3597
- Cuisine: Western fusion
- Must-try: Spaghetti (various flavors), savory croissants and smoky duck breast
Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang
10. ChinaHouse
With something interesting lying at every corner, ChinaHouse is a narrow but long, occupying 3 heritage buildings!
This artsy venue has a library where you can draw on the papers provided on the table with crayons!
Don’t forget to visit the 2 art galleries on the second floor!
Note: Enter from Beach Street or from Victoria Street!
Eateries and bars:
- Kopi C. Espresso Cafe and Bar – Promising breakfast spot
- Beach Street Bakery – Praise-worthy cakes (more than 30 types, some with alcohol!) and homemade ice-cream
- BTB – Western and middle-eastern fusion food
- Vine & Single – Bar with imported alcohol from Europe and Japan
- The Canteen – Hipster bar with food and live comedy on the first Thursday night of every month!
- Location: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 1am
- Contact: +604-263 7299
- Cuisine: Western with Asian and Middle Eastern fusions
11. Black Kettle
After an upgrade by a Michelin-trained chef, Black Kettle’s reinvented pork-free menu incorporates more local flavors! With all bread and sauces made from scratch!
Black Kettle greets customers with a line of artisan baked goods at the entrance.
You can also organize parties and events using their function hall upstairs!
- Location: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Contact: +604-251 9270
- Cuisine: Western and Asian fusion with vegan and vegetarian options
- Must-try: Almond croissant, Eggs Benedict, pastries, baby octopus and angel hair pasta, fruit blend smoothies, blueberry cheesecake and vanilla latte
Read more: 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids (Ultimate Guide) + Food & Hotels
12. More by Arang Coffee
More by Arang Coffee is a halal-certified café that is trendy and spacious enough to accommodate more than 30 tables!
The chic décor and soothing environment make for a fitting location to catch up with friends!
Hotel guests staying at the same building can come here for a convenient breakfast!
Note: Set lunches are value for money and water is free flow!
- Location: 170G-2 Livingston Tower Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5pm; Closed on Mondays
- Contact: +6010-434 4794
- Cuisine: Western and local fusion
- Must-try: Aglio olio, big breakfast, fish and chips
13. The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane
Just beside Kuan Yin Temple, The Alley is where you can quench your thirst on a hot day! Though compact, it has a homely setting!
Note: The main signboard reads Kedai Gaharu Keat Seng. No full meals here
For a quick pick-me-up, try their Cold Brew Black or White!
Otherwise, you can also select from their range of artisan coffee and finger food!
- Location: 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
- Contact: +6017-373 4829
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: Churros, burnt cheesecake, lemonade and affogato
More Penang Georgetown cafes to check out.
Best Cafes In Gurney Drive/Pulau Tikus
14. Joies Cafe & Sourdough
If you are into sourdough bread, rich coffees, and a cozy environment, this is the café for you!
As the name suggests, this café specializes in sourdough, and cooks up dishes that are as delicious as they are healthy.
They also have a wide range of pastas including a flavorful Aglio Olio that will have you coming back for more!
- Location: 1st floor, 32, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 9pm (Closed on Thursday)
- Contact: +6016-436 6288
- Cuisine: Italian, French, Asian
- Must-try: Sourdough toast sets, carbonara
15. Chapel Street Cafe
Despite the ambiguous exterior, this café is a scenic hole in the wall that is both quiet and cozy.
Their concept is a little unique as they have different counters depending on what you want. So yes, they have a desert corner for all your ice-cream dreams.
Other than that, their all-day breakfast menu and specialty coffees are crowd-favorites.
And do not worry non-coffee drinkers, they have iced-chocolates, milkshakes, and teas just for you!
- Location: 14, Medan Lim Cheng Teik, Kampung Syed, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm (Closed on Tuesday)
- Contact: +604-226 0620
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: Chapel Big Breakfast, Specialty Coffees
16. Kafka Coffee
Kafka Coffee is one of the newer cafés in Penang.
Tucked away behind a bungalow, this glass-fronted cafe is appropriate for business meetings or meet-ups with friends!
Potted plants cover every corner of the industrial chic café like a tropical paradise!
They have long tables to accommodate large groups of family and friends! And their own car park for customers out in front!
Note: They are not halal certified however milk and coffee beans at their outlets are from halal certified suppliers and their cakes are Muslim friendly.
- Location: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 10:30pm; They close earlier at 6pm on Tuesdays; Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
- Contact: +604-218 9726
- Cuisine: Western and Asian fusion
- Must-try: Beef Rendang Egg Benedict, bacon carbonara, lemon cheesecake and Shashuka baked eggs
Cafés Near Batu Ferringhi
17. Ferringhi Coffee Garden
At Ferringhi Coffee Garden, sit with a cup of their sensational coffee outdoors in the gardens among lovely orchids! Or indoors away from the elements!
Ferringhi Coffee Garden serves all-day breakfast and different lunch options.
Alcoholic beverages are readily available too! At night, the restaurant opens next door for dinner.
- Location: Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11050 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
- Opening Hours:
- Ferringhi Garden: Daily from 4:30pm to 10:30pm (last order at 9:30pm)
- Ferringhi Coffee Garden (Thursday to Sunday): 9am to 2:30pm (last order at 2pm)
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: French toasts, burgers, and English high-tea set
Read more: 11 Best Asam Laksa In Penang
18. Living Room Café Bar Gallery
Adored by locals and tourists alike, this restaurant & bar will make you feel at home as you sample their Malaysian dishes!
Unwind in the evening with the live music performances, sometimes by the host himself!
Order their cold beer or wine without breaking the bank!
- Location: 43-C Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12pm to 2:30pm and again from 6pm to 10:30pm (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
- Contact: +6012-589 9136
- Cuisine: Asian and Malaysian with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets
- Must-try: Beef rendang, nasi goreng, curries, satay, and spring rolls.
Read more: Penang Street Art (Complete Guide): Where To Find Murals In Penang (With Map)
Cafés Near Ayer Itam
19. Kopi Hutan
There’s no need for air-conditioning at this café. Kopi Hutan utilizes its natural environment as much as possible.
Their low cement tables and stools weave among ferns and other greenery in their outdoor space. There are some tables (with their own terrariums) that you can sit at if you prefer a roof over your head.
Apart from being very camera-friendly, Kopi Hutan also serves up decent coffee (we recommend ordering a pot to share among your group).
They have sandwiches and a few different cake flavors to try if you feel a little hungry.
Dining here gets you a free shuttle trip back to Penang Hill Upper Station to take the funicular train back down too.
Read about our full experience at Kopi Hutan.
- Location: Penang Hill
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5:30pm
- Contact: +6012-428 9585
20. Coffee Elements
On the second floor of All Seasons Place, Coffee Elements is famous for their soups, homemade cakes and single-origin coffees!
If you’re not a fan of coffee, they do have hot and cold chocolate-y drinks and even masala tea!
Feast your eyes on the interesting murals and scribbles on the walls as you sip on your drink!
- Location: 6G-2-17, All Seasons Place, Lebuhraya Thean Teik, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 9:30pm (opens earlier at 8am on Weekends)
- Contact: +6012-478 2693
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: Pumpkin soup, wild mushroom soup, latte, and bagels
Read more: 11 Best Night Market In Penang – Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)
Cafés Near Relau
21. 2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau
12 minutes’ drive from Penang International Airport, 2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau is a rustic and nostalgic café off the main road. Creepers and potted plants mark the entrance!
Huge window panels allow ample natural lighting into the café which uses a medley of up-cycled furniture!
Grab a book off the shelves and nestle in the comfy environment while you savor your coffee!
Note: Parking is not easy to find
- Location: Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm (Closed on Monday)
- Contact: +6012-908 1714
- Cuisine: Western
- Must-try: Waffle and pancake deserts, aglio olio (spicy), carbonara
Read more:
- Clan Jetties Of Penang: Floating Villages Like Chew Jetty In Georgetown
- Penang Nightlife – 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night
Getting Around Penang
Are you a person who likes to have ease of mind when you travel? Then definitely check out RayTheTour!
They offer private tours that cover everything from what to see, to where to eat and places to stay!
- English-speaking and Chinese-speaking local tour guides
- Transportation in Penang covered with pick you up from anywhere in Penang and drop you off when the tour is over.
- Best of all, the itinerary is flexible!
- Customize your trip – just tell us where you want to go!
Book a tour with RayTheTour on WhatsApp!
Further reading:
- How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
- How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Conclusion
Out of these best cafés in Penang, we hope you find one that whets your appetite!
Many of them operate until late at night, with some until midnight!
With refreshing drinks and air-conditioned settings, these cafés serve as oases after a hot day exploring Penang! The majority of them focus on western cuisines with some local touch.
Other posts you might like:
- 11 Best Steamboat Options in Penang
- 15 Best Hotels In Penang For An Unforgettable Stay (From Budget To Luxury)
- Penang Itinerary – How Long Should You Stay?
- When Is The Best Time To Visit Penang?
- Penang National Park – Spend A Delightful Day Hiking In Nature
- Penang Hill – Must-Visit Penang Attraction With Panoramic Views
