Penang cafes may not be the first thing that comes to mind – that would be the ho-chiak Penang street food 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
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. A perfect Instagram setting!
Ome by Spacebar Coffee – photo credits to rollingbear_travels (Instagram)
Their fresh cakes and bread are baked everyday in-store!
Espresso coffees are especially popular here! Check out the art exhibition upstairs too!
Location: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: +6019-309 1450
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Olive oil zucchini bread and specialty coffee
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!
A Slice Of Nutella Chocolate Cake By Coffee45 Café – photo credits to waanjeab22 (Instagram)
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 8am to 8pm
Contact: +6012-364 4661
Cuisine: Fusion of western and local
3. 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!
The Shopfront Of Constant Gardener Coffee – photo credits to guttsu (Instagram)
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!
Counter At Constant Gardener Coffee – photo credits to coffeewithmitch (Instagram)
Location: Ground Floor, Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 12am (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: +604-251 9070
Cuisine: French and Asian fusion – they’re pork-free! No mains.
Must-try: Croissant ice cream sandwich, matcha tiramisu specialty coffees
4. 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!
Cafe Lagenda In Penang – photo credits to noraink (Instagram)
Ramlee fans will immediately notice a mural of the musical legend!
Gado Gado Indonesian Salad Served At Cafe Lagenda In Penang – photo credits to i.am.frenchie.in.thailand (Instagram)
In fact, the café pays further homage with songs by and dishes named after the late P. Ramlee, who was a Penangite himself!
Location: 43, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 11pm
Contact: +604-261 2293
Cuisine: Malaysian cuisine with options for vegetarians
Must-try: Belalang chicken rendang
5. Dolce Dessert
Get your sweet tooth fix at Dolce Dessert! The stars of this café are undoubtedly the fine assortment of charming desserts.
Coffee Paired With A Dessert Dolce Dessert Cafe In Penang – photo credits to iceice_a.k.a_nisaaaaa (Instagram)
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!
Rat Cartoon At Dolce Dessert Cafe In Penang – photo credits to iceice_a.k.a_nisaaaaa (Instagram)
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:
Tuesday to Thursday: From 12pm to 10:30pm
Friday to Sunday: From 11am to 10:30pm
Closed on Mondays
Contact: +604-226 9118
Cuisine: French
Must-try: Tiramisu cake, lemon praline, creme brulee
6. Wheelers Café Penang
A must-visit in Love Lane is this two-storey bicycle-themed café!
Wheeler’s Cafe & Bar In Penang – photo credits to wenny_liu (Instagram)
Marvel at the furnished bicycles and wheels that line the interior in creative ways! The setting is very cozy too!
The relaxing ambiance makes it a great place to hang out with friends for birthday celebrations or reunions!
Savory Meal At Wheeler’s Cafe In Penang – photo credits to rgreddy5 (Instagram)
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: Daily from 8:30am to 2am
Contact: +6019-524 7703
Cuisine: Western (Pork-free)
Must-try: Panini sandwiches, big breakfast, bagels – with options for vegans
7. Kafka Penang
Kafka Penang is one of the newer cafés in Penang.
The Plant Filled Interior Of Kafka Penang – photo credits to prinsyp (Instagram)
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!
Cinnamon French Toast And Cheesy Quesadillas By Kafka Cafe In Penang – photo credits to reereelynn (Instagram)
They have long tables to accommodate large groups of family and friends!
Location: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Sunday: From 8am to 10pm
Wednesday: From 8am to 3pm
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
8. Norm Café
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle, this quaint waffle house adopts white walls and tiles, with natural lighting and trees!
Airy Interior Of Norm Cafe In Penang – photo credits to jijitankyy (Instagram)
Norm Café transforms into a cocktail bar, Noct at night! With blue and purple neon lights washing over the clean minimalist interior!
Neon Lights At Norm Cafe In Penang – photo credits to john3sixteen (Instagram)
Order alcohol infused-food and beverages to let loose!
Location: 260c, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 12am
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Citrus passion waffles, tiramisu, artisan cocktails (Noct menu), and specialty coffee
9. Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company
Macallum Connoisseurs occupies an immense space in a former warehouse!
Seats At Macallum Connoisseurs Cafe In Penang – photo credits to carsonchanks (Instagram)
A start up by coffee enthusiasts, it is suitable for large-group meet ups with their ample parking spaces and seats!
Artisan Coffee At Macallum Connoisseurs – photo credits to felick__ (Instagram)
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 12am
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!
One Of The Entrances To China House Penang – photo credits to jr_yeo (Instagram)
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!
Coffee Shop At China House Penang – photo credits to jr_yeo (Instagram)
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!
Cakes On Display At China House Penang – photo credits to cindy_tkp (Instagram)
Location: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am 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!
The Main Counter At Black Kettle – photo credits to marinamirana (Instagram)
Black Kettle greets customers with a line of artisan baked goods at the entrance.
Attractive Interior Of Black Kettle Cafe On Beach Street, Penang – photo credits to limchinlee79 (Instagram)
You can also organize parties and events using their function hall upstairs!
Location: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: From 9am to 11:30pm
Friday & Saturday: From 9am to 12am
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!
Spacious Interior Of More by Arang Coffee Cafe In Penang – photo credits to weizhe (Instagram)
The chic décor and soothing environment make for a fitting location to catch up with friends!
Dishes At More by Arang Coffee – photo credits to _justination_ (Instagram)
Hotel guests staying at the same building can come here for a convenient breakfast!
Location: 170G-2 Livingston Tower Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm
Contact: +604-371 0222
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!
The Inconspicuous Entrance To The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane – photo credits to honwaiyap (Instagram)
For a quick pick-me-up, try their Cold Brew Black or White!
Coffee From The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane – photo credits to _justination_ (Instagram)
Otherwise, you can also select from their range of artisan coffee and finger food!
Churros From The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane – photo credits to honwaiyap (Instagram)
Location: 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: From 10am to 10pm
Friday to Sunday: From 12pm to 12am
Contact: +604-261 3879
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: Churros, burnt cheesecake, lemonade and affogato
Read more: Penang Nightlife – 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night
Cafés Near Batu Ferringhi
14. 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!
Outdoor Seating At Ferringhi Garden Restaurant – photo is from their official Facebook page
Ferringhi Coffee Garden serves all-day breakfast and different lunch options.
Ferringhi Garden Restaurant – photo credits to msdorax (Instagram)
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:
Friday To Wednesday: From 7:30am–10pm
Thursday: From 7:30am–5pm
Cuisine: Western
Must-try: French toasts, burgers, and English high-tea set
Read more: 11 Best Asam Laksa In Penang
15. 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!
Dinner At Living Room Cafe Bar and Gallery – photo credits to winnie_w (Instagram)
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 10am to 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
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
16. Coffee Elements
On the second floor of All Seasons Place, Coffee Elements is famous for their soups, homemade cakes and single-origin coffees!
Chocolate Banana Dessert Waffle At Coffee Elements Waffle House Cafe In Penang – photo credits to candy_linshi (Instagram)
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:
Monday to Thursday: From 11am to 11pm
Friday: From 11am to 11:30pm
Saturday: From 9am to 11:30pm
Sunday: From 9am to 11pm
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
17. 2F+ Coffee by Yellow House
12 minutes’ drive from Penang International Airport, 2F+ Coffee by Yellow House is a rustic and nostalgic café off the main road. Creepers and potted plants mark the entrance!
Barista Coffee By 2F+ Coffee Roastery At Relau, Penang – photo credits to moyshinfei (Instagram)
Huge window panels allow ample natural lighting into the café which uses a medley of up-cycled furniture!
Interior Of 2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau, Penang – photo credits to netz_gb (Instagram)
Grab a book off the shelves and nestle in the comfy environment while you savor your coffee!
Location: Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Island
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: From 10am to 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: From 10am to 11:30pm
Contact: +6012-421 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
Getting Around Penang
Are you a person who likes to have ease of mind when you travel? Then definitely check out RayTheTour!
We 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 us on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger!
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!
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