Best Cafe In Penang

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.

Use this list to make choosing which café to go to easier – we’ve arranged them 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. It is quite cramped in here, but the café is the perfect Instagram setting!

Narrow Interior At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang
Narrow Interior At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang

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.

Slice Of Turmeric and Plum Cake At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang
Slice Of Turmeric and Plum Cake At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang

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.

Cold Nitro Coffee And Pressed Fruit Juice At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang
Cold Nitro Coffee And Pressed Fruit Juice At Ome by Spacebar Coffee In Penang

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!

A Slice Of Nutella Chocolate Cake By Coffee45 Café
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 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.

Photogenic Spot At Lunabarcoffee In George Town, Penang
Photogenic Spot At Lunabarcoffee

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.

Indoor Seating At The Front Of Lunabarcoffee In Penang
Indoor Seating At The Front Of Lunabarcoffee

We find that the staff is extremely welcoming here. Pricing is a little high but you can expect good coffee (especially the drip sort and espresso) and cakes!

More pictures of Lunarbarcoffee.

  • Location: 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
  • Opening Hours: 8am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), on weekends, they open from 9am to 5pm.
  • 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!

The Shopfront Of Constant Gardener Coffee
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
Counter At Constant Gardener Coffee – photo credits to coffeewithmitch (Instagram)

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 6:30pm
  • 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!

Cafe Lagenda In Penang
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
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: 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

Get your sweet tooth fix at Dolce! The stars of this café are undoubtedly the fine assortment of charming desserts.

Coffee Paired With A Dessert Dolce Dessert Cafe In Penang
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
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: 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

A must-visit in Love Lane is this two-storey bicycle-themed café!

Wheeler's Cafe & Bar In Penang
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!

Note: They have beer, wine, and cocktails!

Savory Meal At Wheeler's Cafe In Penang
Savory Meal At Wheeler’s Cafe In Penang – photo credits to rgreddy5 (Instagram)

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.

Sunlit Atrium Of Norm Micro Roastery Cafe In George Town, Penang
Sunlit Atrium Of Norm Micro Roastery Cafe In George Town, Penang

High ceilings give the café a spacious and bright appearance that is very photogenic. It took us 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.

Food And Drinks At Norm Micro Roastery, Penang
Food And Drinks At Norm Micro Roastery, Penang – Photo credits to celine_ckl

Price-wise, it is easy to spend about RM50 per person for a meal, drink and dessert. But we think it is still 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! In fact, this is still the most spacious café we’ve ever been to in Penang. We like the industrial vibes too.

At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang
At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang

The space is a start up by coffee enthusiasts. It is suitable for large group meet ups as they have 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!

Lunch At At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang
Lunch At At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang
Burger At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang
Burger At Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company In Penang

We do find their food tasty, but notice that they do use some MSG.

  • 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. China House

With something interesting lying at every corner, China House is a narrow but long, occupying 3 heritage buildings!

One Of The Entrances To China House Penang
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!

Note: Enter from Beach Street or from Victoria Street!

Coffee Shop At China House Penang
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
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 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!

The Main Counter At Black Kettle
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. We find that their ambiance is lovely, although it can be quite noisy in here on weekends.

Attractive Interior Of Black Kettle Cafe On Beach Street, Penang
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: 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. 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
The Inconspicuous Entrance To The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane – photo credits to honwaiyap (Instagram)

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!

Coffee From The Alley, 5 Stewart Lan
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
Churros From The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane – photo credits to honwaiyap (Instagram)
  • 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

13. Joies Sourdough Bakery Cafe

If you are into sourdough bread, rich coffees, and a cozy environment, this is the café for you!

The Entrance To Joies Cafe & Sourdough Cafe
The Entrance To Joies Cafe & Sourdough Cafe – Photo credits to ps.ang.85 (Instagram)

As the name suggests, this café specializes in sourdough, and cooks up dishes that are as delicious as they are healthy.

BIG Breakfast Platter At Joies Cafe & Sourdough
BIG Breakfast Platter At Joies Cafe & Sourdough – Photo credits to marshmielow (Instagram)

They also have a wide range of pastas including a flavorful Aglio Olio that will have you coming back for more!

Spaghetti Aglio Olio At Joies Cafe & Sourdough
Spaghetti Aglio Olio At Joies Cafe & Sourdough – Photo credits to foodie_foodntravel (Instagram)
  • 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

14. Chapel Street Cafe

Despite the ambiguous exterior, this café is a scenic hole in the wall that is both quiet and cozy.

The Mood At Chapel Street Cafe In Penang
The Mood At Chapel Street Cafe In Penang – Photo credits to chapelstreetcafe (Instagram)

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.

A Delicious Spread At Chapel Street Cafe
A Delicious Spread At Chapel Street Cafe – Photo credits to chapelstreetcafe (Instagram)

Other than that, their all-day breakfast menu and specialty coffees are crowd-favorites.

Coffee Art By Chapel Street Cafe
Coffee Art By Chapel Street Cafe – Photo credits to chapelstreetcafe (Instagram)

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 7pm
  • Contact: +604-226 0620
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Must-try: Chapel Big Breakfast, Specialty Coffees

Cafés Near Batu Ferringhi

15. 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
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
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:
    • 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

16. 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
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 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

17. Kopi Hutan

There’s no need for air-conditioning at this café. Kopi Hutan utilizes its natural environment as much as possible.

Outdoor Seating Area Viewed From The Indoor Seating Section At Kopi Hutan Penang Hill
Outdoor Seating Area Viewed From The Indoor Seating Section At Kopi Hutan Penang Hill

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.

Coffee And Cake At Kopi Hutan Penang Hill
Coffee And Cake At Kopi Hutan Penang Hill

Dining here gets you a free shuttle trip back to Penang Hill Upper Station to take the funicular train back down too.

We really enjoyed our time here. You can read about our full experience at Kopi Hutan.

  • Location: Penang Hill
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5:30pm
  • Contact: +6012-428 9585

18. Coffee Elements

On the second floor of All Seasons Place, Coffee Elements is famous for their soupshomemade cakes, and single-origin coffees!

Chocolate Banana Dessert Waffle At Coffee Elements Waffle House Cafe In Penang
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: Daily from 9am to 10pm
  • 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

19. 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!

Barista Coffee By 2F+ Coffee Roastery At Relau, Penang
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
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!

Note: Parking is not easy to find

  • Location: Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Island
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 10pm (Closed on Monday)
  • Contact: +6012-908 1714
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Must-try: Waffle and pancake deserts, aglio olio (spicy), carbonara

Read more:

Getting Around Penang

Are you a person who likes to have ease of mind when you travel? Then definitely check out RayTheTour!

Penang Tour - RayTheTour & Travelswithsun

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:

Conclusion

Penang cafes may not be the first thing that comes to mind – that would be the ho-chiak Penang foodPenang Dim SumPenang’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!

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