Discover the best cafes in Penang; from heritage shophouses to beachfront hangouts, enjoy specialty coffee, brunch, and cosy spots across the island.
Penang is a haven for café lovers, blending rich heritage with modern coffee culture. Whether you’re craving a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a hearty brunch, or a cosy space to unwind, the island is packed with charming spots to explore, especially in George Town.
From hidden gems in heritage shophouses to trendy cafés serving up artisanal pastries, this list of the best cafes in Penang will guide you to the perfect place for your next coffee catch-up or brunch date. So, grab your caffeine fix and let’s dive into Penang’s vibrant café scene!
Do check that cafes are open before you visit (often easiest to check their social media or WhatsApp them). Penang cafes have a tendency to close for various reasons and don’t always stick to a rigid timetable.
Huge thanks to coffee connoisseur Tessa from @wherearethehartnetts for contributing so many of these suggestions.
Map of the best cafes in Penang
1. PACE Coffee
Tucked in the heart of George Town, PACE Coffee is a minimalist café with a strong focus on quality brews. Their expertly crafted coffee, featuring single-origin beans, is complemented by a menu of pastries and light bites, including an excellent breakfast selection.
The café’s serene ambiance and sleek aesthetic make it the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
2. Norm Micro Roastery
Housed in an industrial-style space with high ceilings and raw concrete aesthetics, Norm Micro Brewery boasts a selective food menu, simple coffees and specialty teas. The entrance isn’t totally obvious; a transparent white door needs to be pushed at the side to step into the airy space.
3. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a cosy little café known for its dedication to specialty coffee around the world (Ethiopia, Brazil, Indonesia, Peru) as well as Japanese teas. With rustic exposed brick work, a quiet reading area, and soft music, it’s a lovely oasis away from the bustle of George Town.
4. Chapel Street Cafe
Tucked away in a quiet residential area with little to suggest a café lies within, Chapel Street Cafe is a delightful hidden gem. Step through the doorway and you’ll find a cosy space created from two adjoining houses, with separate rooms featuring whitewashed walls and minimalist concrete furniture.
The menu is just as inviting, offering an excellent selection of brunch and lunch dishes, complemented by top-quality coffee that makes it well worth visiting, even though it’s not quite in a tourist area.
5. ChinaHouse
One of Penang’s most iconic cafés, ChinaHouse is a vibrant fusion of coffee, dining, and art, all set within a beautifully restored heritage building.
Brimming with rustic charm and a touch of quirk, this unique space invites creativity as much as it does coffee lovers. Each table is covered with drawing paper and comes with a pot of crayons; so go ahead, doodle as you sip. Who knows? Your masterpiece might even make it onto the café’s ever-evolving display, adding to its eclectic and artistic atmosphere.
6. Kenny Hills Bakers
Kenny Hills Bakers is renowned in Penang for their craft baking since 2014 offering a delicious range of breads and pastries alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks, including organic teas, smoothies, and coffee made from their own coffee beans from the highlands of Brazil and Indonesia. However, they also offer a fantastic all-day breakfast and lunch menu.
Housed in a beautiful heritage building close to the E&O Hotel, this is a popular brunch and lunch stop, so booking is advisable on weekends and public holidays (we advise getting a table upstairs). Service here is exceptional.
7. La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie
A slice of Paris in Penang, La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie specializes in exquisite French pastries alongside coffees and teas. The main seating area is upstairs; light and spacious. Please note that cards are not accepted here (cash or e-wallets only).
8. GravyBaby @Paragon
GravyBaby is more of a bar/restaurant than a traditional café, but we couldn’t leave it out as it’s one of our favourite spots for a family brunch. The breakfasts here are always a success, with generous portions to kick-start your day.
The kids love playing in the games area, which features a pool table and basketball hoops, keeping them entertained while you enjoy your meal. The staff are incredibly friendly, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Located in Paragon Mall, it’s also a fantastic place to fuel up before indulging in some retail therapy.
9. Coco Nana
The best spot in Batu Ferringhi to grab a coffee. Take an outside pew at the top of the shipping container and watch the waves roll in as you sip your latte. Aside from coffee, there is a selection of mixed-fruit drinks and generous slices of cake.
Coco Nana is open daily from 12pm to 9pm and towards closing time, this stretch of beach gets rather lively, especially on a weekend or public holiday. Although during the day, the walk through Ferringhi Bay feels rather run-down.
10. R COFFEE CO.
From the outside you may miss R Coffee Co. as it’s also the entrance to Frame Hostel, so look out for the R sign. But walk through the entrance to the industrial chic decor of the cafe at the back with minimalist seating under aircon to enjoy an espresso and perhaps a little pastry. There is no food menu here and you will see backpackers coming and going to the hostel rooms upstairs, but it’s a welcome haven for a pick me up close to the tourist heritage area of George Town.
11. Utoo Boho Cafe & Patisserie
Utoo Boho Café & Patisserie is a delightful fusion of bohemian aesthetics and extensive food options if you want to pop in for more of a coffee. It’s also very Instagrammable with stylistic seating areas complete with white drapes and contrasting beige foliage. A skylight makes this trendy George Town cafe light and airy.
12. Sunnyside Breakfast & Brunch
Set off the main coastal road through Tanjung Bungah, Sunnyside is a light and airy cafe away from the tourist areas of the island. Eating here can be hit and miss, but the coffee is decent, WIFI is strong, staff are friendly, and off-road parking is easy. If you want a change from coffee, we recommend the excellent passion fruit ginger, which is apparently good for the digestive system.
On Penang ebook
New for 2025, the On Penang ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring the island of Penang. It is jam-packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour of George Town (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Malaysia, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
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On Penang ebook£16.95
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang
