Cafe hopping is a new trend nowadays. Whether adults or youngsters, many prefer to go to cafes to have their meals and gatherings. This is because a good cafe can provide delicious meals, instagrammable drinks, cosy environment, and comfortable seating. These are all the driving factors for spending time at a cafe.
Since Penang is a favourite spot for local and foreign tourists, more and more cafes are set up in the town. This is good news for cafe hoppers as they can have more options, and there are more spots to take lovely photos. Hence, they do not have to go to the same cafe repeatedly since more diversified options exist for them to explore.
Do cafes only provide Italian coffee?
Many would assume that cafes only refer to those that provide Italian coffee, such as americano, latte, cappuccino and others. However, we don’t set a limit for the definition of cafes in this new era. In this context, fusion cafes, oriental cafes, and Nanyang cafes are all over the country.
Those cafes may not be providing Italian coffee but Nanyang-style coffee. For example, Ipoh white coffee is ranked before Italian coffee for many Malaysians. Hence, this bunch of people would opt for a Nanyang-style cafe when they want to have their brunch, lunch, tea time, or dinner at a cafe.
The 20 Must-Go Cafes In Penang 2023
1. China House
China House would be the first cafe that comes to Penangites’ minds when they want to have a meal in a cafe. China House is a traditional compound of 3 heritage buildings. Hence, it has a big space for various activities. Other than cafes and restaurants, there are shops, galleries, and theatre too. Do not miss out on their cakes when you visit here as it is cheap, tasty and big in portion.
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 1:00 am daily
Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website2. Narrow Marrow
Narrow Marrow has been on hit recently. Their tiramisu is a must-try item as it is nearly perfect. They are not stingy at all in giving quality ingredients like mascarpone cheese, finger biscuits, chocolate powder, and others. With all those great ingredients, there is no reason that you will have a piece of lousy cake.
Operating Hours: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Friday to Monday), closed from Tuesday to Thursday
Address: 312, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website3. Wheeler’s
Wheeler’s is a nice place for coffee addicts as they have experienced baristas to brew quality coffee. In addition, you should also not look down on their meals. It might be a little bit pricey, but nice ingredients make it. The only downside of the cafe is that their customers have dining time limits. If you wish to chill and chat there, maybe it is not a good option for you.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 am daily
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website4. La Vie En Rose Pâtisserie
As the name mentions, La Vie En Rose Pâtisserie sells French pastries. If you are a pastries lover and want to taste some authentic French pastries, please visit here for some fantastic pastries. Besides, they always launch seasonal items or cakes for festivals such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. You may order that in advance.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (Wednesday to Sunday), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Address: 19, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website5. Urban Daybreak
Urban Daybreak is a trendy artisan cafe founded by a group of friends. They believe in good soul cooking, and hence they insist on providing quality food for their customers all the time. They mainly focus on authentic Australian breakfast and brunch. That is why you can always see that there are foreigners in their cafe.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (Wednesday to Monday), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 34, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website6. Black Kettle
Black Kettle divided their menu into three main sections: artisan bakery, French kitchen and Dimattina Coffee. Their bakery items are very special as it is a kind of fusion. They find the right balance between European and local flavours so that locals can taste European-style bakery items and will readily accept them.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Thursday to Tuesday), closed on Wednesdays
Address: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website7. The Alley
The Alley has served Penangites for eight years; thus, it is quite well-known among locals and tourists. When you visit The Alley, you must try out their churros as it is claimed to be one of the best churros in the town. Do drop by to enjoy your tea time with a great combination of coffee and homemade bakery items.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Address: 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website8. Yin’s Sourdough Bakery
Sourdough is a favourite bakery item of the new generation as it is chewy, healthy, and tasty. As the name of Yin’s Sourdough Bakery suggests, they specialise in baking sourdoughs. For those looking for an enjoyable European or English breakfast, you should pay a visit to Yin’s Sourdough Bakery.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm (Thursday to Tuesday), closed on Wednesdays
Address: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website9. Unknown Cafe & Bistro
Unknown Cafe & Bistro is a newly opened cafe that gets lots of attention. They design their cafe with a minimalist style. Hence, it is an excellent place to relax and chill. Recently, they have launched a special coffee menu where they serve coffee with oatmeal cookies cup. When you have finished your coffee, you can also finish the crunchy cup.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Address: 35, Pahang Rd, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website10. Bean Sprout Cafe
Bean Sprout Cafe is the place for you if you are looking for a nostalgic space to enjoy your coffee. They still preserve the old design of the heritage building where they are located. At the same time, they use rattan tables and chairs to create more nostalgic feelings too. It is a good choice to bring along elders over there.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Wednesday to Monday), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 35, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website11. Kafka @ Kelawai
Kafka @ Kelawai is a peaceful space for fantastic coffee and eatery. They have a wide range of menus, from big breakfast to burgers and pasta. They offer different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thus, if you are craving for a dish, make sure you visit at the right time. You may visit their official website to take a look at the menu.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 10:30 pm (Monday, Wednesday to Sunday), 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tuesday)
Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website12. Norm Micro Roastery
Eating and drinking at Norm Micro Roastery are comfortable because they have ample space and good air ventilation. At the same time, it’s enjoyable to drink coffee here while smelling the coffee bean aroma as they are roastery by themselves. Besides, you can have some delicious meals over here along with your coffee.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 8:00 am – 10:00 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website13. Let’s Meat
Meat lovers must love this place only by looking by its name. Let’s Meat focuses on American cuisine, and it is a family-friendly casual dining spot. One of the founders, Diana Foster Ho, intended to set up the restaurant as she missed her home. She and her husband want to create valuable relationships with their customers through the food they serve.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Saturday), closed on Sundays
Address: 18, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website14. Constant Gardener
Constant Gardener is a coffee specialist in Penang. Other than specialty range coffee, they do have a local brew called Penang coffee. This would be a good place for students or coffee beginners to learn the types of coffee beans, brews, etc. This is due to their relatively low-priced coffee compared to other cafes in the town.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
Address: Ground Floor, Penang Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website15. Cerita Cafe at Hikayat
Cerita Cafe at Hikayat provides a good reading environment for their customers. They are just located in a book shop called Hikayat. If you are a books lover, you may select and buy some of your favourite books at Hikayat, then spend your leisure time by reading the books at Cerita Cafe at Hikayat.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
Address: 226, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
16. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a hidden gem located in the heart of Georgetown. They offer authentic coffee in a cosy and quiet environment. If you wish to enjoy your time at a place with fewer people, here’s the place for you. Be sure not to share with too many friends. If not, you are going to lose your hidden gem.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), closed on Thursdays and Fridays
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website17. ZEN 161 by The Safe Room
ZEN 161 is famous for its tea time set. They called it as ZEN Afternoon Tea. It is available from 12 pm to 6 pm. Hence, you can have it as lunch, dessert, or early dinner. The set is very valuable because many types of desserts are included, such as scones, tarts, and cakes. Dessert lovers must be very satisfying after having the set.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Mondays
Address: 161, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website18. Pitaya by Juice Code
Whether you are a fruit juice lover or a healthcare enthusiast, Pitaya by Juice Code should be a favourite place for you. They are truly creative in combining different fruits to make fruit juice. Besides, its Balinese design would bring you a holiday feel. If you need to escape from work and have a short rest at ‘tropical island’, you are welcomed to visit here.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Thursday to Tuesday), closed on Wednesdays
Address: 235, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website19. Matcho Cafe
Matcha lovers! We do not forget about you! Here’s a cafe specially for you. Matcho Cafe offers various drinks and desserts made from matcha. For example, they have fantastic rose matcha pancakes, matcha latte, and matcha tiramisu. In addition, their pinky environment attracts many girls to take nice photos over there.
Operating Hours: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Wednesday to Monday), closed on Tuesdays
Address: 99B, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Website20. Komichi Tea House
Here is another great spot for tea lovers, especially matcha lovers. Despite coffee, they are a cafe that specialises in tea products. They almost have everything in matcha, for example, cheesecakes, cookies, swiss rolls, and drinks. Wait for what? It’s time for matcha-ish tea time. Bring along your family and friends to have this special tea time!
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Thursday to Sunday), closed from Monday to Wednesday
Address: 20, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
WebsiteDisclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
