One thing is for certain when visiting Penang: You’ll never go hungry. The island-state’s celebrated F&B scene is famous far and wide, drawing throngs of tourists on a daily basis. While Penang is famous for its endless hearty local grub, it’s also a haven for forward-thinking cafes serving strong cuppas and delicately-plated dishes. If you’re looking for the best Penang cafe to visit for your next road trip, this list will come in handy!
Get Coffee, Eat Great Food, And Chill With Friends At The Best Penang Cafes
Norm Micro Roastery
Setting shop in an old shipping warehouse, Norm Micro Roastery takes the crown for being the best cafe in Penang according to reviews. The place is peppered with brutalist architecture; from geometric furniture to high, unwashed walls. Beyond nooks for Instagram photo opportunities, Norm’s food is highly recommended. Check out the risotto or pasta for a filling brunch or wake up the senses with a French toast drizzled with maple syrup.
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja 10300 George Town
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (Sunday to Wednesday); 9am to 10pm (Thursday to Saturday)
Contact: 016-527 6273
Lunarbarcoffee
Looking for a caffeine kick on a lazy afternoon? Pay Lunarbarcoffee a visit. The minimalist cafe provides a serene environment to unwind and escape from the busyness of George Town. The coffee is said to be the best in Penang, as experienced baristas work up concoctions using beans from all over the globe. If you’re feeling peckish, dig into the homemade banana or lemon poppy seed cake for the perfect midday pick-me-up.
Address: 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, 10050 George Town
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Contact: 010-932 2810
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Urban Daybreak
Bangsar brunch spot Urban Daybreak launched its first outlet away from the Klang Valley five years ago. Judging by long lines on the weekends, it’s surely becoming one of the best cafes in Penang. Like the sister outpost, it serves classic Australian brunch staples from avocado smash with scrambled eggs and shakshouka (poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce).
Address: 338, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 04-262 9693
Crumbles & Cream
Located inside Iconic Hotel Penang, Crumbles & Cream is more of a high-tea spot than a cafe so you’ll get dainty desserts, pastries, and cakes on pretty trays. It also serves cheese platters and wine if you’re feeling fancy. Inside, the cosy furnishing is dressed in pink hues and it has charming corners for you to unwind with your loved ones. Come here for the tea and sweet treats, but stay for the ambience.
Address: 71, Jln Icon City, Bukit Tengah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam
Opening Hours: 12pm to 8pm daily
Contact: 04-505 9988
Narrow Marrow
This nice cafe in Penang is lauded by patrons for its cool interior facade, potent coffee, and boozy tiramisu. Apart from the usual cafe fare, the house toddy—made from coconut and palm extract—makes for a nice and satisfying nightcap. If you’re planning to visit alone, pick up the many books and zines littered around the cafe for some solitude reading.
Address: 312, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town
Opening Hours: 3pm to 11pm (Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Contact: 04-226 3083
The Alley
If your idea of the best cafe in Penang is a quiet and unassuming location that allows intimate get-togethers, then The Alley is the place for you. Literally located next to an alley, this quaint cafe is a little off the beaten path so you don’t have to worry about overbearing chatter. The churros are the star attractions here, which are freshly battered and fried daily.
Address: 5, Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Contact: 017-373 4829
Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company
Boasting over 8,000 sq ft of industrial space, Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company holds the title of Penang’s largest cafe. But it’s not just a run-of-the-mill coffee house; the sprawling location also combines a restaurant and a roastery-academy. As such, the coffee here is often lauded as being some of the best in Penang. The breakfast menu is equally praised too, with the Big Breakfast and Macallum Muesli Bowl as the two crowd favourites.
Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, 10300 George Town
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Contact: 04-261 3597
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Wheeler’s
Tucked away in a corner along the tourist-heavy Love Lane, Wheeler’s provides a comfortable pitstop after a long day of food hunting. Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior, the cafe serves everything from truffle carbonara pasta and acai bowls to cold beers and curated cocktails. There are vegetarian and vegan options too!
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town
Opening Hours: 8am to 12am daily
Contact: 019-524 7703
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Ang Ang’s Roastery 洪烘咖啡
For passionate purveyors of drip coffee, they will tell you that Ang Ang’s Roastery is the best cafe in Penang. Each cup is hand-poured with precision, resulting in a clean and soothing mouthfeel that can’t be replicated with an espresso machine. Pair your coffee with an assortment of cakes, mains, and sides. The Matchamisu (a Tiramisu with matcha instead of coffee) is a must-order if you’re looking for a spin on a classic dessert.
Address: 48, Lorong Seri Alma, Taman Selesa, 14000 Bukit Mertajam
Opening Hours: 10am to 12am daily
Contact: 04-548 0616
Complete Your Road Trip By Visiting The Best Penang Cafes
Take a break from chowing down char kuey teow, indulging in nasi kandar, and slurping assam laksa as you relax in comfort within the confines of these best cafes in Penang. Whether you’re looking to refuel with a strong cup of coffee or satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts, these places should be on your road trip itinerary.
For more curated food guides, check out our list of local-approved eateries in Ipoh, scrumptious banana leaf meals in the Klang Valley, and severely underrated Sarawak dishes.
