POV: It’s 2023 and you have cafe hunting on your list of New Year’s resolutions but have no idea where to start and where to go from there.

Worry not, we have prepared a list of the 22 best cafe in Penang for you to have your cafe adventures in the coming year! This may feel like deja brew but we guarantee you that we can take you to places you have never been before so get ready to be caffeinated!

1. Norm Micro Roastery

Image credit: @norm.micro.roastery

The first Penang cafe you should visit in 2023 is Norm Micro Roastery. This Penang cafe stands out for its minimalist, industrial interior and also its rich, luscious brews of freshly ground coffee.

The flavourful coffee grounds and the pleasant undertones from the various coffees served in Norm Micro Roastery earns this place the title of one of the best cafe in Penang loved by both coffee connoisseurs and regular cafe-goers.

If you’re looking to treat your taste buds to more than just freshly brewed coffee, their Citrus Passion Granola and Brie and Berry as well as their Conchiglie with Seasonal Mushrooms and Duck and Carrot Risotto are waiting for you!

Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 8am – 6pm (Sunday – Thursday) | 8am- 10pm (Friday and Saturday)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

2. China House

Image credit: @chinahousepenang

China House is a compound comprising 3 heritage buildings connected by an open air courtyard; China House is home to cafes, restaurants, shops, galleries, a bakery and live music. While the coffee is good, the breakfast, lunch, dinner and cake menus are even better.

Enjoy a delicious plate of Mexican Breakfast in the morning, a Chicken Schnitzel Wholegrain Sandwich, a Hokkien Spaghetti Bolognese or a Beef Rendang Fried Rice for lunch and a Sharing Meat Platter for dinner.

They also serve a Bento Box that features a fusion of six Asian dishes that change on the daily. Of course, you can’t leave without trying their famed Tiramisu!

Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 9.30am – 1am
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

3. Ome by Spacebar Coffee

Image credit: @ome.space

If a rustic cafe filled with greenery is what you’re looking for then Ome by Spacebar Coffee might just be your new favourite go to Penang cafe! Despite being in an indoor environment, this Penang cafe has a natural atmosphere that is perfectly scented with the aroma of fresh roasts.

Ome by Spacebar Coffee serves authentic Penang coffee that is rich with luscious undertones; we highly recommend that you have your coffee black with minimal sugar to truly appreciate the craft of it!

Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7.30am – 4pm (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

4. Le Cafe

Image credit: @lelelelelelelelee_

If you love toast sandwiches, Le Cafe is where you need to go to get your next craving fixed. This quaint and humble Penang cafe serves scrumptious sweet and savoury toast sandwiches with delicious combinations of stuffings such as roasted chicken ham, cheese pickles and Japanese omelette.

The menu may be simple with a few dishes and beverages to choose from but their taste more than makes up for it!

Address: 33, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

5. Temu

Image credit: @temucoffee.my

This sleek, minimalist Penang cafe opens its doors for coffee lovers to meet delicious coffee and each other (fun fact: the M in the TEMU logo is made to look like two people meeting and shaking hands!).

Simplicity is key in this Penang cafe but the one thing that isn’t kept simple here is the quality of the aromatic, luscious and energising coffee beverages. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee drinker, you’ll want to try the Signature TEMU Coffee topped with cream and dusted with cinnamon powder.

Pair it with the hot-selling Waffogato (waffles and affogato!) or the rich, creamy tiramisu for a better experience. Temu is the perfect place for you to enjoy a cup of coffee, study, work, and of course, meet people!

Address: 62, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 7pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

6. Rumah Kacha

Image credit: @rumahkacha

If you’re on the lookout for a cafe with delicious burgers, pasta, grills, and coolers then Rumah Kacha is where you’re meant to be.

From delicious starters such as Hot Chicken Wings and Sticky Thai Glazed Chicken Wings to unique flavours of pasta such as Squid Ink Tomyam with Seafood, Masak Lemak Cili Api with Prawns and Chicken Rendang to exquisite Grilled Lamb Chops and their prized Honey Mustard Chicken Burger and Angus Burger, Rumah Kacha has earned the title of one of the best Penang cafes for good food and a good dining experience.

If you’re hungry for cafe delicacies in George Town, you know where to go!

Address: 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

7. Forest Cloud

Image credit: @forestcloudbev

Forest Cloud is a quaint cafe on Jalan Penang with an old-fashioned exterior and a modern interior that promises to “bring you on a journey of flavours” as part of its mission to ‘raise the overall quality of cuppa in the city’.

Freshly brewed from high quality coffee grounds sourced from a range of nations from our neighbour Indonesia to the faraway land of Ethiopia, this Penang cafe serves the most authentic, aromatic, and delicious cups of coffee that are the real deal. If you’re looking for more than coffee, you can also treat yourself to their best-selling Miyama Matcha Latte and special Green Grape Matcha Fizz best paired with the rich and succulent Matcha Burnt Cheesecake.

If you love coffee, read our guide to the Top 8 Best Coffee Cafes in Penang for Fresh Brew

Address: 132, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 6pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

8. CAN by Haru Hari @ Project CAN

Image credit: @projectcan_my

CAN by Haru Hari is one of the best cafe in Penang to visit for food, coffee (and other beverages) as well as ambience. A beautiful minimalist exterior and interior surrounded by lots of greenery, this Penang cafe derives its name from its practice of serving a variety of beverages in cans.

The dishes are not just aesthetic; they taste just as good as they look! Delicious signatures on this Penang cafe’s menu include The Bird Nest, Aussie Lamb Shoruda, Lamb Shank, Houz Sauce Flame Chicken and Norway Panzu Salmon x Cous Cous that will have you licking your plate clean.

Of course, your visit to CAN by Haru Hari won’t be complete without tasting their signature canned drinks; Springtime, Elderflower Grapefruit Tea and Berry Berry Yakult to name a few.

Address: 62, Lebuh Glugor, Taman Gelugur, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 10pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

9. The Warung

Image credit: @thewarung.my

If you love waffles a waffle lot, this is the best cafe in Penang for you to satisfy your cravings. The Warung serves the most delicious, scrumptious sweet and savoury waffles; sweet waffles that are Classic, Dirty, Green, Fruity, and Nutty with generous helpings of ice cream, banana and various toppings, and savoury waffles such as Tuna Mayo, Chicken Ham, and Smoked Duck Breast.

The crispiness of the hot waffles and the flavourful fillings make for the best taste explosion in your mouth. Aside from waffles, The Warung also serves toast, rice dishes, pasta, desserts and tasty coffee. Waffle lovers, we’re looking forward to seeing you here in 2023!

Address: 145, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9.30am – 6pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

10. Slow Coffee Person Coffee Bar

Image credit: @slowcoffeeperson

If you’re in a rush then Slow Coffee Person Slow Bar is not for you; but if you have more time to spend then we would highly recommend that you do it at this hidden gem that offers you a chill and relaxed environment in the midst of the bustling city of George Town.

Ring the doorbell and if there are less than 8 people seated inside, you might be invited in (but only for one hour!). Enjoy your hour by treating yourself to a rich dose of flavourful, freshly brewed coffee or a cup of this Penang cafe’s famed matcha latte paired with its delicious madeleines and baked canelés!

Address: 37, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 10.30am – 6pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

11. Matcho Cafe

Image credit: @matchocafe

If you love matcha so matcha, this is the best matcha cafe in Penang for you to get your matcha fix in both beverage and dessert form. The delicious handcrafted matcha latte is a must-try matcha made in heaven but you cannot complete your visit to this cafe without tickling your taste buds with its delicious matcha flavoured cakes.

This Penang cafe is where you can indulge in rich and luscious Matcha Cheesecake, Matcha Crepecake, Matcha Tiramisu and Matcha Adzuki Red Bean Roll. If you’re fortunate enough to visit them on weekends when they’re feeling creative, you might even be able to taste specialties such as Korean Strawberry Matcha Shortcake!

Address: 99B, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 2pm – 10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

12. Wheelers

Image credit: @wheelerspenang

The wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee will draw you in and the delicious mains will make you stay at this Penang cafe! Wheelers Specialty Coffee features exquisite beans from around the world blended together to give you some of the best-tasting sips of coffee you’ll have in Penang but you can’t settle for just that at Wheelers.

From scrumptious breakfast dishes such as Smoked Duck Benedict, Wheelers Big Breakfast and Quesadilla Carne Asada to mouth-watering mains such as Salmon Teriyaki, Lamb Chops and “Kimcheeken” Burger to tasty snacks such as Chicken Taquitos, Avocado Chicken Nachos and Spicy Crumbed Squid, Wheelers will have you coming back for more until you’ve covered the whole menu!

Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 8am – 12am
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

13. Narrow Marrow

Image credit: @narrowmarrow

This narrow Penang cafe looks like a rustic palace on the inside and has earned a name for itself in the area for its specialty Tiramisu. The rich, luscious tiramisu cake with the perfect balance of coffee, cream and alcohol undertones is what makes a trip to this cafe worth it — but there’s more where that came from!

Alongside a wide variety of tiramisu and baked cheesecake, there’s a wide variety of delicious coffee, tea, yoghurt smoothies and its specialty Toddy drinks. Cake lovers looking for a twist on the classics; this Penang cafe is for you!

Address: 312, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 3pm – 11pm (Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Social media: Instagram

14. The Alley

Image credit: @thealleypenang

Not to be mistaken with the popular boba shop, The Alley on Stewart Lane is a favourite not just for coffee but also delicious churros and cakes.

This Penang cafe offers flavourful fresh brews, served best both hot and cold, and is a must visit for coffee lovers in the area! To make the most of your visit to The Alley, be sure to order a side of their freshly fried crispy churros as the perfect complement to your steaming hot cup of coffee.

Whether you want to pair your Alley Fredo drink with the Alley Fredo cake or you want to try something more exquisite such as the Pina Colada Cake, you’re in for a deluxe experience at The Alley on Stewart Lane!

Address: 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 10am – 6pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

15. Urban Daybreak

Image credit: @urbandaybreak

Urban Daybreak is an artisan cafe that “aims to tantalise your tastebuds with authentic Australian breakfast and brunch with a twist”. This Penang cafe has good coffee and an even better brunch menu.

If you visit this cafe, you must treat yourself to Urban’s Really Big Breakfast because it has a little bit of all the favourite breakfast foods that you love as well as the Wild on Shrooms (food so good it’ll have you tripping!) and the Zucchini Hash and Egg.

If you’re there with a bigger appetite that breakfast food won’t satiate, you may want to feast on The Hungry Burger, The Ultimate Steak Sandwich or the Crackling on Salmon.

Check out our Urban Daybreak Penang review!

Address: 34, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

16. Kafka

Image credit: @kafkapenang

This Penang cafe is the perfect place for you to chill if you enjoy being surrounded by green plants and the aroma of coffee. With greenery blossoming in every nook and cranny, quirky interior decor and an overall rustic theme, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in a chill environment at Kafka.

Depending on the time of the day that you visit the cafe, you can also treat yourself to Kafka’s delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus which feature specialties such as Avo & Cajun Spiced Chorizo Omelette, Pulled Beef Rendang Pasta and Open Face Chicken Souvlaki. Yum!

Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 8am – 10.30pm | 8am – 6pm (Tuesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

17. Macallum Connoisseurs

Image credit: @macallumcoffee

You can trust that the coffee is good when the cafe has the word “connoisseurs” in its name! Macallum Connoisseurs has lived up to its name by being one of the best Penang cafes for authentic Penang coffee.

If you’re hungry for a bite to eat then you have to sink your teeth into their signature Pesto Chicken Focaccia but if you have room for more, there’s a variety of pasta and burger dishes on their menu with each dish just as delicious as the last. A delicious fresh brew and a tasty, hearty meal — you get the best of both at Macallum Connoisseurs!

Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9am – 6pm (Sunday – Thursday) | 9am- 9pm (Friday and Saturday)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

18. Hanakoya Flower Café Penang

Image credit: @hanakoyaflowercafe.penang

This quaint little Penang cafe is both a cafe and a florist; with a minimalist interior that is decorated with colourful flowers, Hanakoya Flower Cafe dishes up a delicious menu comprised of entrees, soups, breakfast food, pasta, pastries and its specialty flower tea.

This cafe in Penang is where you can enjoy a Hanakoya Big Breakie, Squid Ink Pasta with Seafood, Smoked Duck Basil Pesto and Belgian Blackout Waff. Wash it all down with piquant tea flavours such as Jasmine Flower, Royal Rose, Elegant Carnation and Alberta Peach. Flower, tea, and flower tea lovers, this Penang cafe is for you!

Address: 83 Lebuh Muntri Georgetown, 10200 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

19. La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie

Image credit: @lavieenrose.patisserie

This pretty pink cafe is a quaint hidden gem in the midst of the bustling city of George Town and it will make you feel as though you’re dining on a movie set and eating food out of a fairytale.

La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie is where you can find the freshest, tastiest, most beautifully presented croissants, danishes, cinnamon rolls, pain au chocolat, beignets, madeleines and tarts that are filled with explosions of the best, richest flavours. Save money on that flight ticket to Paris and enjoy authentic French pastries right here at this Penang cafe!

Address: 19, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10am – 6.30pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

20. Lepetitfour Pâtisserie

Image credit: @lepetitfourpatisserie 

Lepetitfour Pâtisserie is yet another hidden gem in George Town that serves scrumptious authentic French pastries. Serving up a twist on the classics, this Penang cafe serves delicious Grand Marnier Fruit Cake, L’opera, Lemon Basil Tart, Forêt Noir, eclairs, croissants and many more — all of which have a premium look and taste.

Lepetitfour Pâtisserie dishes up the tastiest flavour concoctions on our favourite pastries and we’re here for it!

Address: 310, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

21. ae coffee

Image credit: @aecoffeepg

The second last on our list for the best cafes in Penang to visit in 2023 is ae coffee, an attractive little cafe that is tucked away in a quiet corner of George Town.

ae coffee serves delicious, aromatic coffee and even more delicious pastries to complement your cuppa. This Penang cafe is a great place to relax, study, or work in a chill and quiet environment while sipping on a steaming hot cup of fresh brew.

Address: 511, Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 10.30am – 6pm
Social media: Instagram 

22. Your Local Club

Discover the best cafes in Penang for coffee enthusiasts in 2023! Among them, “Your Local Club” shines as a hidden gem on Beach Street, offering an array of coffee, non-coffee drinks, and pastries. Whether you’re into aromatic espressos or refreshing mocktails, this modern coffee bar has you covered.

Don’t miss their recent transformation into a cocktail bar on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights until 1am, adding an extra touch of excitement. Enjoy the bustling city life while sipping on your favorite beverage at this cozy and strategic café in Penang.

Address: 264, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon, Wed & Thur) | 9am – 1am (Fri – Sun)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

Still hungry? Check out these Penang new cafes:
Top 7 Penang Breakfast Cafes [2023 Edition]
Top 7 Best Bayan Lepas Cafe [2023 Edition]
Top 7 Best Matcha Cafes in Penang (2023)
5 Best & Famous Cendol Penang You Must Try [2023 Edition]
Top 7 Best Penang Night Markets [2023 Edition]
7 Top Rated Nasi Kandar in Penang 2023
8 Best NEW Cafe in Penang [September 2022]
7 Best NEW Cafe in Penang [July 2022]
Top 6 NEW Penang Cafes You Must Check Out [June 2022]

Now that you have a list of the 22 best cafes to visit in Penang in 2023, it’s time to get out there and start crossing cafes off of it! Follow us on Instagram (@penanglicious) for latest cafe reviews! Bon appetit!