Penang cafe hopping is practically a sport.
[Updated 8 August 2025]
And if you’re like us, you’re not chasing just pretty corners.
We hunt down cafes that look good but also deliver—with proper food, solid coffee, and that unmistakable charm.
If that sounds like your kind of place, you’re in the right spot.
This 2025 cafe list is for those who want more than a nice backdrop for a flat latte.
The coffee’s smooth and brewed with love.
And the service?
You’re treated like a guest, not a table number.
Sorry, cafes that feel like food courts didn’t make the cut.
Our editor refuses to pay premium prices just to carry trays, babysit a buzzer, and hunt for napkins.
Contents
List of Penang Cafe 2025
We’ve picked 12 standout cafes in Penang for 2025.
Leading the list is the showstopper—Dior Cafe, hands down our top pick for the most glamorous cafe in Penang.
The rest?
A mix of charming heritage nooks, creative hideaways, and the editor’s personal hangouts.
Whether you’re based in George Town or venturing further out, you’ll find a spot on this list that’s worth the drive—and the sip.
Dior Cafe
Let’s start with some sparkle and star power.
Penang’s cafe scene shifted the moment Dior Cafe landed at Macalister Mansion.
It’s high fashion meets flat white—dripping in elegance, with interiors as polished as a runway show.
Yes, you’re paying for the name.
But here’s the kicker: the food lives up to the hype, with a menu crafted by the chefs behind Michelin-starred Beta KL.
Try: Signature coffee, petite French-style desserts
Vibe: Glamorous, elegant, and photo-ready
Where: Macalister Mansion, George Town (you won’t miss it)
Close-up of a latte served at Dior Cafe Penang, topped with the iconic Dior star in cocoa dusting
An elegant selection of French-style desserts at Dior Cafe Penang, crafted by a Michelin-starred chef from Beta KL
Smartdory and JL Lee seated at Dior Cafe in Penang on its opening day, with elegant interiors and signature coffee in the frame
Oceano Symphony
Oceano Symphony feels like a secret whispered by the sea.
Tucked away and wrapped in greenery, it’s the kind of place that resets your pace the moment you arrive.
This isn’t your usual cafe crowd—it’s quiet, thoughtful, and full of creative energy that feels more like a retreat than a pit stop.
Try: Artisanal coffee, thoughtful slow-made bites
Vibe: Ocean-facing calm, lush and healing
Where: 338, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Oceano Symphony offers ocean views, shady trees, and a calm, breezy escape.
The Founders Hutton
This one’s got soul.
The Founders blends old-world Penang charm with a modern cafe twist, all inside a beautifully restored heritage building.
It’s cozy, artsy, and yes—it channels the vibe of Ah Soon (@soonporter), because he’s part of the magic behind it.
Try: Hand-rolled bagels, hearty brunch plates
Vibe: Classy, heritage-cool with character
Where: 94, Jalan Hutton, George Town
The Founders Cafe blends heritage charm and brunch vibes in a restored bungalow beside Old Eden.
Dre Coklat Penang
Chocolate lovers, welcome home.
Dre Coklat doesn’t mess around.
Everything here is rich, indulgent, and unapologetically chocolate-forward.
The space is warm and inviting.
Step in and the rainforest says hello!
Those indoor vertical planters don’t just look good, they smell like Sarawak too.
Bonus: the menu also features comforting Sarawakian dishes alongside its cocoa hits.
Try: Signature hot chocolate and decadent chocolate cake
Vibe: Warm, dessert-focused, with a sweet Sarawak touch
Where: UNIT B, 3, Pengkalan Weld, George Town
Dre Coklat serves rich Sarawakian chocolate in a lush, plant-filled space.
Narrow Marrow
This tiny cafe-bar on Carnarvon Street has a lot of personality packed into a small space.
Known for their toddy tiramisu and curated cocktails, it’s cool without trying too hard.
Try: Toddy tiramisu, artisan cocktails
Vibe: Artsy, moody, fun
Where: 252, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town
Narrow Marrow’s moody charm and toddy tiramisu make it a standout Penang hideout.
Khing Cafe
Tucked just off the usual tourist trail, Khing Cafe is quiet confidence in a cup.
The space is minimal but full of warmth.
The playlist hits the right mood, the lighting soothes, and the coffee?
Spot on.
It’s the kind of place you come back to when you want calm with a side of cake.
Try: Osmanthus coffee, seasonal durian mille crepe
Vibe: Serene, minimal, and easy on the eyes
Where: 2/4, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 George Town, Penang
Khing Cafe is calm, minimal, and quietly confident—with osmanthus coffee that delights.
The Hug Store
It’s not just a name—this place actually feels like a warm hug.
Part cafe, part creative space, The Hug Store is full of books, handmade things, and kindness.
Try: Hand-brewed coffee, toasties
Vibe: Peaceful, heartfelt, slow
Where: 227, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
Blush-toned and calm, The Hug Store serves heartfelt coffee with handmade charm.
EMILY Darling Cafe
This little gem has been quietly winning hearts with rich, buttery croissants and indulgent cakes.
The warm, friendly service makes you feel like a regular from the very first visit.
It’s the perfect spot to slip away from the George Town buzz, grab a warm drink, and just breathe.
You might even spot the Editor hugging a coffee in the corner.
Try: Any cake from the display, hearty soups, and the garden salad
Vibe: Wholesome, cozy, and full of good energy
Where: 186, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
Emily Darling pairs bold interiors with buttery bakes and cozy, welcoming vibes.
Kenny Hills Bakers, George Town
Kenny Hills Bakers brings rustic charm and top-notch baked goods to its cozy Penang cafe in George Town.
Set in a beautiful heritage building, the space is warm, ever bustling, and packed with the aroma of fresh pastries.
Whether you’re here for a full brunch or just a flaky almond croissant, it’s always satisfying.
Expect quality ingredients, strong coffee, and a crowd that knows their carbs.
Try: Wood-fired sourdough pizzas, almond croissant, and burnt cheesecake
Vibe: Rustic, lively, stylishly laid-back
Where: 4, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Kenny Hills Bakers serves up heritage charm and carb-loaded joy in a white colonial mansion.
Alunan Rasa by Irama Dining
A soulful new gem by the team behind Irama Dining, Alunan Rasa serves up heritage comfort with a touch of refinement.
Expect local Malaysian flavors done with finesse—think hearty breakfast platters, soft rice bowls, and layered kuih for dessert.
It’s modern nostalgia on a plate, with a space that balances charm and calm.
Try: Nasi lemak set, weekly specials, and their house-brewed drinks
Vibe: Contemporary kampung feel with real flavor
Where: R-01-32 Setia Triangle Shoplot, Persiaran Kelicap, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Heritage reimagined. Alunan Rasa serves soulful Malaysian comfort food in a space that feels like a modern kampung—with soft light, warm wood, and flavor you remember.
📝 Planning Your Next Penang Cafe Hop?
This list is curated to give you a good balance of quirky, quality, and comforting.
Spread your visits across weekends and avoid peak brunch hours if possible.
Support these cafes with kind reviews if you like them—they’re mostly run by small teams.
🔁 This Penang Cafe List is Updated Quarterly
Cafes open, close, and evolve—and we keep track so you don’t have to.
Bookmark this guide and check back every few months for the freshest picks in Penang’s ever-changing cafe scene.
