Ask the Concierge: Best Coffee in Hong Kong?

 
Ask the Concierge: Best Coffee in Hong Kong?

In the past couple years, Hong Kong has been hit hard by new waves of an epicurean coffee culture. This scene is thriving and its movements are spreading rapidly across the city, with hip and happening cafés cropping up on street corners everywhere, battling to satisfy the growing demands of the crowds.

 

Having a cup in the morning is a daily ritual for many, and people are becoming more knowledgeable - they can tell the good brews from the bad. So, to save you the trouble of having to search high and low for that perfect cuppa joe, we’ve consulted the experts, those who know this city through and through: the concierges at Hong Kong’s top hotels.

 

 

 

Cafés in Central, Sheung Wan & SoHo

 

Coco Espresso

 

 

Coco Espresso“I recommend this place because the staff are very friendly and polite, and their coffee is delicious. The caféis nicely decorated and their walls are lined with coffee mugs - it’s a little small in there but it’s a very comfy environment. If you get a chance, try their banana cake!” - Stephanie Lin, Director of Guest Experience at EAST Hotel

 

 

Café Lavande“A quirky little café by the escalator that serves great coffee, al-fresco seating and a delicious selection of light snacks.” - Louis Baleros, Chief Concierge at the InterContinental HK

 

 

Elephant Grounds“Tucked away at the back of a lifestyle store, it’s quite a tiny café so most people get take-aways, but they do offer some seating both inside and out on the balcony for the smokers. They offer a nice selection of hot and cold drinks, and you can tell that their coffees are prepared with care. It’s decorated nicely with wooden boards and coffee accessories.” - Marcus Wong, F&B Manager at The Charterhouse Causeway Bay Hotel

 

 

Fuel Espresso; “They offer exceptional beverages. Grown, roasted and crafted by artisans and their baristas to extend a great overall experience of premium coffee.” - Hamson Tsui, Chief Concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel

 

 

Café Loisl; “This is a little Austrian café located in PoHo (Po Hing Fong - a new neighbourhood in Sheung Wan). Their Vienna Ice Coffee and their homemade Apple Strudel is a must-try!” - Echo Zhu, Chief Concierge at The Peninsula

 

 

 

Cafés in Wan Chai & Causeway Bay

 

Coffee Academics (Wan Chai)

 

 

Coffee Academics“They have two branches in Hong Kong - one in Wan Chai and the other in Causeway Bay. Since they’ve opened, they’ve been a huge hit and both cafés are always pretty busy. Other than their drinks, they offer a variety of light dishes - salads, snacks, pizzas, desserts and more. But of course, it’s their premium coffees that take centre stage!”  - Marcus Wong, F&B Manager at The Charterhouse Causeway Bay Hotel

 

 

Rabbithole Coffee & Roaster“I highly recommend this café, although I haven’t visited them after their move to Wan Chai. Otherwise, Fuel (see above) is my all-time favourite. Also, love their Carrot Cake!” - Indira Pun, Chief Concierge at the Mandarin Oriental

 

 

“They take their coffee very seriously there (at Rabbithole Coffee & Roaster)! They see it as an exploration. While many will just focus on the taste and aroma, they are also very absorbed in finding out the background of a coffee bean. According to them, there are still hundreds of substances that are not known in a single bean! Such attitude guarantees the quality of coffee you have there. They never disappoint!” - Charlie Lin, W Insider at W Hong Kong

 

 

Le Petit Salon du Charterhouse; “We have a new coffee shop right here in our hotel! If you’re in the area, pop in and enjoy our choice of cakes and desserts! Also, the Valrhona Mochas (white and milk chocolate) are to die for!”  - Marcus Wong, F&B Manager at The Charterhouse Causeway Bay Hotel

 

 

 

Cafés in Tsim Sha Tsui & West Kowloon

 

The Lounge & Bar, Ritz Carlton

 

 

The Lounge & Bar, Ritz Carlton; “Our hotel’s Lounge & Bar on the 102 floor with a spectacular, panoramic view of the harbour. Nothing’s more relaxing than having a cup of freshly brewed coffee with unparalleled views of Victoria Harbour as a backdrop!” - Hoffman Chu, Chief Concierge at the Ritz Carlton Hotel

 

 

Espressamente illy; “With over 230 stores in 34 countries worldwide, high-end coffee chain Espressamente illy is dedicated to offering an authentic and genuine experience of Italian coffee to each and every coffee lover. There are three stores in Hong Kong which are located in K11 Art Mall and Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Hong Kong International Airport.” - Eddie Ho, Assistant Concierge at The Langham Place

 

 

COVA Caffe; “A classy café that specialises in authentic Italian coffee, European-style desserts and high-tea sets. There are multiple branches dotted across Hong Kong.” - Louis Baleros, Chief Concierge at the InterContinental HK

 

 

Macau Restaurant; “This is a well-known local ‘cha chaan teng’ with good Cantonese-style coffee (strong and creamy with lots of condensed milk). Their menu is small but they offer a nice selection that’s all very tasty.” - Louis Baleros, Chief Concierge at the InterContinental HK

 

 

 

Cafés in Yau Tsim Mong

 

Full Cup Cafe

 

 

Full Cup Café“If guests are over big coffee chains in Hong Kong, they can drop by the Full Cup Café (“Full Cup” shares the same pronunciation as “breathing” in Cantonese). There, guests can find vintage and eclectic furniture, Amelie’s Room inspired by the French movie, and a hidden bar with an impressive selection of coffee and light meals, all in a building located in one of Mong Kok’s chaotic, dark allies.” - Eddie Ho, Assistant Concierge at The Langham Place

 

 

The Squirrel Coffee & Kitchen; “A cozy atmosphere with all the comforts of a western café. It’s a great place especially for breakfast, and there’s also a mini-library for your perusal.” - Maryann Aboo, Chief Concierge at the Island Shangri-La

 

 

Hay Fever Floral & Gifts; “Visiting the flower market is beautiful but often exhausting. Take a break, relax and restore at this flower shop and café oasis rolled into one. The spacious design is so inviting and will make you want to sit for hours! Spending quality time on reading and chatting with friends is the concept of a healthy lifestyle away from technology - that’s why wifi has deliberately not been set up inside the shop.” - Maryann Aboo, Chief Concierge at the Island Shangri-La

 

 

 

Cafés on Lantau Island

 

% Arabica; ‘I highly recommend this café which is located near our hotel! It offers gourmet coffee beans from around the world, freshly roasted on demand. Guests can even learn how to make a fresh cup of coffee there!’ - Jammy Lam, Chief Concierge at the Auberge Discovery Bay