Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get our top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Header image courtesy of NOC COFFEE CO. (via Facebook)
It can be hard to work in the office or from home sometimes, but even harder to find space and a little peace and quiet elsewhere to get your productivity levels up. Whether you’re a freelancer, student, an office worker who is “working from home,” or just wanting a hangout spot with a strong WiFi connection and even stronger coffee, these Hong Kong cafés are the perfect places to get those items on your to-do list checked off.
With three branches dotted across Kowloon and New Territories, each of Espresso Alchemy’s offshoots dons its own unique aesthetic. You will find sleek, marbled tables and striking arch displays at the Harbour City location; cosy, wood-furnished interiors at Mira Place; and an airy, brightly lit space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows at Nina Mall, but regardless of the changing looks, work-conducive environs and high-quality fare are consistently guaranteed. Fuel up with a hearty plate of pesto chicken penne alongside an aromatic flat white and get ready to crush your tasks!
Espresso Alchemy, locations across Kowloon and New Territories
Page Common beckons patrons to hunker down and get some serious work done with its sophisticated atmosphere, reliable WiFi, and top-tier food—and we would not expect anything less from a coffee shop housed in the lobby of a fashionable boutique hotel. Among the many light bites and pastries on offer, the signature homemade tiramisu is the one to try—word of mouth has it that it is the best tiramisu in Hong Kong.
We will let you be the judge of that, but we think Page Common’s rendition of the creamy, coffee-spiked dessert, made with its house-blend espresso, is seriously hard to beat. Plus, the little kick of caffeine makes this dessert the perfect pick-me-up treat when that dreaded afternoon slump hits! Pro tip: If you’re staying for a while and anticipate your electronics running out of juice, nab one of the high seats against the wall for convenient access to the power outlets.
Page Common, G/F, Page 148, 148 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3844 8899
Coffee aficionados will be no strangers to homegrown coffee brand Urban Coffee Roaster. Since its opening in 2014, it has gained notability for its superb artisanal coffees and freshly roasted speciality beans sourced from Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Colombia, and beyond.
Choose from its extensive range of single-origin speciality coffees to awaken your senses. Duck into any of Urban Coffee Roaster’s shops across the city for a great cup of joe, but for your working needs, we’d head to the waterfront location in Tseung Kwan O, which boasts gorgeous seaside views and ample tables for you to park your laptop.
Make yourself at home at Black Sugar Coffee, a friendly joint in Ho Man Tin (with more locations in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island) run by very cute owners—two Shiba Inus! Okay, not really, but the owners take their two furry friends to the shops to hang out, and petting dogs is proven to boost mood, so Black Sugar is the ideal spot for a day of work.
Its interiors are well-lit and comfortable, and there are outlets aplenty. Black Sugar’s WiFi is not restricted, either, so you can settle in for an eggs Benedict and salmon sandwich in the morning then creamy carbonara for lunch, then wash it all down with a top-notch espresso or hand-drip coffee.
Little Cove Espresso is a bright and spacious third-wave coffee shop with locations in Sai Kung, Kennedy Town, and a new opening in Pacific Place in July 2024. It perfectly encapsulates the laid-back Melburnian vibe. The coastal-inspired minimal décor, the plants dotting the tables, and lots of natural light make it a perfect oasis to get in the zone. While Little Cove is always packed to the rafters on weekends, it’s easy to find a seat with a socket during regular office hours and the WiFi is fast and strong.
Its all-day breakfast menu—as well as Mediterranean lunch offerings that pair well with its home-roasted coffee—are sure to keep your energy levels up! Did we mention Little Cove also makes its own paleo-friendly treats?
When it comes to local artisanal coffee, The Coffee Academics is definitely one of the leaders of the pack. The WiFi here is restricted by time, so be sure you put in a couple more drink orders if you plan on staying for a while. We highly recommend the signature manuka latte. If you need an immediate energy booster, try the canned cold brew, available in its original flavour or sparkling and with elderflower flavouring.
Not only is Elephant Grounds the ultimate hipster hangout, but the rolling free WiFi, independently roasted coffee, and handcrafted ice cream sandwiches are other fantastic reasons that keep folks coming back to spend their afternoons there.
There are locations all over town, but the best three to bring your laptop into are Sheung Wan, Star Street, and Mid-Levels. All are in convenient locations and offer reliable WiFi, enough space to spread out a bit, and abundant power sockets. Come early to get the perfect spot—the pet-friendly Sheung Wan location gets quite popular.
NOC has heaps of locations around town, all following its industrial aesthetic and brewing cups of carefully selected Arabica coffee. Its Sai Ying Pun flagship roastery is the largest location and is almost always full of students from the nearby HKU, as well as freelancers of every creed, all drawn to the fast WiFi and luxury of space.
We also love that NOC is aiming to be as environmentally-friendly as possible by moving towards removing as much plastic from its cafés whenever possible. Don’t worry if you grab a delicious treat from the weekly rotation of bakes to go with your ice-cold dirty—it won’t make you feel sluggish and you can turn it into fuel to get more done.
This cosy space inconspicuously occupies a corner of the ground floor in K11 Atelier, offering a chilled-out area to bear down on your work for the day. With ample WiFi, communal desk spaces, and sofas to host group discussions and Zoom meetings (in your inside voice, of course), InFuse makes for a great place to spend a busy day.
Incorporating elements of the artistic touches present all around K11 Musea, the bronze and greys make for a toned-down yet modern backdrop to your tasks, never distracting yet impressive enough for cheeky Instagram Story updates during your breaks. Offering a handful of baked goods that change from time to time, its Italian blend coffee is best enjoyed in a silky latte, with single-origin options available.
InFuse, G/F, K11 Atelier, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 9188 9011
A quaint little café with branches in Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, and Tai Hang, Winston’s Coffee is a firm favourite. If you’re looking for an atmospheric joint to get in the zone, Winston’s is the place to be. Its white-tiled walls and contrasting black exterior are complemented by warm lights throughout the shop. Be sure to arrive early for a prime spot next to a power socket and recharge with a classic cappuccino.
You could probably guess by the name of the café that you will find many patrons working away on a laptop at Out of Office (OOO). Atmospheric with its industrial décor, there’s a selection of seating at the spacious café for you to choose from. Do be warned—its beanbags are definitely sleep-inducing! To ward off tiredness and that lazy feeling, wake yourself up with a toasty cup of americano. Why not pair your coffee with one of OOO’s special dishes? We recommend the shakshuka and smoked salmon avocado brioche for a protein-filled start to your day. If you’re not a fan of savoury breakfasts, choose from OOO’s selection of pastries to brighten up your morning.
Out of Office, Shop 1–3, G/F, Maisy Building, 8 Maidstone Lane, To Kwa Wan
With nine modern spaces across Hong Kong Island and New Territories, Nodi really hits the trifecta of the perfect workspace for digital nomads: A relaxed atmosphere with splendid interior design, plenty of space and light, and free WiFi with no time limit! With so much going for Nodi, it’s unsurprising that it gets pretty full during the weekends, so if you want to skip the hordes, the best time to visit is on weekday mornings.
We can think of no better way to start off the day than by tucking into a black pepper sausage and cheese bagel, or an indulgent cinnamon roll and get cracking on your to-do list at a highly coveted window seat—the natural sunlight streaming in through the expansive, glass windows (and your coffee of choice) will do wonders for your productivity. Its bigger locations in Kennedy Town and Landmark Chater also have a proper dine-in menu if all the work you’re doing is making you hungry!
First published on 29 November 2019. Written by Inés Fung. Last updated by Lily Valette.
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.
Top