Sometimes its not about the coffee, but a seat where you can recharge yourself and your laptop.
Gone are the days when finding a decent spot to work meant fighting for a Starbucks seat. Our blossoming coffee culture has transformed neighbourhood cafes into makeshift offices, combining caffeine fixes with modern conveniences that cater to laptop warriors and their work-from-anywhere lifestyle. Here are our top picks for work-friendly cafes.
Urban Coffee Roaster, SOHO
Where: UG/F and 1/F, C Wisdom Centre, 35-37 Hollywood Road
Why: A well-designed working nook for multi-taskers
What started as a passion project in 2014 has blossomed into a coffee powerhouse. The company now operates four branches across Hong Kong — Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tseung Kwan O, and Central. Its latest Central location boasts a smart spatial layout that seamlessly combines seating, coffee bar, and waiting area under one roof. Digital nomads will appreciate the dedicated nook equipped with both USB-C and A ports. The Causeway Bay branch remains my weekend favorite for its excellent veggie breakfast, made even better now with their new freestyle menu that lets you customize your morning fuel.
commaa, Sheung Wan
Where: G/F, 11 Po Yan Street
Why: Sleek design and cultural vibe
Trust Sheung Wan to deliver a cafe that's equal parts coffee shop, gallery, and office. Designed by LAAB architects, who cleverly tucked their office behind the coffee bar, commaa surrounds you with rotating art and craft showcases (and marketplace) while you chill with a coffee or tap away at your keyboard. At $40 for a signature black coffee, it's reasonably priced for the area – especially considering the Instagram potential of their minimalist interiors.
BOGU Pets Grooming & Coffee, Tai Hang
Where: Sze Hai Building, 12-13 Shepherd Street
Why: Perfect for remote workers with pets
Tai Hang stands out as a charming district full of distinctive character, where community spirit thrives and culinary destinations abound. From traditional tea houses and time-honoured Cantonese establishments to Italian restaurants and innovative boutiques, this neighbourhood has established itself as a preferred weekend retreat for Hong Kong residents.
Situated on a corner on Shepherd Street, this cafe merges pet grooming services with warm dining spaces. Picture this: getting your work done in a warm, wood-accented space while your furry friend gets pampered. The whole setup, done by Archi.val, is wrapped in natural woods and expansive windows that make it perfect for cranking out that novel or tackling creative projects – especially if you're a pet parent who likes to multitask in style.
N.O.T. Specialty Coffee, Causeway Bay
Where: 9F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road
Why: A true urban oasis with friendly staff
Strategically positioned in one of Hong Kong's prime business districts, N.O.T. serves as a breath of fresh air in the concrete jungle. This open-plan cafe features sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. They've really thought of everything here – from solo work pods with built-in USB charging (complete with handy "power available" indicators) to cozy round tables for brainstorming sessions, and a gorgeous counter bar where you can sip your latte while watching the city buzz below. What's remarkable about this spot is its "one-stop-shop" vibe. With a legit pasta joint right next door, you can fuel up from morning till afternoon without missing a beat.
ztoryhome, Sai Ying Pun
Where: G/F, 118 Queen's Road West
Why: Work admist a forest of books
This cafe may not be the easiest to find, but once discovered, you'll understand why it's a hidden gem worth returning to. Blessed with floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings, this two-level cafe is as commodious as it is homey. With roots in bedtime stories, the cafe features walls adorned with picture books and art pieces that aim to nourish your soul. In the middle is a Japanese-style sitting area where you need to remove your shoes. For digital nomads seeking inspiration with a cigarette, head to the cozy outdoor space where you can work in fresh air. The cafe includes a second floor where occasional art exhibitions take place.
