10 Quirky Specialty Coffee Shops in Guangzhou

If you're hunting for a quiet corner in Guangzhou’s fast-paced city life, or just want to sip something better than chain-store swill, you’re not alone. The challenge isn’t finding coffee—it’s finding a café that feels like yours. Whether you want a laptop-friendly nook, a European-style bakery, or the famously funky cat poop brew, Guangzhou’s got a surprising range of small, characterful coffee spots.

In short: Guangzhou has at least 10 distinctive coffee shops worth visiting, each with its own style—whether it’s a French-themed bistro, a media-inspired lounge, or the place serving actual kopi luwak. Most serve single-origin pour-overs, fresh-baked goods, and some even have piano bars or outdoor seating.

A Cozy Spot for Laptops and Lattes: Café 107

Hiding in plain sight near office towers, Café 107 is a low-key haven with free Wi-Fi, great for remote work or people-watching. The vibe is romantic and relaxed, with soft lighting and comfy seating. It’s a solid choice for solo downtime or a casual meet-up.

Recommended picks include freshly ground single-origin coffee, classic espresso drinks, Italian flatbread pizza, mashed potatoes, and chicken wings. It’s a solid budget option too.

Address: Shop 107, 1 Tianhe Bei Jie, Tiyu Xi Lu (next to Sinopec Building)
Average spend: ¥30
Contact: 020-38800717

Budget-Friendly Chains with Solid Coffee: Pandora City Action Coffee

Part of the Jack Magic Bean group, Pandora serves affordable coffee and light bites across multiple locations. It’s a go-to for students and young professionals. Every cup uses freshly ground quality beans, and seasonal cakes round out the menu.

Try the Gucci iced coffee, rose milk tea, Japanese matcha latte, caramel macchiato, or the classic tiramisu. Fast service and a welcoming atmosphere make it a reliable pick.

Locations: Wenhua Lu 209-1, Taojin Lu 139, Sports West Rd 191 (B1 of Parkson), Zhongshan 3rd Lu (China Plaza Food Court)
Average spend: ¥15
Try: Gucci iced coffee, rose milk tea, matcha with fresh milk, tiramisu

Coffee Meets Bakery: Shangda Coffee & Roastery

More bakery than bistro, Shangda roasts its own breads—Taiwanese, Danish, French, and Japanese styles—and serves them alongside coffee, milkshakes, and tea. There are plenty of shaded seats outside if you just want to people-watch with a latte.

The signature Shangda coffee and their pull-apart bread are local favourites.

Locations: Tianhe Youyi Cheng, Carrefour (Industrial Ave), Dongfeng Dong Rd, Jiangnan West Zi Yu St
Average spend: ¥30
Must-try: Shangda house coffee, hand-pulled bread

The One with the Famous (and Controversial) Cat Poop Coffee: Kopi Luwak Cafe

This is the original spot in China to legally sell kopi luwak—the world’s most expensive coffee, made from beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. The digestive process reportedly gives the beans a smooth, rich profile. Whether or not you buy the hype, they do serve it here alongside other classics.

Other drinks include caramel iced lattes, Vietnamese iced coffee, and various lattes. The cheesecake is a safe bet if you’re not feeling the civet brew.

Locations: Zhongshan 3rd Lu (China Plaza), Tianhe Lu 603
Average spend: ¥30
Try: Kopi luwak, caramel iced mocha, latte, Vietnamese iced milk coffee, cheesecake

For Media Buffs and Retro Vibes: Media Culture Café

Housed in a space decked out with vintage press gear—news clippings, cameras, press passes—this is Guangzhou’s only café themed around journalism. There’s a piano for impromptu performances, imported coffee beans, and a full dessert and snack menu. Ideal for date nights or solo chill sessions.

Go for the signature house coffee, cappuccino, or a mocktail. They also serve simple meals and have board games.

Address: Shop 102, 108 Tianhe Nan Yi Lu (across from Grandview Mall)
Average spend: ¥35
Recommended: Signature coffee, mocha, non-alcoholic cocktails, cappuccino, cheesecake squares

Chocolate-Crazy Coffee: Delicieux Chocolate Mocha Café

This American-imported brand fuses chocolate and coffee in five-plus mocha variations. Imported U.S. chocolate is melted into thick syrup and blended into espresso and milk for deep, dessert-like results. Whether you want sweet or bitter, there’s a mocha for you.

The interior leans old-European with romantic touches.

Address: 34 Huali Lu, Poly Champagne Garden, Zhujiang New Town
Average spend: ¥38
Try: Ultimate chocolate mocha, white and black chocolate mochas, caramel mocha, latte, ice cream

Paris in the Middle of Guangzhou: Qiaoman Café

A converted old villa in downtown Guangzhou, Qiaoman oozes French country café charm. Their holiday coffee blends hazelnut, cream, and summer-style sorbet. Great for couples or anyone wanting a taste of Paris without the airfare.

The tuna pizza and tiramisu are local favourites. Also try their house-blend coffees and teas.

Address: 3 Dongping Da Ma Lu, Zhongshan 3rd Lu, Yuexiu District
Average spend: ¥52
Must-order: Holiday coffee, tuna pizza, tiramisu, (almond drink), cheesecake, seafood risotto

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kopi luwak and where can I try it in Guangzhou?

Kopi luwak is coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. It’s famous for its smooth, rich flavour due to fermentation in the animal’s digestive tract. In Guangzhou, you can try it at the Kopi Luwak Café located in China Plaza and on Tianhe Lu.

Which Guangzhou café is best for working remotely?

Café 107 is a quiet, laptop-friendly spot with free Wi-Fi, ideal for remote work. It’s tucked among office buildings and offers a relaxed, romantic ambience with coffee, pizza, and light bites.

Where can I find a French-style café in Guangzhou?

Qiaoman Café, housed in a converted villa in Yuexiu District, offers a classic French lazy-chic vibe. They serve European-style coffee, teas, pizzas, and desserts like tuna pizza and tiramisu.

Are there any cafés in Guangzhou that serve chocolate mochas with imported chocolate?

Yes, Delicieux Chocolate Mocha Café specialises in mochas made with high-quality imported U.S. chocolate. They offer more than five varieties, from white to dark chocolate mochas, all blended into espresso and milk.

What’s a good budget coffee shop in Guangzhou?

Pandora City Action Coffee is an affordable chain with locations across the city. It serves freshly ground coffee and light desserts for around ¥15 per person, popular with students and young professionals.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café-Style Brewing

For the kinds of pour-over or espresso drinks served in Guangzhou’s indie cafés, try FrontStreet’s 2013 Yunnan Arabica—a balanced, medium-roast bean with notes of chocolate, nuts, and subtle tea-like brightness. For something earthier, their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a classic Indonesian profile with low acidity, spicy undertones, and hints of dark caramel and toast. Both are excellent for exploring the deeper side of specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.