Discover Hangzhou’s Best Coffee Shops: A Year-Round Journey of Flavors and Community
Happy New Year, coffee lovers! Today, we’re thrilled to share an eagerly anticipated article that we’ve spent an entire year curating—a comprehensive guide to the top coffee shops in Hangzhou. Crafted by the seasoned blogger Xiyou Jun, who has lived in Hangzhou for over 30 years, this guide is based purely on personal preference, making it an authentic and heartfelt tribute to the city’s vibrant coffee culture.
Every year, the Xiyou team compiles two deeply researched lists: one highlighting the “Best Restaurants in Hangzhou” and the other, naturally, the “Best Coffee Shops in Hangzhou.” Our focus remains on Hangzhou, where our understanding runs deep, ensuring that we deliver genuine and reliable recommendations.
The Heart of Hangzhou’s Coffee Scene
This extensive exploration showcases dozens of coffee shops in Hangzhou, each personally sourced and meticulously evaluated. We believe that dedicating oneself to perfecting a single pursuit can yield remarkable outcomes, and our passion for coffee has driven us to put this belief into practice with this guide—compiled without any commercial sponsorship. Our recommendations, complemented by insights from seasoned coffee enthusiasts Yu Zong and Su Zong, aim to offer you uncompromised and honest suggestions.
Let’s dive into our top 10 coffee shops in Hangzhou, in no particular order:
1. Zi Dong Wo Xi Coffee
Address: No. 601, Qingtai Street
A boutique shop renowned for its Geisha coffee, Zi Dong Wo Xi is an understated gem in Hangzhou’s coffee scene. With no exterior sign, it can be tricky to locate, but the quest is well worth it. Inside, you’ll find a wall adorned with awards showcasing the prowess of owner Zhou Le, who is always eager to chat with customers at the bar. Expect to find top-tier coffee beans from around the globe, each expertly brewed, particularly the Geisha coffee.
2. Parking Coffee (Hai’er Lane Branch)
Address: No. 51, Hai’er Lane
Owned by World Barista Champion Pan Wei, Parking Coffee emphasizes Yunnan coffee beans’ untapped potential—beans Pan Wei fervently supports. The shop’s retro design and limited seating make it a bustling spot. For a special treat, try the Champion Set, a unique daily limited combo of latte, Americano, and hydrolyzed milk.
3. Wisdom Coffee
Address: No. 27, Xingzhou Street
Embodied by a charming community feel, Wisdom Coffee stands out with its laid-back decor and the owner’s evident love for cats, reflected in their presence in the shop. The Old Hangzhou Dirty, a fusion of wild strawberries and homemade ice bock is a must-try here, offering a sweeter take on the classic dirty coffee.
4. Nan Bo Shan (Lan Jia Wan Branch)
Address: No. 33, Yugu Road, Lan Jia Wan
Elevating the coffee experience to another level, Nan Bo Shan operates as both a coffee bean factory and a coffee shop, immersing customers in the entire coffee production process. Frequent events, including cupping sessions and international blind tastings, make it a hub of coffee innovation in Hangzhou.
5. Kwai Coffee
Address: No. 306, Yangmei Mountain Road
Founded by a former member of the Xiyou editorial team, Kwai Coffee is a pet-friendly haven with thoughtful initiatives like book swaps and bike discounts. Its offerings range from Australian White to specially crafted children’s drinks, making it a delightful and inclusive spot for all visitors.
6. 1% Coffee
Address: No. 1105, Dongxin Road
A self-roasting shop known for its deep roasting techniques, 1% Coffee offers a robust coffee experience with lower acidity and a fuller body. The shop’s vintage machine is a testament to its commitment to quality, and with highly reasonable prices, it’s a staple for Binjiang residents.
7. Shaxian Coffee
Address: No. 44, Midu Bridge Road
Mirroring the affordability of Shaxian snacks, Shaxian Coffee quickly gained popularity by offering excellent coffee at friendly prices. The lightly roasted Australian White and consistent hand-dripped coffees make this a repeat favorite for many locals.
8. GOOD ESPRESSO Monster Coffee
Address: No. 32, Xianlin Bridge Street
Originally from the north of Hangzhou, GOOD ESPRESSO Monster Coffee brings a quirky vibe with graffiti walls and monster-themed decor. Their self-roasted beans ensure top-notch quality, and the Ice Cucumber Americano is a refreshing standout.
9. 35mm Coffee
Address: No. 21, Tongpu Road
Serving as a historic meeting point for several high-value projects, 35mm Coffee blends the worlds of coffee and photography. Frequented by tech professionals from nearby giants like Alibaba, it’s a space where creativity and productivity merge over delicious brews.
10. Pinfei Ke
Address: No. 174, Zhongshan Middle Road
A stalwart of the Hangzhou coffee scene for over a decade, Pinfei Ke focuses solely on coffee without the distraction of light meals. Its cozy, classic vibe and consistency make it a beloved spot for coffee purists.
Highlighting New Entrants and Hidden Gems
Beyond our top 10, we’ve explored numerous newly opened shops this year that are making waves with unique offerings and innovative concepts:
L.H Café
Address: No. 249, Jingfang Tanhua’an Road
A haven for photography enthusiasts, L.H Café, boasts an impressive collection of Leica and Hasselblad equipment alongside its stylish décor. Regular photography-sharing sessions and themed events make it a cultural hotspot as much as a coffee destination.
Coffee and Ideals – Hand Drip Coff
Address: No. 1, Chengtou Lane Street
Celebrated for the broadest selection of Geisha coffee beans in Hangzhou, Coffee and Ideals offers a diverse and rich coffee experience. The hand-pour coffee here is a particular highlight, paired perfectly with their delectable cookies.
FROMHER COFFEE (Shifan Branch)
Address: No. 8, Shitan Scenic Area
Transforming what was once the most beautiful Starbucks in Hangzhou into an upscale FROMHER COFFEE, this spot now features superior coffee against the stunning backdrop of West Lake, promising an elevated coffee experience.
Flavor Lab
Address: No. 214, Jianguo Middle Road
Specializing in hand-drip coffee with beans from top roasters worldwide, Flavor Lab is a haven for the discerning coffee lover. Though the quality can vary depending on the barista, when they get it right, it’s exceptional.
Live Together
Address: No. 8, HaiHai’erne
Nestled in the coffee-dense HaiHai’erne, Live Together shines with its retro charm and in-house roasted beans. It’s a unique spot to enjoy a cup while watching the world go by.
Yu He Ling Feather Bell
Address: No. 6, Dajing Lane, Huancui Tower
Offering a serene, hillside ambiance, Yu He Ling Feather Bell is perfect for those who enjoy classical music alongside their coffee. Regular events and consistently delicious coffee make it a go-to for relaxation and inspiration.
Beyond the Buzz: Honorable Mentions
We’We’dmiss not to include a few more that may not have made the top 10 but are definitely worth your visit:
NOWHERE COFFEE: The weekday Americano is a steal at just 10 RMB, and it has a nostalgic, industrial design.
– Birds Gather: Offers breathtaking views halfway up Manjue Long.
– Bamboo Coffee: An internet celebrity with a Jiangnan flair.
These spots, and many more, showcase a rich tapestry of HanHanHangzhou’sffeelture—each with its unique charm and story. Whether you are a traveler, these coffee shops offer more than just a caffeine fix; they provide an authentic taste of HHanHHangzhou’s spirit of unity and passion for quality.
We hope this guide serves as your comprehensive companion in exploring the best coffee spots Hangzhou has to offer. Cheers to a new year filled with delightful coffee discover