Leaping out of Sai Kung and landing all the way in Kennedy Town is Little Cove Espresso, where vacation vibes still abound with Belcher's Bay just around the corner. Behind French doors are interiors helmed with high ceilings, tropical greenery, granite hues, curved seating and geometrical walls perfect for the 'gram. Ricotta hotcakes with mascarpone, blueberries, passionfruit and hazelnut crumble are an all-time favourite; as are the beef Benedict on wholewheat sourdough and scrambled tofu on sourdough rye.

Little Cove Espresso, Shop 3, G/F, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 6737 6242; instagram.com/littlecove.espresso

Helmed with all the whistles and bells for the ‘gram, Pondside in Hong Kong Park offers an escape right in Monet’s Garden. Lush greenery and the trademark artificial lake and waterfalls lie beyond arched Art Deco windows. Three-course lunch sets are served here, as are tea sets, keto-friendly bento boxes and a plethora of picker-uppers like cakes and coffee. Love the vibe? Rent out the entire venue for a chic poolside party!

Pondside Restaurant Cafe Bar, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 2885 3787; instagram.com/pondsidehk

As the name suggests, this well-kept secret offers the best of both worlds. The drinks menu of 11 items is simple but has everything from espresso and lattes with matcha, hojicha and earl grey, to even single-origin chocolate. Also served within wood-clad interiors are mini pastries and cookies plus healthy bentos featuring vegetarian soba or smoked duck breast. Catch the chefs in a good mood and they’ll even top up your lunch with an onsen egg!

Nutty Fruity Coffee, Shop 3B, G/F, Billion Center, 1 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong; instagram.com/nuttyfruitycoffee

Following its first opening in Tai Po, Boundless by Reaction makes a debut in Tsuen Wan’s Citywalk. Tucked in a quiet corner of the otherwise bustling shopping mall, its interiors take on warmer corals dotted with plants and accented with white, minimalistic seating. Aside from a lengthy drinks list, this café also shows off its culinary panache with Dutch baby pancake, Mexican chilli con carne wagyu burger and a delicious pasta selection. (Cavatappi? Yes please!)

Boundless by Reaction, Shop G75A, G76C & D, Citywalk 1, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2365 8828; instagram.com/boundlesscoffeehk

This popular Instagram bakery—known for its decadent Basque cheesecake—finally gets a three-storey physical location in Sai Ying Pun, now complete with a savoury menu featuring homemade pastas, all-day breakfast, yoghurt bowls and so much more. Meaning “home” in Swedish, Hemma has long prioritised flavour and quality ingredients over the Instagram factor. Stay peeled to their socials for seasonal cakes sometimes done in partnership with other local produce and artists, but remember to head over early before everything is sold out!

Hemma, 1/F, 2A Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong; instagram.com/hemma.hk

Starring a J.C.Q.A. Certified Associate Master in Coffee and two Q-graders of the Coffee Quality Institute, you know Noda Coffee is serious about its cuppa. It marries a century-long brewing history from Japan with selected quality green beans from all over the world to uphold its promise of “bean to cup”. Choose your blend of the day from their selection of fresh beans, pick up their signature Kogu coffee dripper or sign up to their roasting classes to learn more about your favourite brew.   

Noda Coffee, Shop B, 314-324 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 3709 8549, instagram.com/nodacoffeehk

Tucked in an alleyway in old North Point, this wood-clad cafe is known for stocking beans from Hatch Coffee from Canada and the locally sourced Number9 Coffee. Take note of the carved stone lamp that the owners have kept from its predecessors, the chic chandelier at the entrance and the ceramic tableware allegedly made by the café’s staff. Bigger appetites can opt for the sourdough toast, scallop spaghetti with homemade pesto or even the lemon yoghurt cake for good measure.

Intimate Coffee, 31A, G/F, Block B, Tung Fat Building, Kam Ping Street, North Point, Hong Kong; www.instagram.com/intimate.coffeee

This pet-friendly hole-in-the-wall opens up to a portal of flavours from around the world. Their specialties, rangingg from kimbap to homemade Liege waffles and mentaiko spaghetti with crab sticks, all come in generous portions. This petite café welcomes patrons to take in the neighbourhood from its storefront bench. Otherwise, beat cabin fever inside cottage-inspired interiors and steer away from Monday blues with its refreshing dirty; or treat yourself to guilty pleasures like blue lemon soda, caramel banana waffle and ice cream with coke.

Being Good Café, Shop 7, G/F, Fu Lee Loy Shopping Centre, 9-27 King Wah Road, North Point, Hong Kong; instagram.com/beinggood.cafe

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