KL Cafe Guide
Menu

Lim Kee Cafe

Updated 2026-09-29 · 3,131 reviewed · 738 listed · Scored from 651 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.3(651) 80 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified moderate
Brunch & All-Day CafesCafeDessert & Bakery CafesSpecialty CoffeeTea Houses & MatchaCoffee Shop
Lim Kee Cafe
Location
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Price
moderate
Services
Brunch & All-Day Cafes, Cafe, Dessert & Bakery Cafes
Reviews
651
Best for
Adults seeking quiet, unhurried coffee or tea in a curated vintage setting.

Core details are sourced from this business's Google Business Profile (checked 2026-09-29).

What do recent reviews say?

The appeal lies in a tucked-away second-floor hideaway with nostalgic decor and a quiet crowd in their 40s. Specialty teas and house blends draw repeat visits, though coffee quality divides opinion. Pastries, kaya toast and non-coffee drinks earn consistent praise. Staff remain warm even during quiet periods.

Recent guests describe the reset interior as immaculate and charming. The small entrance by Petaling Street Market demands some navigation, but regulars emphasize it rewards the effort. Pricing sits at the premium end, matching the thoughtful presentation and atmosphere rather than pure volume.

Praised for
  • distinctive cosy upstairs space
  • specialty drinks and unique flavours
  • quality baked goods and breakfast
  • friendly welcoming staff
  • old-world ambience and decor
Watch-outs
  • inconsistent coffee quality
  • premium pricing for the area
good-ambiencecozyfriendly-staffgood-dessertstasty-fooddate-night
Best for: Adults seeking quiet, unhurried coffee or tea in a curated vintage setting.
Think twice if: Premium prices and upstairs location may not suit those wanting convenience or budget options.

What are they good at?

  • Hidden upstairs location with distinctive heritage charm
  • Standout specialty drinks (matcha, houjicha, house blends)
  • Quality sourdough and kaya jam breakfast
  • Immaculate and peaceful environment

Worth knowing

  • Located on second floor; entrance marked by small door at end of lot
  • Recently redesigned interior
  • Serves Matcha Oasis, houjicha dark chocolate cake, kahlua tiramisu
  • Complementary coffee/tea for Tian Jian hotel guests
  • Non-coffee drinks particularly praised by regulars

What reviews say by service

Specialty Coffee
House blends and special drinks praised for uniqueness; straightforward coffee splits opinion between delightful and unremarkable
Tea Houses & Matcha
Specialty teas like Matcha Oasis attract dedicated fans
Dessert & Bakery Cafes
Sourdough with kaya jam, houjicha cakes, and tiramisu earn consistent praise
Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Breakfast offerings including mantou and kaya toast fit the all-day cafe model
Cafe
Atmosphere and service create a destination rather than a grab-and-go stop

How it compares

  • Rated 4.3 against a 4.39 average across the 362 brunch & all-day cafes businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 74% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring Method
Star rating 54
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 70
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
378
4
167
3
66
2
15
1
25

FAQ

Where is the entrance?
A small door at the end of the lot leads upstairs to the second floor. Navigation can be tricky for first-time visitors.
What makes the non-coffee drinks special?
Regulars highlight Matcha Oasis and other signature teas as standouts. Drinks are noted for unique flavours and careful preparation.
Is the cafe suitable for a quiet afternoon?
Yes. The upstairs location and mature clientele (mostly in their 40s) create a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere ideal for winding down.

Similar cafes nearby

Neighbour Club by JWC
85

Neighbour Club by JWC

4.6(336)✓ Google-verifiedPublishes prices

Specialty coffee and cocktails draw repeat visitors who praise the beans, matcha, and creative house blends like the Neighbour Dirty; a barista named Dennis stands out for conversation and warmth. Recent complaints centre on abrupt staff gatekeeping seating during busy lunch hours, though newer reviews confirm that the drinks and vibe remain the main draw even when service stumbles. The cafe shifts between day coffee bar and evening speakeasy, with draft cocktails available daytime. Prices range from RM15 for Americano to RM84 for premium matcha; their roasted beans and drip bags sell direct. Wifi is not reliably available, and the lunch rush can bring wait times.

Study & Work-Friendly CafesSpecialty CoffeeCafe
Hi Tea Malaysia
93

Hi Tea Malaysia

4.9(835)✓ Google-verifiedPublishes prices

Every recent review praises the tea knowledge and relaxed vibe. Staff like server Jess take time to explain brewing techniques and Chinese tea to newcomers. Food, even vegetarian-only, earns consistent praise for fresh ingredients and careful technique. Many call it a hidden gem near Pasar Seni that rewards tea lovers and those seeking escape from city noise without leaving the centre. The business offers tea classes, tastings, and workshops ranging from RM 76 to RM 550, plus tea-infused dishes and treats. Their approach mixes speciality loose-leaf tea expertise with vegetarian cuisine, creating a distinct experience reviewers describe as both educational and genuinely comfortable.

Tea Houses & MatchaCafeDessert & Bakery Cafes
Monster. A Garden Cafe
82

Monster. A Garden Cafe

4.5(1787)✓ Google-verified

The attraction here is simple: a calm space full of healthy, photogenic cats and comfortable seating for hours. Visitors consistently praise the relaxed vibe, clean surroundings, and food that mostly delivers, though portions lean small. Drink quality wavers (one reviewer's peach drink arrived watery twice), and a noticeable smell lingers in some visits despite cats being well-maintained. The trade-off is clear: you pay for access and company, not a quiet human cafe. Treats draw cats close; without them, they remain aloof. Pricing sits at the premium end for the experience: drinks start above RM13, food follows suit, and there is a 10% service charge. The space suits cat lovers seeking stress relief or a social hangout with furry company. Recent visitors still mention minor grievances around drink consistency and occasional odours, but the majority return happy.

CafeDessert & Bakery CafesSpecialty Coffee

Own this business? Get featured

Own or market a business here? Ask about featured placement and advertising on this directory. Your message goes straight to the directory team.

Last updated 2026-09-29