Common Room – Macau

Macao may be better known for casinos and Portuguese egg tarts than specialty coffee, but Common Room has quietly established itself as one of the city’s best modern cafés. With a clean, minimalist design and a focus on high-quality single-origin coffees, it stands out as a destination for both locals and travelers who take their coffee seriously.

Coffee & Beans

Common Room keeps the focus tight: 100% Arabica, single-origin selections, often leaning on washed and natural coffees from Ethiopia. Their signature espresso is the backbone of the menu, clean and balanced, but filter options are also available for those who prefer exploring clarity and nuance.

It’s not the widest coffee menu in Asia, but it’s curated with care – and executed with precision.

The Craft

On bar, Common Room uses a La Marzocco Linea, a classic workhorse of the specialty world. The shots are pulled with consistency, producing espressos that are both sweet and structured. Milk drinks shine – latte art is textbook-perfect, with microfoam that integrates seamlessly without overwhelming the espresso.

The baristas here may not have world-championship credentials, but their skill level is high, and the drinks reflect a clear passion for quality.

Atmosphere

The name says it all: Common Room feels like a gathering place, but one designed with modern minimalism in mind. Clean lines, uncluttered space, and a quiet energy make it versatile – it can feel like a coffee lab if you’re focused on the details, or like a relaxed living room if you just want to slow down.

In a city that thrives on sensory overload, this calm, stylish café feels refreshing.

Service & Value

The service is both friendly and nerdy – approachable for casual visitors, but with enough depth to satisfy coffee enthusiasts who want to chat about origins and brewing.

Prices are on the higher end for Macao, closer to Hong Kong specialty standards, which makes sense given the level of design, equipment, and bean selection. Still, value-for-money isn’t the strongest category here – you’re paying for quality, atmosphere, and precision.

Our Connection

On our visits, we tried a Flat White, Americano, and an Affogato – all delivered with excellent execution. The milk drinks, in particular, were flawless, with silky foam and balanced flavor. While we didn’t have long conversations with the baristas, the overall impression was one of professionalism and passion.

Our Verdict

Common Room has become our benchmark for specialty coffee in Macao – clean, consistent, and beautifully executed. It may not be the most experimental café in Asia, but it delivers across the board, and for us, it’s currently the #1 café in Asia.

Final Score: 8.5/10 – Excellent, highly recommended.