Some days in Bandung, all you really want is a good cup of coffee, cool air and a comfortable seat, without fighting the traffic to find them. In Ciumbuleuit, in the north of the city, that place sits on the 2nd floor of Aksara Hotel. Artisan Coffee is a mid-century coffee shop with a rooftop terrace overlooking the trees, made for a slow coffee whenever you are passing through.
Artisan is not just for hotel guests. It is open to the public, so you are welcome to drop in after a campus visit in Ciumbuleuit, before heading into the centre, or whenever you need a calm corner with a book. This guide covers the space, the house favourites, opening hours and a few tips to help you make the most of a visit.
Inside Artisan Coffee: The Lounge and the Rooftop Terrace
Step through the arched entrance and the mid-century mood that runs through Aksara Hotel carries straight on. Inside there is a bar with display shelves and a red espresso machine, retro speakers and egg chairs that are very easy to sink into.
The indoor space comes into its own when Bandung turns drizzly or you simply fancy somewhere a little more sheltered. Bring a book, sort through your holiday photos or just enjoy the music while the rain passes.
On a clear day, head out to the rooftop terrace. From here you look out over the trees of Ciumbuleuit and, from some tables, down to the hotel pool. Yellow and orange chairs give the terrace a cheerful warmth, and the cooler air of north Bandung makes a hot coffee taste even better.
House Favourites Worth Ordering
The menu covers coffee and non-coffee drinks, light bites, pastries and main courses, and everything is halal, which makes it an easy choice for families and groups. If it is your first visit, these three favourites are a good place to start:
- Es Kopi Susu Pandan: iced coffee with milk and a hint of pandan, the fragrant leaf used across Indonesian kitchens. Refreshing on a sunny afternoon.
- Butterscotch Coffee: for anyone who likes their coffee with a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- Nasi Goreng Merah: a filling red fried rice, ideal for lunch or dinner when you would rather not leave the hotel.
Not a coffee drinker? There are non-coffee drinks too, so just ask at the bar for a suggestion, especially if you prefer something less sweet. The light bites and pastries also make good company for an afternoon drink.
If you are curious about the coffee grown in the highlands around Bandung, read our guide to West Java coffee before you order your next cup.
Artisan Coffee Opening Hours
Artisan is open every day:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 11 pm
Those long hours leave plenty of room in your day. Come for a first coffee in the morning, a light lunch in the afternoon or a relaxed chat after dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays Artisan stays open an hour later, which is handy for winding down after a full day out in Bandung.
When to Visit
Each part of the day has its own feel at Artisan. Here is a quick guide to help you choose:
- Morning (from 8 am): the air is fresh and the light is soft. Perfect for a first coffee and a pastry before the day begins.
- Midday: a good time for an iced coffee and a main course, especially if you have just come back from the city centre.
- Late afternoon: the rooftop terrace is lovely as the sun dips and the air cools down again.
- Evening: a pleasant setting for a catch-up after dinner, particularly at weekends when Artisan is open until 11 pm.
Weekends and school holidays tend to make coffee spots all over Bandung busier. If you need a table with room to spread out, for work for example, a weekday is usually the safer bet.
Working or Meeting at Artisan
The relaxed setting makes Artisan a handy alternative to a desk, whether you need a couple of hours of focus or a casual meeting. With main courses on the menu, a small meeting can easily roll into lunch without moving anywhere else.
- Arrive early if you want to choose your table, especially at weekends.
- If you need an internet connection or a power socket, ask the team when you arrive.
- For groups, get in touch first through our contact page so we can help you plan.
- Use earphones for video calls so everyone can enjoy their coffee in peace.
If you are on a workcation, Artisan makes a welcome change from the desk in your room. A change of scene for an hour or two can do wonders for your focus. You will find more ideas in our tips for a workcation in Bandung.
Visit for a Coffee, or Stay a While
Artisan is on the 2nd floor of Aksara Hotel, Jl. Rancabentang No. 5A, Ciumbuleuit, about 200 m from Universitas Katolik Parahyangan. Valet parking is available, so there is no need to circle the block looking for a space.
If you would like to enjoy Artisan from morning coffee to a late-evening drink without rushing, stay a night or two. Have a look at our rooms and book directly on the website. See you on the rooftop terrace.
