As we go back to December, our bustling city rings merrily with holiday spirits to welcome the year end festive season of gifting! So, it’s Penang Foodie’s yearly ritual to introduce the cafes and restaurants that are perfect for your upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Ready? Let’s ho ho hop right into it!
Top 10 Cafes & Restaurants To Celebrate Christmas And New Year’s Eve In Penang (2023 Edition)
1. Beach St. Bistrot by David & Brian Chin
Helmed by Chef Patron David & Brian Chin, this upscale restaurant in George Town features a modern European menu with a mix of Asian influences. From gourmet pies, burgers, signature paellas to hearty mains cooked in their binchotan fired Mibrasa oven, Beach St. Bistrot by David & Brian Chin lets you indulge in a delectable dining escapade!
To celebrate the merry occasion, they’ve also launched a special Christmas and New Year’s Eve 3-course menu as well as Sunday Roast! These menus are available for a limited time only, so be sure to preorder first~
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Address: 240, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12pm – 4pm, 6 – 11pm | Closed on Tue, & Wed (lunch)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Halzan Penang
Experience an enchanting Christmas at this Nordic-style restaurant set under the trees in Central@Gurney! This Christmas, Halzan Penang has launched an all-new Christmas menu, including Beef Wellington, Roasted Turkey, Lamb Chop with Cranberry Demi, Duck Liver Pate and more merry delights!
Their Christmas beef wellington features premium beef tenderloin that is enveloped in a luscious layer of mushroom duxelles, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. A true icon of culinary craftsmanship indeed!
Address: No 168A, Central@Gurney Unit G08, Halzan Penang, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10am – 12am (daily)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
3. Me’nate Steak Hub
What’s better than celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve with some delicious and juicy steak? If you didn’t know already, Me’nate Steak Hub is one of the best steakhouses you can find in Penang! This place offers premium imported steaks from Australia and Japan that are chilled instead of frozen in order for the meat to stay fresh and juicy!
The first thing you need to do is choose your own piece of steak from their Meat Section according to your own preference and budget. They have a variety of selections like Angus or Wagyu Ribeye, Sirloin, Tomahawk, Ribs, Tenderloin and more. Definitely a great choice for family celebrations during the festive occasion!
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Address: 20, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 11am – 11pm (Daily | Friday break: 12.30pm – 2.30pm)
Status: Halal
4. Hard Rock Hotel
Amplify your celebrations with Hard Rock Hotel Penang! This year, they are cranking up the volume with a spectacular lineup for Christmas and New Year. Be spoiled with menu choices from buffet dinner, 4-course set dinner with vegetarian menu options and a special treat of afternoon tea party!
Find everything you need in one place from dining and great shopping deals to parties, there is something for everyone. Check out Christmas Cheer! and New Year Toasts if you’d like to know more~
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Wheeler’s
Established in 2014, the rustic and cosy Wheeler’s cafe is best known for serving a wide array of fusion modern food loved by everyone. Celebrate the magical Christmas in Wheeler’s style, featuring their all-new Christmas menus! Try their Rosemary Roasted Spring Chicken, where juicy and succulent herb-infused chicken meets the perfect glaze of golden skin for a delicious treat~
In addition, Wheeler’s members get to redeem the special this month – Christmas Mojito for an extra dash of holiday spirit!
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8am – 12am (Daily)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Firewood Restaurant
It’s no secret that Firewood Restaurant is one of our favourite places for gatherings and special occasions! If you didn’t know already, this place is unique in the sense that they have an open-flame dining concept so customers are able to see through the whole kitchen. In other words, the chef will be cooking your food right in front of you! Their sharing platter is perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations, where you get to customise and choose according to your own preference.
In addition, the cocktail bar here serving innovative alcoholic beverages and apéritifs, like the Exoticism Vodka, made of pandan, lime and wasabi!
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Address: 15, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, , George Town, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm ; 5.30pm – 10pm (Closed on Mon)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Facebook
7. Nero Nero
Celebrate Christmas the true Italian way at Nero Nero, one of the most hyped Italian restaurants you can find around Penang! Featuring a contemporary and serene aesthetic, the luxurious and romantic restaurant focuses on vibrant South Italian cuisines paired with exclusive wines. One of the most popular and interesting dishes here are their handmade pasta that are exquisitely made from scratch~
If you’re coming for a romantic dinner date, opt for their mezzanine floor which is slightly away from the crowd so you get to celebrate in a quieter and calmer setting. This year, they’ve also released special Christmas menus to celebrate the warm festive occasion! There’s the 4-course lunch set as well as the 5-course dinner set that you choose from accordingly~
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Address: No 4, Lebuh King, George Town, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Island Problems
If you’re feeling something quirky this Christmas, then you need to check out Island Problems, which offers unique Japanese Thai fusion delicacies! This place has a black-and-white-themed minimalistic vibe, with an open kitchen at the ground floor that allows you to enjoy the cooking process as well. Indulge in special fusion dishes like Tom Yum Goong Pasta, Kai Katsu Tacos, Unagi Tacos, Steak & Butter Rice, Truffle Scramble Unagi Don and more.
We’d definitely recommend the bestselling Tom Yum Goong black pasta that is creamy, savoury yet sweet and a little citrusy at the same time! Friendly reminder that this place is often fully booked, so remember to make your reservations beforehand~
Address: 161, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Closed on Wed)
Status: Pork-Free
9. Kool Kongsi Casual Dining & Listening Bar
Hidden inside Mozokoyo Hotel, you’ll find Penang’s first listening bar – Kool Kongsi, where the magic of vinyl comes alive! Experience a Christmas like no other that is filled with warm, authentic tones of classic records. They also offer casual dining paired with crafted cocktails here! We’d personally recommend their Kongsi bikini sandwich (shhh don’t laugh!) and Tiramisu su su su suuu good~
Friendly reminder that no sandals are allowed, so remember to dress up and be kool for the occasion here!
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Address: Level L, 61, Jalan Argyll, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 6pm – 12am (Casual Dining Closed on Mon)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Instagram (listening bar) | Instagram (casual dining)
10. SmokePapa BBQ
If you’re hosting a Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebration for those who love meaty dishes, then look no further than SmokePapa BBQ! This popular restaurant serves one of a kind Texas-influenced smoked barbecue. Savour authentic firewood smoked meat including beef, chicken, pork and lamb, that are slow-cooked to perfection in their signature smoker~
Enjoy their signatures including the bestselling pulled pork, beef brisket, pork belly and many more! They also released a special Christmas package that will be delivered during lunch or dinner time, so be sure to reserve beforehand as orders will only be taken until 18th December or sold out. We’re sure that this meaty feast will be able to satisfy all meat lovers during the festive occasion~
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Address: 41, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 11am – 10pm (Closed on Tue)
Status: Non-Halal
Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year !
Well, this sums up our top picks for Christmas and New Year’s Eve for the year 2023! Don’t forget to book your tables early as it can get quite busy for cafes and restaurants during this peak period. Sending much love, joy and warmth on this festive December, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~
Also read: Top 15 Dessert Spots In Penang To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth (2024 Edition)
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