The thing we love more than food, are gatherings and special celebrations filled with lovely people, fun laughter and lively cheers! Now, let’s not forget the big question: where do we go? Well, you’re in luck as we’ve come up with a list of the 15 best cafes or restaurants that are perfect for gatherings and celebrations in Penang!
Top 15 Places That Are Perfect For Your Gatherings And Celebrations In Penang (2024 Edition)
1. The FOUNDERS Hutton
If you haven’t come across this place in social media, then we’re here to break the exciting news: Johor’s popular The FOUNDERS Cafe is finally here in Penang! Known for hosting the Malaysian Royal Family as well as international and local celebrities like Jay Chou, Mizz Nina and more, this instagrammable Moroccan-inspired cafe serves an exceptional brunch menu.
Indulge in their signature sweet or savoury bagels, cinnamon rolls, quesadilla and many more, while enjoying your time at this aesthetically pleasing brunch spot! Friendly note that this place is currently at the pre-soft opening period, so stay tuned to their official opening date.
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Address: 17, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9am – 1am
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol At Night
2. Batu.PG
Of course we have to include the all-new Batu.PG that just soft launched on 2nd Feb this year! Located inside Lava Mansion, here you get to have brunch or chill over a cup of coffee at their outdoor sundeck that comes with a breathtaking sea view~
Though their menu is currently quite limited, we’d recommend to try out their Acai Bowl and Salmon Bagel that are pretty decent!
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Address: 46 A, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9am – 9pm (Daily)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
[ Pet-Friendly Outdoor Sundeck ]
3. Me’nate Steak Hub
Down for some delicious and juicy steak? Then, you definitely need to set your gatherings or celebrations at one of the best steakhouses you can find in Penang! Me’nate Steak Hub offers premium imported steaks from Australia and Japan. Be rest assured on the quality of your steaks, as the meat here are chilled instead of frozen so it can stay fresh and juicy~
Choose your own piece of steak from their Meat Section according to your own preference and budget. They have a plenty of selections like Angus or Wagyu Ribeye, Sirloin, Tomahawk, Ribs, Tenderloin and more! Those who order Tomahawk will get a special visual experience as they even cut the meat right at your table!
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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. 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. Indulge in a delectable dining escapade including gourmet pies, burgers, signature paellas and hearty mains cooked in their binchotan fired Mibrasa oven! The Communal Table overlooking the open kitchen is able to fit up to 14 guests, which is great for your gatherings and celebrations for special occasions~
In addition, there are two other beautiful spaces here! The Brasserie is completed with a bar backed by vintage stained glass window panes, while The White Room is overlooking the grounds of Cheah Kongsi and serves as a private event space too~
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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
5. Natsu Bar & Dining
Experience fusion Japanese cuisine while being mesmerised by the evening seaside view at Natsu Bar & Dining! Savour an extensive menu featuring a fusion of Japanese-style mixed Thai cuisine paired with a delightful selection of spirits, sake, shochu, beer, and handcrafted cocktails. We’d highly recommend the fresh salmon for an authentic taste of excellence all the way from Norway!
Their signature dish is the Surume Ika with Thai Style Spicy & Sour Sauce that promises a burst of flavours! For a refreshing twist, dive into the SIMMERED cocktail – a delightful fusion of basil aroma and the tartness of Gin.
Address: 72C-G-8, Ferringhi Walk, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11000 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 4.30pm – 11.30pm (Sun – Thurs), 4.30pm – 12.30am (Fri & Sat)
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace
Tucked away in the corner of Penang Hill, David Brown’s is a quintessential British colonial Restaurant and Tea Terrace that sits on a ‘hill upon a hill’ atop Strawberry Hill. Known as the highest garden restaurant in Penang, this iconic restaurant holds a spectacular view of the Pearl of the Orient. Enjoy breathtaking views of Penang while indulging in fine British cooking with a variety of hors d’oeuvres, steaks, chops, traditional roasts and more!
The outdoor garden is not only well manicured, but there is also an elegant pond sprinkled with lilies stretching across, making it perfect for those who loves enjoying English-themed meals or high teas surrounded by beautiful greenery. On top of that, the heritage atmosphere here provides a romantic ambience as well!
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Address: Lot 400, MK 17, Daerah Barat Daya, Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill 11300 Ayer Hitam, Penang
Operating Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Daily)
Status: Pork-Free Menu, Serves Alcohol
7. Kebaya Dining Room
Elevate your gathering and celebrations with a contemporary peranakan experience at Kebaya, one of Penang’s best fine dining restaurants! Here, you get to savour classic Nyonya dishes with surprising twists that are exquisitely crafted with innovative techniques and international flavours.
Prior to its opening, the chefs were guided with the help of Nyonya aunties with a lifetime of Peranakan cooking knowledge. Along with these inherited secrets, Kebaya applies innovative cooking methods using traditional Malaysian flavour profiles, Vietnamese lightness, Thai spiciness, and traditional French cooking styles. Do take note that dishes here are only available via set menus with a minimum of one person per set~
Address: 14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 6pm – 10pm
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. JINJU – Korean Noodle Bar
The popular JINJU Korean Dining & Bar has expanded their business with an all-new JINJU Korean Noodle Bar, which is the very FIRST Korean Noodle Bar in town! This place serves authentic Korean noodle and soju cocktails that will make you feel like you’re in your favourite K-drama. Oh and friendly reminder to book beforehand if you’re heading over for gatherings and celebrations~
Their menu features various Korean noodle dishes such as the spicy seafood Jjamppong, Clam Kalguksu and cold Kimchimari-Guksu as well as delicious sides like Gun Mandu, Bossam, Jeon and more! Try their signature Honeycomb Makgeolli! This handmade rice wine and honey soju twist served organic with honeycomb has a slight viscosity that tastes a little sweet, tangy, bitter, and astringent at the same time.
Address: 20c, Lorong Abu Siti, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 11am – 2pm (Lunch available on Fri – Sun), 5:30pm – 11pm (Dinner closed on Tuesdays)
Status: Non-halal
9. Nero Nero
What if you’re feeling Italian that day? Of course we’ve got you covered! For authentic Italian delicacies, check out Nero Nero, which is one of the most hyped Italian restaurants you can find around Penang! This luxurious and romantic restaurant features a contemporary and serene aesthetic, and specialises in serving vibrant South Italian cuisines paired with exclusive wines.
Italy is known for their elaborate gardens, monuments, and fountains, so let the distinctly chequered tiles and beautiful fountain centrepiece transport you to an Italian trattoria! Besides their signature dishes, we recommend trying out their handmade pasta that’s exquisitely made from scratch~
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Address: No 4, Lebuh King, George Town, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Status: Pork-Free, Serves Alcohol
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Maple Palace Restaurant
Located in the lavish mansion of Maple Gold Club House, the restaurant has an exquisite Chinese-style interior while offering elaborate Cantonese cuisine! This place not only guarantees a nice ambience, but also extensive choices of Chinese delicacies that will surely satisfy your tastebuds.
The luxurious environment and delicious food here makes it a go-to spot for celebrations and gatherings that’s suitable for families and Chinese occasions! Aside from their signature dishes, the Grouper Seafood Steamboat is also a popular dish among returning patrons~
Address: 47, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12pm – 2.30pm; 6pm – 10pm (Closed on Mon dinner)
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Irama Dining
Irama Dining will not disappoint when it comes to delicious Malaysian cuisines that celebrates our multi-cultural heritage! A few of their must-try signature dishes are Sambal Bilis Terung Pipit, Kerabu Kacang Botol Sotong) Ayam Kerutup , Lamb Shank Kurma and Grilled Ikan Siakap. Personally, we enjoy that they have multiple rice options like Nasi Beringin and Nasi Bunga Telang as well~
Remember to make a reservation as this popular restaurant is often packed with patrons. We also recommend to dine alfresco during the night time so you get to enjoy your meal along with the beautiful night view of esplanade!
Address: 2nd Floor, 2, Penang St, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Closed on Tue)
Status: Halal
12. Firewood Restaurant
If you’ve been following our recommendation lists for a while, you’d know that Firewood Restaurant is one of our favourite places for gatherings and celebrations! This place has an open-flame dining concept, so patrons are able to see through the whole kitchen and enjoy a sensory experience while waiting for your meal~
We find their sharing platter to be great for special occasions, as you get customise and choose according to your own preferences! On top of that, the cocktail bar here serves innovative alcoholic beverages and apéritifs, like the Exoticism Vodka that’s 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
13. Wheeler’s
Established in 2014, Wheeler’s is an always-popular spot in Penang that’s known for serving a wide array of fusion modern dishes! The food here are delicious in general, but we personally always come back for our favourite pastas, which are Carbonara and Aglio Olio~
Additionally, Wheeler’s members are able to redeem a special item each month, so the place is always packed with recurring patrons too. This is also one of the reasons why the rustic and cosy cafe is always packed during lunch and dinner hours, so be sure to make your reservations beforehand!
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
14. China House
As one of the OG cafes in Penang, China House occupies three heritage buildings combining a cake house, a restaurant, a bar, an art gallery as well as a mini library! Though most patrons usually drop by for an after-meal treat, this vintage cafe also serves hearty mains including breakfast, Western menus and local delights.
Then, you get to choose over 30 types of cakes to end your gatherings on a perfect note. Not gonna lie, it’s always hard to make the ultimate decision as all the cakes are enticingly displayed in glass panels!
Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 9.30am – 1am (Daily)
Status: Pork-free menu, certain cakes contain alcohol
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
15. BiRU-BIRU On The Island
Hidden in The Lost Paradise Resort, this aesthetic cafe by the beach has a white and blue colour scheme that resembles enjoying a relaxing vacation in Santorini or Bali! They mainly offer Western and local cuisines with a variety of vibrant beverages.
BiRU-BIRU On The Island has an open-air concept with many instagrammable photo spots around, making it the perfect spot for creating beach-ningful memories with amazing views! However, do keep in mind that this cafe is located within the precinct of a resort, hence photo taking spots are only limited to a few for cafe patrons~
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Address: 260, Jalan Batu Ferringhi 11100 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8am – 9pm (Daily)
Status: Pork-Free
Enjoy Your Gatherings And Celebrations With Loved Ones!
Well, we certainly hope that this list helps you in deciding where you should go for your highly-anticipated gatherings, celebrations or special occasions! Whether if you’re looking for someplace OG or new, the important thing is to enjoy shared moments with your loved ones~
Also read: Top 15 Dessert Spots In Penang To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth (2024 Edition)
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