Foodies, we know a lot of you are confused of the term “casual dining.” People be like: “fine dine say fine dine restaurant say restaurant la.” Truth is, casual dining is a hybrid between a cafe and fine dine. Meaning you get the plating, excellent service and exquisite food at a fraction of price. Penang is still new to this term, but we have a handful of casual dining restaurants in Penang to share with you guys. So take note as we recommend you Top 10 Casual Dining Restaurants in Penang.
10 Best Casual Dining Restaurants in Penang:
#1 The 9ine by Jackie Wong
One of the newest casual dining restaurants in Penang, you might be familiar with the location. It was Basil, Le Bistrot before Chef Jackie Wong took it up. The chef-patron has a really unique personality. Filled with culinary experiences and passion, he is very straight forward and does what he wants. The 9ine serves modern European cuisines, infusing local ingredients such as salted fish into refined palates. At a fraction of price, you get to eat like a royal.
The place also cater spaces for events and guess what? Birthday buddies get to eat FREE with any ala carte dinner order. No worries, you can get the most expensive dish for free even if you order a cheaper main from the dinner menu. Plus, for every RM159 spent, you’ll get a jar of cocktail for FREE. These promos are effective as long as Chef Jackie Wong and The 9ine exist, said by the chef himself.
Address: 9, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: (Mon,Wed,Thurs&Sun) 12pm-12am, (Fri&Sat) 12pm-1:30am (closed on Tuesday)
#2 CREAM by Chin Chin
Previously known as Metissier Patisserie, CREAM by Chin Chin took over the business and is now a beautiful dining spot. It is one of the most elegant and quaint casual dining restaurants in Penang. With its marble-golf decors and minimalist furnishing, CREAM creates a very sophisticated ambiance. The menu resembles fine dining but with more comfortable settings and affordable price. The desserts are the spotlight of CREAM. Beautifully handcrafted and glazed, each has a distinct flavor and look. They’re almost too beautiful to eat, but the taste will leave you bewildered.
Address: 140, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Read More: Top 13 Muslim-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants in Penang
#3 Jawi House Gallery
When it comes to casual dining restaurants in Penang, Jawi House Gallery is no doubt on the list. Lead by the numerous award-winning Chef Nurilkalim, Jawi House Gallery has a strong local touch. The chef always thought culinary is an art and he always plays with different ingredients. Under his hands, he added a modern twist to Malay Heritage food. Their dishes are always well appraised by both locals and internationals, plus with an affordable price. We recommend making a reservation to avoid disappointment. Jawi House also caters for events and parties.
Address: 85, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
HALAL*
#4 Il Bacaro
A quaint little Italian restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Il Bacaro is the go-to place for authentic Italian dishes. Serving old-school Italian dishes that is not so typical, their menu has pretty much anything though. We thought they serve some of the best pizzas in town. Crispy thin crust that are soft towards the center, with generous amount of ingredients. The irregular shape of the pizza indicates that they’re handmade. Their sharing platter and cheese plates are worth trying as well, perfect for sharing.
Address: 106 Campbell Street, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#5 Chin’s Stylish Cuisine
No, casual dining restaurants in Penang are not limited to only European or Western cuisines. Chin’s Stylish Cuisine also falls in casual dining, serving Chinese food. Of course, expect more detailed and atas experience. Lavishly decorated with chandelier, artsy paintings,plates and vivid decorations, Chin’s doesn’t look anything Chinese at all. The menu features the best of Chinese cuisine originate from Hunan and Sichuan province. Their Gele Mountain Chicken is one of the most unforgettable dishes. So sit back and let them pamper you with spectacular service, food and ambiance.
Address: 8A, Tanjong City Marina, Church Street Pier, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#6 Markus
Markus is yet another Italian restaurant on the casual dining restaurants in Penang llist. Different from Il Bacaro, Markus serves modern Italian cuisine. Italian food cooked in the most authentic way with a twist of modern touch. Chef Markus pays a lot of attention in every step, from the kitchen to the plate. Their pastas are made from scratch, limited batch daily. It’s no secret Italians pair their meals with wine. Markus has over 160 labels of fine wines to choose from. It is no doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in Penang especially when it comes to fine food.
Address: 37F, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
#7 Lebanon Restaurant
The name itself sounds porch, but don’t let it set you back. Previously located at Batu Feringghi before moving to the current location, Tanjung Bungah. Lebanon is probably the only casual dining restaurants in Penang serving Arabic cuisine. Expect the most comfortable and sophisticated setting while scrolling through their lengthy menu. Though the price is on a higher side, Lebanon craft and prepare each dish with care. Get your favourite Arabic cuisines here or ask for recommendations. They never disappoint, every penny is worth spending here at Lebanon.
Address: No.15, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
HALAL*
#8 Gēn 根
Gēn 根 is a rising casual dining restaurants in Penang. The Gēn team pours 101% effort into making the place a reality. The interiors are stunning, not aggressive yet futuristic and the food, work of art. They have only one table in the whole restaurant, which is the long table of counter seating. You get to watch how the team craft your plate and mains, combining impossible ingredients into a beautiful plate. Not many restaurants are willing to open their kitchen to public, Gēn is one of the very few. Finish off with their desserts, uniquely plated, what a pleasant to the eyes and belly.
Address: 68a, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#9 What The Duck
It’s no secret that What The Duck cooks up some of the best duck in town. As the name suggests, What The Duck specializes in duck dishes. They have recently added a new outlet in SPICE Arena, sounds legit right? Comfortable with minimal settings and attentive staff with great food, your meal is nothing more satisfying. Not just duck, but What The Duck emphasizes on the use of salted egg long before the hype. Try out their duck confit, sizzling brownie and salted egg cheesecake, you can never go wrong with that.
Address: 40, Jalan Nagor, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (Closed on Wednesdays)
Pork-free*
#10 No.5 Bistro
No.5 Bistro has always been on our list. A local inspired Gin bar and bistro, No.5 Bistro is also a casual dining restaurants in Penang. You can get real quality food at a fraction of the price. Serving is tad bit smaller than usual but definitely enough to impress your tastebud. The menu has minimal description, so let the chef maximize your dining experience. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of their classic gin, or ask the bartender for something bold. They’re professionals. After all, what’s No.5 Bistro without gin?
Address: 109 Lebuh Victoria, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
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I never thought of Malaysia as having “casual” eating spots, but this sure did offer a plesant surprise.