“Eh, there’s Italian food in Penang?” “Oh Italian food ah? Pasta lah at any cafe.” This would be a huge disgrace to Italians. First off, pizza and pastas are Italian thing, not American. They are not the only Italian food okay? There are a lot more Italian food out there that’s unique and delicious. So in today’s blog, you’re going to explore some of the best Italian restaurants in Penang. Yeap, they’re Penang Foodie approved!
Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Penang:
#1 Markus
If you’re looking for fine-dine style fancy authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Markus. Serving modern italian cuisine, expect each plate to be carefully crafted by the chefs. Italian food cooked in the most authentic way with a twist of modern touch. From service, to presentation and taste, it’ll be an unexpected surprise. It’s essential to have wine as pairings when it comes to Italian food. 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: 14, Leith Street, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)
#2 Via Pre
As authentic as it gets, many calls Via Pre “Italy in Georgetown.” You can find a wide array of Italian pastas and pizzas over here. Some you’ve never heard of. Cooked just the right Italian way, the portion, taste and combination is just right. Besides all the amazing mains, you could pair your wine with a plate of cheese. They have a wide selection of wines from the wine menu. Via Pre also has a corner that sells great salami, ham and cheese, like a Deli. If you’re looking for authentic Italian restaurants in Penang, Via Pre is worth every penny.
Address: 20E, Lebuh Penang, Georgetown. Penang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-11 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday)
#3 Bella Italia
One of editor’s favourite place to dine in, Bella Italia is perfect for small gathering and dates. First off, the ambiance has a cottage vibe, quiet but not pressured. Though the menu might be a little small compared to the two above, it’s more than enough for you to indulge in a good Italian meal. Editor’s recommendation? Pizza and ravioli. Go with Pizza Quattroas you get to savour four different toppings, a winner for the indecisive. Ravioli is cooked just right, with traditional stuffings, cheese and spinach. Don’t forget about the heavenly tiramisu, buonissimo.
Address: 368-1-7, Jalan Burma, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
#4 Il Bacaro
A small Italian restaurant nestled in Campbell House. The setting and ambiance of Il Bacaro screams cozy. Though small, the menu has pretty much everything, and very Italian. We recommend you to opt for their pizzas, just like every other recommendations. The crust is crispy on the outside, soft towards the center, not too thin nor thick. From the irregular-round shape of pizza, you know everything is handmade. Don’t forget to try out their risotto as well, we heard really good comments about it. Hearty Italian restaurants in Penang? Il Bacaro it is.
Address: 106 Campbell Street, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#5 Viva la Pasta
Let’s be honest, you know you have to pay a lot when it comes to Italian food. Lucky for you, we found a restaurant for you that serves really good Italian cuisine. Plus it’s affordable. Located in the heart of Georgetown, Viva la Pasta is an escape to find serenity and indulge in good food. Everyone who has visited praised for its environment, food and price. It’s basically a no complaint restaurant, so why not try it for yourself and let us know?
Operating Hour: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#6 Elmondo Italian Western Cuisine
Tucked in E-gate, the all-time lunch and dinner spot for the white collars. Elmondo serves pretty straight up Italian cuisine and also Western cuisine. Though not the most authentic Italian restaurants in Penang, Elmondo still serve really good Italian mains. We recommend trying out their pizza and carbonara. Leave some tummy space for their tiramisu, what’s Italian meal without tiramisu as dessert?
Address: 1-1-3 E-gate, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 2, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
#7 Barista Café & Casa de Pizzeria
Featured in our best pasta article, Casa de Pizzeria once again deserves our shoutout. Simply because of it’s down-to-earth good food. Case de Pizzeria is nothing fancy compared to other Italian restaurants in Penang. You’ll feel homey with this one. Hand tossed, homemade pizza baked to perfection using the traditional oven. Not to mention the warm, welcoming service. What more to expect? Their pastas, it’s like the Italian granny’s pastas. They’re so good and traditional.
Address: 133 Jalan Masjid, Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
#8 Mario’s Italian Restaurant
Tucked away from the busy streets, Mario’s is located at the peak of Bukit Jambul. The restaurant is truly a hidden gem as not many would know about it (like up on a hill?). Expect panoramic view while dining at Mario’s, you get to see a whole of Penang. The menu, straight Italian. From pizzas to other main such as Chicken Fajitas, they’re simply amazing. Some of their menu are kept secret, especially desserts. So leave some space for the surprise.
Address: 88, Lintang Bukit Jambul, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Operating Hour: 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-11 pm (Daily.)
#9 Jaloux
We don’t know how many times we’ve featured Jaloux on our site, maybe forever? Because their pasta is really something. Different from other cafe’s pastas, Jaloux serves pretty authentic Italian pastas. You could feel the passion they pour into the noodle, just by looking at the presentation. You could hardly find pastas as good as Jaloux. Every mouth makes you crave for more. And no we are not exaggerating, those who have tried must’ve agreed with us. Though not like an all-course Italian restaurants in Penang. We consider Jaloux in because of the pretty damn good, authentic pastas.
Address: 24, King Street, George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday&Wednesday)
#10 Pizzaiola
Though not an authentic Italian restaurants in Penang, Pizzaiola still serves really good pizzas. At a wallet-friendly price, you get to indulge in fun-flavored pizzas. Why say so? Because you won’t find unagi and tempura pizzas anywhere else in Penang. The combination might be odd, but it’s surprisingly good. Go for other mains like spaghetti and poultry, they’re very affordable. Plus, they have other valuable sets for everyone, either for a loner or big bunch.
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