Feeling curious and craving to try something new in Penang? Hooray, you’re in for a treat explorers! Whether you’re seeking for authentic Malaysian cuisine or drawn to a more lively fusion of gastronomic flavours, our carefully curated guide of 15 must-visit restaurants in Penang will certainly have you saying “WOW” in satisfaction. Wooosh, let’s eat!
15 Must-Visit Restaurants In Penang
1. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Grab a bite at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery first! With a MICHELIN One Star award for high quality cooking, authentic Nyonya delights like their heavenly Nasi Ulam, Chicken Curry Kapitan, Kueh Pie Tee, Sambal Petai and Sago Gula Melaka are all simply the best.
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Address: 1, Bishop St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (12 – 2.30 pm, 6 – 9.30 pm), Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Status: Pork-free
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
2. 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!
View this post on Instagram
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
3. Communal Table by Gen
We’re taking it up a notch with a diverse array of mouth-watering fusion food at Communal Table by Gen! Crowd-favourites like the Aged Duck Breast, Pork Collar Skewers, Snapper Ceviche, Steak Tartare and more will have you completely awe-struck in the best way.
Communal Table by Gen
Address: 68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Thursday to Tuesday (5 – 11 pm), Closed on Wednesdays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Lucky Hole
Foodies you must definitely pay a visit to Lucky Hole in George Town! With a cosy and rustic setting, best believe that you’ll be enjoying all their modern Japanese fusion food in bliss.
Lucky Hole
Address: 23-N, Beach St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday (6 pm – 1 am), Sunday (6 – 11 pm), Closed on Mondays to Wednesdays
Status: Pork-free, Serves alcohol
Link (s): Instagram
5. Jaloux
Here’s a viral one for all you Italian food lovers out there! That’s right, Jaloux that’s also nestled in the heart of George Town will satisfy all your cravings and delight your taste buds. Their Pasta Fettuccine, Pappardelle Ragu, Risotto, Prawn Tagliolini, Tiramisu and Panna Cotta will all spark joy for the soul.
Jaloux
Address: 24, King Street, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (11.30 am – 2 pm, 6 – 9 pm)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Instagram
6. Beach St Bistrot by David & Brian Chin
Photo: @PenangFoodie
Photo: @PenangFoodie
7. 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!
View this post on Instagram
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
8. Curios-City Penang
When you find a place that serves hearty delights with a comforting ambience, you know that you’re in for a special treat. Curios-City is a rare gem that is sure to become your new favourite fine dining spot! Crowd-favourites like the Foie Gras, Cod Fish, Oysters, Chicken Roulade and Mackerel Tuna with Caviar will definitely make your heart skip a beat in satisfaction.
Curios-City Penang
Address: 164A, Victoria St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (6 pm – 12 am), Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Status: Pork-free, Serves alcohol
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
9. Natsu Bar and Dining
Take a deep breath, hit pause and relax by the beach with a tall glass of chilled cocktails in hand at Natsu Bar and Dining. With the restaurant’s soothing beach scenery all around you, prepare to be whisked away on a healing retreat! Admire the Instagrammable sunset and don’t forget to enjoy some flavourful ramen, sushi pizzas, donburi and refreshing draft beer while you’re here.
Natsu Bar and Dining
Address: 72C-G-8, Ferringhi Walk, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11000 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday (4.30 – 11.30 pm), Friday to Sunday (4.30 pm – 12.30 am)
Status: Pork-free, Serves alcohol
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
10. Nyonya Willow
Yum! With a wide variety of traditional local favourites, we’re making our way to Nyonya Willow next. We highly recommend trying out the irresistibly delicious Otak Otak, Jiu Hu Char, Kerabu Chicken, Dry Kapitan Chicken Set, Asam Prawns and Acar.
Nyonya Willow
Address: Arena Curve, 72-1-3, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Sunway Tunas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (11.45 am – 2 pm, 6 – 9 pm)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
11. Bibik’s Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine
Bibik’s Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine is another must-visit restaurant on our list. Trust us, crave-worthy Nyonya dishes like the Ayam Rendang, Bubur Cha Cha, Sambal Prawn, Laksa and unique Blue Pea Rice will have you in heart eyes mode! Don’t forget to end your meal with some refreshing Sago Gula Melaka and Sago Pudding desserts too.
Bibik’s Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine
Address: 73, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (11.30 am – 3 pm, 6 – 9 pm)
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
12. Richard Rivalee Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant
Still craving for more traditional Nyonya must-eats? Make your way to Richard Rivalee Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant now foodie fam! With best-sellers such as Laksa Lemak, Lemongrass Fried Chicken, Chicken Rendang, Sambal Petai Prawns, Chinese Wine Chicken and lots more, every bite you take here will be an explosion of memorable flavours.
Richard Rivalee Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant
Address: 62 & 64, Lorong Macalister, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday (11.30 am – 2.30 pm, 6 – 9.30 pm), Closed on Tuesdays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
13. Kebaya Dining Room
Elevate your dining experience with a curation of classy traditional styled signatures from Kebaya Dining Room. Make sure to come here on an empty stomach so that you can devour everything! From tantalising Satay, Chicken Goreng, Confit Beef Buah Keluak Jam, Gulai Tumis Pomfret, Pandan Creme Brulee and Pisang Goreng Ice Cream, you’ll be eating it all with lots of happiness.
Kebaya Dining Room
Address: 14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday (6 – 10.30 pm), Closed on Tuesdays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
14. FAM Dining
Brought to life by a group of passionate Chefs, FAM Dining is the place to be for exceptional French cuisine! As another highly must-visit spot in town, let their elegant and warmly-lit space transform your meet-ups and dining experiences with liveliness.
FAM Dining
Address: 14, Jalan Johor, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday (6 – 10 pm), Friday to Sunday (10.30 am – 2.30 pm, 6 – 10 pm), Closed on Mondays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
15. White Smoke Restaurant
As a semi-casual and contemporary dining restaurant, White Smoke will definitely blow you away (pun intended) with their breathtaking selection of fresh Western Asian fusion food. Come on and get your fancy wine and dine mood on in their aesthetically pleasing setting.
White Smoke Restaurant
Address: 179, Victoria St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (12 – 3 pm, 6 – 11 pm), Closed on Mondays
Status: Non-halal
Link (s): Facebook | Instagram
Hands Up! Which Dining Spot Sparks Joy To You?
Now that our guide has come to an end, don’t fret as your culinary journey in Penang has only just begun! So, which restaurant will you be heading to first? Cheers and live it up! We hope that you’ve found a dining spot that sparks joy to you.
READ MORE: Top 10 Best Laksa in Penang (2024 Guide)
Check out our documentary series – Foodie Originals
–
We would like to invite you to join our New Telegram Group! We will regularly post about good food, casual promos, giveaways, and interesting findings in Malaysia.
