Best Restaurants in Penang (2024)

December 31, 2020

Penang is synonymous with its world-renowned street food, so much so that its restaurant dining scene is overlooked. Ask any Penangite and they will tell you that we have some of the best independent cafes and restaurants in the country.

Beyond Char Koay Teow and Assam Laksa, Penang has been evolving into Malaysia’s most exciting gourmet city. We have our fine dining restaurants, casual dining restaurants, wine bars, omakase restaurants, restrobars, hidden bars, gastropubs, oyster bars; you name it, we have it.

Before we dive into the list, here’s a little disclaimer: Penang’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and while we’ve explored many culinary gems, we haven’t tried every restaurant in town (though we’re working on it!). These picks are based on our personal experiences and preferences, so consider this a guide to kickstart your own foodie adventures.

Whether you’re a Penangite looking to rediscover your city’s dining scene or a visitor seeking memorable meals, these spots have left a lasting impression on us.

1. La Vie

La Vie Restaurant traces its roots to Cassis Restaurant at Belissa Row and even further to Hardwicke House at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. Located at Jalan Pintal Tali, La Vie is a fine casual dining restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine with the freshest ingredients sourced locally and overseas.

La Vie is a treasure find nestled within the old Georgetown streets of the Unesco Heritage site in Penang. Its dimly-lit and rustic furnishing provides for a romantic and cozy atmosphere. Guests will feel right at home as we provide a relaxed, casual and welcoming atmosphere in their restaurant.

We always come here for its fresh imported oysters, wagyu steak, lamb rack, truffle fries, grilled jumbo tiger prawns, mizo-glazed cod fish, clams in white wine sauce, not forgetting its friendly owner and reasonably-priced wines. An excellent place for private parties, birthday celebrations, friends gathering or a romantic evening. Occasionally, La Vie also invite acclaimed guest chefs and play hosts to wine pairing dinners.

La Vie Restaurant
Address: 139, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 012-402 1342
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2. Tono Izakaya

For Japanese food lovers in Penang, Tono Izakaya’s newly opened Georgetown location is a culinary gem. Known for its inviting, neon-lit ambiance and pork-free menu, Tono Izakaya has already established a strong presence with three branches in Kuala Lumpur. Now, Penangites can savor the vibrant izakaya experience, complete with unbeatable promotions just in time for the holiday season!

Tono Izakaya’s current offers make it easy to enjoy a satisfying, delicious meal without breaking the bank. Buy 1 Free 1 choose any 2 sets for only RM88 (A5 Miyazaki Don, Unajyu Set, Salmon Sashimi & Kampachi Platter Set). Japanese A5 Wagyu Miyazaki Steak at RM88. Enjoy 6 skewers with either a carafe of sake (RM28) or 2 mugs of beer for only RM88.

Located at 80, Lebuh Tye Sin, Tono Izakaya in Georgetown brings a lively blend of traditional Japanese and modern izakaya style to Penang. The neon-lit interior creates a vibrant and inviting ambiance that beautifully complements the meal, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy quality Japanese cuisine.

With these amazing deals, Tono Izakaya promises a delicious, satisfying meal that’s also easy on the wallet. This season, head over to Tono Izakaya for great food, a lively atmosphere, and offers you won’t want to miss!

Tono Izakaya
Address: 80, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 011-7003 7977
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3. Blanc at Macalister Mansion

Formerly known as the Dining Room, Restaurant Blanc has undergone a new facelift and was relaunched in June 2019. The 42-seater restaurant with its elegant ambiance sets the scene for a delightful dining experience.

Themed in blue and white, the iconic white tree centerpiece springs up from a deep blue velvet banquette encapsulating the elegance of the setting for a fine yet relaxing dining experience at Restaurant Blanc.

Blanc is helmed by Chef Benny’s who marries his passion for contemporary French dining with his Asian heritage to present refined new creations of French-Asian cuisine. For his love of experimenting with local and western ingredients, guest can expect an intriguing seasonal menu that is distinctly unique and pleasing to the discerning taste of food lovers from Penang and the region. Culinary art and plating is taken seriously here as Chef Benny and his team pay great attention to detail on food presentation.

This is the ideal place for a romantic dinner and to celebrate special occasions. Try the 4-course discovery menu or 6-course degustation menu with premium wine pairing. See review here.

Restaurant Blanc at Macalister Mansion
Address: 228, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-228 3888
Web: restaurantblanc.com.my

4. Bottega Italian Restaurant

Tucked along the historic Muntri Street, Bottega Penang is a must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine and fine wines. As the sister branch of the renowned Bottega KL, this trattoria strikes the perfect balance between casual charm and refined elegance.

The restaurant’s setting combines outdoor seating with an indoor open-concept kitchen and bar. While the ventilation inside could be improved, the inviting ambiance and delectable dishes keep diners coming back.

Highlights from the menu include the creamy burrata salad, flavorful sautéed mussels in white wine, tender pork ribs, handmade pastas, and their indulgent family-recipe tiramisu. To elevate your meal, Bottega Penang offers a fantastic wine selection, with classics starting from RM118 and premium bottles for the discerning palate.

Happy hour here is a crowd favorite, offering 3 Aperol Spritz or house wines (red, white, or rosé) for RM60—an ideal way to unwind while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Georgetown.

Adding to its appeal, Bottega Penang features a grocer stocked with imported goodies from Italy, Spain, and France, making it a one-stop destination for both dining and gourmet shopping.

Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a casual gathering, or simply to enjoy a glass of wine, Bottega Penang delivers a slice of Italy in the heart of Penang.

Bottega Penang
Address: 76, Jalan Muntri, George Town, Malaysia
Tel: 017-456 2676
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5. Beso Rosado

Formerly known as Golden Shower by ChinChin, Beso Rosado is a restaurant and bar focusing on Mediterranean flavors and influences, partly inspired by their Executive Chef Jack Yeap, and his former El Faro Tapas Bar. Beso Rosado features a variety of small plates design for sharing among the table, all created around the idea to let fresh ingredients speak for themselves.

The bar also features a quirky, playful and unique cocktail menu, curated by head mixologist Francesco Moretti; inspired by memories, nature and art, with a focus on homemade syrups, spices, herbs and infusions, paired with advanced mixology techniques and attractive presentations.

We loved the casual and relaxing atmosphere with EDM music setting the mood. We often order the set menu which consists of plates of small bites to share at very affordable prices. The mouth-watering food is even more delectable when paired with a bottle of wine.

Our recommendation would be its Tomahawk, Wagyu steak, Paella, Capellini, clams, black truffle dishes, etc. A great place for casual outings, girls’ night out, birthday parties and private events.