3 Fine Casual Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Penang
A small but growing niche, fine casual restaurants feed consumer’s craving for new cuisines and experiences minus the formality and price tag of fine-dining restaurants. Also known as semi-fine dining, fine casual restaurants has become a brand new trend and growing industry segment in Penang.
Traditional fine-dining restaurants are hit hard as consumers tightened their belts and are more prudent on their spending. This is where these fine casual restaurants emerge to fill the market gap, as they offer high quality ingredients at comparatively lower prices. They manage to keep the prices reasonable by toning down on the ambiance and lower operating costs.
Amongst the premium ingredients you could expect from these restaurants are freshly imported oysters, caviar, wagyu beef, fresh truffles, Uni (sea urchin), sashimi-grade scallops, lobster and much more, with fine wines and liquor to pair with. So here are my pick of the 3 Best Fine Casual Dining Restaurants in Penang.
1. La Vie Penang
La Vie is adopted from the French expression “c’est la vie” which simply means that’s life. It is often conveyed to soothe someone when faced with difficult circumstances, to not take it too seriously. Hence, synonymous with their philosophy that hard work and a hectic schedule deserves good food paired with fine wine and great company. 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 our restaurant.
At La Vie, they believe that ingredients play a key part in creating an unforgettable dining experience. Therefore, they source for only the best and quality produce locally and overseas. When combined with modern cooking techniques, they create exquisite and aesthetically-pleasing cuisine to be enjoyed. The menu varies according to the season, consistently offering the freshest possible ingredients and a variety of culinary creations to delight and inspire patrons. Their wine list feature a wide selection of New and Old World wines, the perfect complement to your meal.
La Vie Penang
Address: 139, Jalan Pintal Tali, Penang, Malaysia 10100
Tel: 012-402 1342
Web: www.facebook.com/LaViePenang/
2. Le Venue Penang
Le Venue is a French cum Mediterranean Progressive Cuisine, French Pastry focused restaurant concept under one roof. This boutique restaurant headed by Chef Petr Fehér is the latest to enter the fine dining scene in Penang. Chef Petr Fehér is no stranger to Penangites, dubbed the Mat Salleh, he boasts an impressive international portfolio of brands including Four Seasons and Eastern & Oriental Penang for the past 20 years under his belt. Located at Lebuh Tye Sin in the heart of Georgetown, Le Venue serves only the finest and freshest quality of meat and seafood.
Le Venue Penang
Address: 80, Lebuh Tye SinGeorge Town, Malaysia
Tel: 012-400 2072
Web: www.facebook.com/pg/levenuepg
3. ChinChin Gastropub Penang
Chinchin Gastropub is an izakaya-style gastropub and bar located in Georgetown Penang. It is renowned for serving modern small plates and has an open kitchen concept, where diners can watch the chefs in action.
Their menu promises excellent quality ingredients and mouth-watering dishes that will be served direct to you on the bar or table. The menu reflects their approach to contemporary Asian cuisine, incorporating local flavours with French and Japanese techniques.
Chinchin Gastropub is one of the few places in Penang that offers Omakase style experience, where you “leave it to the chef”.
ChinChin Gastropub
Address: 25-G Lintang Burma, Pulau Tikus, Georgetown
Tel: +601127430417
Web: www.chinchinpg.com
