5 New Restaurants in Penang to Check Out (October 2020)

Despite having a quiet period during the MCO, restaurants in Penang are coming back with a bang. Many restaurants are fully booked on Fridays and weekends as patrons return to their “new norm” lifestyle after months of confinement. Strict adherence to SOPs also mean that restaurant capacity has to be greatly reduced to maintain social distancing. Therefore, be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Amid the economic uncertainties, it is exciting to see new restaurants popping up across the island. It is bold, these restaurants will have to constantly innovate and offer consumers a new dining experience in order to be sustainable. Here are 5 new restaurants I can’t wait to check out.

1. Catch by D.A.M. D’Chef Dining

Formerly D.A.M by D’Chef Dining at Lebuh Presgrave, Catch is their new concept restaurant located at 12 Jalan Burma in Le Embassy Hotel. It is hard to miss as it’s located between the junction of Burma and Transfer road.

Helmed by Chef Davine, Catch offers an Asian-fusion menu with an emphasis on the freshest ingredients of local delights with an Asian twist. It is operating for lunch to dinner and provides a wide selection of set lunches, entrees and main for dinner. For dinner, there is an option to convert your main to a 4-course meal which comes with a salad, soup and dessert to round off your meal.

Review here

Catch by D.A.M D’Chef Dining
Address: 12, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 017-295 4338
Web: https://www.facebook.com/catchbydam


2. Dozo Japanese Restaurant

Originated from London, Dozo have been serving premium quality, contemporary, fine Japanese cuisine since its inception in 2011. Headed by Hon San, Ex-Sous Chef at Nobu Beijing, and the inspiring brain behind Dozo, our Co-founder Alex Chan, Dozo’s mission is to bring the spirit of Japan to your dining in the ultimate, authentic dining experience with a stylish and modern twist.

Dozo first opened at Ipoh, Perak in 2016 and now it has opened its second branch at Summerskye Square Bayan Lepas, Penang in August 2020. Enjoy your selection of fresh sashimi served at the corner or a choice of maki rolls accompanied by exquisite sake and wine with modern ambience at Dozo. Expect the outlet to be fully booked, so make your reservations in advance.

Dozo Summerskye Penang
Address: No. 1-1-26, 27 & 28 (Ground Floor), SummerSkye Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 04-6086296
Web: https://www.facebook.com/dozo.my


3. Java Tree Restaurant at E&O Hotel

Java Tree restaurant opened its doors early this year as part of E&O Hotel’s re-introduction of the new Heritage Wing. Named after the iconic java tree that has stood on the E&O’s seafront garden lawn even before the property was built, Java Tree is a semi-formal dining restaurant which exudes a relaxed style with simple elegance. A celebration of heritage flavours, the Java Tree’s menu blends the best of Straits Nyonya and classic European cuisines, complemented by fine wines and beverages.

Java Tree frequently offers exclusive set menu and wine pairing events such as the upcoming Indian set menu complemented with a selection of Indian wines. Looking forward to checking them out soon.

Java Tree at Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang
Tel: +(6) 04 222 2000
Web: https://www.eohotels.com/dining/java-tree/


4. Hachiban Izakaya

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Hachiban Izakaya Penang

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Located at Kelawai Road, Hachiban Izakaya serves you the authentic izakaya experience with a touch of specialty. From the base Sake to the most savory snacks, Hachiban Izakaya provides them all in a izakaya Fun-iki (Atmosphere) true to its soul.

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Fresh Kushiyaki is ready for you @ Hachiban Izakaya

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Hachiban Izakaya offers a wide spread of menu from their signature fresh sashimi, kushiyaki skewers, sushi rolls, agemono and others to be paired with their premium Suntory beer and sake. Be sure to make reservations as the place is always full to its brim.

Review here

Hachiban Izakaya
Address: Level 1, 32, Jalan Kelawai, Georgetown, 10250 George Town, Penang
Tel: 016-617 8228
Web: https://www.facebook.com/hachibanizakaya


5. Passion Dining

In a Facebook post shared by Arte Malaysia on 19-Septmber 2020, it was announced that Arte Restaurant Penang will cease operation and rebranded to Passion Dining effective 1 October 2020 after four memorable years of culinary journey.

Passion, as the name sounds, is a casual fine-dining restaurant run by the same passionate chef and team. Passion will be operating out of the same address at 25, Jalan Argyll 10050, Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Arte is now focused on selling and delivering wines online at https://www.arte.my as well as promoting art. Stay tuned for more details.

Passion Dining Penang
Addres: 25, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 016-418 8967
Web: https://www.facebook.com/artepenang