Best Restaurants In Georgetown Penang 2019
As tourists to a new place or country, our most trusted guide for choosing a good restaurant or hotel is none other than Tripadvisor. Don’t get me wrong, I frequently use Tripadvisor for restaurant recommendations and I also contribute my reviews here. However, over time we realized that even Tripadvisor’s recommendations can be skewed and may not reflect the actual assessment of a restaurant. Algorithm changes and advertisement had drove some restaurants to the top of the pile, but do they deserve it?
We know that there are some restaurants that are obsessed with Tripadvisor rankings that they will do whatever it takes to make them rank higher by practicing double standards or preferential treatment for tourists and shunning locals. Why? Simply because tourists review restaurants in Tripadvisor and locals don’t.
Restaurants don’t need to develop loyalty with tourists as much as they do with locals. In doing so, they spending less resources and make a heftier profit by focusing on tourists with higher spending power on average. As such, I wouldn’t fault them for putting all their eggs in the Tripadvisor basket. In reflection, tourists will always be denied the opportunity to dine in the best restaurants because of the fear of putting their trust on a restaurant ranked in the 2nd or 3rd page of Tripadvisor. Agree?
This list of the best restaurants in Georgetown Penang aims to shed some light on well-kept secrets where locals actually wine and dine. Note that some of the restaurants mentioned do have high rankings on Tripadvisor and they deserve it 100%. In no way am I affiliate to any of the restaurants mentioned.
Beso Rosado by ChinChin
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 by ChinChin 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.
Read my full review here.
Beso Rosado by ChinChin
Address: 86, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-263 6868
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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 specializes in fresh imported oysters, decadent wagyu beef and cheeks and their signature truffle fries. Also do not miss their local delights such as special Asam Oxtail and Lamb & Rendang.
La Vie Penang
Address: 139, Jalan Pintal Tali, Penang, Malaysia 10100
Tel: 012-402 1342
Web: www.facebook.com/LaViePenang/
Au Jardin
This up-scale, elegant and intimate restaurant oozes class from the very point you stepped in. It opened its doors in September 2018 and is located right in the heart of Georgetown sharing its campus with Hin Bus Depot. Pronounced “oh-Jaah-Dhun”, Au Jardin is an 18 seat restaurant emphasizing on natural, minimalism and seasonal ingredients. Their artisanal menu developed by Chef Kim Hock is built around his passion in showcasing the freshest ingredients through simple but beautiful dishes that reflect both culinary tradition and creativity. Au Jardin’s team brings along with them a wealth of experience from their stint at Basil, Le Bistrot and BLB Taipei.
Au Jardin’s menu is refreshed on a monthly basis, so be sure to try something new for your next visit. For the best experience, get a seat at the bar where you can witness Chef Kim Hock strut his stuff and prepare each dish with precision. More photos of Au Jardin in my earlier post here.
Restaurant Au Jardin
THE WAREHOUSE, 125, Jalan Timah, Georgetown 13000 Pulau Pinang, Georgetown, Malaysia
Tel: 04-218 9594
Web: https://www.restaurant-aujardin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/aujardinpg
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.
Read about Villa Maria wine dinner here.
Le Venue Penang
Address: 80, Lebuh Tye SinGeorge Town, Malaysia
Tel: 012-400 2072
Web: www.facebook.com/pg/levenuepg
Via Pre Penang
A rustic and authentic Italian gourmet eatery in the hearth of the Unesco city Georgetown, Penang. Via Pre serve 100% rustic fares with pork specialties, deli, cafe’, bakery & pizzeria. They have another branch in Kuala Lumpur at the quiet residential area of the uptown Damansara.
Via Pre specializes in their stone oven cooked pizza and calzone but their grass-fed beef tenderloin and catch of the day pan-roasted fish are also impressive. Not to mention they have one of the best if not the best Crème Brûlée (flaming) in Penang. They have a huge list of Italian wines and also aperitifs. It has been a while since our last visit, based on the reviews they are still maintaining their high standards.
Via Pre Penang
Address: 20, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-262 0560
Facebook: www.facebook.com/viapre/
Via Pre food and drinks menu
This list will continually be updated as I explore and test out new restaurants. Stay tuned…
