Refined Lunch at Blacklinen, The Millen Hotel Penang

A refined 3-course lunch at blacklinen, The Millen Hotel Penang — where minimalist design meets thoughtful plates. From aged trout to carefully crafted tiramisu and smart wine pairings, the experience blends modern dining with subtle finesse.

FOOD & DRINKS

7/27/20253 min read

A 3-Course Indulgence with Elegant Wine Pairings

Tucked inside The Millen Hotel Penang, Blacklinen is a sleek, contemporary dining spot where minimalist design meets ambitious cooking. The restaurant prides itself on precision and refinement — and our recent lunch visit delivered on most counts.

The Space

Designed with clean lines, muted tones, and soft natural lighting, Blacklinen sets the tone for a quiet, elevated lunch experience. It feels intimate without being pretentious — ideal for date lunches or business conversations that don’t want to shout.

Set Lunch: A 3-Course Midday Treat

We opted for the 3-course set lunch (RM98), which includes an appetizer, a main course, and dessert. There's also a 2-course option for RM78 if you're after something lighter.

Starter: Charred Baby Romaine

Our lunch started strong with the Charred Baby Romaine, blacklinen’s interpretation of a Caesar salad. The romaine was lightly grilled for a smoky aroma, topped with crispy beef bacon and Parmesan. A simple but elevated starter that hit all the right notes.

Mains: Aged Rainbow Trout & Wagyu Burger

We sampled two mains, trout from the set and wagyu burger ala-carte (not included in set)

  • Aged Rainbow Trout: Tender and flaky, served with charred lemon, fresh vegetables, and a rich Béarnaise Armagnac sauce. Though flavourful, we found it slightly on the oily side — a touch more brightness or acidity would have helped balance the dish.

  • Wagyu Burger (RM88): Generous and indulgent, layered with cheddar, onion ring, and kelp mayo. Unfortunately, our request for medium doneness was overlooked — the patty came out closer to well-done, which diminished some of the wagyu’s signature juiciness. Still, the flavour profile was satisfying.

Dessert: Classic Tiramisu

For dessert, we shared the Classic Tiramisu, which delivered everything we hoped for — light mascarpone, strong espresso, and a hint of Kahlua. You can also opt for an extra 15ml shot of Kahlua for a little extra indulgence.

Wine Pairing

We enjoyed a bottle of Grüner Veltliner (RM185), which paired especially well with the trout. Crisp, herbaceous, and clean — it complemented the seafood effortlessly.
To round things off, we had a glass of Le Grand Noir Les Réserves (RM37). A fuller-bodied red that went nicely with the burger.

The Verdict

While the food leaned slightly on the oily side and the burger's doneness missed the mark, the overall dining experience was enjoyable. The attention to detail in plating and service stood out, especially with the dessert.

Blacklinen brings a polished edge to Penang’s dining scene — ideal for wine lovers and those looking for an elevated lunch set in a modern setting.

About Blacklinen at The Millen Penang

Blacklinen is a contemporary grillroom located on the ninth floor of The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection, nestled in George Town’s vibrant culinary district. By day and night, this stylish venue combines intimate elegance with a passion for flame‑grilled cuisine.

The Concept: Fire Meets Craft

At the heart of Blacklinen’s identity is “the fire within”—the restaurant’s soul and guiding force. Chef Benny Yeoh and his team bring precision and respect to grilling techniques, elevating ingredients from farm to flame to craft dishes where temperature and texture are meticulously balanced in every bite.

The Team Behind the Grill

Led by Head Chef Benny Yeoh, Blacklinen’s kitchen team works in harmony with an experienced sommelier to ensure each plate reflects modern sophistication. Their focus on beautifully seared meats and artistic plating emphasizes quality and presentation blacklinen.com.my.

Atmosphere & Ambience

The space marries classic tradition with contemporary touches, enveloping diners in a refined yet inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting, polished surfaces, and the warm glow from open flames help forge an intimate and elevated dining experience.

Menu & Wine Curation

Blacklinen specializes in charcoal-grilled meats and aged seafood, featuring premium wet- and dry-aged cuts, and spice-balanced sauces. The beverage program includes a curated wine list—ranging from approachable bottles served by the glass to vintage selection—and an elevated whiskey offering.

Opening Hours & Reservations
  • Lunch: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 pm–2:30 pm (last order at 1:30 pm)

  • Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday, 6:30 pm–10:30 pm (last order at 9:30 pm)

  • Closed on Mondays
    Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner service

Why Visit Blacklinen:
  • Skillfully prepared grill‑focused menu emphasizing premium aged meat, seafood, and farm‑to‑flame technique

  • Stylish yet relaxed dining environment with refined lighting and décor

  • Thoughtfully curated wine and beverage selection, including quality pours available by the glass

  • Dedicated team led by Chef Benny Yeoh, with precision in every stage—from prep to presentation

Blacklinen
📍 Level 2, The Millen Hotel Penang
🕰️ Lunch sets available daily
💵 3-course set: RM98 | 2-course: RM78