Fine Dining in Penang
Penang is synonymous with its much sought after char koay teow, nasi kandar, laksa and ice kacang to name a few aka street food. The love of exploration and appreciation of finer things in life has pushed the boundaries of the gastronomy scene here. Within the last few years, there was an explosion of fine dining restaurants and gastropubs in Penang. With economic stability, Penangites are enjoying a more affluent life and willing to part ways with their hard-earned cash in exchange for a memorable culinary experience. You may want to check these places out (in no particular order).
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.
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
Orinea by Farquhar Mansion
Orinea: Sky Dining & Bar is located in the very heart of Gurney Bay at Sunrise @ Gurney. Even though they just opened their doors not long ago, they are no stranger to the fine dining scene in Penang, hailing from Farquhar Mansion.
A group of brilliant individuals came and observe and perhaps asked if they are able to rejuvenate this beautiful high-rise tower and bring the light back on to shine amongst the rest.
Pushing through their creative boundaries with synchronized philosophy, they decided to create Penang’s most elegant and creative sky dining restaurant ever — a luxurious twist on contemporary cuisine with pinches of humor, playfulness, modern creative design; completely de-contextualizes the conventional perception of sky dining.
Orinea by Farquhar Mansion
Address: 68-18-1, Sunrise Gurney, Persiaran GurneyPinang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: 019-528 8933
Web: www.farquharmansion.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/farquharmansion
3. De’ Secret Kitchen
De’ Secret Kitchen is operated by the talented young chef Joe Lee specializing on Asian Fusion cuisine with a knack for the adventurous palate. Diners are introduced to unique ingredients indigenous to certain countries highlighting the array of materials at the chef’s disposal. This is a private dining experience as prior reservation is needed and the menu is decided by the chef “omakase” style. You will not be able to walk-in to the place as it is password protected and which you will be provided on the day of your patronage.
De’Secret Kitchen
Address: 163, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation Hour: By appointment only
Facebook: www.facebook.com/desecretkitchen/
Blanc at Macalister Mansion
Blanc is a 42 seat restaurant nestled in the historic yet sophisticated Macalister Mansion, a restored colonial boutique hotel in the heart of Georgetown, Penang. Formerly Dining Room, Blanc has gone through a makeover ushering a brand new beginning in June 2019.
At the helm is Head Chef Alfred Wee who trained under renowned Chef Julien Royer during his tenure in JAAN in Singapore and Joël Robuchon Au Dome Joel Robuchon in Macau before returning to Malaysia. Chef Alfred’s passion aims to introduce his take on Contemporary French dining to the developing Penang culinary scene.
The 5-course tasting menu is priced at RM298 with two options of wine pairing. The basic wine pairing comes with an add on of RM95, while the premium wine pairing is priced at an additional RM195.
Blanc at Macalister Mansion
Address: 228 Macalister Road, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 019-239 9818
Web: restaurantblanc.com.my
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/RestaurantBlancPenang
