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23 Best Restaurants in Penang [2024]

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Restaurants Penang

Best Restaurants Penang
Best Restaurants Penang

Penang is a foodie’s paradise, with an abundance of delicious restaurants to choose from. From traditional Malay cuisine to international favorites, there’s something for everyone in Penang. In this blog post, we will be highlighting the 23 Best Restaurants in Penang. So whether you’re visiting Penang for the first time or you’re a local looking for some new dining recommendations, be sure to check out these amazing restaurants!

1. Maple Palace Chinese Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttp://www.maplepalace.com
Address47, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang , Malaysia
Phone604-227 4542, 604-227 9640, 604-2279690
Emailsales@maplepalace.com
Operating hoursOpen Daily Lunch: 12.00pm-2.30pm Dinner: 6.00pm 10.00pm

Maple Palace is a well-known Chinese restaurant in Penang. They offer a variety of outstanding Chinese meals served in a white mansion, making them perfect for large gatherings of people. Not to mention that private rooms may be used for special occasions and meetings. In this well-kept Victorian-style mansion, you’ll find a large range of authentic Chinese food and on-site steamboat made with the finest seafood. It’s perfect for a classy party.

Key Differentiators:

  • Victorian-style Mansion
  • Chinese/ Cantonese Szechuan Specialties
  • Exotic Dishes

Customer Testimonial:

“It’s a great experience. The atmosphere is chill and cool, the service is unmatched and the food is absolutely delicious. We would like to come back here again.”

Evelyn

2. Tek Sen Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttp://ericatengkz.wixsite.com/tek-sen
Address18, lebuh carnarvon 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 12-981 5117
Emailteksen1965@gmail.com
Operating hoursMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00PM—03:00PM / 06:00PM—09:00PM Closed Tuesday

The Tek Sen Restaurant got its start in 1965 in a tiny, spartan rice booth. Their eating choices and tastes have progressively improved over time. They currently possess two shop buildings, one next to the other with a modern take on a long-standing, cultural subject. Assam Tumis Fish, Trotters in Black Vinegar (“Tu Kha Chor”), Double Roasted Pork Fried with Chili Padi (“Char Siew Bak”), as well as Sweet and Sour Fish are a few of their hallmark specialties.

Key Differentiators:

  • 50-years-and-counting legacy
  • Heritage Mixed contemporary Design
  • Authentic Cantonese, Teowchew, Hakka and Peranakan delights

Customer Testimonial:

“Authentic Home cooking. Signature dishes – double roasted pork, Curry Fish, Stir fried Kang Kong with sambal prawns..Be prepared to wait up to an hour.”

K T Lim

3. Sri Ananda Bahwan 

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttp://www.srianandabahwan.com.my/
Address16&17, Taman Terbilang, Bagan Ajam 12300 Tanjong Tokong, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-323 6228
Operating HoursDaily 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Full-service restaurant Sri Ananda Bahwan is a pioneer in managing food catering chores. They offer a mouthwatering array of fine, fresh, and gourmet foods from various places. With 15 years of experience and rigorous training in catering and event planning, their seasoned catering managers can accommodate any requirements for weddings, dinners, parties, and other gatherings that clients may have. Both north and south Indian dishes are available on the restaurant’s extensive Indian menu.

Key Differentiators:

  • Reasonable price
  • Full-service restaurant
  • Perfect for catering and events planning

Customer Testimonial:

“Considered as the best authentic Indian restaurant in Penang island. Offers varieties of dishes for all meals. Nice and comfortable seating with tables arranged neatly with ample space in between. Staff are courteous and friendly. Tasty food. Do try the sweets. Well managed, plenty of fresh air and clean.”

Ilamaran Ramamoorthy

4. Passions of Kerala at New World Park

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/PassionsOfKeralaNWP/
AddressNew World Park, 40, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-227 2550
Operating HoursDaily 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Genuine Kerala cuisine is served on actual banana leaves at the Passions of Kerala restaurant in New World Park. In Penang, Malaysia, it is a well-known restaurant serving Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers delectable dishes from all around India, including curries that are not simply found in Kerala but are also fiery and savory.

Key Differentiators:

  • Affordable
  • Excellent service
  • Great cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Good service. I Love the food….specially achar. Superb delicious Indian food.”

Paramyesh Ben

5. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/Auntie-Gaik-Leans-Old-School-Eatery/
AddressNo.1, Bishop Street 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 17-434 4398
Operating hoursDaily 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM
Monday Closed

Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is available to satisfy your craving for Nyonya food. They are rather rare in the social media sector, but word of mouth has brought many individuals to Auntie Gaik Lean. Thus, the weekends are lively and crowded there. They sell a lot of Auntie Gaik Lean’s real Nyonya Chicken Rendang, which is one of their most well-liked dishes.

Key Differentiators:

  • Authentic Nyonya Cuisine
  • Tasting menus
  • Cozy atmosphere

Customer’s Review:

“Wonderful Nyonya food. A great selection of Nyonya dishes and many vegetarian options. Staff were great with explanations and assisting our choices, can’t wait to go again.”

Cheryl Fankhauser

6. Emily’s Steakhouse Penang  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://emilyssteakhousepenang.business.site/
Address89, Muntri Street 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Emailemilyspenang@gmail.com
Operating hoursDaily 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Emily’s Steakhouse Penang gives Malaysia a true taste of Britain by delivering chargrilled steaks, fish & chips, and the traditional hot English breakfast. This popular restaurant on Victoria Street serves premium British steaks and was imported to Penang from Darby, UK. A diverse menu that emphasizes meat includes options including char-grilled rib eyes with fries and salad, handmade onion rings, and salmon packages with English garden herbs.

Key Differentiators:

  • Cozy atmosphere
  • Reasonable price
  • Excellent service

Customer Testimonial:

“Emily never fails. The tastes, the environment, the service, the efficiency, everything is great! Alao, their lunch is definitely worth it! Affordable prices for quality dishes.”

ViVien Tan

7. Kebaya Dining Room

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/KebayaDiningRoom/
Address2-16 Stewart Lane 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-264 2333
Emailkebaya@7terraces.com

The Kebaya Dining Room is a great place to find out more about Baba Nyonya customs, including their authentic Nyonya cuisine, fashion, and décor. You may play the part of a real Nyonya while enjoying their delectable Nyonya cuisine. The Grilled Chicken Kapitan, which has a fragrant paste made of chile, garlic, shallots, and candlenuts, is what you should order. Additionally, their otak-otak pie and seabass that has been prepared with garlic and turmeric are both incredibly crispy.

Key Differentiators:

  • Serves modern interpretation of Nyonya cuisine 
  • Classic cocktails
  • Stylish interior

Customer’s Review:

“Lovely decor, attentive staff, wonderful food. The service today was exemplary. I always enjoy coming back to Kebaya Dining Room.”

Cheryl Fankhauser

8. Suffolk House Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.suffolkhouse.com.my/
Address250, Jalan Air Itam 10460 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-228 3930
Emailinfo@suffolkhouse.com.my

A two-hundred-year-old Georgian house named Suffolk House has been conserved and refurbished. The Suffolk House is well-known for being a nice place to go on a date. They offer delectable treats. One of Penang’s best scones, which is crumbly on the exterior and smooth within, is made there. Their handcrafted ice cream flavors of rum and raisins and papaya and nutmeg are also delectable.

Key Differentiators:

  • Romantic atmosphere
  • Stylish interior
  • Scenic views

Customer’s Review:

“Had a great experience here in Suffolk House for Birthday celebration. Friendly staffs, the ambient is cozy and nice.”

Lee Wei Sheng

9. Woodlands Vegetarian Indian Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/Woodlands-Vegetarian-Indian-Restaurant-210686258965482/
Address60 Lebuh Penang 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-263 9764
Emailwoodlandspenang@gmail.com
Operating HoursDaily 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Vegetarian-friendly foods are served at Woodlands Vegetarian on banana leaves. The restaurant can get rather crowded at times due to the outstanding vegetarian meals and affordable costs. The restaurant is popular with travelers of various nationalities, not just those from India.

Key Differentiators:

  • Large menu
  • Cheap eats
  • Great food

Customer Testimonial:

“Excellent Indian restaurant with a great choice of dishes, all vegetarian. Try the paper dosa!”

Dominik Hock

10. Sushi Kitchen

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.sushikitchenvegan.com/
AddressNo. 31-9-29, Lebuh Nipah 5, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Phone+60 11-5643 0633
Emailhelpline@sushikitchenvegan.com
Operating hoursMon 11:30am-9:00pm, Wed-Thu 11:30am-9:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm

The vegan sushi chain Sushi Kitchen is known by this name. They opened in 2009 and are the country’s first plant-based sushi restaurant. As their primary ingredients, fresh fruit and vegetables are used. As a daily meal establishment, it took them ten years to thoroughly adapt their food to the needs of the modern world.

Key Differentiators:

  • Reasonable price
  • Fresh fruits and vegetable as main cooking ingredients
  • High consciousness vegan cuisine

Customer’s Review:

“Very good service, can WhatsApp them to customize your orders. Earlier I can only consume liquid kind of food, hence they have customized me the porridge that suit my need. Highly recommended. Meanwhile they also followed up closely whether I have received my food through Lalamove. Really appreciate that.”

Chm Hm

11. Kota Dine & Coffee – when Francis meets rempah

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/KotaDineAndCoffee/
AddressFort Cornwallis 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-371 4929
Emailkotacornwallis@gmail.com
Operating hoursDaily 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday Closed

The name “Kota Dine & Coffee – when Francis meets rempah” must have piqued your interest. It’s all about showcasing current Nyonya cuisine here. The bright variety of meals is packed with unique tastes, yet they are seasoned with unusual touches that make them entirely distinct. It’s as thrilling as beginning with a Laksa Mojito, followed by deconstructed satay, Nasi Lemak, Samosa, and a blended dish of dehydrated leeks, kerabu rice, and otak-otak pate. Your taste buds will be in orbit here like on a rocket ship.

Key Differentiators:

  • Serves Authentic traditional dishes
  • Creative Cuisine
  • Charming place

Customer’s Review:

“Good food of Nyonya style, delicious dishes. Delivery on Brunch Combo is superb. Nyonya food and Dimsum items. Recommended!”

Henry Susanti

12. Mum’s Nyonya Cuisine

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/mumsnyonyacuisine/
Address31D Abu Siti Lane 10400 Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 12-669 1318
Emailmums.nyonya.cuisine@gmail.com
Operating hoursDaily 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Monday Closed

Mum’s Nyonya Cuisine is the ideal spot for you if you want to wind down with some homey cuisine after a busy day. Because this little restaurant can only fit a small number of people, they don’t often do huge crowds, but they’re always packed with returning visitors.

They specialize in precisely authentic Nyonya cuisine, using only homegrown recipes. They have a variety of well-known (and some one-of-a-kind) dishes on their menu, including jiu hu char, loh bak, curry kapitan, inchi kabin, and otak-otak.

Key Differentiators:

  • Serve Traditional Nyonya homecooked dishes 
  • Family’s secret recipes handed down from generations to generations
  • Affordable 

Customer’s Review:

“Good authentic Peranakan cuisine.”

Simon Ong

13. Somkid’s Thai Food 

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/Somkidsthaifood/
AddressPrima Tanjung 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 11-1625 8876
Emailkrishybackk@hotmail.com
Operating HoursDaily 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

If you enjoy spicy Thai food that is offered at a fair price, Somkid’s Thai Food is a terrific Thai restaurant for you. It is a straightforward, real Thai restaurant. Everything about the food’s flavor is perfect. It’s a terrific chance to taste more meals because portions aren’t too big.

Key Differentiators:

  • Authentic Thai food
  • Good servings
  • Reasonable price

Customer Testimonial:

“Great tasting and authentic Thai food in Penang!”

Jason Liew

14. Azuma Japanese Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/azumaqueensbaymall/
Address2F-87 (South Zone ) , Queensbay Mall , 100 , Persiaran Bayan Indah 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-641 3118
Emailazuma.queensbay@yahoo.com.my
Operating hoursDaily 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM

Azuma is a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. Azuma serves an excellent selection of sushi, sashimi, yakiniku, teppanyaki, and washoku in a contemporary and pleasant environment. The cuisine is distinct, and it’s all prepared by experts to pique your appetite.

It’s okay to point out that you should make reservations before going because the restaurant is usually packed during lunch and dinner hours. Look for the renowned fusion dish Azuma Zushi Pizza when you’re there.

Key Differentiators:

  • Combo Platter
  • Discounts
  • Black Cod, Cream Croquette and Okonomiyaki

Customer Testimonial:

“Reasonably priced food with great service. Had chicken teriyaki set in here, great taste paired with chawanmushi.”

Alex Voo

15. Edo Ichi Japanese Restaurant

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/EdoIchiJapaneseRestaurant/
AddressG-05 & G-06, Island Plaza 118, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Jalan Utara, 10470 Pulau Penang
Phone04-890 3199
Emailedoichi_penang@yahoo.com

Edo Ichi Japanese Restaurant offers something unique – a refined spin on the traditional Izakaya eating and drinking style.

Food is a basic need in life, and Edo Ichi embraces the belief that it should be simple to eat and shared with friends and family at all times.

Edo Ichi has a long history on Penang, and many residents have a soft spot for it. try the fresh salad, sushi, garlic rice, and dried prawns fried rice!

Key Differentiators:

  • Authentic flavor of the east while respecting the traditions of the past
  • The Sashimi Dinner set, which includes four types of sashimi, is available.

Customer Testimonial:

“A wonderful place to spend time with friends. The sashimi is super fresh. The food is excellent! Service is also very good. Two thumbs up!”

Robin AGPC

16. Pinxin Vegan Cuisine

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://pinxinvegan.com/
Address38, Lebuh Tye Sin, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+604 261 0043
Emailpinxinvegan@gmail.com
Operating hoursMon-Sun 11:00am-10:00pm

A vegan restaurant serving delectable, healthful, and animal-free food is called Pǐnxīn Vegan Cuisine. The majority of the food and drink served here is based on each item’s own flavor profile. They might make food that has layers of flavor, color, and spice that differ from one nation to the next.

Key Differentiators:

  • No added preservatives or additives in servings
  • Various layers of taste, of different colors, mixture of spices that diverse with multiple culture

Customer’s Review:

“As a vegetarian, recommend this place. Awesome vegetarian / vegan variety. Good ambience. Friendly waitresses. Cafe style. Price slightly steep though but can see the effort to make every dish fresh & tasty.”

Vijay Thaker


17. Cafe Lagenda

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/cafelagenda/
Address2 Carnavon Street 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-251 9300
Emaillagendacafe1910@gmail.com
Operating hoursMonday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Wednesday Closed

The casual-chic Malay and Indonesian cuisine of Cafe Lagenda in George Town is highly regarded. All of the traditional Malay foods are available, along with some Western fare. A great opportunity to try regional fish and a variety of different spices is the Ikan bakar rice set. The Ayam Penyet Rice Set, which is served in wooden boxes like bats called congkak, is a must-have for meat aficionados.

Key Differentiators:

  • Creative cuisine
  • Stylish interior
  • Best brunch

Customer Testimonial:

“Great food, atmosphere, and service. So good I went two days in a row during my visit to Penang.”

Susan Warner Dooley

18. Tai Tong Restaurant  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://maxim.com.my/en/tai-tong/
Address45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone+60 16-774 6625

Tai Tong Restaurant is known for its dumplings, and you may order trays upon trays of them in a variety of flavors, including salted-egg and seafood. They have continually served dim sum, and the quality has remained the same. Despite the fact that it is well-liked, cozy, and some foreigners may not like the open shophouse that faces the street, the Chinese food served here is excellent. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of dim sum, Chinese eateries on the island may serve some variation of the traditional dish Chu Char.

Key Differentiators:

  • Reasonable price
  • Variety of choices
  • Excellent service

Customer Testimonial:

“Was spoilt with choices for dim sum! Every dish was pretty good, especially love the dim sum with salted egg. Was there at 7am plus on a Thursday morning, not much crowd. Food was very value for money!”

Yiting

19. Indigo Restaurant at The Blue Mansion  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/Indigoatthebluemansion/
AddressCheong Fatt Tze Mansion 14, Leith Street 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-262 0006
Emailhhsm@cheongfatttzemansion.com
Operating hoursDaily 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

One of the top attractions in Penang is the Cheong Fatt Tze, often known as the Blue Mansion. You may dine in style at the Indigo Restaurant inside this heritage building in addition to taking a tour of its former home. Think Kagoshima Beef Bourguignon when considering the menu’s fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines, which is served in a setting created to complement Cheong Fatt Tze’s residence flawlessly.

Key Differentiators:

  • Indoor Dining
  • Romantic atmosphere
  • Great food

Customer Testimonial:

“Fantastic lunch menu at affordable rate (around RM90/pax). The best value premium casual dining I’ve tried. Love the local twist (e.g using Asam Laksa herbs and toppings on a salad dish) on their dishes.”

Sean Y.

20. Restaurant au Jardin  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.restaurant-aujardin.com/
Address125, Jalan Timah, 10150, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Emailkongchin@restaurant-aujardin.com
Operating hoursThursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:30PM – 2:30PM, 5:00PM – 10:00PM

Reduced carbon footprint and sustainable sourcing are values held by Restaurant Au Jardin. To give you the Au Jardin Dining Experience, they are doing everything they can to collaborate with local / urban farmers and suppliers. Their cuisine consists of the freshest ingredients that are available during the season and in the market. 

Key Differentiators:

  • Great food
  • Excellent service
  • Reasonable price

Customer Testimonial:

“Surprisingly delicious fusion fine dining. The blend of Eastern spices and western food provide a unique experience.”

Peter Tan

21. Il Bacaro  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://campbellhousepenang.com/il-bacaro/
Address106 Lebuh Campbell, 10100 Georgetown,Penang, Malaysia
Phone+(604) 2618290
Emailinfo@campbellhousepenang.com
Operating hoursDaily 11:00AM-11:00PM

Il Bacaro is a little Italian sanctuary delivering a sense of La Dolce Vita while in Penang, despite the fact that Penang has fantastic street food. Take comfort in traditional favorites like homemade gnocchi and delectable tiramisu. Even tourists from Napoli have praised our pizzas. Check out their always changing Specials board by Chef Mauro. They serve authentic, freshly prepared Italian meals made with locally sourced seafood and veggies along with only Italian ingredients and Mamma’s family traditions.

Key Differentiators:

  • Authentic cuisine
  • Excellent service
  • Reasonable price

Customer Testimonial:

“One of the best authentic italian cuisine i had with my wife. Definitely recommend this place to everyone who wish to taste authentic italian cuisines.”

Thinesh Prathaban

22. Two Frenchies Restaurant  

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/TwoFrenchiesRestaurant/
Address36 Bishop Street, Georgetown 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-261 2000
Emaildiana@twofrenchiesrestaurant.com
Operating hoursTuesday-Sunday 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM, Monday Closed

Key Differentiators:

  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Delicious pastries
  • Excellent service

Customer Testimonial:

“Lovely French restaurant with a really nice service. Super crowded during lunch. Recommend the escargot, very well cooked and so tasty. Apple tart was also my favorite. Reasonable price.”

Nuch Suppanuch

23. Jawi House Cafe Gallery

Key ServicesRestaurants Penang
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/jawihouse/
Address85 Lebuh Armenian, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone+60 4-261 3680
Emailjawihousepenang@gmail.com
Operating hoursMonday-Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Tuesday Closed

Jawi House Cafe Gallery is a gallery that specializes in regional artwork, prints, hand-painted fabrics, and carvings. It is located on the popular and historic Armenian Street. Additionally, it is a cafe with a focus on both traditional and contemporary Jawi Peranakan food.

Key Differentiators:

  • Cozy atmosphere
  • Good for working
  • Malay Indian cuisine

Customer Testimonial:

“Nice ambience with cozy interior. The foods also taste good and tasteful.”

Armijn Shoib

Restaurants Penang

Penang is a foodie’s paradise, with an abundance of restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for Italian, French, Japanese, or Malaysian food, you’ll be able to find something to your taste in Penang. Visit one today!

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Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Malaysia. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Malaysia. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Malaysia has to offer.