Penang restaurants and food
Shrimp is one of the best seafood dishes in Penang
Food lovers are in for a real treat as there is such an authentic choice of diverse fares in Penang that are a constant delight. Local specialities include laksa noodles in thick fish broth served with pineapple, vegetables and shrimp paste. Every type of international cuisine from sushi to traditional roast dinners can be found in the tourist-orientated eateries on the coast, while hawker stalls are great for a quick energy fix during sightseeing excursions.
All manner of traveller staples from sandwiches to banana pancakes are served at the Georgetown backpacker hangouts around Lebuh Chulia, while the food courts frequented by locals are the best bets for inexpensive flavour-packed Malay dishes. For a splurge it is well worth visiting the revolving restaurant of the City Bayview hotel (see below) which is a romantic treat with exceptional views and above average food.
As you might imagine for such a prestigious port, seafood is the star attraction here and everything from Penang’s famous oysters to lobster, cuttlefish, clams and bass can be found for a fraction of the cost of similar entities in the West.
There are so many exquisite restaurants in Penang it really is a gourmand’s paradise like nowhere else in Malaysia.
Have a browse over our extensive, up to date list below, which include open hours, address, phone number, and budget rating of some of Penang's best known eateries.
Penang restaurants in Georgetown
Revolving Restaurant: Wonderful panoramic view of Georgetown and the coast bring people here but the food and attentive service are similarly endearing. Buffet costs RM38 and ensures that nobody will leave hungry. City Bayview Hotel; Jalan Low Yat, Tanjung Bungah, Tel: +60 (0)4 263 3161. $$$
Hameediyah: This century-old building houses a fabulous Indian restaurant which services sumptuous feasts for just a few dollars. Try the crisp rotis with a variety of stunning sambals or feast on authentic delicacies such as malai kofta. 164 Lebuh Campbell. $
Maharaj: Another great Indian restaurant in a flash but intimate building that does tasty versions of all your favourite curries from around RM10 a dish. A superb budget choice. 132 Jalan Penang. $$
Malibu: Backpacker-orientated bar and cafe with a tastyand varied menu. Great place to meet up with other travellers with plenty of reading material and reasonably-priced drinks. 344 Lebuh Chulia. $
Mee Noodles comes from Chinese influence
Kashmir: This upscale restaurant is a favourite spot for the trendy business crowd and specialises in north Indian cuisine from the Himalayas region. Kormas, biryanis and roasted meats keep satisfied customers returning. Oriental Hotel; 105 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 362 7411. $$$
Ocean Green: This is considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Penang with rock oysters, huge prawns and tropical snapper or grouper regularly appearing on the menu. Sea views from the open air dining area add to the glorious experience. Paramount Hotel; 48F Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4227 3649. $$$
Restoran May Garden: Cantonese seafood dishes served in the lovely atmosphere of old Penang with no shortage of happy patrons. Phone ahead to book at the weekends or be sure to get here early. 70 Jalan Penang, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 261 6435. $$
Beach Blanket Babylon: Popular cafe boasting freshly ground beans from around the world as well as delicate pastries, sandwiches, pies and smoothies. 16 Lebuh Bishop, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 263 8101. $$
Eden Steak House: Despite the suggestive name to the contrary, seafood is what’s best on this menu and everything is as fresh as can be. Reservations necessary on weekends but it is certainly worth trying to squeeze in. Jalan Hutton, Georgetown, Penang. $$
Dragon King: Traditional Nyonya cuisine featuring Chinese and spicy Malay flavours is produced with aplomb here and the menu won’t break the bank either. 99 Lebuh Bishop, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 261 8035. $$
Betel Nut Cafe: The oft-misunderstood betel nut is the star attraction at this Georgetown eatery which is popular with the traveller crowd and features a pool table and reasonably-priced drinks. 360 Chulia St, Penang, tel: +60 (0)1 411 8756. $
Hot Wok Cafe: Period collectibles and antiques adorn this Penang giving the impression of travelling back in time to a grander age. The authentic Nyonya cuisine including freshly caught seafood is simply divine also. Open: 11:00-15:00 and 18:00-22:30, 125 Desa Tanjung, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 899 0858. $$
The Ship: Seafood restaurant in Penang housed within an imposing black sailboat with a list of seafood platters long enough to satisfy any craving. 42-46 Jalan Sri Bahari, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 881 2123. $$$
Eliza: Another favourite restaurant within the City Bayview Hotel offering traditional Malay cuisine, live music and spectactular views. Open: 11:30-15:00 and 18:00-21:30 daily, City Bayview Hotel, 25A Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 263 3161. $$
The Brasserie: If you fancy a taste of the Gallic then this is the place to come. French haut cuisine is the name of the game here with lobster, pan-fried salmon, melt-in-the-mouth steak and lamb all presented with typical poise. Be sure to reserve a table to avoid disappointment. Open: 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-22:30, Jalan Magazine, Shangri-La Hotel, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 262 2622. $$$$
Price guide
$ – dishes under US$3; beer US$2; local spirit US$2.50;cocktails US$3
$$ – dishes US$3-10; beer US$2.50; local spirit US$3; cocktails US$4.50
$$$ – dishes US$10-20; beer US$4; local spirit US$4.50; cocktails US$6
$$$$ – dishes over US$20; beer US$5; local spirit US$5; cocktails US$8
Penang restaurants in Batu Ferringhi
Peppino: A true taste of Italy with delectable pasta dishes with a twist, all the bounty of the sea plus some innovative takes on Tuscan classics. Classic decor matches the inspirational menu. Open: 18:30-22:00, Shangri-La’s Golden Sands Resort, Batu Ferringgi Beach, tel: +60 (0)4 881 1911. $$$
Ferringhi Grill: One for carnivores, this Penang restaurant within a Tudor dining room has a meat-laden menu of poultry, veal, lamb and steak choices as well as fresh seafood prepared with faultless care. Open: 19:00-22:30 daily), Rasa Sayang Resort, Batu Ferringhi, tel: +60 (0)4 881 1811. $$$
Tiffins: If your not sure what you want for dinner or are eating with fussy friends this is a great choice. The wide-ranging menu of oriental dishes and Western favourites mixes influences from all over the world and everything is produced with consummate attention to detail. Penang Parkroyal Hotel, Batu Ferringhi, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 229 1095). $$
Eden Seafood Village: Everything from eels, prawns, lobster and cuttlefish can be found here and you can choose your meal alive in tanks by the table. A wonderful experience as well as first rate food. 69-A Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, tel: +60 (0)4 811 1236. $$
The View: Top quality French cuisine including snails in garlic butter, a wondrous bouillabaisse and (you’d guessed it) sumptuous seafood caught fresh that morning. The desert menu is not half bad either. Open: 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-22:30, 1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas, tel: +60 (0)4 643 8111. $$$$
Penang restaurants in Teluk Bahang
End of the World Restaurant: Popular place for curry seafood such as crab, lobster or prawns plus relaxing sea views. Julan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, tel: +60 (0)4 885 1189. $$
La Farfalla: This award-winning Penang restaurant produces some of the finest Italian cuisine in Malaysia with specialities including beef carpaccio and many pasta options in a sophisticated setting. Open: Monday-Saturday, 18:30-22:30, Mutiara Penang Beach Resort, 1 Jalan Teluk Bahang, tel: (0)4 885 2828. $$$$
