Cover Steak at Neighbourwood Restaurant in Penang, an ideal restaurant for dinner in Penang (Photo: Neighbourwood)
Steak at Neighbourwood Restaurant in Penang, an ideal restaurant for dinner in Penang (Photo: Neighbourwood)
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We’ve rounded up a selection of tried and tested restaurants for dinner in Penang, whether you’re looking for a casual night out or celebrating a special occasion
Penang is home to not just some of Malaysia’s most iconic street food, but also some of its most celebrated restaurants. In recent years, the island has quietly evolved into one of Malaysia’s most exciting culinary destinations, where talented chefs, bartenders, and restaurateurs are redefining the way we dine. What sets Penang apart? A deeply rooted sense of community, a spirit of collaboration, and a willingness to blur the lines between tradition and innovation.
This unique synergy has led to the rise of intimate spaces and destination restaurants for dinner in Penang. Whether you’re road-tripping up from Kuala Lumpur for a weekend escape or flying in from abroad on your next food-focused getaway, Penang promises not just good meals, but unforgettable experiences.
To help you navigate this evolving scene, we’ve curated a list of restaurants that showcase the best of Penang’s dinner offerings. Trust us—you’ll want to book ahead for dinner in Penang.
Read more: 8 new restaurants, cafés, and bars in Malaysia to visit in July 2025
1. Neighbourwood
Above Capellini at Neighbourwood, Penang (Photo: Neighbourwood)
Above Pork belly at Neighbourwood, Penang (Photo: Neighbourwood)
Capellini at Neighbourwood, Penang (Photo: Neighbourwood)
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Asian-inspired grill house Neighbourwood serves up hot sharing plates that shine a light on local ingredients. With a vision of creating a neighbourhood communal dining space, founder Sean Khaw cut his chops across Hong Kong and Singapore before opening the Penang-based grill in 2020.
TRY: Truffle and kombu cold capellini, pork belly, grilled Wagyu
Neighbourwood. 3427, Jalan Kulim, Taman Bukit Mas, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Tel: +6012 903 0862
See also: Morning rituals: 10 traditional breakfasts across Southeast Asia
2. Mojo Jojo
Above Duck and chicken at Mojo Jojo, Penang (Photo: Mojo Jojo)
Above Crudites at Mojo Jojo, Penang (Photo: Mojo Jojo)
Duck and chicken at Mojo Jojo, Penang (Photo: Mojo Jojo)
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Contemporary restaurant Mojo Jojo showcases global flavours, led by Wagyu Tan and his team of young chefs. Often treated with the heat of the grill, his ever-changing range of creative plates run the gamut from brunch selections to a full feed-me menu for dinner in Penang.
TRY: Swimmer crab pie tee, stuffed wings, or the feed-me menu for the entire table
Mojo Jojo. 2A-01, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town
Tel: +6012 915 5031
3. Sood
Above Smoked Grouper Soup at Sood, Penang (Photo: Sood)
Above Banana Banana Banana, a dessert at Sood, Penang (Photo: Sood)
Smoked Grouper Soup at Sood, Penang (Photo: Sood)
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Located within a heritage house in Georgetown, Sood is Chef Ton’s first restaurant outside Thailand. While known for his innovative take on Thai fine dining, Sood’s bold and playful dishes are meant for sharing, and complement the restaurant’s maximalist interior.
TRY: Beef Larb Crispy Taco, Young Coconut Tapioca Chicken Soup, Five-Spice Lamb Shank
Sood. 33, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: +6019 898 2131
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4. Communal Table by Gen 根
Above Communal Table by Gen 根, Penang (Photo: Communal Table by Gen 根)
Communal Table by Gen 根, Penang (Photo: Communal Table by Gen 根)
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Communal Table by Gen 根 showcases Malaysian food culture and produce through strong and funky flavours, pushing boundaries of local dining. Seasonal flavours and fresh ingredients shine through in adventurous dishes. The relaxing yet sleek setting expands to its wine bar Wine Not, located just above, where guests are able to order from the same a la carte menu for a relaxing dinner in Penang.
TRY: Century Egg Tofu, Beef Carpaccio, Silver Silago
Communal Table by Gen 根. 68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Tel: +6012 578 3323
Communal Table by Gen 根
68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang
5. Gen 根
Above Gen 根’s interior (Photo: Gen 根)
Gen 根’s interior (Photo: Gen 根)
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Gen 根’s take on showcasing Malaysian food makes for a memorable dining experience utilising regional ingredients found across Malaysia. Dishes highlight the best of Malaysian produce through skillful techniques and meticulous cooking.
TRY: Tasting menu
Gen 根. Unit 6, 8 Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 Georgetown, Penang
Tel: +6012 511 3323
6. Restaurant au Jardin
Above Restaurant au Jardin’s interior (Photo: Restaurant au Jardin)
Restaurant au Jardin’s interior (Photo: Restaurant au Jardin)
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Restaurant au Jardin boasts terroir-driven cuisine with a fantastic fusion of local ingredients. The team is warm, personable, and knowledgeable, and attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the dining experience, which aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavours Malaysia has to offer.
TRY: Tasting menu
Restaurant au Jardin. Hin Bus Depot, The Warehouse, 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 Georgetown
+6012 428 9594
Restaurant au Jardin
$ $ $ $
Hin Bus Depot, The Warehouse, 125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Penang
7. Shokudo Niban
Above Skewers at Shokudo Niban (Photo: Shokudo Niban)
Skewers at Shokudo Niban (Photo: Shokudo Niban)
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Nestled in the corner of Hin Bus Depot, Shokudo Niban is a charming Japanese neighborhood izakaya. Warm woody furnishings and soft lighting evoke the charm of old Japan, complementing the simple menu curated by Su Kim Hock.
TRY: Selection of rice bowls and dons
Shokudo Niban. 125, Jalan Timah, 10300, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6017 812 1526
8. Nep
Above Ayam percik goreng at Nep, Penang (Photo: Nep)
Above Grilled asparagus at Nep, Penang (Photo: Nep)
Ayam percik goreng at Nep, Penang (Photo: Nep)
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Located inconspicuously along Lebuh Campbell in Georgetown, Penang, Nep is an intimate wine bar run by couple Goh Chia Ye and Koh Yee Ming. Its innovative and thoughtful menu pairs well with the selection of wines.
TRY: Radish, Pork Mantis Satay, Smoked Lamb Bao
Nep. 157, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: +6017 520 1573
9. Blanc
Above Crispy Scale Marble Goby, a dish at Blanc, Penang (Photo: Blanc)
Crispy Scale Marble Goby, a dish at Blanc, Penang (Photo: Blanc)
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Nestled in historic 100-year-old colonial heritage building Macalister Mansion, Blanc offers contemporary French cuisine with subtle Asian influences, a nod to the culinary landscape of Penang. Popular for not only their sit down dinners, but also intimate celebrations of all calibres, whether it be a romantic dinner or dinner date in Penang, guests can look forward to a seasonal menu with surprise dishes.
TRY: Hokkaido Scallop, Crispy Scale Marble Goby, Forest Log
Blanc. 228 Jalan Macalister, Macalister Mansion, 10400 George Town
+6019 239 9818
10. Firewood Restaurant Penang
Above Proteins at Firewood Restaurant Penang, Georgetown (Photo: Firewood Restaurant Penang)
Above Steak at Firewood Restaurant Penang, Georgetown (Photo: Firewood Restaurant Penang)
Proteins at Firewood Restaurant Penang, Georgetown (Photo: Firewood Restaurant Penang)
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Firewood Restaurant Penang is an open kitchen concept, focused on cooking with flames. Over 70 per cent of the menu is cooked on charcoal embers. Head chef and owner Ker Yang Hao lived in Singapore for seven years, but moved to Malaysia back during the pandemic, starting Firewood Restaurant Penang.
TRY: Grill Japan A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Sirloin, Firewood Aged Duck Breast, Firewood Beef Wellington
Firewood Restaurant Penang. 15, Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: +6017 989 9246
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
