While fine dining can be a stuffy experience for some, Bref by Darren Chin completely blows this out of the water as its casual-fine menu is approachable and has something for everyone. From Hokkaido scallop with a stuffed sweet pepper to Australian Wagyu MB7 with celeriac cream, the meal is a well-executed experience.

Credit should go to the kitchen team who operates with impressive efficiency. If you have room in the stomach, add an order of its capellini that features some of the freshest Japanese seafood ever tasted. 

Chateau Dionne runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to the attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff, who are able to guide you through the impressive menu and wine list. For an unforgettable French dining experience, start with the escargot with garlic herb butter to share, followed by the bouillabaisse made with perfectly cooked seasonal Japanese fish.

Definitely do not skip the signature CD Soufflé, dressed with Grand Marnier, orange, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The restaurant keeps a tally of how many soufflés they have served since opening; ours was number 8512.

Housed in a tastefully maintained 260-million-year-old cave, Jeff’s Cellar exudes romance with an air of mystery. The restaurant offers two nine-course tasting menus—Inception and Tanah. The former is also labelled as the Chairman’s Favourite and showcases international flavours.

On the other hand, Tanah focuses on local profiles comprising familiar ingredients such as assam, pomelo, and Bentong ginger. Standout dishes on this menu are the Onsen, a hot spring poached Hokkaido scallop with Tanjung Malim caviar; the foie gras with pickled jicama; bunga kantan charred cod; and the A5 Wagyu with truffle potato pavé and Bordelaise sauce. 

Pushing boundaries and setting standards, Restaurant au Jardin redefines the ceiling for culinary experiences in Penang. The focus at the restaurant is on the sourcing of the produce, from pickled Cameron Highlands chayote to local duck.

The experience is world class, from the dishes and the wine list to the service. Restaurant au Jardin truly shatters expectations of what food in Penang is and more importantly, what it could be.

Tucked away in Menara Noble Land, Ultime Atelier & Boulangerie provides an escape into a classy French bistro—one offering foie gras, croque madame, and morels throughout its menu. The meal is a commendable homage to the classically loved flavours of France.

Most notably, the bountiful basket of breads is the stuff of doughy dreams! The super cosy restaurant has a funky mix of classy and kitschy décor, which works well. Do definitely visit for classy French flavours in an intimate, white-tablecloth space.