Cilantro
One of the city's most celebrated formal dining spots, Cilantro impresses with meticulous French fare showcasing first-rate Japanese ingredients. The menu spans classic French to adventurous Japanese-French fusion. Alongside à la carte options, the Japanese chef offers various set menus and prix-fixes. Try his signature cold capellini, served with seasonal sauces and accompaniments. Lunch is available on Fridays only.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
French
Business / Client DinnerCouple / Date
Yun House
Set beneath high ceilings with lovely views, Yun House is a refined choice for both casual and formal gatherings. A Cantonese specialist who has lived in Southeast Asia for many years helms the kitchen. His concise, pork-free menu spotlights quality seafood and dim sum. Don't miss the daily Inspirational Soup or fresh prawns simmered with glass noodles, and end with the crispy red bean pancake. The signature duck must be pre-ordered.
Kuala Lumpur City CentreChineseBusiness / Client DinnerCouple / Date
Passage Thru India
Established in 1993, Passage Thru India draws attention with both its cooking and its artistic interior. The owner, also an artist, painted the murals on the walls and ceilings, creating a vibrant yet intimate cottage feel. The sizeable menu offers a range of traditional Indian favourites, including tandoori dishes and coal-fired-oven naan and roti. The aromatic biryani rice is a highlight, perfect with any of the tapas-sized plates.
Kuala Lumpur City CentreIndianFriends / GroupCouple / Date
Skillet
Skillet features a wine cellar and a lounge for drinks before or after your meal. The tasteful venue is adorned with striking dried flower arrangements depicting the seasons, mirroring the season-driven menu of dishes rooted in solid European techniques with occasional local accents. Try the dried longan bread and the ramson-flavoured angel hair pasta. The set lunch menu is a particular bargain.
Kuala Lumpur City CentreInnovative / ModernBusiness / Client DinnerCouple / Date
Nyonya Willow
For an authentic slice of Penang culinary life, seek out Nyonya Willow—tucked in a residential neighbourhood frequented mostly by locals. The room is decorated with vintage Nyonya photos and motifs, heralding a feast of northern Peranakan specialities. The signature gulai tumis (tamarind fish curry) is based on a recipe passed down from the owner's mother, striking the perfect balance of sour and spicy. The asam prawn is another must. Save room for the heart-warming desserts.
PenangPeranakanFriends / GroupCouple / DateFamily
Air Itam Duck Rice
Among Penang's many roasted duck shops, Air Itam Duck Rice stands out for its tender braised duck, infused with soy sauce, anise, and cinnamon. The meat is packed with flavour yet beautifully yielding. The stall also serves braised pork belly, pork intestines, egg, and bean curd—a solid, soul-warming menu rooted in Penang tradition.
PenangMalaysianFriends / GroupFamilySolo Dining
Air Itam Sister Curry Mee
Tucked inside a market, Air Itam Sister Curry Mee serves Penang-style curry mee at friendly prices. The noodles are cooked over charcoal, swimming in a well-balanced broth of spices, chilli paste, and coconut milk. Tofu puffs and spring squid add contrasting textures, rounding out a satisfying bowl that reflects the everyday heart of Penang street food.
PenangMalaysianFriends / GroupFamilySolo Dining
Pitt Street Koay Teow Soup
Pitt Street Koay Teow Soup has been serving Penang's beloved fish ball soup for over 60 years, settling into its current location in 2009. Fish balls are made fresh in-house daily using flavoursome sea eel meat that complements the pork broth beautifully. Order "extra minced pork and fish ball"—the minced pork comes as flat pork balls—and top with plenty of crispy garlic bits. Homemade cakes and tarts make a lovely finish.
PenangMalaysianFriends / GroupFamilySolo Dining
Curios-City
Finding Curios-City takes some effort—there's no sign and the exterior is deliberately understated. Inside, however, a stunning, moody wabi-sabi interior filled with greenery creates a cosy, stylish ambience. The chef creates dishes rooted in European techniques and punctuated by Malaysian twists, offering three set menus that rotate every two months. Try the seven-course set to experience his culinary vision in full.
PenangInnovative / ModernBusiness / Client DinnerCouple / Date
Christoph’s
Opened in 2022, Christoph's brings Austrian family favourites to Penang. The signature Wiener schnitzel—a traditional deep-fried breaded pork chop with a crispy crust and juicy meat—is the heart of the menu, with a veal cutlet available on request. The Salzburger nockerl, a sweet, fluffy soufflé served with house-made lingonberry sauce, is unmissable. As a wine importer himself, the owner has curated an excellent selection of Austrian bottles.
PenangOthersFriends / GroupCouple / Date
Richard Rivalee
Fashion designer Richard Rivalee shares his passion for Nyonya culture and Peranakan food in this smartly vintage spot. Antique knick-knacks and heritage premises nod to Baba-Nyonya traditions. The deceptively simple, homespun dishes are finessed with spot-on seasoning and plenty of punch. The otak-otak—savoury fish egg custard—combines velvety texture with just the right heat. To reduce food waste, most items are available in two portion sizes.
PenangPeranakanFriends / GroupCouple / DateFamily
Blacklinen
Overseen by Chef Benny Yeoh, Blacklinen serves expertly chargrilled fare within a design-forward luxury hotel. A dry-aging fridge, showcasing premium meats, greets diners at the door. The menu features dry- and wet-aged beef cuts, lamb, and duck breast alongside seafood, chicken, and other steakhouse favourites. When in doubt, the attentive staff can suggest the right cut. Be sure to save room for the tiramisu.
PenangOthersBusiness / Client DinnerCouple / Date
Jawi House
Nestled in a neighbourhood rich in cultural heritage, Jawi House blends in seamlessly. The retro setting provides the backdrop for the chef's combinations of Malay, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences. Alongside an excellent selection of biryanis, try the jawi laksa lemak—rice noodles with flaked tuna and mackerel in coconut milk broth—and the papadum. The fish curry is always a good pick; ask the staff about the catch of the day.
PenangPeranakanFriends / GroupCouple / Date
Bao Teck Tea House
For an authentic yum cha experience and excellent Cantonese dim sum, Bao Teck Tea House delivers in style. The room has historic charm, with details like patterned tile flooring and a moss garden worth admiring. The steamed har gow dumplings made with local shrimp and the deep-fried yam puffs in an airy honeycomb crust are must-tries. The owner also runs a bakery, so the Chinese baked goods are equally excellent.
PenangChineseFriends / GroupFamily
Penang Famous Samosa
This stall in Little India serves a delicious range of samosas, including mutton, chicken, sardine, egg, and vegetable. Encased in a crispy shell, the flavoursome fillings are moderately spicy—letting each ingredient shine. Prices are fair too, so it's no wonder customers are prepared to queue for their turn.
PenangIndianFriends / GroupFamilySolo Dining
888 Hokkien Mee
For 30 years, this small outlet has been serving Hokkien-style noodles in prawn soup. The soup boasts a beautiful rich red colour and sweet, umami-packed flavour. Add textural variety with braised pork ribs or roasted pork—both highly recommended. A humble bowl that hits all the right notes, time and again.
PenangMalaysianFriends / GroupSolo Dining
Fatty Loh Chicken Rice
Now in its third generation, Fatty Loh Chicken Rice is renowned for its Hainanese chicken rice while also offering other Southeast Asian favourites. The signature chicken boasts springy skin and velvety flesh, and can be ordered in halves or standard portions. A long-standing neighbourhood favourite where simple, careful cooking takes centre stage.
PenangMalaysianFriends / GroupFamilySolo Dining
Sambal
Located on a buzzy, vibrant street, Sambal serves a tantalising mix of Asian and European flavours. There's a unique twist to the beloved Lap Mei Fun, with fragrant rice, Chinese sausage, char siew, and crispy pork lard. The Udang Entangled claypot boasts a rich, creamy broth infused with Chinese wine, served with glass noodles and succulent prawns. The standout dessert is the taro purée—a modern take on creamy Teochew yam.
PenangInnovative / ModernFriends / GroupCouple / DateThe truthfulness, accuracy, or completeness of the information contained on this website shall not be guaranteed.
