Modern European$$$$batu-ferringhiDaily 18:00-22:30Book A few days ahead
Feringgi Grill has run since 1973 at the Rasa Sayang resort, old-world trolley service and ocean views at the smartest table on Penang's beach strip.
Tip: Dress code is enforced: long trousers and covered shoes for men; ask for a window table at sunset.
Steak and seafood$$$george-townTue-Sun 12:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00; closed MonBook A few days ahead
Firewood cooks everything over an open flame in a lofty heritage building on Pitt Street, Penang's purest expression of live-fire restaurant dining.
Tip: Ask for counter seats facing the grill; the smoke, sizzle and plating are half of what you are paying for.
Modern European$$$george-townTue-Sun 18:00-22:30; closed MonBook A few days ahead
La Vie serves Asian-inflected European dinners in the Le Dream Boutique Hotel on Rope Walk, a Michelin-listed Penang room without the ceremony.
Tip: The kataifi-wrapped tiger prawn is the plate the guide singles out; order it whatever else you choose.
Peranakan$$$RM138-158george-townDaily 18:00-22:30, seatings at 18:00 and 20:00Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Kebaya Dining Room sets Peranakan set menus under chandeliers at the Seven Terraces hotel, Penang's dressiest take on Straits Chinese cooking.
Tip: Two seatings nightly at 18:00 and 20:00; the later one lets you linger, and the set menu format keeps prices sane.
Modern European$$$$RM208-288george-townThu-Sun 11:30-14:00, 17:15-22:00; closed Mon-WedBook 2-4 weeks ahead
Au Jardin holds a Michelin star in the 2026 guide, plating produce-led European tasting menus inside a corrugated warehouse at Penang's Hin Bus Depot.
Tip: Lunch runs the same kitchen at a lower price than dinner; book the counter seats to watch the plating up close.
Asian fusionChef Johnson Wong$$$$RM398-498george-townWed 18:00-23:00; Thu-Sun 12:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00; closed Mon-TueBook 2-4 weeks ahead
Gēn is chef Johnson Wong's Michelin-listed tasting room in Penang, building menus from Malaysian produce and local fish down to their bones.
Tip: The name means root, and the menu reads like a Penang market list; take the wine or juice pairing built to match.