Aliyaa Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

Aliyaa Sri Lankan Cuisine along Lebuh Melayu brings authentic Sri Lankan flavours to George Town, offering a dining experience that is somewhat different from the usual local curry establishments. The restaurant is an extension of its Kuala Lumpur counterpart, which has earned the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition, and carries a good selection of Sri Lankan specialties. The menu offers a variety of choices, showcasing the cuisine's distinctive use of spices, aromatic curries and traditional cooking methods. Prices are generally mid to high range, although the restaurant provides a proper dining environment with a more comfortable and presentable setting. For those looking to explore Sri Lankan cuisine beyond the familiar offerings, Aliyaa makes an interesting addition to Penang's dining scene. 

Many Thanks to Aliyaa for hosting us. 

The Robin @ Pekaka Square, Sungai Dua, Penang.

The Robin at Pekaka Square is a comfortable spot for a casual brunch, with a well-spaced, air-conditioned dining area and comfortable seating. Its brunch menu covers familiar options such as Toast, Big Breakfast and Pasta, along with Japanese-inspired Don choices, offering a decent variety for different preferences. Prices are fairly reasonable considering the portions and setting, while the food was generally of good quality and well prepared. Overall, The Robin makes for a pleasant neighbourhood option for a leisurely brunch. 

Old Bridge Cuisine 老桥闽记 @ Kampung Malabar, Georgetown, Penang.

Old Bridge Cuisine 老桥闽记 in Kampung Malabar, Penang focuses on traditional Chinese flavours, with recipes passed down through generations of the owner’s family. The air-conditioned dining space is comfortable and casual, making it a convenient spot for a quick meal in George Town. The menu features several unique flavour combinations, with the Signature Braised Beef and Flavoured Rice Set standing out for its distinctive pairing. Prices are generally reasonable, although the seafood dishes are comparatively higher. Overall, Old Bridge Cuisine offers a glimpse into traditional family recipes while adding its own touches to the dining experience.

YONNY 鱼你 @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The Penang debut of YONNY 鱼你 at Icon City (and Gurney Plaza) brings this multi-branch Malaysian chain to Icon City with a focused concept built around Suan Cai fish, making it a convenient fix when those tangy, comforting cravings hit. The menu is particularly approachable for solo diners, with single-portion options that still feel satisfyingly generous for the price, keeping things firmly in wallet-friendly territory. While the concept is straightforward rather than expansive, it delivers exactly what it sets out to do—a quick, fuss-free stop for a hearty bowl without stretching the budget. 

Common Social @ Sri Bahari Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Housed along Sri Bahari Road in George Town, Common Social is one of the city's newer Italian dining spots, offering a menu centred on Italian-inspired favourites such as handcrafted pizzas, fresh pasta and a handful of appetisers and desserts. The restaurant embraces a clean, contemporary setting with a comfortable dining atmosphere that makes it equally suitable for casual lunches or laid-back dinners. We found the prices to be reasonable for the quality and overall experience, making it a worthwhile option if you're in the mood for approachable Italian fare in the heart of the city. 

Jin Hai Dim Sum 金海点心茶楼 @ Queens Waterfront 2, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Nestled at Queens Waterfront Q2 Commercial, Jin Hai Dim Sum (金海点心茶楼) offers a dining experience unlike most dim sum restaurants in Penang. Housed within a decommissioned ferry, diners get to enjoy panoramic views of the Penang Bridge while savouring their breakfast. Although the restaurant is not air-conditioned, the open-air concept allows for ample sea breeze, making it pleasantly comfortable during the mornings. The dim sum menu is relatively concise compared to some of the more established names in town, though it covers most of the popular staples. Prices are fairly average, making it an interesting spot to visit for both the food and the waterfront setting. 

Umi-Ya Sushi @ Batu Kawan, Penang.

One of the latest Japanese dining additions to Batu Kawan, Umi-Ya Sushi offers an extensive menu featuring everything from sushi and sashimi to donburi, noodles and grilled favourites, ensuring there's something for diners of all ages. Prices are kept reasonable considering the variety on offer, making it suitable for both casual meals and family gatherings. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned with ample parking nearby, adding to the overall convenience. Whether you're after a quick sushi fix or a more substantial Japanese meal, Umi-Ya Sushi is a welcome addition to Batu Kawan's growing dining scene. 

ROKKA Robatayaki by Little June Sushi @ Jelutong, Penang.

One of the newer Japanese restaurants in Jalan Hamilton, ROKKA Robatayaki offers a menu of Japanese favourites with contemporary fusion influences, from robatayaki and sushi to various hot dishes. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal, while the food was generally decent. However, prices are above average, and I felt the quality and portion sizes did not quite justify the premium. 

Yakiniku Sudaku @ Central at G, Penang.

Located at Central @ Gurney, Yakiniku Sudaku is a Japanese-Korean restaurant with a strong focus on yakiniku, offering a wide selection of barbecued meats ranging from reasonably priced choices to premium cuts for a more indulgent experience. The menu also extends beyond the grill with a variety of Japanese and Korean favourites, making it suitable for different dining preferences. Prices are generally reasonable, while the attentive service adds to the overall experience. One drawback, however, is the less-than-ideal ventilation, so don't be surprised if you leave smelling like barbecue after your meal.

Sek Kai Hainan Chicken Rice @ Batu Kawan, Penang.

For an affordable and tummy-satisfying meal in Batu Kawan, consider stopping by Sek Kai Hainan Chicken Rice. Located within the Bandar Cassia commercial area, this air-conditioned eatery serves a variety of rice and noodle dishes paired with favourites such as Char Siew, Siew Yoke, Roasted Duck and Chicken, offering plenty of options for a straightforward meal. Prices remain wallet-friendly, making it an easy choice when you're looking for something filling without spending too much. While the setting is simple and fuss-free, it works well as a convenient spot for a quick fix in the area. 

Qi Li Xiang Dumpling and Noodle House 七里香饺子面馆 @ Jalan CY Choy, Georgetown, Penang.

Taking over the former Win Win Soya spot near Lebuh Cecil, Qi Li Xiang Dumpling Noodle House (七里香饺子面馆) is a modest eatery focusing on a small menu of China Chinese–inspired noodle dishes. Diners can expect options such as Scallion Oil Noodles and Chongqing Mala Noodles, alongside dumplings that are made to order, giving them a freshly prepared touch. Prices remain fairly reasonable, making it an accessible place for a casual meal in the area. That said, while the offerings are decent enough for a quick bite, the overall quality feels fairly ordinary and doesn’t quite leave a particularly strong impression. 

Kim Shen Food Enterprise @ Taman Free School, Georgetown, Penang.

Hidden within Taman Free School’s residential blocks, Kim Shen Food Enterprise keeps things simple with a small local menu that rotates around familiar comfort picks like Lam Mee, Jawa Mee, Curry Mee and Nasi Lemak, with certain items such as Bubur Cha Cha reserved for weekends. Prices are refreshingly reasonable, making it an easy option when you just want an inexpensive local quick fix without venturing far. That said, nothing here feels particularly exciting or destination-worthy— it’s more the kind of humble neighbourhood spot that serves its purpose when convenience and affordability matter more than novelty. 

GAIA Petit Terrace Cafe and Restaurant @ Lorong Carnavon, Georgetown, Penang.

Located along Lorong Carnarvon in George Town, GAIA Petit Terrace Cafe & Restaurant offers a modern take on French cuisine within a stylish and intimate setting. The menu features contemporary French-inspired dishes with elegant presentation, while prices are in line with restaurant expectations rather than typical café fare. Portions lean towards the smaller side, and although the food was decent overall, it did not leave a particularly lasting impression. Service was polite but could have been more attentive, while the ambience felt somewhat reserved and lacked the warmth that often enhances a dining experience. Nevertheless, it remains an option for those looking to explore modern French dining in the city centre. 

Naing Tau Foo House 酿之家 @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Right in the heart of Bukit Mertajam, 酿之家 Naing Tau Foo House offers a cosy, homey dining setting with the added comfort of air-conditioning, making it an easy spot for a casual meal. The menu is fairly extensive, built primarily around its signature Yong Tau Foo with a variety of stuffed items, alongside local noodle and rice options that add flexibility for different appetites. Prices are generally reasonable for the portion and variety offered, making it a practical neighbourhood choice when you’re after familiar comfort food in a comfortable setting. 

Root House by Gēn 根家菜 @ 1926 Heritage Hotel, Burma Road, Penang.

Root House by Gēn 根家菜 is one of the latest concepts by the team behind Gēn, housed within the newly restored 1926 Heritage Hotel on Jalan Burma. Rather than serving conventional Chinese cuisine, the restaurant explores the culinary heritage of Malaysia's Chinese communities, drawing inspiration from dialect groups such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew and Hainanese. Complementing the food is a quiet and sophisticated dining space that's well-suited for an unhurried meal or business gathering, with several private dining rooms available and a total seating capacity of 52 guests. While prices are undoubtedly on the premium side, the attentive service, elegant surroundings and thoughtfully curated dining experience help justify the cost. The restaurant is pork-free, though alcoholic beverages are available.

Many Thanks to Root House by Gēn for hosting us.