Happō @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

A new spot in the neighborhood, Happo brings a Japanese-inspired menu with a special focus on Chicken Ramen. While the menu isn’t extensive, the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, highlighting quality over quantity.  The cozy dining atmosphere makes it an inviting place for a casual meal, and the comforting flavors of the ramen definitely make Happo worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Maroon Fusion Cuisine @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Maroon Fusion Cuisine is the latest Muslim-friendly eatery at Arena Curve... offering an array of Malaysian's favorites. Expect to find some Mamak stall-focused dishes on the menu like Nasi Kandar, Maggi Goreng, Nasi Kandar... as well as Nasi Lemak and sides. The bright side- you get to enjoy these delicacies in a clean, air-conditioned and comfortable environment. Dishes are also reasonably priced with generous serving portions.

Mr. Wu Taiwan Restaurant 台湾料理专家 @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Popular Taiwanese food joint- Mr. Wu 台湾料理专家 has presence across the Klang Valley region and the outlet at Arena Curve is their very first in Penang (they are opening another outlet at City Junction Mall Tanjung Tokong). The menu is very much Taiwanese, bringing some of the classic, familiar Taiwanese delights with them. It is quite a pork-heavy menu so if you are not into pork dishes, the menu has very limited to offer. Price points are in the mid-range, considering the serving portion is fairly large. Worth dropping by if you are a Taiwanese food lover.

Viet Nam Quan @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Head over to this quiet Vietnamese restaurant- Viet Nam Quan at Arena Curve to satisfy your Pho cravings over hearty bowls of noodles. Though the restaurant has a big noodle menu, there are many other Vietnamese dishes as well. Classics like Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Pancakes, Banh Mi, Com Ga are available too, along with some Vietnamese home-cooked dishes. The place is air-conditioned and manned by Vietnamese; the server speaks and understands Mandarin perfectly so placing order is hassle-free. For those who are keen to purchase local Vietnamese products, there is a dedicated corner for products like Vietnamese Coffee, Vietnamese Instant Noodles, sauces and snacks. 

Dotori Korean Restaurant @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Those seeking for no-frills, classic Korean delights will not be disappointed with Dotori Korean Restaurant, a fairly new K-Restaurant at Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas. Apart from the Korean grills, Dotori also offers a big Korean menu featuring classics like Tteokbokki, Jjajangmyeon, Naengmyeong, Jigae and Bibimbap. Unlike some popular establishments in town, we found Dotori's prices to be very affordable considering the generous portion. The only downside is the poor ventilation in the restaurant, they do not have a proper ventilation system so the barbecue odors tend to spread all over the restaurant. Other than that, we thought the food quality is good and can't wait to head back for more. 

Navy Specialty Coffee @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Previously occupied as Big Tree Eatery, the restaurant has undergone restructuring and rebranding; offering a brand new establishment known as "Navy Specialty Coffee". While the management may still be related but both brands have completely different things to offer. As suggested from its name- Navy Specialty Coffee is a place that puts great focuses on artisanal coffee but that's not all for this place. The menu offering comprises of a great variety of mains (including Pasta, Burger, Grills, Tacos etc) with an array of desserts... as well as a big beverage menu (not only Coffee but Chinese Tea, Juices, Craft Beers as well). Simple interior decor but tables are well-spaced; a comfortable space for meals or just casual hang out over drinks. 

Chillis And Cheese @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

The name of this place seems convincing... blending both Malaysians' all times favorite- Chilies and Cheese. Operating in one of the shop lots at Arena Curve, Chillis And Cheese is manned by a local Malaysian, who is adventurous enough to tweak local Malaysian delicacies with playful elements. You will find familiar names on the menu but once you read the description, you will find something is different. The air-conditioned cafe is simple and clean with casual setting; one of the places where you can fill your tummies without putting a dent on the wallet.

Michi Michi @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

The Ramen scene in Penang has elevated, with a great variety of options to choose from. This brand new spot at Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas (next to Olive Tree Hotel) serves Japanese Ramen with a modern touch. The menu does not only feature Japanese Ramen but a series of Japanese Rice Bowls, Tempura, Grills and light snacks. The interior decor does not feel very "Japanese" but more like a modern cafe instead. This is not the place for you if you are looking for authentic Japanese experience but if you are open to try out modern styled Japanese dishes, this place is worth a look.

Dandy Modern Food @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Western and Fusion food are commonly found in the Penang cafe scene but Middle Eastern cuisine has not gotten the same attention and limelight. Dandy Modern Food is making a breakthrough here... a new kid on the block at Arena Curve that offers Mediterranean fare with a Fusion touch in a comfortable-cozy cafe atmosphere. The cafe uses an open-kitchen concept and allows diners to have visual access to the Shawarma meat-carving process or reassuring the hygiene conditions of the cafe. The menu covers an interesting array Middle Eastern food and some Western dishes; price points are standard-average but the entire package, including the service level and quality is somewhat spectacular. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary cafe fare in the vicinity, Dandy Modern Food might be a good option.

GK Pho- Original Vietnamese Noodle Soup @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

For a hearty, inexpensive bowl of Vietnamese Pho, make your way to Arena Curve, the new business-commercial center right next to Olive Tree Hotel. GK Pho might not be new to some, it was previously housed in a hawker center nearby but has since moved to this new shop at Arena Curve. GK Pho is on its own now, the entire place is dedicated to serving this delicate Vietnamese noodles with a couple of sides (Salad and Spring Rolls). Price-points are modest and it is seen as one of the pulling factors for the factory workers nearby but foods are not as authentic as we would have hoped. Seating is limited so make sure to be there early to avoid disappointments. GK Pho is few doors away from Yisu Vegetarian, facing the Sunway Tunas properties.

Le Carbonara @ Arena Curve, Bayan Baru, Penang.

More options for the Muslim diners in Bayan Baru area- Le Carbonara is a newly opened Western-Italian restaurant that offers Italian-inspired Western dishes (run by Muslim Chef). The place looks simple and the interior setting is basic; we were really concerned if our calories will be wasted. But we were glad that everything turned out well; in fact, Le Carbonara sets the bar high. Prices may not seem wallet-friendly at first glance but if you were to check out carefully, they offer some uncommon dishes (like Ravioli) at acceptable rates. The budget-watcher or lunch-crowd may watch out for their Set Lunch, economically priced at Rm 20.90 nett, it includes a serving of Soup, Main, Dessert as well as a drink. While the dishes did not disappoint, it did take them a while to serve our orders. Those who are in a rush may wish to have their dishes pre-ordered to avoid disappointment. Le Carbonara at Arena Curve is facing Arang Coffee. 

Yisu Vegetarian Steamboat House @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

What happens when a vegetarian feels like eating steamboat? Not an issue right now with the opening of Yisu Vegetarian Steamboat House. The vegetarian restaurant at Arena Curve (those shop houses right next to Olive Tree Hotel) has a menu entirely dedicated for vegetarians; if you are in a rush or steamboat is not your kind of thing, there are some simple, staple Malaysian (vegetarian) delights as well (namely Nasi Lemak, Koay Teow Th'ng, Chee Cheong Fun and some rice dishes). Their signature dish however, is their personalized vegetarian Steamboat. Budget watchers will be glad to know that all dishes are reasonably priced here and suitably designed for the office/ factory workers nearby. But do not expect the place to have fancy or elegant setup, rather, a simple space for a casual meal. 

JDog House & Cafe @ Arena Curve, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

My first impression towards JDog House & Cafe was... just an ordinary Pet House but I was wrong. It's a space dedicated entirely for dog lovers to mingle with the furry kids; also a cafe, the concept is simple- there is a petting zone in the Dog House with a cafe joint together right next to each other... though well partitioned. Diners are welcome to join the 10 resident dogs at the petting zone by purchasing ONE beverage item as admission fee, per person. There are couches, tables and chairs at the petting zone... though food/ snacks are not allowed to bring in the petting zone, drinks are excluded. However, please beware that there are plenty of dog furs scattered around unnoticed so visit at your discretion. Proper tables and cafe setting are available at the cafe-zone (though a little cramped)... separated by a glass door. Never mind on the food, after all, the main pull factor is the cute, friendly and playful furry kids. Arena Curve is the newly developed shop houses right next to Olive Tree Hotel and opposite to D Piazza Mall at Bayan Lepas.