8 Romantic restaurants in Penang that will impress your lover

David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace

1/8
David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace
Sat on the top of the beautiful and idyllic Penang Hill, David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace is the perfect setting for a relaxed and picturesque date with your partner. We recommend dining al fresco to enjoy Strawberry Hill's cooler climate (typically 21 degrees Celsius) and take in the stunning panoramic views of Penang from below you.
Set in a restored colonial-style cottage, the restaurant's chic interiors manage to strike the balance between being both nostalgic yet contemporary and modern. Featuring elegant chrome chandeliers, checkerboard tiles and teakwood tables, it definitely promises a perfect ambience for a romantic meal. To get to the restaurant, you have the option of either taking the funicular train or a private jeep (we recommend the former!). Come right before sunset for a breathtaking view from the hill that you definitely won't regret. Plus, it makes for a good photo-op too.
Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, 11300 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Photo: David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace (Facebook)
2/8
Kebaya at Seven Terraces
While in Penang, why not celebrate and honour this culturally-rich city and indulge in a spot of Peranakan food? If scrumptious Baba Nyonya cuisine is what you're after, then Kebaya at the Seven Terraces Hotel is the place to be. Located at Stewart Lane, the restaurant is decked in unmistakable Peranakan-inspired decor. Think ruby curtains, intricately-designed china pieces on glass shelves and quintessentially Peranakan-style mosaic tiles (even their staff are dressed in the traditional threads).
You'll find that every dish you try here is beautifully flavoured and a great representation of Baba Nyonya cuisine. The menu here is only available in sets, so be prepared for a feast with your significant other. With its great food and uniquely Peranakan atmosphere, the Kebaya is definitely a must-try for a romantic date with a cultural element and flavour.
Seven Terraces Hotel, Lorong Stewart, Georgetown, Penang
Photo: Kebaya Dining Room (Facebook)
3/8
The Dining Room at Macalister Mansion
The Dining Room is a fine dining restaurant located in the Macalister Mansion, a sprawling five-star boutique hotel named after Colonel Macalister, Penang's British Governer from the early 1800s. The restaurant has a chic all-white interior with blue accents that no doubt makes for a refined setting.
The food here certainly does not disappoint either. Featuring classic French cuisine with hints of a local Penang influence, expect dishes and flavours that will whet your palate. Give the Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops a go; featuring succulent and plump medium-sized scallops that have been lightly seared and paired with a creamy vegetable mousse, we're confident it won't disappoint.
228 Macalister Road, 10400 George Town, Penang
Photo: Macalister Mansion (Facebook)
4/8
The View
Pair exquisite French flavours and stunning panoramic views of Penang from high-above, and you'll be truly in for an intoxicating dining experience. Living up to its name, that is exactly what The View, located at the Hotel Equatorial Penang, offers. Offering French-influenced cuisine in an intimate and dimly lit setting, this is the fine-dining spot for those seeking a sophisticated romantic evening for a special occasion. The Roasted Atlantic Salmon Pave is definitely a must-try here, along with the exquisite Tiramisu Cheese Cake that will no doubt be the perfect conclusion to your delectable meal.
Jalan Bukit Jambul, Bukit Jambul, 11900 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Photo: The View
5/8
Beach Blanket Babylon Bar
This bar and bistro is a true favourite among Penangites. Overlooking the sea, Beach Blanket Babylon Bar & Bistro is set in a handsome heritage mansion. With its chic white gossamer curtains that billow against the gentle sea breeze and the sound of the waves, the restaurant exudes a wondrously dreamy ambience that is perfect for a romantic, relaxed evening.
Specialising in fusion cuisine, we recommend trying their Laksa Lemak and the Char Grilled Rosemary Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce. Got a Sunday date lined up? The restaurant holds its weekly Men's Night on Sundays where there are discounts on beer and standard pours for men.
No. 32 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown
Photo: Beach Blanket Babylon (Facebook)
6/8
El Faro Tapas Bar
More often than not, the best of dates are the ones that are fuss-free and completely unpretentious. If a relaxed, laid-back ambience is your ideal kind of date setting, then definitely give El Faro a go. Tucked on the busy Burmah Road in Georgetown, this diner dishes up delicious and hearty Spanish tapas made with quality ingredients. Their must-try dish? We recommend their signature El Faro Paella! Featuring a paella that is chockfull of seafood, it is immensely fragrant and flavourful. Definitely the perfect dish to share for two, preferably over a glass of wine.
231 Jalan Burmah, 10050 Penang
Photo: El Faro Tapas Bar (Facebook)
7/8
Ferringhi Garden
If dining under the stars against a lush and absolutely picturesque garden setting is your thing, then Ferringhi Garden should definitely rank high on your list of future restaurant date spots. This stunning garden-themed restaurant features a tasteful Mediterranean-inspired interior adorned with fully bloomed orchids - creating the perfect ambience for a romantic evening.
The food here certainly does not disappoint either. Artfully plated and scrumptious in flavours, you have the option of choosing from various cuisines, like your favourite Asian dishes, classic western fare, fusion food and also seafood.
34 A, B & C, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Photo: Ferringhi Garden (Facebook)
8/8
Feringgi Grill
Located within the Shangri La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Feringgi Grill boasts of an opulent ambience and great service, making it a winning option for your romantic date nights. Its stonewashed brick walls, dark upholstery and polished wooden floors exude a sophisticated vibe - perfect if you want to pull out the stops and impress on a date.
The restaurant, helmed by Chef Matthias Tretbar, features a well-curated fusion food menu and an extensive wine selection. For the mains, we recommend the Canadian Cod (RM118) or Lamb Chops (RM128), which you can top off with the Grand Marnier Marinated Fresh Strawberries (RM32) as dessert. If an exquisite fine dining experience is what you're after, then Feringgi Grill is the place to be.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Rasa Wing Lobby, Batu Ferringhi
Photo: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa (Facebook)

To say that the ambience of a restaurant can have a huge bearing on your date is an understatement. A restaurant setting that isn’t quite to your taste can make all the difference between a good and bad date. Fortunately, Penang is not short of great restaurants perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion with your significant other.

We’ve scoured Penang for the best romantic spots that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a scene from your favourite rom-com movie. Marvel at the exquisite sunset on David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace, a restored colonial cottage set atop the idyllic Penang Hill; or indulge in delectable fusion cuisine overlooking the sea at Baby Blanket Babylon Bar and Bistro. We’ve definitely got the best spots narrowed down for you – just head up to our gallery above and take your pick!

Sarah Khan

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