Penang might be known for its phenomenal take on the laksa and other popular hawker fare, but those who want something a little more upmarket will not be disappointed to find that some of the best fine dining restaurants in Malaysia are found in Penang.
Famed as the food capital of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a bold celebration of diverse Malaysian flavours. While the iconic cendol, laksa, and char kuey teow spring to mind, contemporary restaurants are pulling their own weight when it comes to the culinary scene. In Penang, you will discover a unique take on both Asian and Western food, only this time you’ll get to dress up and rediscover the exciting concepts that the island offers. Bookmark these places and make your reservations at these classy spots the next time you want a fine dining experience on the island.
The best fine dining restaurants in Penang today:
Restaurant Blanc Penang
Image credit: Restaurant BLANC Penang
Formerly known as the Dining Room, BLANC serves a French-Asian menu that’s worth exploring. Pick between the BLANC menu degustation and the Menu De Saison by Chef Benny Yeoh. The menu comprises a 3-course meal featuring the former comprises canapes, a choice of mains and desserts, while the latter presents an omakase-style gastronomic journey. Consider this a sweet surprise as the chef will reveal the courses upon your visit.
228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; +60 19-239 9818
Orinea Restaurant
Image credit: @orinea_restaurant/Instagram
Located in the heart of Gurney Bay at Sunrise @ Gurney, Orinea Restaurant is where you can indulge in a sensorial journey. Go ahead and make a reservation for the Ultimate Chef’s Tasting Menu. You will find that each dish is a work of art fusing technique and innovation. In addition, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Gurney Wharf.
Known for its iconic location, the Indigo restaurant located in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers a dining experience like no other. Besides the beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern touches, Indigo is famed for merging Eastern and Western flavours. The seven-course tasting menu comprises Freshly Shucked Oysters, Bluefin Tuna Capellini, Grilled Wild Caught Jumbo Prawn, Pan-Roasted Hokkaido Scallop, Seared Foie Gras and beyond. Pick your mains between the Australian Wagyu Striploin, Lamb Rack and Pan-Roasted Atlantic Cod. If you can’t make it for dinner, try out the three-course lunch.
Discover the historical compound of the Hin Bus Depot if you’re planning a trip to the one Michelin-starred Restaurant Au Jardin. This restaurant serves Franco-Asian cuisine with the freshest ingredients available in season. Head Chef Kim Hock believes in sustainable sourcing, making your meal a satisfying experience. As for the menu, this eatery can cater to your dietary request. If you’re a vegetarian, check out ‘The Green’ Degustation with dishes such as the Russet Potato ‘Mille-Feuille’ and Kimchi Espuma. The degustation menu offers heavenly dishes like Butter Roasted Hens in the Wood and ‘Grand Caviar’ au Jardin. Discover the menu here.
If you’re discovering Johor, chances are you’ve passed by some picture perfect, hipster establishments yet quaint looking enough for you to flood your Instagram with!
Some colorful some more quirky and traditional, checking out new concepts of these cafes are an adventure in itself, with the food being a different journey on its own.
You can blame it on and be thankful for the surge in hip, stylish cafes and outlets which serve good food, specialize in only a certain type of food or an outlet dedicated to coffee art.
Each cafe in Johor Bahru in this list has a unique appeal and we’re sure all are worth a visit if for nothing else than to fill your Instagram with.
Top 5 Best Food & Café At Jalan Dhoby Johor Bahru
1. IT Roo Café JB
Though not entirely new, this name will ring a bell with those familiar with the area, as this outlet has been around since the early 2000’s and with good reason too.
Most notable and a must try for any visitor is the famous Hainanese Chicken Cbevcafehop. Visitors have travelled for far and wide to have a bite of this dish.
This dish shot to fame when it was named Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia by The Star newspaper back in 2003. Just on the droves of people heading here, we’re sure this famous dish is still highly sought after.
IT Roo Café JB
Location: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7-222 7780
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 12:00am
2. Salahuddin Bakery
Along Jalan Dhoby, Salahuddin Bakery is one of the oldest in Johor Bahru, and it’s evident from the use of a wood oven the size of a room, dating all the way back to 1937. Still run by the same owners’ family, this bakery has not changed much since the beginning, and even has the original signage.
You can find a large selection of freshly baked pastries, bread, puffs and the most popular Indian curry puffs with a range of fillings. The curry puffs of course are best eaten hot and fresh from the oven, get their crunch from the flaky pastry used.
Before you leave though, make sure you’ve bought some Bengali puffs and loaf bread if you haven’t already done so!
Salahuddin Bakery
Location: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 12-766 8380
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Fridays
3. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen Johor Bahru
You can’t not notice this establishment, an all-white facade with a large signage of The Replacement as it stands on a lane corner in the Jalan Dhoby area.
This all white corner lot maintains the clean and light feeling inside, and upstairs, which is The Replacement Lodge means you can stay here as well.
What you’ll find past all the decadent cakes on the main counter is their menu which lists all day brunch dishes, and if you’ve space left for dessert there are their tasty churros that come with a choice of dipping, with salted yolk dip being one of the most ordered.
The Replacement- Lodge & Kitchen Johor Bahru
Location: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 12-574 7885
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday to Saturday: 9:00am – 11:00pm Facebook
4. Flowers In The Window Café JB
This quaint café is just over a year old, is named as such for the outlet incorporates edible flowers in their dishes and the café is decked out with flowers, making you feel as if you’re dining in a garden outdoors.
The menu here includes brunch options as well as a small selection of bread, which you can order with a side dish of your choice. Dishes on the menu lends its color from the edible flowers and mostly dishes are a mix of western and Asian cooking styles.
Flowers In The Window Café JB
Location: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 7-222 7489
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesdays
5. Bev Cáfe
Do not be alarmed as once you entered this shop, you’ll be invited by an array of clothes- like a clothes boutique. Go up the staircase and you’ll be greeted by the whiff of aromatic and alluring coffee and the pleasing-to-the-eye of selections of cakes in their cakes chiller.
The interior designs are simple with a cool rustic feel. It is dark and cooling with a homey ambiance. One of the few main specialty are the mint chocolate slice that is served on a wooden plate. Each savoury bite brings you to cloud 9 as the taste of chocolate and mint gives off a smooth texture.
Another not-to-be missed is the Espresso Ice Cubes that are actually frozen ice cubes from espresso shots. Milk is served at the side which you’ll pour into the cup and watch it melt. It is rather interesting than normal espresso latte you see in other cafes in liquid form.
Bev Cáfe
Location: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6016-725 3530
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Tuesday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
Top 5 Best Food & Café At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee JB
6. Hiap Joo Bakery
The oldest café in Johor, this classic café has been in operations since 1919. The café has also maintained its use of a fire wood oven and the outlet is a family business, involving three generations of the Lim family till today.
Each family member has a specific task it seems, keeping the bakery highly organized and efficient.
The best times to visit Hiap Joo Bakery is between noon and 2:00pm daily, as the morning bake is hot and taken fresh from the oven, so ensure you do try their signature banana cake, a hit even with the Johor royal family.
Hiap Joo Bakery
Location: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 7-223 1703
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Sundays Facebook
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7. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café Johor Bahru
Upcycled from a container, this café is truly one of a kind. Serving up an array of bubble tea you’ll find a favorite among the various tea and chai mixtures.
The container being outdoor may not be so suitable for chilling out, with many customers preferring their drink to go. The food here is kept simple, with a few pastries and cakes on offer.
Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café Johor Bahru
Location: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 12-735 3572
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 10:30pm
Weekends: 9:30am – 1:00pm Facebook
8. Amphawa Boat Noodle Downtown
All the way from Thailand, this famous boat noodle is traditionally served from boats hence it is originated from the floating market in Bangkok, named, Amphawa!
There are different variants of flavour for you to pick to suit your taste; both spicy and sour broth, herb broth for those who can’t eat spicy and Tomyum broth for the daredevil.
They come together with beef or chicken, shredded or in a meat ball. If red meat is not to your liking, you can opt for prawn in Tomyum Prawn Boat Noodles.
This delectable food is definitely not to be missed, especially if you’re a Thai-food lover! Also, you don’t need to travel all the way to Thailand just to get a taste. It is now closer to you and much more convenient!
Amphawa Boat Noodle Downtown
Location: No.32, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 7-220 0060
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:30am – 12:00am Facebook
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9. Shakespeare Milkshakes JB
The café is a fairly new addition to the cafes that can be found along Jalan Trus. A dessert cafe, Shakespeare milkshakes serve up soft serve ice- cream and freshly made waffles, not forgetting the specialty here which are of course milkshakes.
Decadent milkshakes here come in classic flavors and six specialty flavor mixes, topped with a variety of sauces and toppings. Chocolaty, sweet or tangy, there’s a milkshake or waffle dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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If you prefer waffles, the Chocolate Banana waffle dish is one that’ll hit the sweet spot, with chocolate sauce, more chocolate based toppings atop fresh waffles.
Shakespeare Milkshakes JB
Location: 9, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 16-421 8530
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekend: 12:00pm – 12:00am
Closed on: Wednesdays Facebook
10. Red House At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Not to be confused with Red House Seafood Restaurant, the corner shop house of Red House cafe is reminiscent of former Dutch buildings, with its bright red and white façade, still keeping to its traditional look and has become quite the photo spot for visitors.
This building is mainly used as a venue for cultural events, which makes for a nice spot for a quick bite or coffee. The food here is heavily influenced Nyonya cooking and dishes, and desserts.
Red House At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Location: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +60 7–224 9633
Opening Hours:
From breakfast till early evening
If you have been wondering where to eat at Jonker Street, this article will help you in many ways!
We have got you 12 different restaurants along or near the Jonker Street that has been frequented and recommended by the locals.
These Jonker Street restaurants not only serve you local delicacies.
Instead, some offer you the hearty and wholesome Western cuisines, Malacca food and some even present you Nyonya dishes that have heavenly taste!
A meal at these restaurants could reenergize your tired body and mind before getting on the journey again.
Let check them out!
We hope you really enjoy yourself while dining here!
12 Best Restaurants In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a restaurant where tranquil environment meets with decent food. Greeny surrounding, big portion of food at affordable prices, scenic spots, everything about the restaurant is outstanding.
The restaurant is famous for their homemade burger. One of the most ordered dishes is their highlight, Baboon Beef burger that comes with tender and juicy beef. Served with vegetables and potato wedges, the burger is best with the sauce that adds a little spiciness to the taste. It is one of the famous food in Jonker Street.
Baboon Green Salad is another must-try too. Topped with chicken and pork bacon, the massive portion of salad is enough for 2 persons!
To quench your thirst, the restaurant offers you beverages ranging from smoothies, fresh juices, coffee, hot tea to alcoholic beverages. Each coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies to complement your afternoon tea.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Salud Tapas
Being the only Spanish Restaurant in Malacca, Salud Tapas serves incredible Spanish food with nice food presentations. It is housed in an ancient heritage building and the beautiful interior creates a cosy yet romantic ambience for diners.
The restaurant features open kitchen where diners can see how the chef cooks while enjoy the delicious food. With the western environment, it makes you feel like having a dinner in Europe.
The food offered are very authentic. Every bite come with huge flavours. Whether it is paella, gambas (prawns) or calamari, the restaurant offers all of them. If you dip them in their special made black garlic sauce, it tastes even more flavourful!
Upstairs, the restaurant transforms into a casual bar filled with fun and warm atmosphere. They offer variety of drinks for you to socialise with friends.
Location: 94, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 9881 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:30pm – 12:00am
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
3. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball (马六甲和记鸡饭)
As the name suggested, Hoe Kee sells poached chicken in Malacca. With marble tables and wooden chairs, it offers a nostalgic ambience of traditional Chinese restaurant. For better lightning, head to the middle area with open roof.
Like the normal chicken rice we eat, the rice ball is cooked by using the chicken stock. The only difference is it is shaped into balls. It is firm and it won’t break up while picking it up.
The poached chicken is incredibly succulent, flavourful and moist! The serving is enough for 2 persons and it tastes really different from the chicken rice in KL and the bean sprouts chicken in Ipoh.
Chili sauce and dark soya sauce are available at each table. It simply just adds the chicken more flavourful.
Location: No.4, 6, & 8, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4571 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 4:30pm Facebook
4. Poh Piah Lwee
Serving the Malaysian’s all-time favourite – Po Piah, the humble restaurant is perfect for a decent breakfast to kick start your day. They also serve Nyonya cuisines that will make you long for more.
The unique thing about Malacca’s Po Piah is they add delicious fried pork lard oil. Though they add it into Po Piah, it still comes with right texture and is not overly oily.
The jicama inside is well-marinated and boiled to the right moisture. Best of all, the amount of sweetness is just right! It is fresh, crunchy and mixes so well with other ingredients in Po Piah.
Other recommended breakfast would be Nyonya Dumpling and Nyonya Laksa. The Nyonya Dumpling that has generous fillings is very tasty and sweet while the Nyonya Laksa that comes with fragrant smell is creamy and not too spicy in taste!
Location: 14, Jalan Kubu, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 7175 / +6017-783 0986 Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Monday & Tuesday Facebook
5. Straits Affair
Straits Affair was established to preserve authentic Peranakan food. Although the ethic has been living in Malacca for over 200 years, the restaurant prides themselves in serving contemporary Nyonya delicacies and keeping old favourite at the same time.
Despite Nyonya delicacies, the restaurant is also a patisserie offering all kinds of Peranakan kuih including pastries, biscuits, cakes and cookies. Their fine kuih are made from their secret family recipe and freshly made of the day.
Fried ang koo kuih, Pang Susie, ondeh-ondeh and apom berkuah are the signature kuih at Staits Affair. Nyonya food like pai tee, Nyonya laksa and mee siam can be found here too. Besides, their Peranakan pancake with banana and Gula Melaka has a heavnly taste.
For beverages, opt for the coffee or tea with gula melaka. If you prefer something cold, their chendol is best recommended.
Location: 1, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-605 6490 Opening Hours:
Daily:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
6. Wild Coriander
Set in the picturesque riverside, Wild Coriander is a restaurant combining both Malaysian and Asian food and it offers exceptional Nyonya dishes too. The restaurant serves no pork so you can bring Muslims friends around.
Wild Coriander is in a traditional Malay house with beautiful interior design. The decorations on walls such as traditional plates throw you back to old Malacca times.
Both Laksa and Beef Rendang here are superb in taste. As the Beef Rendang goes very well with biryani rice, remember to pair them up while having the dish.
Other Malaysian favourite like Nasi Lemak, mutton curry and bok choi are offered here. Each has distinct flavours and all the produce are fresh.
Don’t forget to opt for their Cameron Highland tea which has a wonderful taste!
Location: 40, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
7. River View Cafe Melaka
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Jonker Street, River View Café Melaka is one of the Jonker Street cafe that best suited for those who enjoy some quiet moments. Especially in the evening, it offers customers an amazing sunset view of Malacca River.
Even though the cafe offers both local delicacies and western cuisines, they are known for specialising in Malaysian classic food.
Beef rendang is their signature. The serving is great and the tender soft beef could just fell apart in plate. For the gravy, the taste is rich and full of spices. It is well-accompanied with pickles, cucumbers, chilli paste, fried anchovies and rice.
Other recommended dishes are chicken curry, calamari and fried rice.
For beverages, you can have their mango lassi- their highlight smoothies made with yogurt. It is extremely fresh and fruity.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant (水仙素食园)
Jonker Street caters to vegetarians too! At Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant, a variety of dishes are offered and they will come out with 1 or 2 local specials each day as the day’s highlight. Ala carte dishes are available here as well.
The Melaka chicken rice ball is their signature and it is almost sold out around 9am daily. Some people said that it tastes better than the non-vegetarian one.
It is a twist on the normal chicken rice we taste. Instead of serving a plate of rice, the chicken rice is made into big ball shape and the chicken is served separately as accompaniments.
Their Wan Tan Mee tastes good too. Customers can choose from 3 different sizes at different prices. However, there is no wantan in the dish. Instead, they serve fried wan tan skin with no fillings.
Location: 43, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +601-635 8052 Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on: Sunday Facebook
9. Seeds Garden Bistro
Seeds Garden Bistro presents the best of nature food. Featuring hearty Asian and European dishes using the freshest ingredients, herbs and spices, the restaurant gives your body a healing experience in the modern city.
We have been eating meat burger for a long time but have you tried the mushroom burger before? This is the signature of Seeds Garden and it tastes delicious! The burger is quite healthy because there is not much seasoning inside.
We recommend you enjoy their Japanese Curry and Nasi Campur too. If you prefer western dishes more, you can always try their pizza and spaghetti. No worries to vegetarians as they don’t even use mock meat in preparing these dishes.
They offer fresh fruit juices as well. Carrot and apple juices are recommended here.
Location: 60, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6017-363 9626 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
10. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Almost everyone who love music will fall in love with Hard Rock Café Malacca. The restaurant is a place where classic hits and authentic cuisines mix in one.
They decorate the restaurant with musical instruments, autographed albums and costumes. And with the memorabilia and modern design, you feel cool and trendy while dining here.
Their homemade Original Legendary Burger is the dish that makes them so famous. Generously filled with cheddar cheese, smoked turkey bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato and fried onion ring, you can imagine how big the portion is!
Not to forget about their Caesar Salad too. Topped with fresh parmesan cheese and garlic croutons, the delicious romaine lettuce is tossed with their homemade dressing.
Last but not least, their giant Jumbo Combo! It consists of Tupelo Chicken Tenders, signature wings, onion rings and many more. The big plate is served together with barbecue sauce and honey mustard that goes perfect with the meat!
Location: No.28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 5188 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 2:00am Facebook
11. Geographer’s Café
Located at the corner of Jonker Street, it is hard to miss out Geographer’s Café that has green panels and striking yellow wall. With live band performance every week, it has been attracting many tourists come over for a decent meal.
The restaurant is very famous in Jonker Street, Malacca. A popular Hong Kong movie, Summer Holidays filmed some of the scenes here.
Many people order their Chicken Satay that comes with peanut sauce. The Indonesian bean curd, Tempeh Curry which is the chef specialities are available here. Another recommended dish would be the curry ramen that mixes with Malay culture. It tastes as good as laksa.
If you enjoy drinking beers, they offer cocktails and iced beers to relax yourself. It is also one of the best nightlife spot in Jonker Street. If you come here in the afternoon, a coconut drink could beat your heat!
Location: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 6813 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00am Facebook
12. Pin Pin Hiong (品品香茶室)
Featuring an open kitchen, Pin Pin Hiong is a humble restaurant serving home style Chinese food with consistent quality.
It only has a simple one-page menu with few selections. But the food served is definitely what you will die for.
Oyster omelette here wins most people hearts. The fried egg is looks crispy outside but once bitten, it tastes extremely fluffy! The best part is it is not salty and oily yet gives off the egg aroma.
Unlike other restaurants serving flavourful Mee Suah, Pin Pin Hong’s version seems tasteless without much seasonings and ingredients. But if you keep eating, the flavour of ingredients and noodles start coming out.
Their pork chop tastes great too. It has a very crispy skin and the pork is very juicy. A few tomato and vegetables topped the dish.
Location: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Sunday
