Looking for a somewhere special for a first date? Or just wanted to spend a loved-up evening with your favourite person? Melissa Cheah says why wait until Valentine’s Day for a romantic gesture – they shouldn’t be limited to just one day a year.

We’ve searched high and low on the have-it-all island of Penang for some of the most romantic spots for wining and dining your significant other. And that’s not all: we have categorised the restaurants based on personality types, making picking the right spot that much easier the next time a special occasion comes along.

For the nature lovers

If your partner reveres nature – think rolling hills, lush greenery and sandy beaches – you won’t go wrong with these restaurants:

1. Ferringhi Garden

A garden-themed restaurant, tastefully decorated with Mediterranean-inspired interior design, Ferringhi Garden is unmistakably one of our favourite places for an idyllic night out.

The gorgeous place is festooned with fully bloomed orchids in assorted shades and for those who’d like to sit under the stars, there is an alfresco area. Dimmed lighting featuring the soft glow of oil lamps and the gentle lull of jazz in the background makes it the perfect date night (or wedding proposal) spot for nature lovers.

The menu selection is generous. The kitchen’s Asian dishes, western favourites and fusion cuisine dishes aren’t just artfully plated; they have been carefully concocted and meticulously prepared.

Opening hours: 4:00pm – 12:00am
Address: 34 A, B & C, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Tel: 04 881 1193

2. Beach Blanket Babylon Bar & Bistro House

Fronting the sea, this crowd favourite is set in a heritage mansion with handsomely manicured lawns along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. White gossamer curtains, delicately swaying to the ocean’s breeze, are draped around the wooden pavilion.

Come nightfall, the upscale bistro’s cosy ambience, complemented by the sound of waves gently caressing the shore, is dreamy and a surefire win for those who enjoy communing with nature.

Food-wise, the variety is wide; ranging from Western, local delights and delish homemade ice-cream and sorbets for desserts, among others.

Opening hours: 12pm – 12am
Address: No. 32, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Georgetown.
Tel: 04 262 2232

For the glamorous

If your other half takes pride in suiting and booting or dressing up for a night in town, they’ll adore these swanky spots.

3. Ferringi Grill

Feringgi Grill provides more than just excellent food; the opulent ambiance coupled with its friendly service makes it a winner for a memorable date night. With polished wooden floors, stonewashed brick walls and dark upholstered furniture, the dining establishment screams sophistication.

Located within the Shangri La Rasa Rayang Resort & Spa, this renowned restaurant boasts of a thoughtfully planned fusion menu; with the kitchen headed by the talented Chef Matthias Tretbar, a prominent name in the local food scene.

Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s extensive list. Don’t fret if you are unsure on what to choose (you do want to make a good impression on your date after all), there is a sommelier on hand to assist you at a moment’s notice.

Opening hours: 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Address: Shangri-La Rasa’s Sayang Resort & Spa, Rasa Wing lobby, Batu Ferringhi.
Tel: 04-8888888

4. Dining Room at Macalister Mansion

The Macalister Mansion is a five-star boutique hotel, with a fine dining restaurant, café and lounge within its sprawling premises.

The palatial mansion was named after Colonel Norman Macalister, Penang’s British Governor from 1808 to 1810 and its dashing facade consists of grand white pillars, intricate trellises and a large bust of Sir Macalister himself; a welcoming indication to what awaits you on the inside.

The Dining Room is adorned with all-white couture furniture, accented by the giant faux tree in the heart of the room, flanked by a powder blue stag and pastel pink deer.

When it comes to food, the Macalister Mansion does not disappoint. Chef Lance U’ren perfected his food craft in a Michelin-starred restaurant and now helms the kitchen at the Dining Room. That, along with the exquisite food offerings, has earned this colonial manor a spot at this list as one of the hottest, must-visit restaurants in Penang.

Opening hours: 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Address: 228 Macalister Road, 10400 George Town, Penang.
Tel: 04-2283888

For the Asian food fans

If your date is an adventurous foodie and has a fondness for Asian flavours, these trendy places should form part of your go-to options list.

5. Chin’s

A ritzy fine dining restaurant, it is easy for one to understand why Chin’s was listed as one of the Best Restaurants in Malaysia by the Malaysian Tatler and nominated as one of Asia’s Top 20 restaurants by the Miele Guide.

Overlooking the harbour, the striking red glass doors welcome you into a world of modern elegance. Step in to an ornately embellished room with glittering chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, contemporary Chinese art on coloured walls and lavish chairs.

The menu at Chin’s consists of traditional Hunan and Sichuan recipes, cleverly employing a tantalizing blend of spices from around the world. The result? A winning combination of textures and flavours, guaranteed to wow your date’s palate.

Opening Hours: 6:00pm – late
Address: Tanjong City Marina, Church St Pier – 8A Pengkalan Weld, 10300 Georgetown.
Tel: 04-2612611

6. Kebaya at Seven Terraces

Kebaya at the plush Seven Terraces Hotel is situated at Stewart Lane with an unmistakable Baba Nyonya-inspired décor. Paying tribute to the culture, the room features with heavy ruby curtains, white mosaic tile floors, marbled table tops and intricately-patterned china housed in glass shelves. The space is divided into two sections, a greeting foyer and a stylish dining room for both hotel guests and walk-in diners.

Under the creative leadership of manager Christopher Ong and Chef Zac, Kebaya has gained much applause for its delectable Baba Nyonya food, generous portions and impeccable service; offering patrons an authentic taste of Peranakan food without having to go too far out of town or pay an arm and leg for gourmet dining.

Opening hours: 6:00pm – 10pm
Address: Seven Terraces, Lorong Stewart, Georgetown
Tel: 04-2642333

For the European foodies

If your companion is a fan of European cuisines, these fuss-free restaurants with charming décor and rich flavours will most definitely pique their fancy.

7. El Faro Tapas Bar & Wine

Tucked on the side of the bustling Burmah Road of Georgetown, El Faro might come across as humble and unassuming. But, don’t let its modest appearance fool you. The fully air-conditioned restaurant has an inviting ambiance, with several linen-clothed tables outside if you’d like to enjoy the evening breeze and observe the hustle and bustle of life happen right before your very eyes.

This pleasant restaurant serves hearty Spanish tapas, the top-notch ingredients sure uphold the quality of the dishes. Their signature offering, El Faro Paella is a must-order for several reasons: it is chock-full with seafood and suffused with the fragrant aroma of saffron – and we think that nothing spells romance better than sharing it with a loved one over a glass of wine.

Opening hours: 3pm – 11:30pm (Closed every Wednesday.)
Address: 231, Jalan Burmah, 10050, Penang.
Tel: 04-2272310

8. Via Pre

Making its mark at Weld Quay – opposite to the Ferry Terminal of Penang – Via Pre has been crowned as one of the finest and best Italian restaurants in Penang and there seems to be no slowing down for this magnificent restaurant.

With yellow ochre walls, rustic wooden beams and a huge blackboard mounted on one side of the restaurant with the menu handwritten on it, this place captures the essence of everything Italian in its interior design and in its food.

Their comprehensive menu of antipastos, entrees, pasta, mains and desserts will leave your companion’s tummy full and heart, contented. Molto bene, indeed.

Opening hours: 10am – 10:30pm
Address: 5, Weld Quay, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Tel: 04-2620560

What’s your favourite?

Have we missed any fantastic restaurants out? Or, have you tried any of the above – if so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!