Top 10 Steakhouses in Penang Serving Juicy Cuts Worth Every Bite
I was strolling through my local market when a gleaming row of prime steaks caught my eye! My hand hovered over a juicy ribeye, but I pulled back because I realised I was not in the mood to cook.
Penang is a food hub swarming with steakhouses that I must explore (and it’ll save me time preparing my own!). From smoky, dimly lit dens of meat mastery to modern spots with Himalayan salt walls and perfectly charred cuts, each place brought its flavour to the plate.
What started as a craving became a delicious, carnivorous adventure to experience Penang’s best steakhouses! Need some recommendations? Don’t worry, because I got you—this list of steakhouses is worth clearing your calendar.
Me’nate
– Media credit: annisakateringkedahpenang
Address: 20, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town
Contact details: +6042277201
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 12:30 PM | 2:30 to 11 PM
Cost: $$
At Me’nate, you don’t just order a steak—you pick it from the chiller, see exactly what you’re getting, and they’ll cook it to your liking. The Angus striploin here was one of the most tender I’ve had recently, and they got the medium doneness spot on.
Their wagyu and tomahawk cuts are definitely on the higher end, but if you’re up for a splurge, the meat quality makes the price feel fair. You’ll also find solid portions like the Angus beef ribs—fall-off-the-bone tender with just enough sweetness to keep it interesting.
They’ve also got a massive space, so it works well even if you’re dining with a big group or celebrating a special occasion. Their staff were friendly and willing to give honest suggestions when you’re stuck between cuts.
| Pro tip: Don’t rush past the chiller so you can check out how the cuts are vacuum-packed. It’s a small detail, but it’s part of what sets Me’nate apart from older steakhouses that used to serve generic pre-cut steaks with no transparency. |
Firewood
– Media credit: firewood_penang
Address: 15, Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town
Contact details: +60179899246
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 to 2:30 PM | 5:30 to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Firewood is one of those rare places where you can see the steak being cooked right in front of you, and it instantly sets the tone. Their Australian Angus ribeye stood out—seared just right, medium doneness locked in, and the crust had that perfect wood-fired smokiness.
You can go high-end here with options like the Japan A5 Miyazaki wagyu, which honestly melts in your mouth like butter. But even their more affordable Australian sirloin held up well, cooked without fuss and free from chewy bits.
The whole setup leans toward premium, but the service never feels stiff. You’ll find that the team takes the time to chat through cuts, doneness, and pairing without pushing you into anything.
| Pro tip: Sit at the bar facing the open kitchen. Watching your steak flame-grilled over wood adds a different appreciation for the kind of open-fire technique that takes us way beyond old-school sizzling plate days. |
Don Western & Grill Cafe
– Media credit: donwesternandgrill
Address: 3E, Jln Penang, George Town
Contact details: +60127736385
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6 PM to 1 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 6 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $$
Don Western & Grill might fly under the radar, but their steak game is stronger than you’d expect. The Sizzling New York Striploin arrives on a hot plate, still hissing when it hits the table, and the sear holds up well after the sizzle settles.
Their Premium Angus T-bone is big enough to share if you’re not overly hungry, and it balances tenderness with that slight chew that steak lovers look for. Flavours lean rich, so pairing it with lighter sides like grilled veggies on their calamari works well.
While they also serve burgers and fusion dishes, the staff are always game to guide you toward the right cut or doneness. Dinner-only hours mean it’s a relaxed crowd, and the vibe is more down-to-earth than flashy.
| Pro tip: You can request tweaks to sauces or spice levels—something not every steakhouse offers. It’s a nice throwback to the local style of makan place where customisation always mattered. |
Bottega
– Media credit: bottegapenang
Address: 76, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +60177477902
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Bottega might be known for its imported wines and Italian goods, but its steaks quietly hold their own. The Bistecca, a beef minute steak, comes with a nice smoky crust and creamy garlic on the side, and if you catch it cooked just right, it’s juicy and well-seasoned.
They do their steaks with minimal fuss, letting the meat quality and char do most of the talking. You’ll also get the option to pair it with crisp salads or a proper Italian side, which rounds out the meal without feeling too heavy.
Service here is warm and responsive, and even when something’s off with the doneness, they’re quick to fix it. The location also adds a little charm—right in the middle of the heritage zone, it’s a good break spot when you’re wandering around Georgetown.
| Pro tip: Pair your steak with a bottle of their house Italian red—it’s one of those quiet upgrades that adds depth to your meal and reflects how Penang’s casual dining scene is starting to mix proper pairings into the experience. |
White Smoke Restaurant
– Media credit: whitesmoke.restaurant
Address: 179, Victoria St, Georgetown
Contact details: +6042262083
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 12 to 3 PM | 6 to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
White Smoke isn’t your average grill spot—they bring out the charcoal for a proper sear and balance it with thoughtful plating. The ribeye stood out as it came with a solid crust and a fat-to-meat ratio that works when you’re going for medium rare.
That lamb rack is a quiet star here—nicely charred on the side, but the inside stays juicy and soft, without that overpowering gaminess you sometimes get. The beef cheek is slow-cooked until it’s practically melting, and the mash underneath soaks up the red wine sauce like it was made for it.
Service leans personal, and they don’t mind adjusting your meal to suit how you’re feeling—something you don’t get at most places. Prices are higher but fair, especially when you’re after a slower, better-paced dinner.
| Pro tip: Book one of their private rooms for a quieter spot to enjoy the charcoal-grilled meats, a shift from Penang’s usual noisy, casual steak joints. |
Aura Steak House
– Media credit: aurasteakhouse
Address: 492, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
Contact details: +60189494018
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 2 to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Aura Steak House gives you a proper steakhouse experience without going over the top. The Tomahawk Angus is the kind of cut you plan a dinner around—huge, juicy, and served with a kind of attention to detail that makes the price feel justified.
Their T-bone and ribeye are also worth your time, both grilled with care and seasoned to let the meat do the talking. What sets this place apart is their kombu butter and stone cooking option, which lets you take some control over how you finish your steak.
The space feels polished but relaxed, and service is consistently sharp because the staff make sure you’re looked after without being pushy. It’s one of those places that works just as well for a casual steak night or a dressed-up dinner.
| Pro tip: Try pairing your steak with their bone marrow side. It’s not common in Penang, and it gives you that extra richness that used to only be found in classic European-style steak joints. |
La Vie Food & Wine
– Media credit: laviepenang
Address: 139, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town
Contact details: +60124021342
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
Tucked inside Le Dream Hotel, La Vie has built its name around quality, and its steaks reflect that well. The Australian Angus ribeye is a solid choice—grilled with restraint, juicy in the centre, and plated without fuss so the flavour stays honest.
Their Australian wagyu ribeye steps it up a notch with rich marbling and a clean char that doesn’t overpower the beef. You’ll also find a sirloin wagyu on the menu that’s cooked to a gentle medium-rare, giving you that smooth bite without losing its structure.
What makes this spot memorable is the consistency—even during events or private menus, the steaks keep their standard. It’s a polished setup without the stiffness, and the staff are calm and well-versed in what’s being served.
| Pro tip: Their Japanese wagyu ribeye isn’t always available, so it’s worth calling ahead. It’s one of those rare cuts that brings out a slower, more traditional side of steak dining that’s becoming harder to find in Penang. |
Emily’s Steakhouse
– Media credit: emilysteakhousemalaysia
Address: 89, Muntri St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60198396630
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Emily’s Steakhouse brings a UK-style steakhouse vibe to Penang, and their steaks deliver where it counts. The ribeye is a standout—tender, cooked as ordered, and served with proper chunky chips that hit the spot.
You’ll also find a solid T-bone on the menu that balances flavour and portion well. The sirloin comes medium well by default if you don’t specify, and surprisingly, it still holds on to its juiciness without drying out.
The black pepper sauce is worth a mention too—punchy without drawing the meat. Service is friendly and efficient, and the cosy layout makes it an easy pick whether you’re coming for a casual night out or something more special.
| Pro tip: You should try the lamb rack—it’s not beef, but the mint sauce pairing gives you a hint of how British steakhouse roots have influenced their menu. It’s a subtle nod to how this spot stands out from other grill joints in town. |
Steak Frites
– Media credit: stonemissile
Address: 23, Love Ln, Georgetown
Contact details: +6042621323
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 6 to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Steak Frites keeps it incredibly simple—one dish, two sizes, no distractions. You’re here for the tenderloin, and they nail the medium rare, with a clean sear outside and juicy middle that doesn’t miss.
The 200g cut is a solid deal, especially with crispy fries, buttered bread, and a sharp salad on the side. It’s the kind of plate that doesn’t try too hard—just well-sourced beef cooked with consistency every time.
Set in a restored pre-war shop house along Love Lane, the space adds a quiet charm, and the staff are low-key but attentive. For what it is, this might be one of the best value steak dinners you’ll find in Penang.
| Pro tip: Add their garlic butter to the steak. It’s not pushed by default, but it transforms each bite and quietly reflects how simple enhancements were always part of old-school European steakhouse traditions. |
The Ship
– Media credit: show_rock_adv
Address: 42-46, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town
Contact details: +6042639532
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 to 10 PM
Cost: $$
The Ship is one of the older names in Penang’s steak scene, and for some, it’s more about nostalgia than anything else. Their sirloin steak, especially if you go for medium, still holds up with a classic sear and well-seasoned crust.
You’ll also find their signature steak, served in Coliseum-style, coming to your table on a hot plate that continues cooking as you eat. It’s got that old-school charm—plenty of sauce, loud sizzle, and a heavy metal plate that makes it feel familiar.
The vibe inside really leans into the ship theme, and while the steak scene in Penang has evolved, The Ship keeps its footing by doing things the way they always have. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.
| Pro tip: Go for the sizzling plate steak if you want a throwback to how steaks were served before the modern grill took over. This was once the standard for a fancy steak night in town, and The Ship hasn’t let go of that experience. |