Top 12 Fish-Tacular Seafood Spots in Penang You Gotta Try
So there’s this one time, I really craved something seafood (I know, we’ve all been in this kind of situation). I swear, I could’ve floated through the streets like in those old cartoon shows, nose first, just to look for that seafood aroma.
Long story short, I ended up having a seafood feast that made me thank myself that I didn’t wear fitted clothes! So, now that you can’t resist the call of the ocean (or, well, ocean-inspired dishes), consider this your guide to the best seafood spots in Penang.
I swear, all these places offer the freshest seafood you can get, so read on and get ready to chow!
Hai Boey Seafood
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Address: MK 9, 29, Jalan Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar
Contact details: +60134881114
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Hai Boey Seafood’s menu is loaded with goodies, like their mantis prawn with salted egg, steamed fish, grilled crab with roe, and chili crabs. They also whip up some fantastic side dishes, like stir-fried veggies and shellfish platters.
One thing you won’t want to miss is their tasty signature oyster omelet. And if you’re a fan of soups, the seafood tom yum will easily become your new favorite.
Moreover, they also have some killer seafood noodles that are great for sharing or keeping all to yourself (I won’t judge). For beverages, you can have the fresh coconut water or the iced herbal teas, which are both perfect for cooling down after a spicy bite.
Pro tip: Remember to get there early, especially on weekends. This place can get packed, and you don’t want to end up waiting too long for your seafood fix.
Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant
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Address: 4, Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang
Contact details: +6048851693
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – 5:30 PM to 9:45 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:45 PM
Cost: $-$$
Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant is another gem you shouldn’t miss. They’ve got an incredible variety of seafood dishes, including everything from spicy fish curry to mantis prawn.
Their salted egg squid comes highly recommended, along with their dry chili mantis shrimp—it’s an absolute flavor bomb. Their menu isn’t just about seafood, though.
They do an awesome job with their chicken dishes, like belacan chicken and honey sauce chicken.
Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to make a reservation, especially if you’re planning to visit during dinner hours. This place gets busy, and having a reservation can save you from long waits.
Dehappy Seafood Restaurant
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Address: 58, Jln Macalister
Contact details: +60124852388
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Dehappy Seafood Restaurant is a popular spot for seafood lovers. When you’re there, you absolutely have to go for their claypot porridge with crab and baked lobster with cheese.
The grouper fish in claypot and steamed oysters are also excellent choices. If you’re looking for something to accompany your meal, their stir-fried green beans, shrimp omelets, noodles, and rice dishes are a solid choice.
They have a great mix of other dishes as well, like the stir-fried vegetables and sauteed beef with black pepper if you need something non-seafood. For drinks, you can grab either a hot or iced tea while you’re there to balance out those rich flavors.
Pro tip: Dehappy tends to run out of their more popular dishes later in the night, so it’s wise to get there early if you have your heart set on something specific.
Holy Crab Penang
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Address: 52, Lebuh Tye Sin
Contact details: +60124283319
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Holy Crab Penang is all about rich, buttery crab dishes. Their crabs come in different sizes, and you can ask them what type of cooking style you’d like.
Now, beyond crabs, they offer a variety of seafood favorites, like fried big squid, big prawns, and fresh oysters. They’ve got some killer side dishes too, like crab meat corn soup, fried man tou, calamari, and stir-fry sambal kangkong.
If you’re coming in a group, you can aim for their seafood platter combo.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to dive into their signature crabs, consider wearing something you don’t mind getting a bit messy. They do offer aprons, though, but it’s always better to be prepared.
Hai Wei Seafood Restaurants
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Address: Ground Floor, 7M, Jalan Gottlieb
Contact details: +60124781813
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Hai Wei’s menu is packed with everything seafood lovers would want, from live crabs and prawns to a variety of fish ranging from grouper fish, stingray, red snapper, and more.
By the way, all these can be cooked depending on the cooking style you’d like. Moreover, the salted egg crab is a must-try, along with coconut prawns and braised shark fins.
And if you’re looking to add a little green to your meal, they have a selection of vegetable dishes like kangkong sambal, sauteed spinach, and broccoli with garlic sauce.
Pro tip: The place can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. So, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation or plan your visit a bit early to snag a good spot.
Seafood Choo
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Address: 60, Church St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60194522132
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Specializing in a variety of Chinese-style seafood dishes, Seafood Choo has a reputation for flavorful meals that keep people coming back. From grilled seabass to prawns and clams, there’s something here for everyone.
For instance, you should definitely try their dragon grouper fish head; it’s packed with spices and is perfect for sharing.
Pro tip: They often run out of their signature dishes later in the evening, so it’s worth heading there early to make sure you get to try everything you want.
Big Crab Street Food
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Address: 28, Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong 2, Fortune Park
Contact details: +60164681724
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Big Crab Street Food is where you go if you love casual dining with top-tier seafood. They serve up awesome dishes at street food prices—can’t beat that, eh?
First off, their seafood pastas are definitely crowd favorites, but also make sure to try the baked prawns and steamed crabs. You can also find satay skewers here, so if you’re into that make sure you give it a try.
By the way, the portion sizes are generous and perfect for sharing.
Pro tip: It’s a self-service kind of place, so be prepared to queue up for your food. The good news, though, is that the line moves quickly, and it’s totally worth the wait.
Super Crab Best Seafood Restaurant
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Address: 1B, Changkat Sungai Ara 6, Desa Ara
Contact details: +6046469793
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11:15 AM to 3 PM, 5:15 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Super Crab’s Best Seafood Restaurant is a spot that’s perfect for larger gatherings and family dinners. Their extensive menu puts the spotlight on crab dishes like crab meat soup, chili crab, and super crab yee sang, which are among their highlights.
They also offer a variety of seafood fried rice, steamed fish, lobster, and abalone cooked in different styles. Super Crab has other protein options that are quite delightful too.
For instance, their herbal chicken and broccoli and mushroom plate are favorites among diners.
Pro tip: They offer private dining rooms, which are ideal if you’re planning a special occasion or just want a bit more privacy. Just remember to call them in advance to make a booking.
Oyster N Seafood Bar – by the Quay
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Address: Marina Mall, 3A-G-15 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tg Pinang
Contact details: +60134232664
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
Oyster N Seafood Bar has an impressive spread of fresh oysters, clams, and a whole lot of other seafood that’s sourced fresh daily. If you’re an oyster lover, their raw oyster selection, paired with a variety of dipping sauces, is a must-try.
Beyond oysters, their grilled squid, Hokkaido scallop, and crab cake are divine. You should definitely explore the seafood platters too, for something a bit more comprehensive.
If you want something other than seafood, you can aim for their Spanish meatballs, baked nachos, truffle fries, baby spinach salad, or broccoli cheese bites.
Pro tip: Make sure you visit during happy hours (3-6 PM) for great deals on oysters and 2 glasses of wines. Reservations are suggested, especially during weekends when they get quite busy.
Zai Seng Seafood
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Address: Jalan Pantai Bersih, Taman Pantai Bersih
Contact details: +60103760082
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Zai Seng Seafood offers a variety of fresh fish, like grouper fish, stingray, black pomfret, and more. You will be deciding what type of cooking style you’ll want for your fish, be it tom yam style, sweet and sour, asam curry style, and a lot more options.
Other standout dishes here include their salted egg crabs, braised abalone, dried curry prawns, and squid lemon steam. They also serve amazing side dishes to complement your seafood feast, such as sambal lady fingers and their popular tofu dishes.
Moreover, if you want pork, they do offer pork dishes featuring braised pork, Thai-style pork, stout pork rib, and more.
Pro tip: Remember to go early to snag the freshest catch and avoid the dinner rush. The place fills up quickly after 7 p.m.!
Leong Hee Seafood
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Address: 1235-C, Lebuh Paya Terubong 3, Bandar Baru Air Itam
Contact details: +60126795617
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Leong Hee is a gem when it comes to set meals that are perfect when you’re coming with a big group or family. They’ve got these sets that include a bit of everything, such as a chicken and duck platter, braised pork knuckles, and yam rings with veggies.
Oh, and let’s not forget the seafood: scallops with crab meat soup and fish filet. They don’t stop there, as they have another set that features dragon tiger grouper, BBQ pork ribs, and steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaf.
You even get peach resin as your dessert in both sets, which is a nice little sweet treat to finish your meal. It’s super convenient because these packages already come with drinks, so you’re pretty much set for a fantastic meal without any last-minute hassle.
Pro tip: Leong Hee offers these incredible sets for takeout or delivery, but you need to order a day in advance. Perfect if you’d rather have a feast at home without lifting a finger.
Heap Seng at 29
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Address: 29, Lebuh China, George Town
Contact details: +6042611177
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Heap Seng at 29, got everything from fresh oysters and pan-fried sea bass fish tacos to Hokkaido scallops and grilled tiger prawns. And if you’re a salmon lover, their grilled Norwegian salmon is something you definitely shouldn’t miss.
For those who just can’t decide, they even have a seafood platter that gives you a bit of everything. But hey, if you’re craving something other than seafood, their menu also features black angus rib-eye, beef tenderloin, and baby back ribs.
And let’s not forget their pasta offerings: from creamy spaghetti carbonara to flavorful penne basil pesto and seafood-packed spaghetti pescatora, there’s really something for everyone.
Pro tip: Heap Seng at 29 also offers oyster packages that are just perfect if you want to enjoy these fresh delicacies in the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way to bring a bit of restaurant-quality luxury right to your dinner table.