Au Jardin, Penang

Last updated: October 2026

About Au Jardin

Au Jardin is a Michelin-starred French restaurant located inside the Hin Bus Depot arts hub on Jalan Timah. The kitchen uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients — much of it from urban farms and small producers around Penang — and applies precise French technique to build a multi-course tasting menu. Plating is meticulous, and each course is accompanied by a brief explanation from the team.

The restaurant operates only Thursday through Sunday, with lunch and dinner seatings. Tasting menus run from RM200 to RM450 per person before wine pairing. The setting is intimate, with a small dining room that seats around 20. Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance. This is Penang's strongest argument that world-class French dining can exist alongside hawker stalls and kopitiam.

Most casual restaurants in George Town do not take reservations. At popular spots like Tek Sen and Sri Ananda Bahwan, simply arrive early — 15 to 30 minutes before opening — to avoid the longest waits. For fine dining at Kebaya, Gēn, Indigo and Au Jardin, always book ahead.

Halal restaurants on this list include Hameediyah, Sri Ananda Bahwan and Jawi House. If halal certification is important to you, confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting, as certification status can change. Most Chinese and Nyonya restaurants in Penang are non-halal.

Cash is still common at older establishments. Tek Sen is cash only. Hameediyah and Sri Ananda Bahwan accept cash and some digital payments. Fine dining restaurants accept credit cards. Grab or ride-hailing is the easiest way to move between restaurants that are not within walking distance of the heritage core.

For Chinese-style 'chu char' cooking, Tek Sen Restaurant on Lebuh Carnarvon is the long-standing favourite. Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery on Lebuh Bishop serves Michelin-starred Nyonya dishes based on family recipes. Hameediyah on Lebuh Campbell has been serving nasi kandar since 1907 and remains one of the most reliable places for Indian Muslim food in George Town.

Hameediyah Restaurant, Sri Ananda Bahwan and Jawi House Cafe Gallery are all halal. Most Chinese and Nyonya restaurants in Penang, including Tek Sen, ChinaHouse, Auntie Gaik Lean's and Kebaya Dining Room, are non-halal. Always confirm directly with the restaurant if halal certification is important to you.

Budget meals at places like Sri Ananda Bahwan and Hameediyah cost RM6 to RM15 per person. Mid-range restaurants such as Tek Sen and Jawi House run RM15 to RM60. Fine dining at Kebaya Dining Room, Indigo or Gēn ranges from RM100 to RM500 per person depending on the tasting menu and wine pairing.

Reservations are essential for fine dining restaurants like Kebaya Dining Room, Gēn and Indigo at The Blue Mansion. Auntie Gaik Lean's requires a RM200 deposit per reservation. At casual spots like Tek Sen and Sri Ananda Bahwan, walk-ins are the norm, but expect a queue at peak hours — especially at Tek Sen during dinner service.

Kebaya Dining Room at Seven Terraces serves refined Nyonya cuisine in a restored heritage setting. Gēn offers a seasonal degustation menu built around local Malaysian produce and holds a Michelin star. Au Jardin at Hin Bus Depot is a Michelin-starred French restaurant open Thursday to Sunday. Indigo at The Blue Mansion serves contemporary Asian dishes inside the Cheong Fatt Tze heritage building.

What to Order at Au Jardin

Au Jardin offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.

• Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
• Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
• Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
• Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.

Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.

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