Best Pastas in Penang

Pasta pilgrims got to discover this little gem that serves irresistible Italian eateries. Situated in the cafe-flocked Love Lane, they are drawing booming reputation for their hearty meals, linguine marinara among their front-runners. The salacious presentation and alluring aroma just drools you to devour straightaway – plump prawns, calamaris and mussels rested on a bed of well-prepared pasta cherished with savory tomato sauce. Once you’ve bolted down the ocean goodness, stroll around the heritage-preserved streets to free up some tummy space and get back for more. Their local delights and tandoori meats are worth sinking in too.

Eld's 22 Pasta and Grill excels in pasta dishes. The menu features an array of western dishes ranging from chicken chop to stuffed chicken and of course, delicious pastas. With the starting price of RM15 for their set lunch, you'll be able to enjoy a multitude of food, including a fusion between spaghetti and grilled chicken. It's may not be entirely Italian, but it tastes pretty good, so why not? 

Soul Cafe is vibrant and sleek place offering not just a good selection of coffees, but also solid pasta menu. It is also Malaysia's first photography-themed cafe! The Basil Pesto Tagliatelle here is set to impress. It's made with homemade pesto sauce that is not only rich in flavour, but comes with an aroma that guarantees to excite. Seasoned and cooked perfectly al-dante, the Basil Pesto Tagliatelle is a must-try!

Located in Campbell House, IL Bacaro is widely cherished for its authentic Italian cuisine. And keeps the crowd coming back is the consistency of the dishes, as fresh and premium ingredients are emphasised in the kitchen and much of the sauces and pastas are made from scratch. Apart from the variation of sauces and toppings, one can also relish different types of pastas that come in different shapes and sizes. If you’re a seafood buff, we highly recommended the seafood pasta as they are never skimp on the ingredients. Also, the ambience is kept the same high level as the food, thus lingering around longer with a glass of wine is certainly on the cards. 

Pizzaiola isn't all just about pizza. They also serve an array of unique pastas such as the Unagi Carbonara, Mongolian King Prawn Spaghetti, Unagi Risotto, and many more! Despite those weird sounding combination, they are fresh, well seasoned and most importantly, delicious! 

Five27 has been a popular place since the day of their inception at Straits Quay. It has then moved to Chulia Court, where the restaurant boasts a larger space with better ventilation and ambience. The Seafood Aglio Olio here is served with a generous amount of mussels and prawns, seasoned and cooked to al-dante perfection. For those interested in a drink or two, there's also a bar within Five27 that is nicely decorated and fitted with leather seatings!

Quite possibly one of the best pasta that you will have not only in Penang but anywhere in Malaysia. Their pasta is freshly hand made and served al-dente. Yes, al-dente. Which means every bite of the pasta is firm and enjoyable. Since the seating area is very limited, it's not a place for you to dally at once you have finished your meal.

Penang cafes definitely are unique with their ideal balance of heritage preservation and modernized refurbishment. iDCOVA is a perfect example with the outside looking as if it was built in London or France. Dish-wise do look out for the signature spicy aglio olio. It may look simple but don't be fooled. The spiciness tend to build up slowly and will have you appreciating the taste of the hot Bangladeshi Bird's Eye Chili!