Best Risotto in Penang

IL Bacaro has been a household name among the Italian food lovers in Penang. This place offers a repertoire of authentic Italian dishes that are made with fresh and premium ingredients. You’re welcoming reward would be a classy and cosy interior that sets the mood in no time. Apart from the pizzas and pastas, the risottos are highly revered too. There are quite a number of flavours to choose, from fresh seafood to green pea with grilled shrimp and distinctive combinations like black truffle and abalone mushroom. The real standout got to be the risotto itself, which is cooked till soft and creamy, just like an exemplary one should be. And it works perfectly with a glass of wine by the side.

You might be caught between two stools as two of Pizzaiola’s signature risottos are utterly appealing. Their BBQ Chicken version consists of sautéed mushroom risotto and slices of grilled chicken lounging on a pool of BBW sauce. The risotto is full of fragrance and creamy, complemented by the juicy and tender chicken. Their next rendition brings the dish to a new height, where risotto is baked with fresh Unagi, teriyaki cream sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Asian and Italian lovechild is then topped with chopped herbs, and for cheese-lovers, you’ll never want to miss it. Enjoy the meal between exposed brick walls, wooden tables and dim lighting. 

Named after the street name, this comfy cafe allows you to enjoy risotto for supper as the shutter closes at 2 am. Get charmed with Tomato Seafood Risotto, among the best sellers where the creamy rice is shrouded with rich cheese and bouquet of fresh seafood such as prawns, clams, mussels and squid. The ratio of ocean goodness to risotto is praiseworthy. Squid ink risotto, as well as mushroom and chicken risotto, are also available, an adventurous take or common comfort, the ball is in your court. The engaging artworks on the walls and charming decors invites to linger a little longer. 

This renowned eatery has earned a flagship as one of the finest spots to quell your Italian food quest. Big portions and bountiful ingredients, all aspects are well-taken care off. Their mushroom risotto gives a smooth mouthfeel with slivers of ham and bits of mushroom and sprinkle of cheese or if seafood is your pick, this version has plump prawns, blanched broccolis and splash of cheese and herbs.   

Located at Maritime Plaza along Karpal Singh Drive, this restaurant has been magnetising patrons with their coffees and mélange of Western and Italian meals. They serve a range of risottos, Cuttlefish, Prawn, Fillet Steak, Pumpkin and Seasonal Fish. Based on clienteles review, Grilled Cuttlefish is what you should never miss. The risotto is made with squid ink, drizzled with chopped bell peppers which add crunch and colour and a huge squid is grilled elegantly and laid across the platter. The cuttlefish has nice crisp and chewy bite while the rice is velvety. For steak lovers, the Fillet Steak is juicy and tender, while the risotto is made with long beans and porcini mushrooms. 

An endless variety of pasta and coffees, captivating atmosphere and quirky name, this restaurant has been hitting the roof among locals as well as tourists. Their risottos are amazing too, Squid Ink version is loaded with chunks of squids and porcini mushrooms while the seafood take is piled with ocean goodness such as squids, prawns and clams. The risotto has the perfect creamy consistency and the fresh ingredients play nicely with the entire dish, full of fragrance and flavour.