
Il Bacaro
A charming Venetian-style tavern offering authentic Italian cuisine, recognized by the Michelin Guide, with homemade pasta and pizzas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Il Bacaro

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Venetian-style tavern offering authentic Italian cuisine, recognized by the Michelin Guide, with homemade pasta and pizzas.
Try Chef's Specials
Explore the chef's specials for unique and unforgettable dishes, such as the highly recommended lamb shoulder.
Reservations Recommended
It's advised to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak hours or for date nights.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+60 4-261 8290
Address
Campbell House, 106, Lebuh Campbell, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Venetian Cuisine
Experience traditional Italian flavors with fresh, homemade pastas, authentic pizzas including unique black dough options, and chef's specials.

Michelin Guide Recognition
This Italian gem is recognized by the Michelin Guide, promising a quality dining experience with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Charming European Ambiance
Step into a cozy, intimate setting reminiscent of Venetian taverns, perfect for romantic dinners or gatherings with friends and family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Chef's Specials
Explore the chef's specials for unique and unforgettable dishes, such as the highly recommended lamb shoulder.
Reservations Recommended
It's advised to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak hours or for date nights.
Dietary Options Available
Inquire about their diverse menu, which includes options for dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially avoid parking challenges.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Chef's Specials
Explore the chef's specials for unique and unforgettable dishes, such as the highly recommended lamb shoulder.
Reservations Recommended
It's advised to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak hours or for date nights.
Dietary Options Available
Inquire about their diverse menu, which includes options for dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially avoid parking challenges.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Il Bacaro is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine, particularly its fresh homemade pastas and pizzas. Diners often praise the attentive service and the charming, European-like ambiance, making it ideal for special occasions. However, some reviews mention that certain dishes can be slightly salty or overcooked, and the overall experience might be perceived as slightly overrated for the price by some.
"We came here since Google review rating is high and didn’t know that it has Michelin Guide awards. The cheese was close to original from Europe and the pizza was amazing. It’s not easy to do a good job on Margarita. The pasta is also creamy and well balanced with lots of seafood. The service is attentive and the restaurant is full-house. Will come back again."
katie morronkb0552
"Food were beautifully cooked and served. Chicken “willington” was the special that day and it did not disappoint, very delicious indeed. Enjoyed the attentive service for the night even when we came without a reservation. Hope to revisit on our next trip to Penang."
Calynn Soh
"OVERRATED
I would say it's a little bit on the overrated side. Ambience & decorations are great. Soup is slightly salty to my liking. Salad, balanced combination. Main course seafood platter, I would say it's a let down: scallop overcooked, shrinked (maybe cause it's grilled with cheese?), fish is juicy BUT can taste the earthy/muddy taste (usually farmer fish has it), not good for me. Luckily the prawn was good. Desserts are great, especially the molten lava cake. Overall, acceptable. Maybe just stick to the traditional Italian food?"
Shannen Heng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Il Bacaro is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, especially its homemade pastas and pizzas, including unique black dough options. It also boasts a Michelin Guide recognition and a charming Venetian ambiance.
Yes, making a reservation in advance is recommended, especially for date nights or during busy periods, as the restaurant can get full.
The restaurant offers diverse menu options, and diners with dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance have found options available. It's best to inquire directly about specific vegetarian or vegan dishes.
The ambiance is described as charming, cozy, and intimate, reminiscent of old-world Venetian taverns, making it suitable for romantic dinners and gatherings.
Some reviews mention that parking can be challenging. It is advisable to consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Popular dishes include the Linguine Crab, lamb shoulder, oven-baked lamb shoulder, carbonara, and various pizzas. The black dough pizza is also a unique offering.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Best Restaurants In George Town Penang
The best Italian restaurant in town, Il Bacaro is where everyone goes for their Mediterranean fix. Fresh pastas are a specialty (they make their own gnocchi), served in generous portions and usually topped with parsley and cheese.We recommend the Linguine Crab, a scrumptious little affair with chunks of crab meat and cherry tomatoes tossed in Aglio Olio style — it’s probably the best Italian linguine this side of Malaysia.Oh, and if you have a birthday coming up, they do a little song for you too — just order dessert.
Penang's Pinnacles of Pizzas
Housed within Campbell House in Georgetown, Il Bacaro affirms that the difficulty of finding a date night restaurant for Italian food lovers is a thing of the past. Be welcomed by Victorian-style floor tiles, retro ceiling fans, mellow lighting, glass windows, and of course, sights of classic and contemporary gourmet pizzas. Not to be missed are their carbon-base ‘black’ pizzas, which include Inferno Nero – black dough topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, spicy beef salami, olives, tomato sauce, and chilli flakes.
33 Unmissable Places for Western Food in Penang in 2025
Don’t miss Il Bacaro’s antipasti platter to start with your western food fix in Penang (image courtesy of Campbell House/Il Bacaro). The restaurant of the popular boutique hotel Campbell House has been around for a decade, introducing and upholstering the name of Venetian cuisine across the island. Yes, that’s “Italian food” for newbies: but it’s Venice’s old-world taverns which inspired Il Bacaro, from its very own name, to the choice of food on their menu.
Top 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Penang 2023
Il Bacaro is where you can find all sorts of traditional favourites made with 100% Italian products by Chef Mauro. The taste of their La Dolce Vita is something that will be a remarkable memory upon dining in this exclusive Italian restaurant. Their Chef’s Special menus would be the righteous way to relish their food, such as Burrata with Tempura Vegetables, Half Roasted Chicken with Caponata, and Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola & Duck Bacon.
5 Penang Fine Dining Venues you Must Visit
Penang’s flourishing food scene continues to draw restaurateurs from far and wide, including Italy. Il Bacaro is one of the most successful, a Italian restaurant located in Penang in Campbell House. A “bacaro” is a typical Venetian hostaria or tavern, usually located in the back streets of Venice where friends meet up to enjoy a glass of wine while sharing “cicchetti” (small plates of food) and simple Italian dishes.
10 Best Italian Restaurants In George Town, Malaysia
This Italian restaurant at Campbell House offers soft-crust pizzas, a variety of steaks, delectable desserts, and a fine selection of wines. The restaurant features authentic food options at reasonable prices in a cosy atmosphere. Named after a typical tavern in Venice, Il Bacaro is ideal for those looking for a meal among a great menu of choices, in a comfortable atmosphere that will make diners feel right at home.
Best Pastas in Penang — FoodAdvisor
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.
the best gay bars, clubs, hotels and things to do
Il Bacaro restaurant at 106 Lebuh Campbell street is the in-house restaurant of the Campbell House boutique hotel (see above). It's the perfect little haven for you if you're craving a break from local food and fancy a pizza or pasta dish instead!. In fact, this was some of the best Italian food we've ever had, rivalling some of the highly-rated restaurants back home in London.
6 Best Spots For Affordable Fine Dining In Penang
Cuisine: Authentic VenetianPrice Range: RM30 – RM50Ambience: Intimate setting with classic decor. IL Bacaro brings a taste of Venice to Penang at prices that won’t break the bank. Offering authentic Italian flavours at moderate prices, IL Bacaro is perfect for those seeking a romantic dinner or a special meal without the premium cost often associated with Italian dining.
Our 11 Favourite Restaurants in George Town Penang [2025 ]
There’s this great Italian place we absolutely loved that’s called Il Bacaro – and it’s right at the heart of Penang. It’s located in the Campbell House, and it’s one that you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re in the area!. Going in, we didn’t expect much as we always think that restaurants outside of Italy couldn’t really capture that cuisine’s authenticity.
Restaurants That Ooze Colonial Beauty in Penang
For anyone in search of authentic Italian cuisine at the heart of Georgetown, a visit to Il Bacaro is essential. It's housed in the award-winning Campbell House boutique hotel, which was built in 1903. The eye-catching colonial facade is certainly the pull factor, yet the arches and alcoves and even the floorings share equal pride once your step in.
10 Trustworthy Fine Dining in Penang [2024]
Campbell House’s Il Bacaro provides a taste of La Dolce Vita. You may unwind with traditional comfort meals like handmade gnocchi and delicious tiramisu. Serving exclusively Italian products and according to Mamma’s family recipes, they provide genuine, freshly prepared Italian cuisine created with seasonal seafood and vegetables.
15 Most Romantic Places In Penang To Enjoy Valentine's Day Dinner
For those that want to have a taste of the real, authentic Italian cuisines, this is the place to be. The restaurant serves its cuisine the Il Bacaro way, which is based on a traditional Venetian backstreet tavern. This is where you can treat the love of your life to some Italian Romance this Valentine Day.
Contemporary eateries mushroom in Penang’s George Town
The gregarious Roberto Dreon, who hails from Venice, presides over Il Bacaro, which promises trattoria-style cooking that blends authentic finesse with home-cooked honesty. Try the seafood stew, pizzas and duck ravioli with butter and herbs; the kitchen prepares much of the pastas and sauces from scratch.
15 Best Restaurants in George Town (2024)
This restaurant in Georgetown has received numerous awards, including the Michelin. Customers highly recommend the authentic Italian cuisine and the delicious dishes, with particular praise for the fried calamari and carbonara. The staff is polite, and the atmosphere is enjoyable for special occasions.
23 Best Restaurants in Penang [2022]
Il Bacaro is a little Italian sanctuary delivering a sense of La Dolce Vita while in Penang, despite the fact that Penang has fantastic street food. Take comfort in traditional favorites like homemade gnocchi and delectable tiramisu. Even tourists from Napoli have praised our pizzas.
Food Delivery in Penang: The Best Restaurants in Penang that Deliver During MCO
Real talk = I’m always feeling a little Italian (if you know what I mean, sorry, mom). Il Bacaro is inside the wonderfully restored Campbell House Boutique Hotel. It’s owned by hubs and wife duo Roberto and Nardya, who are just lovely.
10 Places to Eat in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Il Bacaro is a great spot for those looking to get their comfort food fix. This is an Italian style restaurant that did not disappoint with anything that we tried.
Penang Restaurant Guide 2024: 23 Spots for Local Flavours
This was a hard choice, but our top three places are Teksen, Aunty Gaik Lean's Old Eatery, and Il Bacaro.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit