Firewood Penang — Restaurant in George Town

The execution standard is high indeed. When I asked for the Angus sirloin to be done medium rare, it arrived well-charred and wonderfully smoky on the outside and perfectly pink on the inside just the way it should be. Seasoned just right too. The charring in the Caesar salad worked very well. Transformed it from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Prices are premium but befitting of the food quality. The space is a bit dark and dungeon-y though where a bit of natural light would benefit it much. Will definitely go again.

Part #2: A 2nd visit in mid-December for dinner was met with a full-house! Asked the kitchen if they could curate a "surf & turf" platter comprising a tenderloin, oysters and barramundi collar - they certainly did a marvelous job at it. Everything was perfectly seasoned and once again the medium rare was perfectly on point. The kitchen counter is indeed a great place to sit if you want to feel part of the total action.

Part#3: Another December (2023) visit (almost precisely a year after my last). It is good to note that the standards have been well maintained in the kitchen all this time. I just walked right in without reservations and was shown to a seat at the counter which was just fine with me as I like to observe the action in the kitchen.

I ordered the 4-course set dinner for RM208++ which came with a glass of wine. The “fire treatment” to all the courses are quite evident which makes everything taste extra special.

The 1st course of scallop with caviar proved to be a delicious combination albeit very small. Very nice of the kitchen to agree to my request to switch to the tomato soup (instead of mushroom) - would have been more delightful if it came with a slice of toast.

The charring on my lamb rack was exceptionally flavourful. The plating was notable as well. Loved the roasted garlic but found the mint sauce too acidic. Expected a vegetable accompaniment but didn’t find one. Everything about the lime tart with charred pineapple was enjoyable.

Service was most attentive...

• Google Reviews Helped me found this Gem, so am Giving it Back!! *

Date - 8 Nov 2024 for 3 pax

Booking - Booking via Google was a breeze without need for any pre-payment. Restaurant replied me via Whatsapp promptly due to some special requests that I've made.

First Impression - Finding the nondescript restaurant along the road and being non local was a little challenging but nothing google direction can't help. Upon entering, you are greeted with "Firewood" written in many different ways splashed all over the walls. Spacious dining areas and a huge firewood furnace at the end of the restaurant decked out in industrial-look interior - Nice!! Would be better if there is some loud music at the background versus other people talking ambience noise. It was a little warm in there due to the huge space with very high ceiling. That will be all for improvement areas.

Service - Impeccable from entering to exit. Period.

Food - This is the reason I'm writing the review. The Chef/Owner work under G.Ramsay for many years in Singapore's MBS, but that wasn't important (at least not to me). What was Great about this place was that I've had probably the best steak I've ever had even compared to Singapore's own top steak houses (including the one rated Asia's No. 1 in recent years). For once, I did not choose the best cuts or the most expensive but the run of the mill grain fed 420g australia angus ribeye. And yet the delivery was simply on point, with the doneness, the burnt flavours and it was simply tasty-delicious. We had the Charred Cauliflower, Grill Spain Octopus, Charcoal Burnt Caesar Salad, Crabmeat Pasta and French Foie Gras. House Red. EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!!! (I'm not 1 to please easily). Keep out the great work Team!!!

Price - That's a little subjective but I think it was very reasonable and worth every penny, as the food was simply amazing. RM$890 for 3 pax.

Will You Return - If I visit Penang, I will always pop...

Title: Disappointing Valentine's Day Experience at Firewood

On Valentine's Day, my partner and I chose to dine at Firewood, expecting a romantic evening with exceptional food and service. However, our experience fell far short of expectations. Upon arrival, we discovered a set menu, reluctantly agreeing to the steep price of $304++ per person. Adding insult to injury, we had to fork out an additional $268 for a steak upgrade.

To begin, the foie gras starter failed to impress, lacking any noteworthy flavor. Despite being seated directly in front of the bar, our plates remained uncleared, while we watched staff indulge in their own meals and discuss trivial matters like angpao distribution.

The soup, promised but forgotten until our main course arrived, turned out to be a bland cream of corn concoction. The main dish, a medium-cooked steak recommended by our waiter, arrived closer to rare than the medium we requested. Even though it was purportedly a Mizayaki A5 Wagyu, it failed to meet expectations. The salmon was equally disappointing, overly salty and unpalatable.

Dessert offered no redemption, with a dense, overly sweet red velvet cake that we struggled to finish. It was evident that the quality of both food and service fell short of the exorbitant price we paid.

A frustrating sidenote: it seems special treatment is reserved for those who come bearing angpaos, as we observed staff lavishing attention on such guests while neglecting others.

In conclusion, our Valentine's Day experience at Firewood was a regrettable one. For the price, one would expect Gordon Ramsay-level excellence, but alas, we received Jamie Oliver-standard fare at best. Save your money and dine elsewhere, recommend Gordon Ramsay for the same price point where better options abound. Firewood is overpriced and underwhelming, offering neither the quality of food nor the service deserving of its...