Steak Frites @23 — Restaurant in George Town

Steak frites pronounced "stayk freet" is a dish that consists of just 3 elements; steak, crispy fries and a sauce. When an establishment names itself after one singular dish, then the expectation is for them to do only this dish, and do it really well. In this regard, I'm happy to report that this place absolutely delivers.

I only had to make 3 decisions upon being seated; a choice of 150g or 200g cut, how I want the steak cooked (level of doneness), and the drink I would like to accompany the steak. I settled for a 200g steak, cooked medium rare and a glass of house red. While the kitchen was preparing my order, I took a moment to appreciate the settings I was in; I'm in a heritage British colonial style shoplot in Penang with strong evidence of Chinese ownership from the decoration, and about to be served a classic French cuisine. What a wonderful time to be alive.

The arrival of my dinner roll and salad snapped me out of my moment of reflection, and I'm looking at a simple, but tasty way to start the meal. The salad was crisp and fresh, and served with a lovely mustard-based dressing. My steak was perfectly cooked; a nice thick cut that's seared nicely on the outside with a thick dollop of compounded butter on top and crispy fries on the side. Cutting into it revealed that it was indeed medium rare as requested, tender and juicy. The meat juices and sauce serves as a wonderful condiment to the fries while the red wine complements the steak wonderfully, and resets the palate for another bite with every sip. This dish is truly minimalistic, unpretentious and fulfilling to my soul.

Service was on point as well with an extremely courteous and attentive staff that addresses me by name throughout the meal. If there's one complaint about the environment, it's the open kitchen where the oily aroma of fries being prepared can be a put off for some. Maybe a more powerful extractor would help? However, I wouldn't let this minor detail detract anyone from having a steak here. If you want a steak that's prepared well, and leave you feeling like you got your money's worth, this is the place to have it. Highly...

In Malaysia - where diners expect variety - it’s a bold, almost reckless move to build a menu around a single dish. Yet history shows it can be done to dazzling effect. Take Relais de l’Entrecôte in Paris: no menu, no choices, just steak frites - served night after night to queues that spill onto the street. But if you dare to serve only one thing, you’d better perfect it to the point of obsession - for with no alternatives, there’s simply no margin for error.

Tucked beside the delightfully restored Love Lane Boutique Hotel, this eatery exudes quiet charm from the very first step inside. Arriving for an early dinner, I was warmly welcomed and settled into a snug little booth - the kind that invites lingering conversation. The menu offers tenderloins in 150g and 200g cuts, perfectly portioned for Asian appetites and wonderfully priced.

What followed was a symphony of pacing and flavour: a velvety Chilean Cab Sauv, crisp garden salad, a warm bread roll with butter, golden shoestring frites fresh from the fryer, and at the centre, a tender, juicy medium-rare steak crowned with a luscious French-inspired butter sauce. Each element appeared at just the right moment, unhurried yet seamless. Too bad no dessert is served - a crème brûlée would have been perfect!

Service was nothing short of impeccable - genteel, attentive, and effortlessly gracious. A thoroughly delightful dining experience, and one I would recommend...

Yesterday, I told my other half that we were going to a restaurant that serves only one menu - steak. When we sat down for dinner, she's surprised to find out it's exactly just one type of steak, Australian Beef Tenderloin and no other choices on sides, sauces or condiments. Meaning, if you don't come alone, then all of you must be beef lovers.

The place is kind of open but with air conditioning that won't make you feel neither chill nor warm.

The bread was served with French unsalted butter. Salad is simple and fresh.

Now came the beef. Menu has two sizes, 150grams and 200grams but only 200g ones were available during our visit. The beef was delicious. The meat was succulen, tender and doneness was right - midium rare. The cafe de Paris butter sauce on top of the beef was great..added slight saltiness and rich flavour to the food. Fries were abundant and were ok. They don't serve sea salt but table salt and pepper are available.

Wine list, beer and liquor were available from the bar. house wine by glass for rm20 is also available. I had a bottle of tiger beer.

Service is friendly, unobstructive.

Overall it's value for money, rm73 (inclusive 6% service tax) for a three course set and 200g...