Ocean Green Penang at a Glance
Ocean Green Penang is a well-loved Hainanese seafood restaurant located along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah in George Town, Penang. The restaurant sits right by the beach, offering diners an experience that combines good food with a refreshing seaside atmosphere. Situated next to the Paramount Hotel, it’s easy to find and popular among both locals and tourists.
- Address: 48F Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 4-227 4530
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM daily
Why This Review
Ocean Green Penang has been operating for decades and is often recommended to travellers seeking a sit-down seafood dinner by the sea. In this review, we’ll evaluate the restaurant on four key aspects: food, ambience, service, and value. The goal is to give you a comprehensive understanding of whether this is the right seafood stop for your next Penang trip.
First Impressions on Arrival — Ocean Green Penang
The moment you approach Ocean Green Penang, the setting feels inviting yet unpretentious. The restaurant is tucked off the main road, with a driveway leading towards the beachfront. The open-air dining area faces the sea, and you can often hear the waves crashing while waiting to be seated. Tables are spacious, designed to accommodate large family gatherings or tour groups, but the casual layout ensures smaller groups feel comfortable too.
The crowd here is a mix: you’ll find long-time Penangites, families celebrating special occasions, and tourists drawn by guidebook mentions. The vibe is communal, noisy, and energetic, typical of a bustling Chinese seafood restaurant.
Ambience & Views — Ocean Green Penang
Dining here is as much about the seaside view as it is about the food. Ocean Green Penang sits right by the shoreline, and during dinner service you can watch the sunset over the water. At night, the restaurant is softly lit, and the sound of the waves provides a natural backdrop. This makes it suitable for families, casual gatherings, and even romantic dinners, provided you don’t mind the buzz of a busy dining hall.
Service & Staff Impression — Ocean Green Penang
The staff at Ocean Green Penang are known for being brisk and efficient. Orders are taken quickly, and dishes usually arrive in a steady flow rather than all at once. The waiters often suggest portion sizes based on the group size, and tea cups are frequently refilled without asking. While the service may feel rushed during peak hours, the staff are generally helpful when it comes to explaining preparation styles or suggesting signature dishes.
Menu Overview — Ocean Green Penang
The menu at Ocean Green is extensive, leaning heavily on seafood but also offering meat, vegetable, and noodle dishes. Diners can pick live seafood from tanks or order from a list of house specialties. Signature items include satay, sizzling oyster, cheese-baked crab, and steamed tiger prawns. Prices are higher than hawker stalls but reasonable compared to other sit-down seafood restaurants in Penang.
Beyond seafood, the restaurant also offers venison dishes, fried vegetables, soups, and desserts such as mango sago. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seafood lover or simply tagging along with one.
Signature Dishes to Try at Ocean Green Penang
Satay
Surprisingly, one of the most famous dishes at Ocean Green Penang is not seafood but satay. The skewered, grilled meat is tender and smoky, served with a thick, nutty peanut sauce. Many diners consider this the must-order starter, as it sets the tone for the meal.
Sizzling Oyster
The sizzling oyster is another house favourite. Served on a hot plate, the oysters are cooked with eggs and a starchy base, producing a sizzling sound and aroma that immediately grabs attention. The flavour is rich and comforting, enhanced by the house chili sauce.
Cheese Baked Crab
If you enjoy rich flavours, the cheese baked crab at Ocean Green is a showstopper. The crab is generously covered with cheese and baked until golden, resulting in a creamy, indulgent dish that balances the sweetness of fresh crab meat with savoury cheese.
Steamed Tiger Prawns
Freshness is the highlight here. The tiger prawns are steamed simply with minimal seasoning, allowing the natural sweetness of the prawns to shine through. They are typically served with a soy-based dipping sauce for added depth.
Other Notable Dishes
Other items worth mentioning include venison cooked with ginger and spring onion, nestum prawns coated in crunchy cereal, and mango sago for dessert. These dishes round out the experience, offering both variety and contrast to the seafood-heavy menu.
Tasting Notes — What to Expect on the Plate
The flavours at Ocean Green Penang are bold but balanced. Seafood is served fresh, often with minimal seasoning to let the natural sweetness shine. Signature items like the cheese crab lean indulgent, while the satay and sizzling oyster offer smokier, earthier flavours. Portion sizes are generous, designed for sharing, which makes dining in groups particularly rewarding here.
Drinks & House Condiments
The drink menu is straightforward: Chinese tea, soft drinks, beer, and occasionally wine. What stands out is the house-made chili sauce placed on every table. It’s tangy, spicy, and pairs beautifully with both seafood and meat dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.
Value for Money & Portion Sizing
While Ocean Green Penang is pricier than hawker seafood stalls, the quality and setting justify the cost. Expect to spend between RM50–100+ per person for a satisfying seafood meal with multiple dishes. Considering the beachfront location and portion sizes, many diners feel the value is fair, especially when shared among groups.
When to Go & Reservation Tips
Evenings are the best time to visit, especially if you want to enjoy the sunset views. Weekends can be crowded, so it’s wise to make a reservation, particularly for larger groups. Private rooms are available for events, though they should be booked in advance.
Accessibility & Practical Considerations
Ocean Green Penang offers parking on-site, though it can be limited during peak hours. The restaurant is adjacent to the Paramount Hotel, making it convenient for tourists staying nearby. Some diners have noted the presence of stray dogs outside, but this does not affect the dining area itself. Families with children will find the restaurant accommodating, thanks to spacious seating.
Final Verdict — Ocean Green Penang
Ocean Green Penang is a seafood restaurant that has stood the test of time. Its combination of seaside ambience, Hainanese cooking style, and memorable signature dishes makes it a worthy stop for anyone visiting George Town. While prices are higher than casual hawker stalls, the value lies in the overall dining experience: fresh seafood, attentive service, and a unique beachfront setting. If you’re looking for a quintessential Penang seafood dinner with character, Ocean Green delivers.
Ratings Snapshot
- Food: 4.5/5
- Service: 4/5
- Ambience: 4.5/5
- Value: 4/5
- Overall: 4.3/5
FAQs — Ocean Green Penang
Is Ocean Green Penang halal?
No. Ocean Green is a Chinese seafood restaurant and not halal-certified. However, some diners note that pork and lard are not heavily featured in the menu.
Does Ocean Green Penang take reservations for large groups?
Yes. It is recommended to call ahead, especially on weekends and public holidays. Private rooms can also be reserved for special events.
What are the must-order dishes at Ocean Green Penang?
Signature dishes include satay, sizzling oyster, cheese baked crab, and steamed tiger prawns. These items best reflect the restaurant’s strengths.
Is there parking and is it child-friendly?
Yes, parking is available but limited during peak hours. The restaurant is family-friendly with spacious seating, though parents should be aware of stray dogs outside the premises.
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