If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some delicious food, Cantina by JAVU is the place to be. Located in Love Lane, Penang, this restaurant just opened its doors in March 2023 and is already making waves in the foodie scene. This is actually their third outlet, with the first being Javu located at Tanjung Tokong and the second being Hola by JAVU, also located at Tanjung Tokong.

As a pork-free restaurant, Cantina by JAVU prides itself on serving up good old-fashioned comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Their menu offers a wide variety of options for breakfast, tapas, burgers, sandwiches, grill, rice and pasta.

As for the ambiance, Cantina by JAVU has a laid-back and casual vibe that is perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or family. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with rustic wooden furniture and warm lighting, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

We recently visited Cantina by JAVU in Penang and asked one of their staff members for some recommendations. We were excited to try out some of their signature dishes, and we weren’t disappointed.

We started off our meal with the Tortilla Champions Pintxos, a classic Spanish tapas that Cantina by JAVU does exceptionally well. The combination of flavors and textures was simply heavenly, with Spanish tortilla cooked in their homemade tomato salsa, whole mushrooms with a touch of sriracha aioli, and the crispy Pintxos bringing it all together.

Next, we tried the Tocino a la Barbacoa, which is a grilled beef bacon dish that is slow-cooked to perfection in their homemade chili broth. It was served with a cream cheese slathered baguette with capsicum and topped with dates, making for a sweet and savory dish that was truly unforgettable.

We also tried Bruschetta – which was a multigrain toast topped with parmesan, tomatoes, and baked with mozzarella cheese. The side of balsamic glaze and pesto for dipping made this a perfect appetizer to share with friends.

Another highlight was the Feta, Argula & Caramelized Onion Pintxos, which came with feta cheese, crushed walnuts, caramelized onions, and honey dates. The addition of red wine vinegar gave it a tangy twist, and serving it on a cream cheese slathered baguette was the perfect touch.

We also tried the Almejas Con Leche, which was a dish of clams cooked in a white wine reduction with cherry tomatoes and a dash of milk. The baguette served alongside was the perfect vessel for soaking up all the flavorful broth.

The Fish Tacos – which were fillet sea bass crumbed and fried to perfection. Topped with their sweet chili salsa and assorted greens, it was a refreshing and light dish that still packed a punch of flavor. The portion was generous and we could easily share it among ourselves. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and was served with a refreshing salsa that complemented the dish perfectly. We loved the combination of textures and flavors in this dish. 

Last but not least, we ordered the Moroccan Tagine, which was served with fluffy rice. The aroma alone was enough to make our mouths water – the fragrant spices, tender chunks of meat, and perfectly cooked vegetables were a feast for the senses. The sweetness of the apricots and raisins added a nice contrast to the savory flavors, and we couldn’t get enough.

To wash it all down, we ordered the Matcha Lemonade, which was a refreshing and unique twist on a classic drink. The bright green color and subtle matcha flavor was a nice surprise, and the lemonade itself was perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. We also tried their signature Biscoff Milkshake, which was simply divine – the thick and creamy milkshake had a hint of caramel. It was the perfect indulgent treat to end our meal.

Overall, our experience at Cantina by JAVU was nothing short of delightful. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious food and drinks all came together to create a wonderful dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for comfort food and delicious tapas in Penang.

Address: 49, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

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