Located in the UNESCO heritage district of George Town, Christoph’s immediately grabbed our attention early in 2024 as that quintessential ‘hidden gem,’ offering a taste of Austria (with a touch of Germany here and there) right in the heart of Penang. This rustic eatery, led by Christoph Girsch, a former E&O hotel manager, exudes charm and warmth, delivering a truly authentic European dining experience infused with the historic ambiance of George Town.

Now, however, it’s just a bit less hidden, as Christoph’s was recently awarded some well-deserved plaudits as a Michelin-selected restaurant at the Michelin Guide Awards for 2025, a gala ceremony in November that covered both Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

 

With its corner location, Christoph’s presents a welcoming entrance

 

Now a Michelin Guide Selected restaurant

 

We were able to revisit Christoph’s recently, and happily, that coveted Michelin recognition hasn’t gone to their heads in the least – the inviting restaurant is the same as ever, prices are unchanged, and Christoph was just as welcoming and engaging. We eagerly took our seats in anticipation of some wonderful cuisine.

The restaurant’s cosy interior is reminiscent of an Austrian inn, with wooden furnishings and warm lighting blending seamlessly into the colonial streetscape. The exterior sign reads “Christoph’s Living Room & Restaurant,” aptly reflecting the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that awaits diners. Inside, the focus is squarely on Austrian cuisine, potentially making Christoph’s the only genuine Austrian restaurant in Malaysia.

The menu showcases classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Styrian Wurstsalad, and Kaesespaetzle, all prepared using traditional methods and fresh, quality ingredients. We savoured all of these, the Kaesespaetzle as part of the highly recommended Zwiebelrostbraten, a Viennese-style roast beef with the spaetzle, crispy fried onions, and a delicious onion gravy.

 

Styrian Wurstsalad

 

Zwiebelrostbraten

 

Wiener Schnitzel

 

Christoph’s dedication to authenticity shines through, with meals pairing perfectly with their curated selection of wines. Sweet options like Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake dessert, round out the menu for those seeking a decadent finish. (That said, we opted for the sublime Salzburger Nockerl, an irresistible Austrian soufflé.) Christoph’s also offers a rotating daily specials menu, ensuring something new for repeat visitors.

 

Salzburger Nockerl

 

The wines at Christoph’s deserve a special extended mention. Unsurprisingly, Austrian wines feature heavily here, but they’re joined by a cadre of other nicely chosen European wines.

For a small wine-producing nation, Austria punches well above its weight. The Austrian Empire was once one of the most powerful in Europe, and while its wine industry dates back many centuries, it has only just started to be noticed in Malaysia.

Over a few thousands of years of making wine, Austrian winemakers have honed their craft and, in the past 40 years, have been skilfully taking these wines to international markets. Bringing ‘new’ indigenous varieties to the world is never easy, but Austria is championing this with varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Neuburger, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, and Blauburgunder

Grüner Veltliner accounts for a third of all Austrian grape plantings and is deservedly the star of their wine realm. It is the perfect accompaniment for many Asian cuisines and dishes. This white varietal displays crisp acidity, concentrated flavour, subtle spice, voluptuous texture, and vibrant minerality.

Christoph’s has a selection of Laurenz V (Laurenz Five) wines. This is a company that only produces Grüner Veltliner, so you can safely assume they know how to handle the variety.

However, for a refreshing introduction to Austrian wines, a glass or bottle of Heuriger Mayer am Pfarrplatz Weiner Gemischter Satz DAC is just the wine for several reasons. German really is a mouthful for non-German speakers to get their head around, but the wine is a pleasure on the palate.

 

Estates such as Laurenz V make superb wines from Grüner Veltliner grapes

 

Mayer Weiner Gemischter Satz DAC

 

The German name also means you would be well-served to be introduced to Christoph himself, the restaurant owner. He is also a sommelier who loves introducing his beloved wines from his homeland. He will explain that heuriger refers to the wine estate and cellardoor located in the charming village of Grinzing on the outskirts of Vienna (Wein is the German word for Vienna, and thus Weiner means Viennese). Mayer is the family name of a wine estate located in Pfarrplatz. Gemischter Satz is a blended wine made from several grape varieties, sourced from one region and vinified all together just after harvest. DAC is part of the Austrian appellation system and a sign of quality control.

Christoph will further advise that the grape varieties in the blend are Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Rotgipfler, and Zierfandler. It is well worth resolving all this as the wine displays fruity nuances of pear, citrus and apple. It is refreshingly crisp and wonderfully juicy on the palate.

Many experts believe that Austrian wines are perfect for the various styles of Asian cuisines, but it should go without saying that they work beautifully with the Austrian food served at Christoph’s!

Persevere with the Austrian varieties and their Germanic linguistic roots; you won’t be disappointed as all the leading varieties are well worth discovering. Remarkably, a whopping 40 grape varieties (26 whites and 14 reds) are planted in Austria.

While 70% of the wines produced in Austria are made from white grapes, there are some superb red wines, as we discovered with a bottle of Pitnauer Bee-eater Gôttlebrunner Zweigelt. Christoph’s also lists some superb wines from Portugal and Italy (especially Chianti and Barolo).

 

Cosy and comfy

 

Service at Christoph’s reflects the professionalism honed by Girsch’s years in the hospitality industry, with knowledgeable staff offering thoughtful recommendations. Beyond its exceptional food and service, the restaurant benefits from its prime location in one of George Town’s most vibrant areas, making it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a meal amid the UNESCO district’s historical charm. It also lends itself to a nice stroll afterward, something to which we can personally attest.

Whether you’re indulging in a hearty Schnitzel or exploring Austrian wines, Christoph’s offers more than just a meal – it’s a cultural journey. With its inviting atmosphere, standout cuisine, and top-tier service, Christoph’s earns an enthusiastic recommendation as a must-visit for anyone seeking European dining in Penang – and now not just from us, but from the Michelin Guide, as well! As the menu proclaims, “Wiener Schnitzel isn’t just a piece of pork or veal; it is a part of Austria – and we are Austria.”

Additional text by David Bowden

Location & Details

Christoph’s
Living Room | Restaurant
55 Lorong Stewart
George Town, Penang

W: www.facebook.com/christophspenang
T: 6010.801 0188

Reservations recommended