Feeling hungry, lost and struggling to find good places to eat in Terengganu?
Terengganu is known not only for its stunning beaches but also for its diverse culinary scene, packed with local delicacies, fresh seafood dishes at wallet-friendly prices – some of dishes starts from as low as RM 8 (or $2, or £1.50) per dish.
In this guide, we shortlisted the best places to eat in the coastal area of Setiu – along Bandar Pemaisuri, Pantai Penarik, Pantai Bari and within a 15-minute drive from Katsetiu Villas and the nearest Merang Jetty.
If you’re someone who travels to Terengganu for the first time, our guide will help you to point directly the best foodie restaurants, beach cafes and places to eat for your lunch and dinner at Setiu.
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these eateries.
1. Nasi Ulam Dapur Arang, Pantai Penarik
@iylianordin Celup tepung, nasi ulam budu, sini sedap Ketam, sotong, ikan & udang celup tepung semua ada 📍 Nasi Ulam Dapur Arang Pantai Rhu 10, Penarik, Setiu, Terengganu @NASI ULAM DAPUR ARANG #nasiulambudu #nasi #ulam #budu #ikanbakar #sotongbakar #ketamceluptepung #celuptepung #food #foodie #foodieterengganu #terengganu #setiu #pantaipenarik #malaysia #foodiemalaysia ♬ bunyi asal - Lp
One of Setiu’s most beloved food spots, this charming roadside stall is known for its fragrant nasi ulam (i.e herb rice) served with an irresistible selection of kampung-style lauk and spicy sambals. Whether you’re in the mood for grilled fish, fried chicken, or traditional curries, there’s something here that captures the soul of East Coast spicy asian flavours.
Expect a long line during lunch hours, locals love it, and so will you.
📍 9 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fEyFhRHSfSW7F3aw9)
🕗 Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
📞 +60 19 993 5908
💸 Price range: RM5–20 per plate
⭐ Try: Ikan bakar berempah + sambal belacan (Packed with bold, smoky flavor!)
2. SANTAI TREATS, Pantai Penarik
@_nfarhanah Layan kopi tepi pantai 🫶🏻 📍Santai Ice Cream, Kampung Penarik, Permaisuri, Terengganu. #santaiicecreamcaffe #santaiicecream #cafeterengganu #terengganucafe #pantaipenarik #terengganukite ♬ original sound - armin arshe
Craving something sweet, or coffee at a cafe with a beach view in Terengganu?
SANTAI TREATS is a beachside café in Terengganu where you can indulge in iced lattes, soft-serve ice cream, and their signature croffles, a delicious combo of croissant and waffle.
This café is ideal for European or westerners who enjoy a French café vibes by the beach in Terengganu. Whether you’re stopping by for a midday break or catching the sunset, this cozy café delivers both flavours and vibes.
With outdoor seating just steps away from the beach of Penarik, it’s the perfect place to chill after exploring Setiu or enjoying seaside activities in Terengganu.
📍 12 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TktD8AWrjVHN8QB9)
🕗 Open daily from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
📞 +60 17 875 0316
💸 Price range: RM8–15 for coffee & desserts
⭐ Try: Biscoff croffle + Iced latte for the ultimate chill treat
Website | Instagram
3. Pian Mango Shake, Pantai Penarik
@pianmangoshake Macamane mmane yqng dikatakan sejuk sampai ke abdomen…#pianmangoshake #pantaipenarik #sejuksampaikeabdomen ♬ Tak Mungkin Berpaling By Slam - Abam_JiwangkapaK
A hidden gem beloved by mango enthusiasts, Pian Mango Shake is famous in Setiu Terengganu for its thick, icy mango shakes that hit just right after a hot day on the beach. Each cup is packed with fresh mango, blended to creamy perfection, and topped with generous mango chunks.
Yes, based on our experience, this is the best place to enjoy fresh fruit (especially mango) shake by the beach in Terengganu, overlooking Redang and Perhentian Island.
But it doesn’t stop there, they also offer other tropical flavours including banana, dragon fruit, and coconutshakes, making it a refreshing pit stop for families, beachgoers, and fruit shake fans alike.
📍 10 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RL1f38kZ891dnDJv5)
🕗 Open daily from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
📞 +60 19 204 7969
💸 Price range: RM5–7
⭐ Try: Mango Shake Special with mango chunks on top
Facebook | Instagram
4. Nasi Ulam Cikgu Sauti, Kampung Telaga Papan
@aimansauti_ Hari Ini Makan Di @Nasi Ulam Cikgu Sauti . Disini Ada Lebih 30 Jenis Lauk Masakan Kampung . #nasiulamcikgusauti #karikepalaikanmerah #suptulang #terengganu ♬ original sound - Aiman Sauti
Another local favorite tucked away in a peaceful kampung (village) setting, Cikgu Sauti is known for serving authentic nasi ulam (i.e herbal rice) with a variety that goes beyond expectations.
Served with 30 types of traditional village-style lauk (i.e dishes) and a colorful spread of sambal options, every plate feels like a home-cooked meal straight from a Terengganu kitchen. This place is packed with locals and Nasi Ulamk Cikgu Sauti is truly one of the best restaurants to enjoy local Terengganu food.
The serene, open-air dining experience makes it a great spot to enjoy authentic flavours surrounded by nature and friendly locals. And plenty of car park spaces too!
📍 7 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/axs8EPQ17ogRqR2Z8)
🕗 Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
📞 +60 19 748 4800
💸 Price range: RM5–8 per plate
⭐ Try: Sup Gearbox + Lambshank (hearty, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender!)
Facebook | Instagram
5. Bayou Beach Cafe, Pantai Penarik
@halalfoodie Kafe tepi pantai😍 📍 Bayou Beach Cafe 4074, Jalan Pantai Penarik, 22120 Permaisuri, Terengganu ⏰ 12pm - 11pm, 2pm - 11pm (Jumaat) #foodie #halalfoodie ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - kittikmr - veesun95
Bayou Beach Café is a seaside café that offers a mix of local and Western dishes in a breezy beachfront setting in Terengganu. Explore the various cheesecakes, tiramisu, café lattes, matcha green tea latte and other various coffee options along side with fish and chips, burgers, pasta and other local dishes.
This place is best suited for international travellers (including European, British and Americans) who are travelling to Setiu for the first time wanting / seeking for western food in Terengganu.
Located at Pantai Penarik (Penarik Beach) and 5 minutes away from Katsetiu villas, this place is perfect for lunch or a laid-back dinner if you have finished your day trip snorkelling activities in Redang Island.
📍 12 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/iASV82WqaJicw1o16)
🕗 Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Maghrib break from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM)
📞 +60 19 267 2681
💸 Price range: RM10–18 for mains; RM5–12 for drinks & snacks
⭐ Try: Cheesy fries with Blue Passion Mojito
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Mee Celup Mek Wanie, Kampung Bari
@asyrafsauti Mee celup terbaik di terengganu lauk stimbong(melimpah) sangat ii puas hati #terengganu #setiu #kampungbari ♬ bunyi asal - Asyraf Sauti
Enjoy warm, flavorful beef broth over springy noodles in Terengganu with its comforting bowl of mee celup that hits the spot every time. And it is so tasty and affordable at only RM 8 per bowl.
Mee Celup Mek Wanie is top rated by locals in Terengganu and if you are seeking for local noodles with a hint of savoury and spices don’t forget to get experience it at least once for lunch.
📍 10 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://g.co/kgs/PjPaB7L)
🕗 Open daily from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Friday)
📞 +60 112 1905 129
💸 Price range: RM6–10 per bowl
⭐ Try: Mee celup daging + telur mata
Facebook
7. Atila Tomyam, Kampung Telaga Papan
@pakejredangcikgusauti Masakan Panas Di Atila Tomyam, Puashati sokmo Makan sini, Sedap dan cepat. #ikankerapu #masakanpanas #tomyam #makanmalam #makananmalaysia #masakanthai ♬ bunyi asal - Izzam Sauti
If you are into spicy Thai dishes, and packed with flavor, try Atila Tomyam – a favourite among locals in Terengganu. Its Thai-inspired comfort food hits all the right notes.
Yes, we best this warm sizzling asian cuisine is worth trying before or after your snorkelling Redang trip as it is located near the Merang Jetty. In fact, this casual eatery located only 8 minutes from Katsetiu villas (near Pantai Bari and Pantai Penarik) is your best go-to for tomyam dishes, sizzling fried rice, and stir-fried seafood, all served hot and hearty.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the dishes are bursting with flavour, perfect after a long beach day or a cozy night out. Expect to spend RM 50-70 (i.e $10-20$) for a family of four to five people, making it one of the best value for money but delicious restaurant to experience local asian Thai-inspired cuisine.
📍 8 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dQCX9rEMU4YdfnyMA)
🕗 Open daily from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
📞 +60 19 998 7031
💸 Price range: RM10–15 per dish; seafood options RM15–25
⭐ Try: Tomyam seafood with a side of telur dadar
8. Celup Tepung Cikgu, Pantai Penarik
@celuptepungcikgu This is Celup Tepung Cikgu 🤩 Meh singgah ramai-ramai deh !! #celuptepungterengganu #celuptepung #kedaimakanterengganu #pantaipenarik #fyp #like #follow #tiktok ♬ original sound - celuptepungcikgu - Celup Tepung Cikgu
If you’re in the mood for something crispy, hot, and straight from the fryer, Celup Tepung Cikgu is the place to be. This popular beachside stall in Terengganu specializes in deep-fried seafood — especially their famous celup tepung udang (batter-fried prawns) served golden and piping hot.
With views of the South China Sea and the salty breeze in the air, it’s a simple yet satisfying stop for seafood lovers on the go if you are visiting Terengganu or Setiu the first time.
There are many batter-fried seafood restaurants in Terengganu, but if you are staying at Katsetiu Villas, Penarik Beach or Bari Beach, then this place is worth every penny.
📍 10–12 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/db6P6u7kM1jJQKVS6)
🕗 Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
📞 +60 19 985 3804
💸 Price range: RM5–12 per portion
⭐ Try: Celup tepung udang with their signature dipping sauce!
Facebook | Instagram
9. Warung Arina, Kampung Baru Penarik
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Penarik in Terengganu, Warung Arina is a cozy spot that serves up homestyle noodle dishes full of flavour and heart. Their signature mee rebus (boiled noodle) and mee bandung (bandung noodles) are known for rich, savoury gravies and generous seafood toppings — especially the crowd-favourite prawns.
With warm service and a laid-back setting, it’s a great evening stop for a comforting meal that tastes like it came from a home kitchen.
📍 10 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/k7PY4mEr7S71UwSg8)
🕗 Open daily from 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM (Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday)
📞 +60 12 95 82410 or +60 17 90 48532
💸 Price range: RM8–12 per bowl
⭐ Try: Mee rebus udang with telur rebus
Facebook
10. Ombak Pantai Restaurant, Pantai Penarik
@perghhlainmacamni jalan jalan bercuti raya dekat terengganu ni, kalau tak pekena celup tepung tepi pantai penarik dekat kedai favourite kami ni, memang tak sah. nak makan tepi pantai, murah dan sedap. ini lah tempatnya. kalau mahal dan tak sedap, tak kan lah orang sentiasa ramai kan. OMBAK PANTAI RESTORAN 📍PANTAI PENARIK SETIU TERENGGANU @ombakpantairestaurant @ombakpantaiholiday #celuptepung #celuptepungterengganu #fyp #pageforyou #viral #perghhlainmacamni #ombakpantai #ombakpantairestaurant #ombakpantaiholiday #tepipantai #terengganu #pantaipenarik #cutiraya #raya2025 #aidilfitri #rayarayaraya #makan #makansedap #makansedapterengganu #cuticutimalaysia ♬ Rock N Roll Revolution - FiniteMusicForge
If you don’t mind a laid-back restaurant right by the beach offering local seafood, celup tepung, fried rice, and more, then head to Ombak, a seaside café at the Penarik Beach area of Terengganu.
This place is perfect for a sunset dinner with ocean vibes although the dishes received somewhat mixed reviews in recent times.
📍 12 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/95XYpryqsxAyq2vw8)
🕗 Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
📞 +60 112 752 4564
💸 Price range: RM8–15 per dish
⭐ Try: Celup tepung sotong and nasi goreng seafood
11. Pizza Bara Pantai Penarik
@amazingterengganu Tarikan terbaharu di pantai penarik? Pizza Bara. Ade 14 jenis pizza boleh order take away atau makan disitu. Lokasi lawas tepi sungai. Setiap pizza ambil masa 5-10 minit utk sedia dgn 3 dapur kayu. Buka setiap hari dari jam 5.00 ptg #amazingterengganu #terengganu #tourismterengganu #pizzabara #penarik @Pizza Bara Pantai Penarik ♬ Deslocado - NAPA
A must-visit pizza spot by the river! The atmosphere around the shop is relaxed and calm.
The photos don’t do the pizza justice, they may look small in pictures, but they are actually a decent size. They serve delicious and authentic pizzas with a good variety of toppings, all cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
For coffee lovers, their iced latte is the bomb.
📍 12 minutes from Katsetiu Villas (https://maps.app.goo.gl/95XYpryqsxAyq2vw8)
🕗 Open daily from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
📞 +60 172 768 838
💸 Price range: RM22–52 per pizza
⭐ Try: Spicy Tuna and Wagyu Pizza