The Best Restaurants and Dining Places in Kota Kinabalu

Discover the gastronomic joys of Kota Kinabalu with our curated selection of the Land Below the Wind's best restaurants and dining places. There is something for every taste and budget, ranging from authentic local food to international delicacies. Don't lose out on the chance to savour the best of Kota Kinabalu's foods — check out our list now!

SEAFOOD

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Welcome to one of the best seafood restaurants in town! Welcome Seafood Restaurant specializes in fresh, high-quality seafood dishes and offer a wide variety of seafood dishes to suit all tastes. Their menu includes succulent crabs, scallops, fresh water prawns, and more.

Address: Lot G18, Kompleks Asia City, Jalan Asia City Phase 2A, Asia City, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 12:00PM to 11:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook

Contact Number: 088-447 866, 011-3162 3812

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/m7LFkHuX9qxbQRpa6

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant

Highly recommended by both the locals and the tourists, Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant is known for its glorious seafood noodle in two soup bases: tomato and tom yam. The freshness of the seafood goodies that come with the noodle soup, such as fish ball, fish cake, fish fillets, fish head, and fish skin are literally out of this world.

Address: 3rd Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, 88000 Kota Kinabalu.

Operation Time: 10:30AM to 9:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 019-820 1900

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XYNHt4tHgMQCQQz97

Fish Market Restaurant, Sutera Avenue

Fish Market Restaurant, Sutera Avenue

Fish Market Restaurant is the first steam hot pot joint in town. Their steam hot pot spread is filled with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, allowing you to fully indulge in all of the flavours. Not only is their steam hot pot delicious, it's also a healthier way to enjoy your meal. The steaming process helps to lock in nutrition and original flavours, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Address: No. A-G-2, Ground Floor, Block A Phase 1, Lorong Sutera, Sutera Avenue, Sembulan 88100, Kota Kinabalu.

Operation Time: 12:00M to 11:30PM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 012-366 3131, 012-803 5757

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kEhHE8yZrRRea71J9

NON-HALAL

Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh

Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh

If you are a fan of Bah Kut Teh, then you should visit this famous butcher tea shop in the Gaya Street. Infused with different Chinese herbs and spices for hours, the aroma and taste of the broth is decently unique and rich, together with the tender and flavoursome pork stews, lean meat, pork ribs, and pork balls, you might want to order extra rice to pair with it!

Address: No. 26, Jalan Pantai, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 12:00PM to 9:30PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 017-764 6667

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uvY3B6qcYNfdatDu6

Kedai Kopi Melanian 3

Kedai Kopi Melanian 3

At Melanian, you will be served with superb pork noodles. Their noodles are al dente, pork ingredients are juicy and aromatic, and the sauce is tangy and sweet in the right proportions. The serving size is adequate so if you're looking for a filling meal and craving for delicious noodles at the same time, you should definitely try it!

Address: No. 34, Jalan Pantai, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:30AM to 2:30PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 012-838 2888

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1PqA2d8ykmuYc56r7

The Chubs Grill

The Chubs Grill

The Chubs Grill comes highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a warm atmosphere with beautiful decor and a delectable dining experience. From classic American cuisine to new, creative dishes, you will be impressed by the top-notch food quality as everything is cooked to perfection.

Address: Plaza Shell, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:00AM to 10:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 016-227 1839

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pE5ukSUiBjUaQV797

Kuo Man Restaurant

Kuo Man Restaurant

This local noodle eatery is dubbed the “Noodle Paradise” in Kota Kinabalu. The most ordered items include soy-sauce noodles paired with any side dish of your choice such as roasted pork belly, mixed seafood or beef offals (ngau chap). Regardless of the versatile options on the menu, rest assured that each bowl of your ordered noodles will be freshly prepared with the utmost attention to details.

Address: 5, Jalan Tuaran, Sunny Garden, 88800 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:30AM to 2:30PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 017-811 1428

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HPssQps4fhLFGfD89

OTHERS

Borenos Fried Chicken

Borenos Fried Chicken

The best fried chicken you can find in town! The fried chicken is perfectly fried, with a crunchy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. There is no greasiness to be found when you’re enjoying the fried chicken because it has been expertly seasoned with just the appropriate amount of flavourful seasoning and carefully selected herbs and spices.

Address: Kompleks Asia City, Lot G23, Ground Floor, Jalan Asia City, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 9:00AM to 2:00AM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 018-963 2280

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YYdaJzNhkzoSMZxSA

Yee Fung Laksa

Yee Fung Laksa

The laksa served at Yee Fung has a rich, flavourful broth that is bursting with spicy, coconut and lemongrass aromas. The perfectly cooked noodles are al dente and chewy. The generous portion of shrimp and chicken adds a great depth of flavour to the laksa, and the bean sprouts, egg stripes and tofu provide a fresh, crunchy texture that balance the richness of the entire flavour.

Address: 127, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:30AM to 5:00PM (Wednesday to Monday), Closed (Tuesday)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 088-312 042

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/51XP6aqNtBcuMRpc6

North Borneo Cruises

North Borneo Cruises

Delight your taste buds with our delectable international buffet, which features an array of mouth-watering dishes ranging from appetising satay to 8 main courses, soups, salads, finger foods, fresh tropical fruits, cakes, local pastries, and a refreshing cold dessert soup. And that's not all - North Borneo Cruises offer more than just a delightful culinary experience. With live band entertainment, you can savour your food, groove to the music, and soak in the mesmerising night view of Kota Kinabalu from the waters.

Address: The Marina Clubhouse, Island & Cruises Office, Jalan Utama Sutera Harbour, Sutera Harbour Boulevard, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: Sunset Dinner Cruise 5.30pm - 7.30pm (Daily), KK City Night Dinner Cruise 7.45pm - 9.45pm (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 018-666 2009, 011-1052 3822

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JFiwdZKeVjvCYx278

DIM SUM

New WK Restaurant

New WK Restaurant

The diversity of dim sum options available at New WK will astound you. From steamed dumplings to fried wontons to savoury buns, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Everything is delicately prepared with perfect balance of flavour and texture. The molten salted egg custard buns, in particular, were expertly crafted, with the soft, pillowy buns and the creamy and savoury salted egg custard that perfectly complement each other. Despite being relatively reasonable in price, the dishes were all generously sized, making it easy for the customers to share and try a variety of items.

Address: Lot 4, 5, 6 Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam, Taman Luyang Phase 1, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:30AM to 9:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 088-217 278

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XoEmrF8d32PHhjQa6

JAPANESE / KOREAN

Roku Zen Sushi

Roku Zen Sushi

The interior design of Rokuzen boasts a traditional and authentic Japanese ambience. It offers ample public and private seating to accommodate diverse customer groups. Sashimi and assorted sushi are expertly sliced and beautifully presented, with a focus on freshness. The classic curry udon dish features a thick and flavourful curry sauce and perfectly cooked udon noodles. Offering high-quality Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices, this restaurant is a top choice for a delicious and authentic dining experience.

Address: Ground Floor, 69, Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:30AM to 10:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 017-282 3405

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hwKK73asGHavm1ST7

Sakagura Japanese Restaurant

Sakagura Japanese Restaurant

If you're looking for authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh ingredients, then this restaurant is the place to be. Most of the food is freshly imported from Japan, which means you're getting the real deal when it comes to flavour and quality. One of the highlight dishes at this restaurant is the sashimi. It's the greatest in the city, with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of raw fish. Another must-try dish is the teppanyaki. The taste is just fantastic, with the perfectly seared meats and veggies cooked to perfection right in front of you.

Address: G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:30AM to 2:30PM, 5:00PM to 9:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 088-273 604

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/imFTKZGj3ZUkRtdBA

Koryo-Jeong BBQ Restaurant

Koryo-Jeong BBQ Restaurant

Koryo-Jeong BBQ is known for its family-like warm hospitality. Some of the must-try BBQ dishes include the boneless chuck short ribs, pork belly, and OX tongue, which were all fresh, juicy, and full of flavour. The cuts of meat were of excellent quality and the portion sizes were generous. The side dishes such as japchae, green onion pancake, and kimchi jigae are also authentically delicious.

Address: 1664, Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:00AM to 10:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook

Contact Number: 088-448 860

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uG6yTTgXR1TtjP3z9

Seoul Garden, Imago

Seoul Garden, Imago

If you're in the mood for some delicious Korean cuisine, then you definitely need to check out this restaurant. There is a good variety of meat choices, vegetables, soft drinks, ice cream, and sauces for you to choose from. But what really sets this place apart is their steamboat. It's widely regarded as the best in town, featuring a vast range of soup bases and fried foods that will leave you coming back for more.

Address: Kota Kinabalu Time Square, Unit G95 & G96, Ground Floor, Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:30AM to 10:30PM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 088-275 185

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vaantuGMDdyGQyk86

ITALIAN /FINE DINING

La Veranda Cucina Italiana

La Veranda Cucina Italiana

Delight in a fusion of exquisite flavours and captivating ambiance at La Veranda, a reasonably-priced and Muslim-friendly Italian restaurant in Kota Kinabalu. Explore a diverse range of authentic Italian Cuisine, from the unique "ear-shaped" Orecchiette Bolognese and Pork-free Carbonara to delectable desserts such as Tiramisu. Besides that, La Veranda offers an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages and a 5-star dining ambiance with warm hospitality to complement the experience perfectly. For any celebrations, they also have a private dining room and provide birthday celebration services to elevate your gathering in style!

Address: Block A level 1, 1, Sutera Avenue, Kampung Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 11:30AM to 10:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 012-539 1187

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6LeEwnR9ry99Fs6p7

Ferdinand's

Ferdinand's

At Ferdinand’s, each dish is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. The portion sizes are generous and the presentation of the dishes is a delight, with the food being presented in a visually appealing manner. The excellent selection of wine available at very reasonable prices. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for something to pair with your meal, you'll be sure to find something to suit your tastes.

Address: The Magellan Sutera, The Magellan Sutera Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Website

Contact Number: 088-318 888

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JkeVqXJNASt237w7A

Favola, Le Meridien

Favola, Le Meridien

Favola provides guests with novel gastronomic experiences of traditional Italian cuisines. The dishes are made by the talented local chefs by using locally sourced ingredients as well as traditional Italian cooking methods. There are different dining specials available at Favola throughout the year depending on the season. The complimentary wine parings also elevate the overall dining experience to the next level of sophistication.

Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 6:30PM to 10:30PM (Wednesday to Sunday), Closed (Monday and Tuesday)

Contact: Website

Contact Number: 088-322 222

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SfwqRuM1qkiDvh1s6

Cafés

October Coffee Gaya

October Coffee Gaya

October Gaya is a wood-themed cafe, where you'll find a cozy atmosphere filled with character. With tons of seating available, you can relax and unwind in a place that exudes good vibes. There is a wide variety of food and drink offered at reasonable prices. Whether you're in the mood for a classic chicken sandwich or something sweet, they've got you covered. And for all coffee lovers out there, they've got a wide selection of coffee beans for you to choose from. You'll be able to find the perfect cup to suit your tastes.

Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 9:00AM to 11:00PM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 088-277 396

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ASjZEXg2vQ3Vaz286

Biru-biru Cafe

Biru Biru Cafe

Biru Biru Cafe is an excellent artisan cafe that stands out due to its unique and charming ambience. From rice bowl and pasta to burger and skewer, all of them are fresh, flavorful, and hearty, with an emphasis on Sabah's native ingredients. As the day darkens, Biru-biru turns into a bar where you can enjoy your Happy Hours with nice mocktails and good live music sessions that feature talented local musicians and bands.

Address: 24, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 12:00PM to 12:00AM (Daily)

Contact: Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 016-850 0082

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vrBeEWg51rSZbPgF8

Woo! Cafe

Woo Cafe

Woo! Cafe, where the fun and mischievous spirit of its namesake is reflected in the playful typography and aesthetic design of the interior. Their inviting ambience is sure to put you at ease as you enjoy the expertly crafted coffee and stunning latte art made by their talented barista. In addition to decent coffee, they also serve a variety of delicious desserts such as cakes, tarts, and chouxs.

Address: 21, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 10:00AM to 6:00PM (Monday to Friday), 9:00AM to 6:00PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Contact: Facebook, Instagram

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zfCSe7X2rwKEwjiv6

ROOFTOP BARS

ON23 Sky Bar, Hyatt Centric

ON23 Sky Bar, Hyatt Centric

Take the winding stairs from the restaurant up to the stylish ON23 Sky Bar, where you may toast the moment while taking in the breathtaking panoramas of the verdant hills on one side and the breathtaking sunsets over the islands on the other. Craft cocktails made with Bornean ingredients, a selection of exquisite wines, and light gourmet fare are all available for your enjoyment.

Address: 18, Jalan Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 5:00PM to 12:00AM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook

Contact Number: 015-4874 1234

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xfmiJwR87vktzqwX9

Sky Blu Bar, Grandis Hotel

Sky Blu Bar, Grandis Hotel

The Sky Blu Bar is perhaps the best-kept secret among the residents, since it is located on the rooftop, a high point that gives guests with a panoramic view of the dazzling sea and a cluster of dispersed islands. Their rooftop bar, which can also serve as a private dining area, is the perfect place to unwind with a refreshing drink and some tasty bar bites while enjoying the tranquil poolside ambiance and admiring the picturesque sunset and night views.

Address: Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, 1A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook

Contact Number: 088-522 888

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6v8pwJctTZdq4zj48

Horizons Sky Bar and Cigar Lounge, Sutera Habour

Horizons Sky Bar and Cigar Lounge, Sutera Habour

Horizons Sky Bar and Cigar Lounge is well-known not only for serving the freshest seafood and other delicacies from the sea, but also for its delicious and freshly prepared menu items, as well as its breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view of the city and unobstructed view of the majesty of Mount Kinabalu in the distance.

Address: Level 12, The Pacific Sutera Hotel, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Operation Time: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Daily)

Contact: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Contact Number: 088-318 888

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QfJMrGNQsacX344h9