15 Places to Eat in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
1. Mamasita Mexican Restaurant & Tapas Bar
| Google Rating | 4.5 from 685 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Good Food and Great Place, with reasonable pricing and no issues with staff service. Live band provides quality performances. Some negative experiences with food and service, such as dishes being brought at separate times. Mixture of local and tourist guests. Overall, positive experiences and satisfaction with the Mexican concept restaurant. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | 15, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88800 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Mamasita Mexican Bar & Grill ... We at Mamasita take pride in serving the freshest and best Mexican food made with the finest ingredients available. Our menu ... |
2. Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar
| Google Rating | 4.4 from 446 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This restaurant in KK has received positive reviews for its delicious steaks, friendly service, and great ambiance. Customers praised the perfectly cooked steaks and the attentive staff. Some reviewers mentioned that the sides could be improved, but it didnt overshadow their overall positive experience. The restaurant is recommended for its exceptional service and tasty food. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | Lot No. 1-0, Luyang, 1, Lorong Lintas Plaza 4, Lintas Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Cafe Brass Monkey · We serve from our lunch menu weekdays 11a-5pm and a great bar menu is served 5pm-11pm everyday. · There's nothing like a Brass Monkey ... |
3. Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant
| Google Rating | 3.8 from 420 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This restaurant offers a stunning view of the sunset and waterfront, making it a popular spot for photos. The food is average and lacks flavor, but the service is good and the atmosphere is cozy. Prices are high, similar to other restaurants in the area. Overall, it is recommended for those who enjoy Thai food and beautiful scenery. Note that service charge and SST will be added to the bill. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | Lot 13, The Waterfront, 13, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu. 2183 likes · 2 talking about this · 2721 were here. BE SPECIFIC. THIS IS THAI AUTHENTIC! |
4. Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant
| Google Rating | 4 from 2032 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Suang Tian is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh and tasty dishes. It has a proper fully air-conditioned ambiance but the prices are higher compared to other restaurants. The staff can be unfriendly and not helpful when it comes to controlling portion sizes. Located near a food court, this Chinese seafood restaurant offers good and reasonably priced seafood. Reservation is recommended to avoid queuing. Overall, the food is fresh and the service is fast but the restaurant has some room for improvement. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | No. 16, Block D, Ground Floor, Sedco Complex, Kampung Air, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu: See 412 unbiased reviews of Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #15 of 736 ... |
5. El Centro
| Google Rating | 4.4 from 719 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This restaurant offers delicious food with generous portions, particularly their burritos. The service is great and the staff is friendly and attentive. The hotdog, pizzas, and Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich are recommended. The non-alcoholic drinks are enjoyable, but the cocktails may not be to everyones taste. The space is spacious and welcoming. The mango juice was average, but the burritos and salsa were good. The pizza had some burnt parts. Stick to their Mexican menu, as it is affordable and tasty. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | 18, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Welcome to El Centro D.F., a lively Mexican cantina & tequila bar by Chef Richard Sandoval located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, DC. Gather your ... |
6. SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu
| Google Rating | 4.2 from 1156 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Great place to hang out and chill with friends, offering a wide variety of drinks and both western and local food options. The service is great, with plenty of space and a nice atmosphere. Live performances add to the experience. The food is delicious, with a standout sambal belacan and exceptional chicken wings. Prices are reasonable and the live band is a highlight. Overall, a highly recommended spot to visit. |
| Website | Website, Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | G-101, Imago Shopping Mall KK Times Square Phase 2, Jalan Coastal, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu: See 138 unbiased reviews of SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #30 of 736 restaurants ... |
7. Gusto Food & Wine Cucina Italiana
| Google Rating | 4.1 from 263 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Highly recommended restaurant with excellent food, helpful and friendly staff, and a great wine selection. The steak is perfect and the Tiramisu is the best ever. The wait for food is worth it and the service staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The sunset views and delicious food make for an amazing dining experience. The only downside is that the service can be slow, but the reasonable prices and overall experience make it highly recommended. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | Lot 17, The Waterfront Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Because we take our team as seriously as we take our food, we invest in you for the long haul. Work with us, and we'll work for you! Learn More. CHECK US OUT ... |
8. The Shamrock Irish Bar
| Google Rating | 4.3 from 920 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Nice Irish pub with great food and service, especially recommended for watching football. However, drinks are expensive compared to shops, and happy hour only goes until 8pm. Food is okay but servings are generous, good for big eaters. Beers are watered down, but bottled beer is a better value. Friendly local staff and a picturesque sunset. One reviewer had a negative experience with tasteless food and improperly served drinks. Overall, a recommended drink hole with some flaws. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | 1664, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery specializes in authentic Irish charm and hospitality. The food is a fusion of traditional Irish and American favorites. |
9. KK GARDEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
| Google Rating | 4.5 from 496 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This seafood restaurant in KK town has received positive reviews for its fresh and delicious food. Customers highly recommend the salted egg mud crabs, dry butter prawns, Sabah Vege, and steam fish. The prices are affordable and the restaurant is clean. The staff is friendly and can recommend popular dishes. Overall, it is a great place to enjoy tasty seafood at a reasonable price. No negative reviews were mentioned. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | Street, Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | KK GARDEN SEAFOOD The Best and Fresh Seafood in town OWNED BY MUSLIM OWNER Surau Available. Opposite DBKK, Jalan Tugu, Kota Kinabalu 88000. |
10. Fook Yuen Cafe & Bakery-Gaya Street
| Google Rating | 3.9 from 1823 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Famous halal dim sum restaurant with a terrible system that results in long wait times to pay. Food quality is average and not worth the wait. Breakfast and lunch menu includes dim sum, fried mee, and kuih tiaw. Toast bread and coffee are mediocre. Self-service for all items. Fair prices and nice atmosphere. Limited parking and different rates apply. Overall, an okay place for breakfast. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | 69, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | There aren't enough food, service, value or atmosphere ratings for Fook Yuen Cafe (International Building), China yet. Be one of the first to write a review! |
11. Seremban Seafood Restaurant
| Google Rating | 4.2 from 381 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Seremban Seafood Restaurant offers delicious food and friendly service in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The baked crab and salted egg squid are must-tries, cooked to perfection with irresistible aromas. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, and the butter prawns are particularly enjoyable. The portions are generous and the seafood is fresh and flavorful. The only drawback is the potential for longer wait times during peak hours. Overall, a highly recommended Malaysian seafood dining experience. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | JQ Central, G17, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Seremban Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu: See 51 unbiased reviews of Seremban Seafood Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #82 of 736 ... |
12. Little Italy
| Google Rating | 4.4 from 1747 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Authentic Italian cuisine served in a classic and homey environment. The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours, but the friendly service makes up for it. Highlights include the gnocchi in tomato sauce and the spaghetti with squid ink sauce. The tiramisu, however, may be too sweet for some. Overall, a gem of a restaurant with incredible food, although it is quite expensive. |
| Website | Website, Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | The Little Italy Association oversees and expedites the revitalization and beautification of the Little Italy neighborhood in Downtown San Diego. |
13. Welcome Seafood Restaurant
| Google Rating | 4.1 from 5651 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This seafood restaurant in a city is popular among tourists and offers a wide variety of dishes. The food is fresh and the staff provides fast and friendly service. The homemade tofu is a favorite, but some dishes like the scallop and signature tofu are not recommended. The parking situation can be difficult and the prices for fish have increased. Overall, it is a reasonably priced option for seafood lovers. |
| Website | Facebook, Instagram |
| Address | Lot G18, Komplek Jalan Asia City Phase 2A, Asia City, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Welcome Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu: See 1521 unbiased reviews of Welcome Seafood Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #14 of 736 ... |
14. Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
| Google Rating | 4.2 from 5009 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | This fish noodle restaurant in Kota Kinabalu is known for its savory tomato-based and tom yum soups. The fish is fresh and the portions are generous. However, the dry version of the noodles could use some improvement. The service is quick, but not exceptional. Prices are a bit high, and some dishes like the fried bean curd are average. Overall, its a must-try place for fresh fish noodles in KK. |
| Website | Facebook |
| Address | Lorong Hilltop, Taman Far East, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu: See 81 unbiased reviews of Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #33 of 736 ... |
15. Big Fish
| Google Rating | 1.9 from 9 reviews |
| Reviews Summary | Overall, reviews for the Big Fish restaurant at the Marriott hotel are mixed. Some guests had a positive experience and praised the service and food quality at their wedding luncheon. However, others had a negative experience with overcooked steak and long wait times for their food. The restaurant is described as typical and may not be worth visiting. |
| Website | Website |
| Address | Lot G, 23A, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
| About | Browse by Genre: Hidden Object Adventure · Hidden Object · Time Management · Match 3 · Adventure · Puzzle · Arcade & Action · Card & Board · Strategy · Mahjong ... |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Kota Kinabalu safe at night?
What food is Kota Kinabalu famous for?
Kota Kinabalu offers a vibrant food scene, not just one iconic dish! Here are some must-try specialities:
- Hinava: Freshly marinated seafood salad with lime, onions, and chili - tangy and addictive.
- Ikan Pelikat: Deep-fried small fish, perfect as a crispy and savoury snack.
- Seafood Laksa: Creamy coconut milk broth with noodles and a variety of seafood - spicy and satisfying.
- Nasi Lemak Royale: Unique twist on Nasi Lemak, featuring various curries and toppings instead of the usual.
- Tuaran Mee: Thin egg noodles in a flavourful broth, sometimes with chicken or seafood.
- Mee Kari Sotong: Noodle dish with squid in curry sauce, a comforting local favorite.
