Kota Kinabalu
Flaming woks, crowds of customers and tables of glistening fish and squid, crabs, prawns and lobster, all within a few metres of the fishing boats bobbing…
Must-see restaurants in Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
Part of KK's food revolution, this night market consists of around three dozen food containers, all selling some kick-ass edible. Standout stalls include…
Sepilok
This open-sided restaurant makes the most of its lakeside setting with the dark tropical timbers complementing the lush garden and carriage lighting. Pan…
Sandakan
Located in the heart of the stilt village of Kampong Buli Sim Sim, 3km east of the centre, this large, breezy terrace strung with fairy lights is a…
Semporna
Let's be clear about this: Fat Mom's is Semporna's go-to place for some of the tastiest, freshest seafood around – so fresh that your dinner might be…
Kota Kinabalu
This cosy bijou cafe is run by a Hungarian chef and is a real fave with travellers thanks to its eclectic, well-thought-out menu. The Middle Eastern…
Tawau
Though some locals complain about consistency, we find the seafood here almost impeccable. The extensive menu features such delights as steamed clams with…
Tawau
One of Tawau's best seafood restaurants, this Chinese emporium with shiny fish tanks is always packed. Find a table and order either from the specials…
Sandakan
Black sesame bean curd, braised shiitake mushrooms with yam, laksa with handmade noodles and tender steamed dumplings, bursting forth with crunchy, fresh…
Lahad Datu
Sakura doesn't look like much at first glance – a few plastic tables and chairs scattered under an awning. But then the food arrives: succulent butter…
Kota Kinabalu
El Centro is understandably popular – it's carnivore- and vegetarian-friendly and drinks are reasonably priced. Choose from Tex-Mex and Mediterranean…
Kota Kinabalu
A chorus of welcomes greets you as you walk into this minimalist Japanese place and a joyful call-and-response from the staff conveys your order to the…
Kota Kinabalu
Particularly good for its veggie thalis, this unassuming spot serves its spread of Indian dishes on banana leaves in a busy, cafeteria-like setting. Get…
Kota Kinabalu
The dining here is as simple as can be, just plastic tables under tarpaulin, and the air is smoky and redolent of grilling seafood, glazed chicken wings…
Sandakan
A hidden treat at the top of the Nak Hotel, this stylish restaurant-bar has wicker swing-chairs and swallow-you-up couches. Eat on the pot-plant-shaded…
Sabah
Behind a facade of bamboo and greenery, this Filipino joint is primarily a temple to pork, and we love its crispy lechon kawali (pork loin), adobo (pork…
Sabah
Just steps from the beach, with terrific food ranging from hinava (local take on ceviche) to swordfish steak, curries, cheesecake, sweet-and-sour chicken,…
Kota Kinabalu
By far the best place in town to try authentic laksa, this place gets totally packed during lunchtime. You'll be directed to your plastic seat with…
Kota Kinabalu
The enticing aromas lead you into this beautifully decorated restaurant accented with ochre and golden tones, pendant lighting and carved screens. With…
Kota Kinabalu
The crowded tables and queues of hungry patrons ready to pounce on any vacant seat speak volumes for the popularity of this place after sunset. If you…
Kota Kinabalu
Below Borneo Backpackers this blue joint with parasols and bikes on the wall features dishes such as ikan basung, poke bowls, fried mackerel with spicy…
Sabah
Tiara Labuan's Chinese restaurant has good reports for its seafood (though scallops and mussels are imported and cooked from frozen). For the freshest…
The Kraken Grill @ The Waterfront
Sabah
The owners picked a pirate theme and decided to run a few miles with it, hence the pirate-map menu and references to the Black Pearl and Jack. Come happy…
Kota Kinabalu
Though this kopitiam (coffee shop) has moved around during its long history, it's still going strong after more than 100 years in business and is KK's…
Kota Kinabalu
Just before you hit the scenic route up towards Tambunan, just on the outskirts of KK, pull into this locally renowned noodle-soup joint. Mee sup is the…
Kota Kinabalu
This restaurant wears its stripes in the tastiness of its food, and the fact it gets its seafood from sustainable sources. Alu-Alu excels in taking the…
Sandakan
Bah kut teh literally means 'meat, bone, tea', and in much of Malaysia you can expect pork (and pork innards) in a fragrant herbal soup. Good Taste does…
Kota Kinabalu
Expect brisk service at this bustling plastic-chair joint where tables are spread out onto the pavement and the chopsticks clack. The buffet counter…
Sabah
This family-run joint on Bavang Jamal Beach is popular for its nasi goreng, fresh fish, chicken wings and barbecued food. Whatever's been caught finds its…
Lahad Datu
We find that there are many reasons to like this branch of the internationally popular Malaysian chain: the very memory of its white-chocolate-and…
Semporna
This unassuming place is always a good bet for such Indian-Malaysian standards as roti kosong (crispy, flaky roti with curry to dip it in), murtabak …
Sandakan
Bedecked with vintage posters, this bright cafe serves upmarket takes on kopitiam (coffee shop) food: slipper lobster nasi lemak, a kick-ass tom yum with…
Kota Kinabalu
Delightful Italian cuisine in a stylish restaurant with deep-red walls and an alfresco terrace with sea views. Dishes span homemade ravioli stuffed with…
Tawau
Open around the clock, this curry joint serves night owls, or anyone else who likes their roti canai flaky and not greasy. There's alfresco seating with a…
Sabah
Handily opposite the ferry terminal, Sharifah fills up with locals who come for the flaky roti prepared a dozen ways, murtabak filled with sardines,…
Kota Kinabalu
This popular restaurant fairly buzzes with an army of bandanna-wrapped staff waiting on your every need. Good homemade pasta, great pizzas, Roman statues …
Tawau
Between Jln Chen Fook and Jln Persisiran there's a clutch of stalls and low-key alfresco dining options that serve inexpensive dishes, from Malaysian…
Sandakan
Driving to/from Sepilok and in need of a caffeine pick-up? Look no further: at this cute cafe you just input your order electronically and your double…
Sabah
Opposite the train station, this little restaurant serves fluffy char siu buns (RM2.50), mee sup (noodle soup topped with pork), Singapore-style mee…
Kota Kinabalu
The best supermarket in KK stocks loads of imported items, from Spanish chorizos and hams to French cheeses and gourmet Swiss ice cream. Also home to a…
