Must-see restaurants in Kota Kinabalu

  • Todak Waterfront

    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…

  • A-Square Night Market

    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…

  • Chilli Vanilla

    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…

  • El Centro

    Kota Kinabalu

    El Centro is understandably popular – it's carnivore- and vegetarian-friendly and drinks are reasonably priced. Choose from Tex-Mex and Mediterranean…

  • Sakagura Japanese Restaurant

    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…

  • Sri Latha Curry House

    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…

  • Filipino market at night.

    Night Market

    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…

  • Kedai Kopi Yee Fung

    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…

  • Mother India

    Kota Kinabalu

    The enticing aromas lead you into this beautifully decorated restaurant accented with ochre and golden tones, pendant lighting and carved screens. With…

  • Welcome Seafood Restaurant

    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…

  • Biru Biru

    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…

  • Yuit Cheong

    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…

  • Mee Sup Pipin I

    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…

  • Alu-Alu Kitchen

    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…

  • Yu Kee Bah Kut Teh

    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…

  • Grazie Ristorante

    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…

  • Little Italy

    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 …

  • Tong Hing Supermarket

    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…

  • Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee

    Kota Kinabalu

    The woks are always flamin' and sizzlin' at this popular Cantonese joint below Ang's Hotel. Look out for sweet-and-sour shrimp, jungle fern and oyster…

  • Sea Monster

    Kota Kinabalu

    Festooned with ship's rigging and lifebuoys, this place looks like the owners decided to run a few miles with a nautical theme. Maritime theme aside, the…

  • Nagisa

    Kota Kinabalu

    Nagisa exudes class and refinement but the service and food quality are inconsistent. There's a wealth of sushi dishes, from California temaki (crab stick…

  • Kohinoor

    Kota Kinabalu

    This silk-festooned waterfront restaurant looks promising, but its northern Indian cuisine is hit-and-miss. The naan bread is pillowy-soft, vegetarian…

  • Santan Asean Cuisine

    Kota Kinabalu

    Santan has waterside seating and features an extensive menu of Southeast Asian dishes ranging from beef rendang to chilli crab. There is also a good range…

  • One Street Durianz King

    Kota Kinabalu

    Follow your nose to one of KK's best and most enthusiastic durian purveyors. As well as the domesticated 'king' variety, look for the small, rare,…

  • Buah-Buahan Yong

    Kota Kinabalu

    Large variety of imported and local fruits and other fruit products. Fresh fruit juices, peeled fruit portions, yogurt smoothies and fruity milkshakes are…

  • Centre Point Food Court

    Kota Kinabalu

    Your ringgit will go a long way at this popular and varied basement food court in the Centre Point mall. There are Malay, Chinese and Indian options, as…

  • Suria Sabah

    Kota Kinabalu

    This behemoth of a mall is home to a number of international fast-food chains. You'll also find sushi-train restaurants, ice-cream vendors and egg-tart…

  • Milimewa Superstore

    Kota Kinabalu

    Stock up on picnic items and hiking snacks at the centrally located Milimewa Superstore.

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