Kota Kinabalu - Dining

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Kota Kinabalu

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Asia Malaysia Kota Kinabalu Dining

Overview

Dining The guide was updated: 2024-11-20

The culinary scene in KK is truly remarkable, reflecting the city's multicultural nature. You'll find everything from Malay and Filipino hawker food to 24-hour budget Malay and Indian eateries, exquisite Chinese seafood restaurants, and top-class international dining establishments. The variety and fusion of flavours make for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant

Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant

Kota Kinabalu’s only lakeside floating seafood restaurant is anchored within the botanical park. During dinner, you can enjoy a Malaysia Cultural and Variety Show. The menu features fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables, complemented by a nice selection of wines.

Little Italy

Little Italy

Little Italy is a long-established local Italian restaurant offering stone oven-baked pizza, homemade pasta, antipasti, and other favourites. Enjoy Italian wine at friendly prices.

Filipino Market

Filipino Market

The market next to Centre Point Sabah on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens is known as the Filipino Market, as most of the stalls are run by Filipino immigrants. For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, visit the open-air hawker food stalls around the market, where you can enjoy excellent barbecued fish and chicken wings.

Chilli Vanilla

Chilli Vanilla

Hungarian, Mexican and European style food made with fresh ingredients and served in a quaint and intimate setting. This little gem has a fantastic varied menu to choose from and the food is delicious.

El Centro

El Centro

Popular with both expats and travellers, El Centro caters to Western tastes. It is a laid-back bar which serves great food and drink deals. Live music, pub quiz and Salsa night will guarantee a fun evening at El Centro.

Ferdinand's

Ferdinand's

Ferdinand's offers a relaxed and elegant setting with subtle lighting and classy decor. Whether you try the lobster bisque or crusted salmon, every menu item will delight your taste buds.

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Welcome Seafood Restaurant at Star City Mall is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. It serves fresh seafood in a lively setting at very affordable prices. Go up to the counter to choose your own crabs, prawns, squids and local vegetables and specify how you would like them to be cooked. Make sure to try their all-time favourite Wet Butter Tiger Prawn.

Yee Fung Laksa

Yee Fung Laksa

Yee Fung Laksa is renowned for its delicious laksa, considered the best in Kota Kinabalu. This hearty dish features rice noodles and prawns in a creamy coconut broth, topped with sliced beancurd puffs, omelette strips, shredded chicken, coriander sprigs, and half a lime, served with a spoonful of chilli sambal paste.

Coast at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Coast at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Coast Restaurant is situated in an idyllic spot to watch the sunset. The big buffet features so many choices and caters to everybody's taste, from local favourites to western delights.

Kozan Teppan-yaki at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Kozan Teppan-yaki at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Japanese cuisine served in a modern interior. The signature dish, chicken teppanyaki, is prepared on the teppan, a large Japanese iron hotplate. The attentive staff anticipate your needs, ensuring a delightful evening.

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Located in a covered open space, Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant offers a wide range of seafood, including lobsters, crabs, prawns, various fish, and clams. The service is impeccable, and the food is always served with a smile.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Shang Palace offers a delightful mix of traditional Chinese and Western dishes, alongside a variety of fine oriental cuisine and dim sum. All dishes are beautifully presented and delicious.

Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant

Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant

Dine on spicy Thai food with authentic flavours and fresh tastes while enjoying the view of the waterfront and the fresh breeze.

Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill

Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill

Located on the seaside, Coco-Joe's offers a fantastic oceanside view. Enjoy a fresh coconut opened on the spot and dine in a casual, laid-back setting.

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