The East Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu is famously known as the ‚basecamp‘ for conquering the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Standing tall at 4,100 meters, it’s not only the highest peak in Southern Asia but also the most accessible four-thousander in the world. But here’s the catch: after your triumphant descent, your tummy will be growling. It asks for a victory feast. Not just any food—good food, and plenty of it.
To help you make the most delicious choices when you return ravenous to Kota Kinabalu, here are 10 top-notch restaurant recommendations just for you.
Tip #1: Le Petit Chef at Hyatt Centric
Since July 2024, the Hyatt Centric in Kota Kinabalu hosts ‚Le Petit Chef‘. He is just 6 cm tall and therefore considered the smallest chef in the world. His fun dining show runs Wednesday to Saturday.
Visit an extraordinary 3D dinner show –Le Petit Chef- at the Hyatt Centric in Kota Kinabalu.
Get ready for the legendary Le Petit Chef dinner ‚The Beginning‘, where our tiny chef entertains with his charming clumsiness and amusing misadventures.
In addition to these fun animations projected onto the tabletop, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu delights you with a carefully crafted pre-set menu.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Kids menu options are available.
Speciality:
A unique 3D Projection Mapping dining experience, featuring the smallest chef in the world.
Price:
Premium Menu: RM 458 per person;
Classic Menu: RM 358 per person;
Vegetarian Menu: RM 338 per person;
Kids Menu: RM 248 per person
Hours:
Reservation is necessary. Online booking available.
Location:
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
18, Jln Haji Saman
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact:
Phone: +60 154 874-1234
Email: hyattcentrickotakinabalu@hyatt.com
Webpage: lepetitchef.com/kotakinabalu
Tip #2: Kedai Kopi Yee Fung
Our second recommendation for good eats in Kota Kinabalu couldn’t be more different. Instead of 5-star cuisine at 5-star prices, we invite you to try some low-budget street food.
You’ll be sitting on plastic chairs with no air conditioning, but the Kedai Kopi Yee Fung might just hit the spot. It has 630 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor for a reason.
You’ll be served the best local Chinese Malaysian dishes.
Visit our extraordinary 3D dinner-show Le Petit Chef ‚The Beginning‘ in Kota Kinabalu.
Don’t miss out on this unique fun dining experience with tabletop animations, using 3D projection mapping. This immersive theater experience is accompanied by a delicious 4-course menu and guests can choose from 5 pre-set menu variants. With a premium menu option available for adults and kids, as well as a vegetarian menu variant, there is something to delight every guest.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Kids menu options are available.
Speciality :
Immersive 3D theater and dining combined, featuring the smallest chef in the world and his friends.
Price:
Great Chef Menu: THB 6000 per person;
Le Petit Chef Menu: THB 2400 per person;
Junior Chef Menu: THB 4000 per person;
Kids Chef Menu: THB 1400 per person;
Vegetarian Chef Menu: THB 2050 per person
Hours:
Reservation is necessary and booking available online.
Location:
Amari Bangkok
847 New Petchburi Road
Ratchathewi
Bangkok, 10400
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 653 9000
Email: lepetitchef.bangkok@amari.com
Tip #3: Blue Sky Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Located on the 24th floor of the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok hotel, Blue Sky Restaurant & Bar is an ideal place for those looking for a chic rooftop dining option with stunning views of the city.
Here one can enjoy a romantic date, dinner with friends, or relax with a cocktail and snacks while overlooking Bangkok’s skyline. On top of the stunning sunset views, the restaurant’s menu delights with fine dining options from selection of steaks, seafood options and sharing platters.
The signature dishes include Scallop Ceviche, Mix Grill Australian Beef, Grill Seafood Tower and Souffle Cheesecake.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free options are available.
Speciality:
Steaks and Seafood.
Price:
À la carte dishes range from THB 350 – THB 1990.
Sharing platters range from THB 2900 – THB 5990.
Hours:
Daily: 06:00 pm – 02:00 am
Reservation is required and online reservation available.
Location:
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok
1695 Centara Grand at Central plaza
Ladprao, 24 Fl, Chatuchak
Bangkok 10900
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 541 1234
Email : diningcglb@chr.co.th
Webpage: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/ cglb/blue-sky-bar
Tip #4: Nourish
Set in Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, Nourish offers a sanctuary from the city buzz with its minimalist interior and surrounding tropical garden.
Nourish is an all-day dining restaurant with a healthy take on international cuisine. Guests can enjoy à la carte options and buffet-style dining focused on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors from around the world.
Nourish also offers a kid-friendly Sunday brunch featuring half a lobster, a sashimi selection, or Swiss fondue.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free options are available.
Speciality :
Healthy take on international cuisine.
Price:
À la carte dishes range from THB 250 – THB 1000.
Sunday Brunch: THB 1700 per adult, THB 850 per kid (6-12 years old).
Hours:
Daily: 06:00 am – 10:30 pm
Online reservation available.
Locations:
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok
2 Witthayu Rd
Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Webpage: https://www.movenpickbdmsbangkok.com/restaurant-bars/nourish/
Tip #5: The Silk Road
The Silk Road can be found at The Athenee Hotel, and its setting is elegant and cozy, inspired by 1920s Shanghai Art Deco.
Here one can enjoy authentic dishes that celebrate traditional recipes combined with contemporary techniques, such as the signature marinated Peking duck, Traditional Cantonese Dim Sum, as well as seasonal dishes.
The Silk Road is one of the best restaurants in Bangkok to enjoy authentic Cantonese specialties with artistic presentation and modern flair.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free options are available.
Speciality:
Classic Cantonese cuisine with modern flair.
Price:
À la carte dishes start from THB 250.
The Silk Road Peking Duck with Caviar – THB 1800.
Hours:
Daily: 11:30 am – 02:30 pm & 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Online reservation available.
Location:
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
61 Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 650 8800
E-Mail: thesilkroad.theathenee@luxurycollection.com
Webpage: https://www.thesilkroadbangkok.com/
Tip #6: Amaya Food Gallery
Amaya Food Gallery is located on the 4th floor of the Amari Bangkok hotel. The restaurant interior is spacious and airy with high ceilings, natural sunlight, and vibrant décor to create an atmosphere of the local market.
Amaya Food Gallery is known for its All You Can Eat offering with the best of western and Asian cuisine inspired by local flavors served at live cooking stations.
Their new Season’s buffet delights with salmon wellington, boat noodles station, Italian pasta station, and a variety of seafood options.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free options are available.
Speciality:
Western and Asian cuisine.
Price:
Amaya Season’s Buffet – THB 1325.
Hours:
Daily: 06:00 am – 10:00 pm
Season’s buffet: Saturday from 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Online reservation available.
Location:
Amari Bangkok, 4th floor
847 Petchburi Road, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 653 9000
Email: amaya.bangkok@amari.com
Webpage: https://www.amari.com/bangkok/dine/amaya-food-gallery
Tip #7: Bar.Yard
Bar.Yard is a colorful urban rooftop bar located on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok hotel, known for its fun and youthful ambiance resembling tropical paradise.
The modern open-air space with lush greenery resembles a backyard party and this concept also reflects on the menu which offers a large variety of American style BBQ options with a unique twist of the Executive Chef Lamberto Valdez Lara.
If you are looking for an Instagrammable rooftop oasis with fine Tiki cocktails, vibrant food and stunning views, Bar.Yard hits the mark.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Vegan options are available.
Speciality:
Unique twist on classic BBQ and Tiki-inspired cocktails.
Price:
Mains range from THB 120 to THB 690.
Sharing platters range from THB 890 to THB 1890.
Hours:
Sun, Mon: 04:00 pm – 01:00 am
Tue – Sat: 04:00 pm – 02:00 am
Online reservation available.
Location:
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
78 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 056 9999
Email: BarYard.Kimptonmaalai@ihg.com
Webpage: https://www.kimptonmaalaibangkok.com/bangkok-restaurants/baryard-rooftop-bar/
Tip #8: Rain Tree Café
Located in The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, Rain Tree Café is renowned as one of the best restaurants in Bangkok for buffet dining.
With all you can eat and à la carte options served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Rain Tree Café delights guests with gourmet international delicacies in a charming and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a Sunday Brunch.
À la carte options include international classics as well as Asian and local dishes, and a kids menu is also available.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Halal options are available.
Speciality:
Gourmet international cuisines.
Price:
Mains range from THB 520 to THB 980.
Monday – Friday Lunch Buffet: THB 1300.
Saturday Lunch Buffet:THB 1500.
Sunday Brunch: THB 2600.
Sunday – Thursday Dinner Buffet: THB 1800.
Friday – Saturday Dinner Buffet: THB 2100.
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 06:00 am – 10:30 am, 12:00 pm – 02:30 pm, 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun: 06:00 am – 10:30 am, 12:00 pm – 03:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location:
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
61 Wireless Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 650 8800
E-Mail: raintree.theathenee@luxurycollection.com
Webpage: https://www.raintreecafebangkok.com/
Tip #9: SEEN Restaurant & Bar Bangkok
SEEN is one of the best places in Bangkok to enjoy a meal and a cocktail with a view. This unique restaurant and lounge with both indoor and outdoor space is located on the 26th floor overlooking the Chao Phraya river.
The menu is inspired by Chef Olivier’s original recipes and offers Oysters and Ceviche, Premium Wagyu cuts, array of Japanese dishes, meat and fish Chef Specials and Anytime Favorites such as Guacamole and Black Truffle Spaghetti.
Guests can also enjoy cocktails from the bar on the 27th floor with an exclusive and intimate ambiance and stunning views of Bangkok.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free options available.
Speciality:
Fusion of culinary cultures.
Price:
Mains range from THB 620 to THB 4500.
Hours:
Daily: 11:00 am – 01:00 am
Online reservation available.
Location:
Avani + Riverside Bangkok Hotel
AVANI Riverside Bangkok 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Samre, Thon Buri
Bangkok 10600
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 431 9492
E-Mail: riversidedining@anantara.com
Webpage: https://www.seenrooftopbangkok.com/
Tip #10: Akira Back
Located on the 37th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, East meets West in Akira Back. From the interior design to your plate, the restaurant’s concept showcases modern Japanese and Korean influence with an American twist.
The menu is curated by the Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, and includes must-tries such as a 48 hours slow cooked Wagyu Short Rib, Jidori Chicken and Josper Grilled Salmon.
Guests can choose from à la carte options, combine sushi and sashimi or indulge in a tasting menu with an array of signature dishes.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free options are available
Speciality:
Modern Japanese cuisine.
Price:
Mains: from THB 470 to THB 3800.
Sushi / Sashimi: from THB 70 to THB 720.
Signature rolls: from THB 280 to THB 820.
Multi Course Tasting Menu: THB 3,900/Person.
Multi Course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing: THB 5,500/Person.
Hours:
Daily: 05:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservation is required and can be made online.
Location:
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
199 Sukhumvit Alley 22, Klong Ton, Khlong Toei
Bangkok 10110
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 2 059 5909
E-Mail: restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com
Webpage: https://www.akirabackbangkok.com/
Tip #11: Isola By Signor Sassi
For foodies looking for a unique Italian restaurant in Bangkok, Isola by Signor Sassi is one of the must visit in the city. Located in Grayson Village, the restaurant offers authentic and sophisticated Italian dishes to be enjoyed sharing style.
Stylish and contemporary design of Isola by Signor Sassi with a lemon filled dining room ceiling has an inviting and festive atmosphere for family and friends gatherings.
The Italian Riviera inspired menu offers the best of authentic Italian cuisine featuring an array of pasta, meat and seafood dishes, including signature Lobster Spaghetti.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options are available.
Speciality:
Authentic Italian food.
Price:
Mains range from THB 690 to THB 3490.
Hours:
Daily: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Location:
Gaysorn Centre (Gaysorn Village)
999 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 64 532 6424
Email: isolabysignorsassi@gmail.com
Webpage: https://sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/isola-signor-sassi-bangkok/
Tip #12: Petits Plats Bangkok
From the contemporary design to delicate flavors, Petits Plats restaurant is designed to transport guests to the French Mediterranean coast.
Must-try dishes include a spin on the classics such as, Foie Gras Creme Brulee with Signature Brioche or a Truffle French Toast.
With a focus on a creative twist on French cuisine, in both flavor and technique, Petit Plats is a place to enjoy delightful dishes in a romantic atmosphere.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and Vegan options available.
Speciality:
Creative twist on the French Mediterranean cuisine.
Price:
Mains range from THB 390 to THB 2690.
Hours:
Daily: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Reservation is required.
Location:
Unit A102, Velaa Sindhorn Village
87 Lang Suan Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Contact:
Phone: +66 62 246 4466
Webpage: https://akarahospitality.com/restaurant/Petits_Plats
Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!
As Marketing Executive, Barbora knows the Le Petit Chef fun dining concept inside out and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
