Kota Kinabalu, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, is a popular starting point for trips to Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding region.
To help you choose where to eat in Kota Kinabalu, here are 13 restaurant recommendations.
Tip #1: Yee Fung Laksa
For a casual meal, try Kedai Kopi Yee Fung Laksa on Gaya Street, known for its laksa and other Chinese-Malaysian dishes.
At Yee Fung Laksa, you can try dishes such as laksa, claypot chicken rice and noodles. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Please check the restaurant’s current Facebook updates or contact Yee Fung Laksa directly for opening hours.
- 127 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu 88000 Malaysia
Tip #2: Little Italy @ the Hotel Capital
Although you are in South East Asia, Kota Kinabalu is no exception to the rule. There must be an Italian restaurant somewhere … and here we go: Little Italy Restaurant at the Hotel Capital has been the oldest and most loved Italian eatery in Sabah.
Little Italy serves pizza and pasta. Please ask the restaurant directly about gluten-free options, ingredients and any dietary requirements before ordering.
Please check Little Italy’s current opening hours directly with the restaurant.
- Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jln Haji Saman, 88400 Kota Kinabalu
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Tip #3: Keng Wan Hing
A shop along Gaya street that is famous for it’s buns: Keng Wan Hing. Their BBQ pork baked pastries are mouthwateringly delicious and an absolute delight to eat.
Please check current opening hours and closing days directly with Keng Wan Hing.
- 80, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #4: Sunset Bar
For everyone who enjoys dinner accompanied by a great view, the Sunset Bar is the place to be. Perched on its own peninsula, this stylish bar is the ultimate spot to relax and take in the stunning views of the water.
- Daily: 5pm–9pm, weather permitting.
- Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #5: Yii Siang Ngiu Chap
This famous restaurant in Kota Kinabalu sells delicious beef noodle soup. They serve both beef noodle soup and laksa and I assure you their flavours are as authentic as it gets!
The shop has been in operation since 1993 and is going as strong as ever with a loyal customer base frequenting the shop.
- Mon – Sat 6:30am – 3pm
Sun: 6:30am – 2pm - 21 Block C, Lorong Perindustrian, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #6: Borneo Pan Mee
Pan Mee noodles can be enjoyed both in pork broth soup or dry with sauce. This delicious dish can be enjoyed in various locations in town and Borneo Pan Mee is one of those spots to get authentic Pan Mee.
Please contact Borneo Pan Mee directly to confirm current opening hours and location before visiting.
- Ground floor, wisma sabah, lot g04, Jln Tun Razak, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #7: Teck Kee Restaurant
Teck Kee Restaurant in Inanam serves Chinese dishes in a casual setting.
This restaurant is a big recommendation for anyone who enjoys Chinese food. In addition to sweet and sour pork and other classic dishes, they also serve dim sum.
Please check the restaurant’s current Facebook updates or contact Teck Kee directly for opening hours.
- Lot 41(DBKK No. 16-0) Ground Floor Block F, Inanam Business Centre, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #8: MOGINUM Restobar
This cozy and affordable foodie spot in Kota Kinabalu is the perfect place to casually enjoy some great Malaysian food.
Besides great breakfast and lunch, they also occasionally have live music performances and special events.
- Monday–Saturday: 7am–midnight. Sunday: closed.
- 118, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #9: New WK Restaurant
Dim sum lovers should consider checking out New WK Restaurant. This restaurant serves fresh per order dim sum and the staff is also very kind and attentive.
The prices are also fair, so there’s nothing stopping you from eating dim sum to your heart’s content!
Please check current opening hours for the Luyang branch directly with New WK Restaurant; hours vary between branches.
- Lot 4, 5, 6 Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam, Taman Luyang Phase 1, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tip #10: On22
ON22 is located in the Hyatt Centric in Kota Kinabalu. The modern restaurant offers you a menu with upscale dishes and Asian flavors.
Enjoy the views alongside modern Asian dishes. Breakfast is served until 10:30am on weekdays and 11am at weekends; the à-la-carte menu starts at 11:30am.
Breakfast: Monday–Friday 6:30am–10:30am; Saturday–Sunday 6:30am–11am. À la carte: daily 11:30am–10:30pm.
- Hyatt Centric, 18, Jln Haji Saman,Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tip #11: Pound
Pound specializes in Western dishes and offers you pizza, pasta, and delicious salads in modern styles.
The open kitchen and bar are inviting and make you want to linger and enjoy. Pound is therefore ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner in Kota Kinabalu.
Please check the restaurant website or contact Pound directly for current opening hours.
- L1-29, Jesselton Mall, 3, Jln Haji Saman,88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tip #12: Urban Kitchen
Urban Kitchen at Hilton Kota Kinabalu serves Malaysian specialties and Western dishes, with an open kitchen and live cooking stations.
The open-concept kitchen allows diners to watch their meals being prepared, adding to the dining experience. Urban Kitchen is perfect for those looking for a contemporary culinary adventure in Kota Kinabalu.
Breakfast daily: 6am–10:30am. Lunch daily: noon–3pm. Dinner Friday–Saturday: 6pm–11pm. Please confirm special-event service with the hotel.
- Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tip #13: Kiat Lee Restaurant
Kiat Lee Restaurant is a beloved local eatery in Kota Kinabalu, known for its authentic Chinese-Malaysian cuisine. The restaurant has been serving the community for years, offering generous portions of classic dishes at affordable prices.
Must-try dishes include their signature noodles and fresh seafood preparations. The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus on the food, making it a favorite among locals and adventurous travelers alike.
Please contact Kiat Lee Restaurant directly to confirm current opening hours before visiting.
- No 2, Ground Floor, Lorong Angsa 6, Taman Pelangi, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
For reservations and current contact details, please call the restaurant directly.
