Traveling can be tiring. And at the end of a long day of city exploring and sunset watching, our stomach start telling us that it needs to be fed.
In Kota Kinabalu, that wouldn’t be a problem as it’s got various restaurants and cafes for you to give a try. But if you’re not sure where to start, no worries! We’re here to help and we’ve rounded the 9 best eateries in town you should check out while here, listed in no particular order as we love them all.
Credit: La Veranda | Instagram
Do not miss La Veranda’s Signature Pizza with mozzarella cheese! From classic handmade pasta, Orecchiette Bolognese known as "ear-shaped pasta" and Pork-free Carbonara to delectable dessert such as Tiramisu and refreshing Mocktails, experience a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italy in every bite! There are also wide selection of alcoholic beverages and wine.
Discover the Reasonably-priced Italian Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu where exquisite flavours meet enchanting ambience at La Veranda, Sutera Avenue. Dine in and experience 5-star warm hospitality and super-friendly staff. Savour the flavours of Italy at La Veranda Italian Cuisine. Indulge in authentic dishes like Octopus & Potatoes Salad and Grilled Seafood.
It is also a child-friendly restaurant making it ideal choice for families. Private dining room is also available for exclusive gatherings. The restaurant also provides birthday celebration services, perfect venue to make your day special. They Serve no pork and muslim-friendly.
Try out Italy's rich coffee culture at La Veranda and sip on finely brewed blends by the Moka Pot originally from Italian households, a stove-top brewer that is able to extract a great tasting coffee. From robust espresso to creamy affogato, indulge in the art of coffee perfection!
Opening Hours: Opens Mondays to Sundays from 11:30am to 10pm
Address: Level 1 , Sutera Avenue, Jalan Sembulan, 88100, Kota Kinabalu.
Phone: +60 12-539 1187
Credit: Sukhothai | Instagram
Sukhothai Restaurant has set its sights on becoming the premier Thai restaurant in Sabah, and their dedication to achieving this goal revolves around several key principles. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to authenticity, ensuring that every Thai dish they serve is prepared with the utmost respect for traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. To execute this vision, they've brought on board skilled chefs who are experts in delivering an authentic and truly delicious dining experience and it is a Muslim-friendly restaurant.
Their menu is a testament to their dedication to offering with a wide range of dishes, including options for vegetarians. Sukhothai places a strong emphasis on the quality and freshness of their ingredients, ensuring that each plate reflects the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine. They also offer kid’s menu in addition demonstrates their inclusivity and commitment to providing a family-friendly dining environment.
Tom Yum Red Fish Soup, is a famous Thai soup known for its bold and refreshing flavours. It's a hot and sour soup typically made with milk, dry chili, lemon grass, mushroom, lime leaf, red onion, Thai coriander and blue ginger, but you can also find variations with chicken, seafood, or even tofu for vegetarians.
Crab fried rice, Thailand style, is a delectable Thai dish that features fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with crabmeat and an array of flavourful ingredients. Thai cuisine is known for its balance of flavours, incorporating sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami tastes. It features a wide variety of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Stepping into Sukhothai is not just about the flavor and it's a cultural journey. Mango sticky rice is a famous Thai delicacy that combines sweet, ripe mangoes with sticky glutinous rice.
Sukhothai Restaurant has a private dining room that offers a delightful Thai ambiance. The décor typically features elements like ornate wooden carvings, silk textiles, intricate lanterns, and modern furnishing, all contributing to an inviting and tranquil atmosphere. They have meticulously crafted an ambiance that makes diners in the rich traditions of Thailand, enhancing the overall dining experience. Exceptional customer service is at the forefront, making patrons feel welcomed and valued.
The restaurant not only offers top-notch service but maintaining impeccable standards of hygiene and cleanliness is a top priority, ensuring not only customer satisfaction but also safety. The Thai ambiance seamlessly complements the exceptional quality and freshness of ingredients. Thai cuisine is celebrated for its use of vibrant, locally sourced herbs, spices, and vegetables, often picked at their peak of freshness. The cornerstone of Sukhothai's journey to culinary excellence in Sabah lies in their commitment to consistency. Every visit promises a top-class Thai culinary adventure that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Opening Hours: Opens Daily from 11:30am to 10pm
Address: Level 1 Lot 1-4 Jesselton Mall, Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-5341187
Get ready to have your taste buds leap with joy as you savour the tender and juicy perfection of the best fried chicken in Sabah! Each delectable piece of chicken, prepared with our secret recipe and perfectly seasoned, is fried to absolute perfection, boasting a tantalising crunch that will make your mouth water.
Prepare to be amazed as you try out the signature Full Spring Chicken, perfect for the whole family or a big group of friends! This mouthwatering delight is free from any hint of greasiness, ensuring that the essence of the chicken is locked within. Infused with a harmonious blend of meticulously chosen herbs and spices, brace yourself for a taste explosion like no other!
Believe us when we say, you gotta try Borenos Fried Chicken and let your taste buds go wild on a flavour-packed journey that'll have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths! Our 24-hour operation means you can satisfy your cravings with this culinary masterpiece anytime you want. Don't hold back, let the fried chicken love affair happen 'round the clock!
Website: Official l Instagram l Facebook
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Lot G23, Kompleks Asia City, Jalan Asia City, Lot G23, Kompleks Asia City, Jalan Asia City, Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88000
Phone: 018-963 2280
October Coffee Roasters is a trendy cafe located in Kota Kinabalu famous for its Korean-style, rustic interior design operated by an authentic Korean. The cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere and it also holds a place as one of the OG cafés in town!
October Coffee Roasters takes pride in crafting their own coffee beans. They have the widest variety of coffee beans in town – up to 19 types available, ensuring each cup embodies the true art of roasting. The café experience itself plays a big part in the way Koreans enjoy their coffee, as it's where you can witness the roasting process and indulge in the finest coffee creations.
Beyond exceptional coffee, October Coffee Roasters offers a delectable array of culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds. Their diverse menu caters to all preferences, from artisanal pastries to savory breakfast items and gourmet sandwiches.
The recommended Korean treats are Korean Street Toast, Kimchi Sandwich and Yuja Citron. Whether you're craving a hearty brunch or a quick bite, the cafe has something for everyone. Pair your meal with their handcrafted beverages or explore the selection of seasonal menu such as Peach Yogurt perfect for those seeking a refreshing and light option, or people looking for a nutritious snack. Cheese Latte are for those foodies who enjoy exploring different coffee variations beyond the traditional latte. Caffe Oren is unique for those who are looking for a zesty and invigorating coffee option.
The café experience isn’t just about studying for exams or stopping by for a quick coffee. It’s an opportunity to slow down during a busy week to enjoy the little moments, alone or with company. They also have a wide variety of desserts and pastries – Mango Mousse Cake & Biscoff Cheesecake.
The owner of October Coffee Roasters thinks differently about what to offer while there are limited coffee academies in Kota Kinabalu, that's why this café stands out by offering internationally certified courses from the renowned Coffee Skills Program by the Specialty Coffee Association.
Not only do they sell their freshly roasted coffee beans and coffee capsules in-store, but you may also search for their store on Shopee: Nordic Coffee Roasters.
Opening Hours: Opens Everyday from 10:30am to12am
Address: 5-0 Ground Floor, Lorong Bunga Raja 9, Latitude 6 Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu.
Phone: 014-307 2455
Highly recommended by both the locals and the tourists, Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant is known for its glorious seafood noodle as they’re so mind-blowingly delicious! The real star of the show at Fatt Kee is the soup bases. You've got two options that are absolute flavour powerhouses: the creamy tomato soup or the spicy, aromatic tom yam broth.
The seafood in those bowls truly steals the spotlights, with plump fish balls that practically bounce in your mouth, releasing a burst of pure ocean goodness. Then there are the perfectly sweet and savoury fish cakes, along with the thick and juicy fillets that shine as if they were just plucked from the ocean. And the crispy fish skin, which elevates your taste buds to a whole new level of heavenly delight. Let’s also not forget about the ultimate treat—the coveted fish head. Only the true connoisseurs go for that one, because it's the epitome of indulgence.
Website: Facebook
Opening Hours: 10:30AM to 8:30PM (Daily)
Address: 3rd Floor, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, 88000 Kota Kinabalu.
Phone: 019-820 1900
Little Sulap Cafe is the place to get your fix of traditional and delicious Sabahan food. Wanting to share his love and passion for traditional Dusun Tatana recipes passed down for generations, the founder of Little Sulap Cafe, Chrisboy, really knows his way around local food.
When sitting down inside the café, a bohemian vibe is the first thing that comes to mind with a hot pink door to match. The café gives people space to loosen up their worries and to just focus on the present moment. It also helps that the staff are super friendly!
It’s a must to try out their Original Sabahan or Ambuyat Set. Both serve the same local kampong dishes such as Bambangan, a native fruit, and Tuhau, wild pickled ginger. But the Original Sabahan set comes with brown rice and the Ambuyat Set comes instead with ambuyat, a white sticky sago. One tip for you: ambuyat is really sticky so the technique of twist and twirl is needed to get an ample amount. Dip it in their in-house special sauce and gulp it all in without chewing.
If you want something a little closer to home, then their Swedish and Chicken meatballs (hilariously named Oh My Balls) is worth a try. Their Chicken Wings are also a must order as they are cooked using a secret recipe. Their Teruna Kesepian dish is a recommendation as well. We won’t tell you what the dish’s name means so the only way to find out is to ask the staff; they’ll be more than happy to explain. As for drinks, we recommend the hot Pink Lemonade or the refreshing local coffee, Kupi Bantaton.
Opening Hours: Opens Daily from 10am to 10pm
Address: Jalan Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu.
Phone: 016-202 7597
If you’re thinking of a place to relax and have a great time, then there’s no better place to blow away your Monday blues with friends than at Biru Biru (‘blue blue’ in Malay or ‘beer beer’ in Japanese). You can’t miss the place! The front of the restaurant is literally decked out in blue.
Biru Biru is spacious and gives off a vintage yet modern vibe, from the lighting to the colour scheme. First entering the restaurant will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. And when the night hits, the ambience turns relaxing, making you want nothing more than a cocktail in hand. Better yet, sit by the bar and watch their skilled bartender craft your drinks up close. Friendly banter is expected.
Biru Biru is one of the first cafes in Kota Kinabalu known for having good waffles, coming with a side of coconut ice cream and their homemade custard. And when paired with a Piccolo Latte late morning with natural light streaming in, you’ve got yourself the perfect way to laze away the rest of the afternoon. And with their waffles coming in different flavours, one may not be enough!
If you’re opting for something healthier, start your lunch hour right with their poke bowls. And don’t even get us started on their quesadillas because they deserve a page on the menu, if you ask us. Complement it with a chili infused cocktail - it's one of their newer drinks called Diabito and well named, we might add - and end your long workday with a much-needed kick. But if you want a fruitier punch to the liver, then get the Kaffir Lychee Lemongrass Slash. You won’t be disappointed.
Opening Hours: Opens Daily from 11am - 12am
Address: 24, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone: 019-790 3810
Poke bowls upon poke bowls is what you’re going to get here at Superono! Not a surprise when the owner of Superono was the pioneer of poke bowls in Kota Kinabalu. First starting out as Pokeboru in Jesselton Artisan Market, Kat opened Superono, the first restaurant to offer poke bowls in KK.
However, her passion for poke bowls extends beyond. Together with the chef, Aaron, they design unique poke dishes that are sure to snatch our taste buds. So, rest assured that you’re in safe hands when it comes to taste because hands down, they make some of the best poke bowls and healthy options in town.
If you want something a little different but equally delicious, we recommend their Wrap & Roll, the newest addition to their menu! You have a choice between salmon tartare and baked chicken, though we do recommend their salmon tartare as it is divine. You can also customise your own poke bowls so go crazy!
As the restaurant aims at promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle, you won’t find any Pepsi’s or Cola’s here, just good ol’ iced lemon tea.
Opening Hours: Opens Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm, Closed on Mondays
Address: Lot 7, 1st Floor, Block A, Plaza 333, Lorong Plaza 333-1, Penampang, 89500 Kota Kinabalu.
Phone: 016-718 3373
Credit: Gogobox | Instagram
Gogobox is perfect for busy working people and the self-drive travellers who crave a quick yet satisfying meal. Their food packaging is designed for convenience, so it is easy to take it with you on-the-go. But don't let their speed fools you – their dishes all taste so good, just like their slogan promises: "Deliciously Fast".
Hey guys, check out the latest eatery in town – Gogobox! Follow Sabah Travel for a sneak peek inside. Let's start with the menu – from healthy wraps to savoury baked cheese pasta, there's something for everyone.
Drive through Gogobox any time between 10AM and 7PM, from Monday to Friday! And if you prefer to dine in, there is ample basement parking available, and you won't have to worry about circling the block for a spot! Visit Gogobox today and experience the ultimate in dining convenience!
Opening Hours: Opens Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 7pm
Address: Lot 1, Ground Floor, YLY Plaza, Jalan Tuaran Bypass. 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10-666 1737
