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 the highest peak in Southern Asia.
To help you make the most delicious choices when you return ravenous to Kota Kinabalu, here are 11 top-notch restaurant recommendations just for you.
Tip #1: Yee Fung Laksa
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 Laksa might just hit the spot. It has 630 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor for a reason.
At Yee Fung Laksa, you’ll indulge in authentic Chinese Malaysian dishes like Laksa, Claypot Chicken, and Mee. For the locals, it’s a brilliant value for money. The restaurant opens as early as 6:30 AM, perfect for the early birds ready to catch the worm.
Thu – Mon: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue & Wed closed
127 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu 88000 Malaysia
+60 8831 2042
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.
Whenever the locals feel like having delicious pizza or pasta, you’ll meet them right here. All menus are gluten-free, and Muslim-friendly.
Every day: 12 – 10 pm
Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jln Haji Saman, 88400 Kota Kinabalu
+60 88 232 231
Not convinced yet? Discover why an evening with Le Petit Chef is unforgettable.
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.
Monday – Friday: 6 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 6 am – 4 pm
Sunday: closed
80, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Phone: +60 16-849 4708
- Email: kengwanhing@gmail.com
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.
Every day: 5pm – 9pm
Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Phone: +60 88-327 888
- Email: fb.tah@shangri-la.com
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
+60 16-822 3982
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.
Every day: 7:30am – 3:30pm
Ground floor, wisma sabah, lot g04, Jln Tun Razak, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
+60 11-1030 3736
Tip #7: Teck Kee Restaurant
The Teck Kee Restaurant Kota Kinabalu is a great restaurant for Chinese food. Because many Chinese people live in Malaysia, the Chinese food served is usually impressive.
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.
Every day: 7am-10pm
Lot 41(DBKK No. 16-0) Ground Floor Block F, Inanam Business Centre, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Phone: +60 18-983 1919
- Email: teckkeeinanam@gmail.com
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.
Mon – Sat: 7am – MidnightSun: closed
118, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
+60 10-238 5877
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!
Mon: 7 am – 3:30 pm and 5 – 9 pm
Tue: 7:30am – 4pm and 5pm – 9pm
Wed – Sat: 6:30am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm
Sun: 6:30am – 3pm and 4pm – 9pm
Lot 4, 5, 6 Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam, Taman Luyang Phase 1, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
+60 16-710 1728
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.
We recommend, besides the incredible view, to order and enjoy the Surf n’ Turf. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., and afterwards you can order à la carte until the evening.
Every day: 6:30 am – 10:30 pm
Hyatt Centric, 18, Jln Haji Saman,Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
+60 154-874 1234
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.
Every day: 12 – 3 pm and 4:30 – 10 pm
L1-29, Jesselton Mall, 3, Jln Haji Saman,88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
+60 17-877 8907
Tip #12: Urban Kitchen
Urban Kitchen is a trendy restaurant in Kota Kinabalu that combines local and international flavors. The menu features creative fusion dishes, fresh seafood, and artisanal cocktails in a modern, industrial-chic setting.
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.
Every day: 6:30 – 10:30 AM, 12 – 3 PM, 6 – 11 PM
Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
+60 88-356 000
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.
Wed – Mon: 6:30 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 9:30 PM
No 2, Ground Floor, Lorong Angsa 6, Taman Pelangi, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 88-313 777
- Email: kiatleerestaurant.shop@gmail.com
