Location: Kota Kinabalu
Top Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu
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Kota Kinabalu Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo is the bustling gateway to acclaimed Kinabalu National Park. The park's high point is 13,400-foot Mount Kinabula, Malaysia's tallest peak, a mecca for climbers. Ninety miles away, thrilling jungle trekking and camping await in the Crocker Range National Park.
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
1. Little Italy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
DEAR VALUED CUSTOMERS PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THE RESTAURANT WILL BE CLOSED FOR RENOVETIONS FEOM 8TH OCTOBER TO 22ND OCTOBER 2012. BUSINESS WILL RESUME AS USUAL ON 23RD OCTOBER 2012. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED. THE MANAGEMENT OF LITTLE Italy.
Reviewed By STTiong - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
I used to patronized little Italy since day one they opened, but not again until the bore head supervisor left the outlet, it was quite sometime ago I dine there with my relatives back from US to visit us, as we are seated, as I...MoreDear STTiong...I have brought up your complain to the management staff, appreciate your feedback. IT WONT HAPPEN AGAIN. Thank you Emiliano
2. Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Been the talk of the town since 2000, serving only the best and fine western cuisine. Local authentic upcoming. International fine wines, cocktails, mocktails, spirits and beers. Cozy, family friendly enviroment. A place you feel at home. Must try.
Reviewed By Jlm1983
As the locals we LOVE Bras Monkey. I left KK for a decade, came back and still found the same great flavor and passion in each dish. As a hotelier and curious explorer, I travelled around the world, eating my way through the world from London to Colombia and Bras Monkey is still one of the finest. It’s a place to enjoy great food and company in a quirky atmosphere. #mysabah #brasmonkey #monkeybusiness
3. Ferdinand's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Listed as one of Malaysia's best restaurants by Malaysia Tatler, Ferdinand's is a world class Italian restaurant offering the most exquisite fine-dining experience served with style, charm and attention to detail open only for that perfect night out.Open daily from 6.00pm to 11.00pm.
Reviewed By TheCbert - Brisbane, Australia
We found ourselves in Kota Kinabalu on my wife's birthday and decided to attend Ferdinand's on the basis of other reviews that we read on trip advisor. We have been to many restaurants in many places in the world and this was right up there with the best of them. This was a wonderful evening of fine dining, outstanding service and a surprise at every turn.
What made this special was not only the three course meal, but all of the extras that came with it - the view, the clip on Reading light for the menu, the appetisers, the palate cleansers, petite fours, the string trio that played in the restaurant and later sang happy birthday to my wife and played some extra songs for her while we ate the special (again extra) birthday cake that the restaurant provided.
The service provided by our waiter Gerald and all of the staff was second to none. Thankyou Ferdinand's for a wonderful evening!
4. Kohinoor
Overall Ratings
4 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By traveler1985_51 - Marbella, Spain
We visit this place because it was close to our hotel. A day before we passed infront and waitress told that they are the best in zone. So we thought to give try. We ordered Ch. Rogan josh which was nothing else but any Malaysian food taste curry. Shahi paneer was medium sweet and roties were cold because they served us 15 minuets before serving the food. We had our half food eaten and waiter brought us the bill and forced us to pay because they were about to close the restaurant. Very unprofessional staff and no Indian restaurant at all. We do not recommend.
5. Restoran Sri Melaka
Overall Ratings
4 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By annadingaling - Leeds, United Kingdom
Got a taxi from our hotel to give this a try having researched on TripAdvisor for a Malaysian restaurant - best rated restaurants all seem to be European which you can get at home!
Would be lying if i said I wasn't slightly nervous upon arriving as it is fairly basic looking and staff were polite without being overly welcoming.
Ordered a special tea and carrot juice given the lack of alcohol, and ordered several dishes which we assumed would come together (which they did-ish) as it wasn't obvious whether there were any starters or not. Had the nasi lemak, noodles, asam fish, beef rendang, satay sambal prawn and ginger and onion squid. For 2 people small portions of the mains and 2 sides was perfect for a large-ish meal. All food was delicious and if you're looking for something authentic give it a go. Bill including a tip came to 100 ringgit - just less than £20 - not sure how that compares to other eateries but much cheaper than our hotel. Despite looking basic I thought it looked clean - exception being the toilet which leaked, but there was handsoap which I took as a good sign and not by any means a given.
While we were there locals came and went and we didn't see any other tourists, which didn't bother us and wasn't uncomfortable.
6. Fatty Kee (under Angs Hotel)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Was recommended to me by an Australian Yachtie that we met while here, very busy and sometimes we had to stand and stalk a table and pounce when someone left. Food was great They do have an english menu but the best stuff appears is written on the wall in Chinese. Ask feisty Aunty for a translation of sorts Meal was great and cheap, did not see beer being drunk or visible anywhere but there are a couple of Carlsberg signs on the wall, so it may be available but a mug of chinese tea did it for us when we were there.
Reviewed By Tim B
Everyone says it and there proud of them have the Wings in oyster sauce fresh and tasty, don’t miss other delights jungle greens and hit ribs, everything was great, five dishes and two bears for 75rm, great,
7. Sunset Bar at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 521 reviews
Perched on the edge of its very own peninsular, Sunset Bar is a world away from the madding crowd, yet close enough to the heart of Kota Kinabalu city. This trendy and upscale bar brings fresh meaning to the term “perfectly chilled” and sets the standard in style and five-star service along with what can only be described as a stunning view of the sweeping Kota Kinabalu colourful skyline. This chic hang-out has locals and guests flocking for a spot on Sunset Bar’s natural timber decking furnished with cosy couple loungers. Tune into the whispering sounds of the ocean whilst Sunset Bar’s sultry and mood-enhancing tunes keep the vibe fun. An authentic Borneo lepa (boat) seeks attention as the bar’s unique hanging centrepiece, flanked by traditional handcrafted Borneo totems. Alfresco tables and seats along the bar make for a relaxed space. Opens daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm (weather permitting). Snacks are available from 4:30pm to 10:30pm.
Reviewed By meaningremission - Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Wanted so much to view the sunset from this strategic place, while enjoying a cool beer. Unfortunately, it was a rainy afternoon, hence what we got was a grey and cloudy sky.
8. El Centro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 737 reviews
El Centro is located in the middle of Kota Kinabalu's central business district near hotels and shopping centers.El Centro serves a variety of healthy and delicious food options from tacos to wraps, salads, burgers and local Malaysian favourites.The open concept restaurant has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that hosts a number of specialty nights like--pub quiz, jazz night, salsa lessons, them parties and art openings/exhibits. Open form 5pm - 12am for food and drinks. From the bar you can order beer or one of Katie's Killer Cocktails.
Reviewed By Iain M - Edmonton, Canada
Went here after an afternoon trip to one of the Islands. The wife had the chicken wrap and I had the lamb... can't speak for the wife but the lamb wrap was delicious. Got macaroni and cheese for the daughter and she gobbled most of it right up. Would recommend this place if in the area and would definitely visit again!
9. Chilli Vanilla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 610 reviews
Mediterranean and Healthy foods, reasonable prices and ambient atmosphere.Home Made Cakes and gluten free díshes.
Reviewed By Jellybean29923 - Glasgow, Scotland
This was the best restaurant we found in KK - we liked it so much we went back several times and enjoyed the food each time. Service was great, very friendly, food was great with a good choice and well priced. Would definitely go back if we were in KK again - highly recommend
10. Naan - Flavours of India at Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Modern, but with subtle traditional Indian features, Naan – Flavours of India is sure to impress with the best of authentic and delicious Indian fare, including tandoor favourites, vindaloo, masala and tikka dishes.
Reviewed By Steve H
After a long day in Sepalok we sat at a table in Naan - Flavours of India. We enjoyed both chicken and prawn dishes with rice and naan. Coupled with lassies you’d think that that was a standard Indian meal. However the title of the restaurant embellishes the experience. The lassies have to be the best we’ve ever had. The complimentary starters a treat and the after dinner surprise exceeded expectations.
This restaurant is a must if you visit Rasa aria.
