8 Best Restaurants In Kota Kinabalu Worth Visiting

Other than the various beautiful places to see in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, what’s the other thing that’s good? The food of course! Nothing brings people together like good food, right? If you’re planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu and not sure where to eat, check out this list of 8 best restaurants in Kota Kinabalu – a mixture of local and European cuisines that are worth visiting! Start saving these places so you know where to go once you land! 

Best Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu

1. Little Italy

Fancy some amazing Italian food? Little Italy has been voted Best Italian Food for the last 20 years by both locals and tourists. They serve a variety of classic Italian dishes on the menu from pizza and pasta to risotto and lasagna. Plus, their pasta and sauces are made fresh everyday! It’s also Muslim-friendly as no pork or alcohol is served in the restaurant. Don’t forget to try the Tiramisu as it’s their all-time star dessert on the menu!

Address: Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2. El Centro

El Centro is one of the best restaurants in Kota Kinabalu that is worth visiting. Serving international cuisines such as Mexican, American, Middle Eastern and Italian, you can have your tacos, burritos, burgers, sandwiches, pizza or kebab right here at a decent price! What’s also great here besides their food and killer cocktails is their super nice ambience that the crowd really love! 

Address: 18, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

3. Kedai Kopi Yee Fung 

Opened more than 10 years ago, Kedai Kopi Yee Fung is a kopitiam-styled restaurant located at Gaya Street and has since been popular for its laksa. It may look exactly like the Sarawak laksa but it tastes different. It’s one of the must-try noodles in Sabah. Gotta try it to believe it! This kopitiam has other food too such as Claypot Chicken Rice, Ngiu Chap, Fishball noodles and more.

Address: 127, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

4. Chili Vanilla

If you’re looking for something different to try, how about some modern-style Hungarian cuisine? Here at Chili Vanilla, you get to experience some really good Hungarian food! One of their must-try appetizers is Frikadelle which is fried meatballs stuffed with cheese served with some salsa dip. Another of the crowd’s favourites is the delicious smoked duck tortilla with melted cheese. Is this making you hungry already?

Address: 33, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

5. Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant

A trip to Kota Kinabalu is never complete without having some good seafood. There are many good and affordable seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu and Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant is one of them. It’s the only lakeside floating seafood restaurant in town! Other than serving fresh delicious seafood, they also have Sabah cultural dance performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Be sure to reserve a table to avoid any disappointments! 

Address: Silverado Corporation Sdn. Bhd Taman Tun Fuad Luyang, Bukit Padang, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

6. Yuit Cheong

Craving for satay? Have your cravings satisfied right here at Yuit Cheong as it is known for the best satay in Sabah. Succulent, juicy and tender beef satay is highly recommended according to the reviews. What’s outstanding is their peanut sauce. Too good not to miss this! Apart from satay, their kaya butter toast is also said to be one of the best! It’s recommended to get some white bread to dip in the famous peanut sauce. 

Address: 50, Jalan Pantai, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

7. Welcome Seafood Restaurant

This is another popular seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu serving fresh seafood using the finest and freshest ingredients cooked in the way you prefer. Their signature dishes include Kam Hiong Crab, Wet Butter Tiger Prawn, Steamed Sea Snails, Ginger Geoduck and Soft Shell Crab. Not only do they taste great, they’re also at pretty reasonable prices! 

Address: Lot G18, Komplek Jalan Asia City Phase 2A, Asia City, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

8. SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu

SOULed OUT opened its 4th branch in Kota Kinabalu and has been a popular spot with a great atmosphere among locals as well as tourists to chill out and have some delicious food. It’s also one of the best restaurants in Kota Kinabalu to throw an awesome party for your loved ones whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary or a bachelorette party! 

Address: G-101, Imago Shopping Mall KK Times Square Phase 2, Jalan Coastal, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah