Kota Kinabalu’s food reflects the diversity of her people
A food safari in Kota Kinabalu can be had at any of numerous restaurants, kedai kopi’s (coffee shops), and hotels anywhere at any time in the city.
We are truly spoilt for choice here and the cost is very reasonable, in fact eating out is cheaper than eating in!
Often asked for recommendations, we thought we’d list a few of our favourites. All are great value for money and well worth a visit or two, or three.
Local Chinese & Malay:
Indian:
German / Italian:
International Buffet:
- Tanjung Ria Cafe – Hyatt Regency Hotel;
- Cafe Boleh – The Pacific Sutera hotel;
- Sunday Brunch – The Magellan Sutera hotel;
Local Chinese & Malay
Moon Bell
No 33 Jalan Haji Saman
Ph: Karen Woo (owner / manager) on 019 861 1605.
Moon Bell is a classical Northern Chinese restaurant serving excellent food at a very reasonable price with a BYO option.
If you drop off your wine earlier in the day the very friendly staff will even chill it ready for your meal later at no extra charge!
A veritable banquet will only cost around RM 30 per head!
Moon Bell is closed on Mondays.
Jeff D’ Corner
Ground Floor, Lot 1, Luyang Phase 6 Shophouse, Luyang
Ph: 019 881 8427
Jeff D’ Corner is a local venue with an international variety of food. Owner Jeffery has been a chef all his working life, with his profession passed down from his father who was a chef for a family of Colonial Brits.
This shows in the food he prepares; his Oxtail Stew is by far the best we have ever tasted and his steaks are the best in KK! All his meat is imported from Australia and New Zealand. The beer is cheap too!
Steaks, chicken, fish, salad and chips are available everyday along with other Chinese / Malay dishes.
Other dishes are available on certain days, like Lamb Shank – every second Wednesday or by special request, Oxtail Soup on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday and BBQ Lamb on or off the bone on Saturday and Sunday.
Jeff’s is about 10 mins out of town by taxi. Make sure to write down the address as taxi drivers will probably not know the place by name alone. To avoid disappointment phone Jeffrey first to make sure he is serving what you are hoping for.
Jeff D’Corner is open 07:00 – 23:00 everyday.
Indian
Devi’s Cafe & Curry House
Lot 18, Blk 3, Ground Floor, Api -api Centre
Ph: 012 887 3807
Devi’s Cafe specialises in excellent home-cooked food and is a great choice for roti in the morning or a traditional Banana Leaf Set any time of day.
Devi’s Mango Lassi comes highly recommended. Approximate cost for entire meal with drinks (non alcoholic) is RM 12.00 (less than £ 1.80) per person.
Open 07:00 – 21:00 on Monday to Sundays.
Devi’s is closed on Wednesdays after 15:00.
Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant
KK Waterfront
Ph: 088 235 160
Kohinoor is a North Indian Restaurant situated on the water’s edge in the KK Waterfront where it serves up a variety of flavourful Indian dishes.
Their well versed chefs and attentive watering staff makes for a delightful culinary experience.
Choose from Kohinoor’s range of wine to complement the spicy dishes.
Open daily.
German / Italian
Gunter’s Gasthaus
Batu 2, Tuaran Road, Likas
Ph: 088 217 249 or 016 831 0787
Gunter’s Gasthause is located just outside the main part of town.
The menu is slightly pricier than the other options listed here, but the portions are well generous.
Their spicy spaghetti bolognaise is supreme and the salad bar is FOC. Most taxi drivers know how to find Gunter’s and the drive from the city centre takes about 10 mins.
Gunter’s is open from 11:30 – 14:00 and 18:30 – 22.00 on Monday – Saturday.
International Buffet Spreads
Tanjung Ria Cafe, Hyatt Hotel
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong
Ph: 088 822 1234
The casual Tanjung Ria Cafe boasts an a la carte menu of both local favourites and international dishes, as well as buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dinner buffets are excellent value for money and with a regular variation on the theme.
Cafe Boleh – Pacific Sutera Hotel
Sutera Harbour Resort
Ph: 088 318 888
Available from 12:00 – 16:00 on Saturday & Sundays, Cafe Boleh’s international buffet is an extensive spread of good food at an affordable “eat as much as you like” price.
Get more details from the 5-star resort’s website at SuteraHarbour.com.
Five Sails – Magellan Sutera Hotel
Sutera Harbour Resort
Ph: 088 318 888
Five Sails’ Sunday Brunch is available on Sundays from 12:00 – 15:00 and is a very special treat with an elaborate spread of fine cuisine.
Get more details from the 5-star resort’s website at SuteraHarbour.com.