Kota Kinabalu offers a wide variety of Asian food but naturally, Malay, Chinese and Indian food places are most common, reflective of the cultural diversity of Sabah.Western restaurants are dominated by Italian cuisine and many coffee shops and cafes(non airconditioned eating houses) offer simple western basics such as fish and chips, streaks, grills and burgers.For Chinese food, Kota Kinabalu's renowned fresh seafood restaurants enjoy thriving business and all of these restaurants contain both an airconditioned and non-airconditioned sections, with large tanks of live seafood and cooking styles for your selection.
There are also many Japanese restaurants in Kita Kinabalu, although all are operated by local restauranteurs.Kota Kinabalu also offers a wide range of international fast food and coffee franchises in very convenient locations, when you need a quick caffeine or carbo fix.Prices of all KK restaurants are very affordable and generally quite clean; when in doubt, look for the local city hall's ratings for the establishment, normally rated as A,B or C and make your call.
There are also many Japanese restaurants in Kita Kinabalu, although all are operated by local restauranteurs.Kota Kinabalu also offers a wide range of international fast food and coffee franchises in very convenient locations, when you need a quick caffeine or carbo fix.Prices of all KK restaurants are very affordable and generally quite clean; when in doubt, look for the local city hall's ratings for the establishment, normally rated as A,B or C and make your call.
Some notable and popular places are as follows:
• Sedco Complex Seafood Emporium
This is a small square like area with about 10 various seafood restaurants, and some non-seafood stalls selling dumplings, satay, BBQ seafood and oyster omelettes. Cultural shows are also provided free of charge every evening during dinner hours .
• Warisan Square
This is a 2 year old development adjacent to Centrepoint shopping centre in the heart of the city with a wide array of local and international cuisines. All the restaurants offer a clean and modern environment, although the universal rule applies as to which outlets you should patronise ie try the busiest places!
• Sedco Complex Seafood Emporium
This is a small square like area with about 10 various seafood restaurants, and some non-seafood stalls selling dumplings, satay, BBQ seafood and oyster omelettes. Cultural shows are also provided free of charge every evening during dinner hours .
• Warisan Square
This is a 2 year old development adjacent to Centrepoint shopping centre in the heart of the city with a wide array of local and international cuisines. All the restaurants offer a clean and modern environment, although the universal rule applies as to which outlets you should patronise ie try the busiest places!
• The Waterfront
This is a stretch of shops directly opposite the Warisan Square with many bars and restaurants, on a long boardwalk right by the water's edge.Malay, Australian, Chinese, Irish, Japanese, Indian and Italian restaurants can be found along this small, but very popular area. A great place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a great sunset and a cold beer at one of the many bars here.
• First Beach, Tanjung Aru
First Beach is situated on a stretch of sandy beach 7 kilometres wide, giving diners a great view of the sea and a unique place to spend quality time with family and friends. Situated close by are Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort, KKIA Terminal 2 and Tanjung Aru Plaza. First Beach is also located less than 5 kilometres away from Kota Kinabalu's city centre. There are several restaurants on this stretch serving a range of dishes from Western and Local to Seafood and Mediterranean. This location is also ideal for a relaxing drink in the evening.