When visiting Borneo, food is a journey of its own. Sabah, located in Malaysian Borneo, is not only famous for its natural wonders like Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan Island but also for its diverse food scene. With influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Kadazan-Dusun traditions, Sabah restaurants offer travelers an authentic taste of Borneo.

In this guide, we highlight the best Sabah restaurants, from luxury fine dining to hidden local gems. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional Sabahan dishes, or international flavors, you’ll find something memorable.

Why Sabah Restaurants Are Special

Sabah’s food culture reflects its rich heritage. With abundant seafood from the South China Sea and unique indigenous recipes, dining in Sabah is an adventure. Here’s why restaurants in Sabah stand out:

• Fresh seafood: Sabah is known as a seafood haven, with Kota Kinabalu hosting some of Malaysia’s best seafood restaurants.
• Cultural fusion: You’ll find Malay, Chinese, Filipino, and indigenous dishes on the same menu.
• Local ingredients: From jungle ferns to wild honey, Sabahan cuisine uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Affordable dining: You can enjoy high-quality meals at reasonable prices compared to other tourist destinations.
• Unique atmosphere: Many restaurants are set against waterfronts, mountains, or tropical gardens, making dining a scenic experience.

Best Sabah Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sabah’s capital, is the center of dining in Borneo. Here are the top picks for foodies:

1. Welcome Seafood Restaurant

A favorite among locals and tourists, Welcome Seafood offers fresh crabs, prawns, and lobsters at affordable prices. Diners can choose their seafood directly from tanks.

Highlights:

• Famous for butter prawns and chili crab.
• Perfect for large groups.
• Centrally located in Kota Kinabalu.

2. Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Known for its open-air setting, Suang Tain provides an authentic Sabah seafood experience.

Must-try dishes:

• Steamed fish with ginger.
• Kam Heong clams.
• Sabahan-style grilled squid.

3. Little Italy

If you need a break from local food, Little Italy serves authentic Italian dishes. Its pizza and pasta are highly rated by tourists and families.

4. D’Place Kinabalu

For an introduction to Kadazan-Dusun cuisine, D’Place Kinabalu is a must. They offer dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad), Bambangan (wild mango pickle), and Linopot (rice wrapped in leaves).

5. Yee Fung Laksa

A humble eatery serving one of Kota Kinabalu’s most popular Laksa noodles. The rich broth and creamy coconut base make it a must-try.

6. Upperstar Restaurant & Bar

A lively spot popular with both locals and expats. It offers a mix of Western, local, and fusion dishes with affordable drinks.

Top Fine Dining Restaurants in Sabah

If you want a more refined dining experience, these restaurants deliver world-class service and flavors:

1. Ferdinand’s at Sutera Harbour Resort

One of Sabah’s most luxurious fine dining options, Ferdinand’s offers European cuisine with a romantic waterfront view. Perfect for special occasions.

2. Sky Blu Bar

Located at Grandis Hotels and Resorts, this rooftop bar and restaurant provides international fusion dishes with stunning city and sea views.

3. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu Restaurants

Le Meridien features a variety of upscale restaurants, from seafood buffets to international grills, perfect for luxury travelers.

4. Horizon Restaurant at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort

A fine-dining spot with Asian and international cuisine, paired with gorgeous sunsets over the South China Sea.

5. The Beach Grill at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Set right by the beach, this restaurant specializes in grilled seafood and premium steaks.

Must-Try Local Sabahan Dishes

When exploring Sabah restaurants, don’t miss these iconic dishes:

• Hinava – A traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish made with raw fish, lime juice, chili, and ginger.
• Tuaran Mee – Stir-fried egg noodles unique to Tuaran town, often cooked with egg omelet strips and seafood.
• Ngiu Chap – A hearty beef noodle soup loved by locals.
• Latok – A type of seaweed salad with lime and chili, known for its crunchy texture.
• Sinalau Bakas – Smoked wild boar, usually found in roadside stalls in rural areas.
• Bosou – Fermented fish dish unique to indigenous groups.
• Tenom Coffee – Locally grown coffee with a strong aroma, usually enjoyed in traditional kopitiams.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Sabah

Sabah is often called Malaysia’s seafood paradise. Here are the top spots for seafood lovers:

• Welcome Seafood (KK) – Budget-friendly with a wide selection.
• Gayang Seafood Restaurant – Located by the water, famous for mud crabs and clams.
• Shuang Tian Seafood Restaurant – Great for grilled fish and prawns.
• Ocean Seafood Restaurant – Popular for lobster dishes.
• Kampung Nelayan Seafood Restaurant – Offers live cultural dance shows alongside fresh seafood dining.

Halal-Friendly Sabah Restaurants

For Muslim travelers, Sabah offers a variety of halal-certified restaurants:

• Sri Latha Curry House – Famous for banana leaf rice and Indian curries.
• Kampung Nelayan Floating Restaurant – A unique experience with halal seafood and traditional dance performances.
• Fish Market Restaurant – Known for halal seafood options.
• Restoran Todak (KK) – Waterfront seafood restaurant popular among locals.

Cafes & Trendy Spots in Sabah

Aside from restaurants, Sabah has a growing café culture:

• October Coffee House – Specialty coffee with a cozy vibe.
• The B Side KK – Popular for Western brunch and desserts.
• Woo! Café – Instagram-worthy café with healthy meals.
• Nook Café – Famous for its rustic setting and creative breakfasts.
• Mosaic Café at Hyatt Regency – A chic café for both pastries and local desserts.

Best Restaurants Outside Kota Kinabalu

If you’re exploring beyond KK, here are some regional gems:

Sandakan

• Sim Sim Water Village Seafood – Fresh seafood served on stilts over the water.
• English Tea House & Restaurant – Offers colonial-style dining with sea views.

Tawau

• Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant – Known for affordable and fresh seafood.
• Mango Café – A popular hangout spot with fusion dishes.

Kundasang

• Liang Restaurant – Famous for steamboat dining with fresh mountain vegetables.
• Puteri Nabalu Restaurant – Offers a view of Mount Kinabalu along with traditional Sabahan dishes.

Semporna

• Fat Mom’s Restaurant – Great for budget-friendly seafood.
• Dragon Inn Floating Restaurant – Known for its unique over-water dining experience.

Getting Around Sabah: Why Car Rental is a Smart Choice

While exploring the best Sabah restaurants, you’ll notice many food gems are spread across towns and coastal areas. Public transport is limited, and Grab services may not always be available outside Kota Kinabalu. This is why many tourists choose to rent a car in Sabah.

Benefits of Renting a Car in Sabah

• Flexibility – Visit restaurants at your own pace without depending on taxi availability.
• Convenience – Easily travel between KK, Kundasang, Sandakan, and Semporna.
• Comfort – Air-conditioned cars make long-distance travel more pleasant.
• Exploration – Discover hidden eateries and night markets off the beaten track.

Car rental in Sabah is affordable, with many international and local providers available at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. For foodies, having a rental car makes it easier to combine sightseeing with food hunting across the state.

Check out our [Sabah Car Rental Guide for Tourists] for tips on choosing the right vehicle for your trip.

Travel Tips for Dining in Sabah

• Book ahead for popular seafood restaurants, especially during weekends.
• Cash is preferred at local eateries, though bigger restaurants accept cards.
• Try local markets like Foh Sang Night Market and Gaya Street Sunday Market for authentic street food.
• Respect halal rules when dining in Muslim-friendly areas.
• Go early – Fresh seafood and popular dishes often sell out fast.
• Rent a car – Make restaurant-hopping easier, especially if traveling outside Kota Kinabalu.

Conclusion

Exploring Sabah restaurants is an essential part of your Borneo journey. From fresh seafood in Kota Kinabalu to indigenous Kadazan-Dusun dishes, Sabah offers an unforgettable culinary adventure. Whether you want fine dining, halal options, or casual local eateries, Sabah has it all. Pair this with a rental car, and you’ll enjoy both the flavors and the freedom of travel.

For your next trip, make sure dining at restaurants in Sabah is part of your itinerary—you won’t regret it.