Looking for the best Semporna restaurant to try during your trip? Whether you’re here for island hopping, diving, or a relaxing holiday, food is an essential part of your adventure. Semporna, a coastal town in Sabah, Malaysia, is famous for its fresh seafood, local Bajau cuisine, and hidden culinary gems that every traveler should experience.

In this detailed guide, we will explore:

• Top restaurants in Semporna
• Local food specialties you must try
• Seafood dining experiences
• Halal and vegetarian options
• Car rental tips for food-hopping
• FAQs for travelers

Why Semporna is a Foodie Paradise

Semporna isn’t just the gateway to Sipadan and Mabul islands it’s also a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and food traditions. Influenced by Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies), Malay, Chinese, and Filipino cuisines, you’ll find a mix of flavors that tell stories of the sea and the land.

Fresh seafood is the star here. From grilled fish to butter prawns and squid dishes, Semporna’s restaurants serve meals that are both affordable and unforgettable. Tourists often describe dining here as one of the highlights of their Sabah trip.

Top 10 Semporna Restaurants in 2025

Here are the most recommended Semporna restaurants you should not miss:

1. Fish Village Seafood Restaurant

• Specialty: Freshly caught seafood, especially butter prawns and steamed fish.
• Why visit: Popular with both locals and tourists, this restaurant is known for its wide seafood menu at reasonable prices. Families often come here to celebrate special occasions, and it’s a favorite stop for dive groups after a long day exploring Sipadan.
• Traveler experience: Guests often mention the generosity of portion sizes and how the prawns are cooked to perfection. The freshness of the fish stands out, with many saying it’s among the best seafood meals they’ve had in Sabah.
• Tip: Go early during peak hours to avoid long waiting times.

2. Fat Mom’s Restaurant

• Specialty: Sabahan comfort food and affordable seafood.
• Why visit: Loved by backpackers and groups, Fat Mom’s is a casual spot offering local dishes at budget-friendly prices. The name alone has become iconic, and the restaurant is often buzzing with travelers swapping stories over dinner.
• Traveler experience: Visitors praise the homely feel, friendly service, and the chance to try authentic Bajau-style dishes without breaking the bank. The stir-fried squid with chili and kangkung belacan are often highlighted in reviews.
• Tip: Best enjoyed in groups so you can try multiple dishes.

3. Cham Chuan Seafood Restaurant

• Specialty: Steamed fish, chili crab, and seafood tofu.
• Why visit: A favorite among locals for its authentic Chinese-style seafood cooking. Prices are mid-range but worth it for the quality.
• Traveler experience: Guests love the balance of flavors in the dishes, with many highlighting the chili crab as unforgettable. It’s less touristy, giving diners a more local experience.
• Tip: Go with friends to order a variety of dishes.

4. Then Wang Seafood Restaurant

• Specialty: Crab dishes, steamed prawns, and clam soup.
• Why visit: Mid-range dining with authentic local flavors. Locals often bring visitors here, which says a lot about its reputation.
• Traveler experience: Many highlight the butter crab and salted egg yolk prawns as must-try dishes. The friendly staff is often praised for recommending the best seasonal options.
• Tip: Ask for their catch of the day.

5. Restoran Sri Melaka Semporna

• Specialty: Malay dishes, including ikan bakar and ayam penyet.
• Why visit: A great spot if you want a break from pure seafood and crave traditional Malay cooking.
• Traveler experience: Many recommend the grilled fish with sambal and nasi lemak. It’s budget-friendly and family-friendly.
• Tip: Visit during lunch for set meal deals.

6. Semporna Food Court (Pasar Malam)

• Specialty: Street food, grilled seafood, satay, and local snacks.
• Why visit: Perfect for trying a variety of cheap local eats in one place. The night market atmosphere is lively, making it a cultural experience as much as a food stop.
• Traveler experience: Backpackers and budget travelers love the food court for its diversity and affordability. Satay, grilled squid, and coconut drinks are among the favorites.
• Tip: Go in the evening for the best atmosphere.

7. Pearl City Restaurant

• Specialty: Dim sum and Chinese breakfast items.
• Why visit: One of the best spots for early morning meals, serving freshly steamed dumplings and buns.
• Traveler experience: Visitors who start their diving trips early in the morning often recommend Pearl City for breakfast. The har gao and siew mai are praised for their authentic taste.
• Tip: Arrive before 9 AM for the freshest selection.

8. Summer Breeze Cafe

• Specialty: Coffee, cakes, and light meals.
• Why visit: A cozy cafe to relax between island hopping tours. It’s also a favorite for younger travelers and digital nomads.
• Traveler experience: Guests love the ambiance, air-conditioning, and good Wi-Fi. Many mention the iced lattes and cheesecakes as the best in town.
• Tip: Great place to catch up on emails while enjoying local-style coffee.

9. Anjung Semporna Seafood Restaurant

• Specialty: Floating seafood dining with ocean views.
• Why visit: Famous for its scenic location by the sea, offering a unique experience of dining on a floating deck.
• Traveler experience: Tourists love the grilled lobster, butter prawns, and chili crab while enjoying sunset views. Many say it’s a must-visit for both food and atmosphere.
• Tip: Go in the evening for dinner to catch the sunset.

10. Bismillah Restaurant

• Specialty: Indian-Muslim dishes like roti canai, nasi briyani, and teh tarik.
• Why visit: A halal-friendly option with hearty portions, making it a hit with both locals and tourists.
• Traveler experience: Reviews highlight the affordability and consistency of dishes. Many recommend the murtabak and nasi goreng ayam.
• Tip: Great for breakfast or late-night supper.

Local Sabahan Dishes You Must Try

When dining in Semporna, don’t miss these authentic Sabahan delicacies:

• Latok: A type of seaweed often served fresh with lime and sambal.
• Ikan bakar: Charcoal-grilled fish marinated with spices.
• Hinava: A raw fish salad, similar to ceviche, seasoned with lime and chili.
• Seafood noodles: Noodle soup topped with prawns, squid, and clams.
• Kangkung belacan: Stir-fried water spinach with spicy shrimp paste.

Travelers often say these dishes give them a true taste of Sabah, with flavors you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Halal & Vegetarian Options in Semporna

Most restaurants in Semporna serve halal-friendly dishes due to the majority Muslim population. However, vegetarians may find limited options in seafood-focused eateries. For vegetarian-friendly meals, cafes like Summer Breeze Cafe and small local stalls offering fried rice or noodle dishes without meat are good options.

Some travelers also recommend asking restaurants to prepare dishes without seafood or meat, as locals are generally accommodating.

Dining Tips for Travelers

Here are some useful dining tips when exploring Semporna restaurants:

• Cash is king: Many local eateries only accept cash.
• Peak hours: Dinner time (7-9 PM) is the busiest, so expect crowds.
• Freshness first: Always choose seafood restaurants where you can see live tanks.
• Language: Basic Malay phrases help, but most staff understand English.
• Respect local customs: Dress modestly in traditional eateries.
• Sharing dishes: Order family-style to experience more flavors.

Best Time to Dine in Semporna

• Breakfast (7-9 AM): Visit cafes or dim sum restaurants.
• Lunch (12-2 PM): Local restaurants offer set meals or noodles.
• Dinner (6-9 PM): The best time for seafood feasts and night markets.
• Late-night (10 PM onwards): Indian-Muslim restaurants like Bismillah are open late.

Getting Around: Car Rental in Semporna for Food Lovers

If you plan to explore beyond the town center and visit different Semporna restaurants, renting a car can be a great option. Many eateries are clustered within walking distance, but some hidden gems are located further out along the coastal roads.

Why Rent a Car in Semporna?

• Flexibility: Allows you to try restaurants outside the main tourist area.
• Convenience: Easy to carry shopping bags, seafood, or travel gear.
• Island day trips: Drive yourself to the jetty for early morning boat departures.

Car Rental Tips

• Book early: Demand is high during peak diving seasons.
• Choose reliable companies: Look for licensed car rental providers in town or at Tawau Airport.
• Check insurance: Ensure collision and theft coverage are included.
• Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze to find restaurants easily.
• Parking: Most restaurants and food courts have free parking spaces nearby.

Travelers often find that renting a car makes dining in Semporna more convenient, especially if combining it with sightseeing in nearby towns like Tawau.

FAQs: Dining in Semporna

1. What is the best Semporna restaurant for seafood?
Fish Village Seafood and Ocean Treasure Live Seafood are top picks for freshness and variety.

2. Are restaurants in Semporna halal?
Most eateries are halal-friendly since Semporna has a majority Muslim population.

3. Can vegetarians find food easily?
Options are limited, but cafes like Summer Breeze and Chinese restaurants can prepare meat-free dishes.

4. What is the average cost of a meal in Semporna?
Street food costs around RM5-RM15, while seafood restaurants average RM50-RM150 for 2-3 people.

5. Do I need to book a table in advance?
Yes, especially at popular spots like Dragon Inn Floating Restaurant during weekends.

6. Is car rental necessary for visiting Semporna restaurants?
Highly convenient if you want to explore beyond the main town area.

7. What is the must-try local food in Semporna?
Latok seaweed, hinava, ikan bakar, and seafood noodles are local favorites.

Conclusion: Where to Find the Best Semporna Restaurant

From floating seafood restaurants to hidden local gems, Semporna restaurants offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a backpacker looking for budget eats, or someone seeking a romantic dinner by the sea, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices in this Sabah town.

On your next trip, make sure to explore beyond island hopping because food in Semporna is an adventure on its own. And with a car rental, you’ll have the freedom to discover every culinary corner of this town at your own pace. The culinary diversity here guarantees that every traveler will find a Semporna restaurant that suits their taste.