Source: M2 Kitchen (Facebook)
Contributing Writer: Viona Ezravioleta
Sabah is known for its stunning islands, cool mountain breeze, and breathtaking views — but its food scene is just as amazing. From traditional local dishes to modern and creative flavours, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveller exploring new tastes, Sabah offers dining spots that not only serve great food but also tell a story through every bite. Discover the flavours that make dining in Sabah unforgettable.
1. Oitom Restaurant
Photo source: @oitom_restaurant (Instagram)
Owned by Chef Raphael Lee Jay Peter, OITOM is a fine dining restaurant in Kota Kinabalu inspired by the Kadazan-Dusun word for “black.” The restaurant celebrates Borneo’s culture through the use of fresh local produce and native ingredients crafted into creative dishes. They serve a curated 7-course meal. Each plate at OITOM blends local flavours with elegant presentation, offering a unique taste of Sabah’s rich culinary identity.
Address: Unit No B-1-12, Block B,1st Floor , Sutera Avenue Lorong Lebuh Sutera, Off, 1, Sutera Avenue, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operation hours: 7.00 am – 11.00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Contact: 014-329 9375
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oitom_restaurant/
2. Le Petit Chef
Source: Sri Pelancongan Sabah
Le Petit Chef at Hyatt Centric offers a unique and immersive dining experience that combines fine dining with 3D animation and storytelling. Guests are entertained by a tiny animated chef projected onto the table who “cooks” each course through a lively visual show, followed by the actual dish being served. Themed around culinary adventures like Marco Polo’s journey, the experience lasts about 90 minutes and includes multiple gourmet courses, making it both entertaining and luxurious. People should try Le Petit Chef because it’s not just a meal but a captivating performance that brings food to life—perfect for special occasions, family outings, or anyone seeking a memorable and one-of-a-kind dining experience unlike any other in Sabah.
Address: 18, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operation Hours: 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm (Wednesday – Thursday) , 5.00 pm – 9.30 pm (Friday – Saturday)
Contact: 0154-874 1234
Website: https://lepetitchef.com/kotakinabalu/
3. The Ocean Peak
Source: The Ocean Peak (Facebook)
The Ocean Peak is another fine dining restaurant located in the city centre of Kota Kinabalu, offering an affordable fine dining experience through its concept of Gourmet Casual Dining. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of gourmet dishes. One of its standout features is the unique serving style — dishes are presented with fire, adding an exciting visual element and enhancing the overall dining experience. This fiery presentation not only elevates the aroma and taste but also creates a dramatic and memorable moment for diners, making every meal at The Ocean Peak both flavourful and visually captivating.
Address: Stephen , Unit 2-21 , Level 2 , JQ central , Coastal Highway , Off Jalan Tun Fuad , Jalan Jesselton, Kota Kinabalu 88450
Operation Hours: 3.00 pm – 10.00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact: 019-818 8679
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.oceanpeak/
4. 蒸好食Fish Market Restaurant
Source: 蒸好食Fish Market Restaurant (Facebook)
蒸好食 Fish Market Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Kota Kinabalu known for its fresh, high-quality seafood sourced directly from the local waters of Sabah. What makes Fish Market Restaurant truly unique is its sauna steamboat concept — a healthier and more natural way to enjoy seafood. Instead of using traditional boiling broth, the sauna steamboat uses steam to cook the ingredients, preserving their natural sweetness, freshness, and nutrients. Guests can select from a wide variety of local seafood such as fish, prawns, crabs, and shellfish, and watch as they are gently steamed to perfection.
Address: A-G-2, Ground Floor, Block A Phae 1, Sutera, Avenue Sembulan 88100, Sutera Avenue, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operation Hours: 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm, 5.00 pm – 11.00 pm (daily)
Contact: 012-803 5757
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fishmarketkotakinabalu/
5. Jothy’s Fish Head Curry Banana Leaf Restaurant
Source: Jothy’s Fish Head Curry (Facebook)
Jothy’s Fish Head Curry Banana Leaf Restaurant is a popular local eatery that serves authentic South Indian-style food. The restaurant is well known for its fish head curry, made with a fresh fish head cooked in a tasty, spicy curry that is full of flavour. Another popular dish is nasi briyani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices that pairs well with the curry. Other dishes are served on banana leaves, including seafood, vegetables, and sambal, giving a traditional and unique dining experience. With its delicious flavours and fresh ingredients, Jothy’s is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Address: Block 1, Lot G1-0, 9, Api-api Centre, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operation Hours: 11.00 am – 9.00 pm (daily)
Contact: 012-414 8533
Facebook: Jothy’s Fish Head Curry
6. Restoran Salim
Source: Restoran Salim, Bukit Bantayan (Google Reviews)
Restoran Salim, a local chain restaurant, is famous for its signature roti tisu — a thin, crispy, and towering version of roti canai that’s both visually impressive and delicious. The restaurant is also loved for its roti susu, a softer and sweeter option drizzled generously with condensed milk, making it a local favourite for breakfast, tea time, or supper. Beyond its popular roti creations, Restoran Salim serves a wide range of Malaysian and Mamak-style dishes, including nasi lemak, mee goreng, and teh tarik, all in a lively and casual setting. Its friendly atmosphere and consistently good food have made it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy classic Malaysian comfort food.
Address: Curve 25, 390, Jalan Bantayan Minintod, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operation Hours: 7.00 am – 11.00 pm (daily)
7. M2 Kitchen
Source: M2 Kitchen (Facebook)
M2 Kitchen is a local restaurant in Sabah that specializes in Sabahan dishes creatively combining them with Western-style cuisine. One of M2 Kitchen’s standout creations is its Bambangan Pizza, featuring the distinctive taste of bambangan, a wild mango native to Sabah known for its tangy and slightly spicy flavour. Another signature item is the Butod Pizza, which features sago worms (butod) — a traditional Sabahan delicacy — adding a crunchy texture and unique flavour that truly represents the adventurous spirit of Bornean cuisine.
Address: 316, Jalan Penampang Tambunan, Pekan Donggongon, 89500 Penampang, Sabah
Operation Hours: 12.00 am – 12.00 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Contact: 019-810 1212
Facebook: M2 Kitchen
8. Housia Cafe
Source: HOUSIA (Facebook)
Housia Café is a local café located in Bundusan, Penampang, Sabah, known for its warm atmosphere and its focus on Sabahan kampungand traditional-style cuisine. The café highlights local heritage through its food offerings, bringing authentic Sabahan flavours into a comfortable café setting. Among its popular dishes are the Set Tavantang, which showcases a variety of traditional Sabahan dishes served together, and Tuhau Fried Chicken, a flavourful fried chicken dish infused with tuhau, a native wild ginger that is widely used in Sabahan cooking. If you enjoy traditional Sabahan kampung dishes with a modern café touch, Housia Café is perfect for you.
Address: W3HV+PW, 88300 Donggongon, Sabah
Operation Hours: 11.00 am – 10.00 pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Contact: 088-716 727
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housia.cafe/?hl=en
