Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, and a famous tourist attraction. Based on the suggestion, the ideal time to visit Kota Kinabalu is during the peak season, which runs from December to April. The weather is perfect for visiting beaches and mountain climbing on Mount Kinabalu during this period.
We are sure you may be wondering what can be eaten here besides visiting the famous tourist spot. Worry not; we are here to suggest the 10 best cafes in Kota Kinabalu that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Are the prices in cafes high?
It depends on the services and environment provided; the more excellent service and comfortable environment provided, the more you should expect to pay. However, all of them are reasonably charged, and you will get a relatively good experience given the cost you pay.
What does a cafe provide?
Basically, it provides a wide variety of food, beverages and dessert ranging from western breakfast, various coffee, cake and many more, with a cosy environment that is Instagrammable.
10 Best Cafes In Kota Kinabalu 2025
1. October Coffee Gaya
October Coffee Gaya is an excellent cafe for you to enjoy Hi-tea as it has a laid-back atmosphere that can calm your mind down when stepping in. Aside from the cosy environment, it serves dessert and coffee that match perfectly, especially the scones and espresso! You will love this place if you are a coffee addict, as their coffee is aromatic and brewed with lots of love.
Operating Hours:
9am–11pm (Monday-Friday, Sunday)
9am–10pm (Saturday)
Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 088277396
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octobercoffeegaya/
2. Nook Cafe
Nook Cafe is here for you if you are searching for a place to have a coffee and relax. The waffles here are superb and get a lot of good reviews from customers. You should try their signature “Jungle Book‘ and “Strawberry Field” waffles which are both crispy and appetising. Besides, It tastes fabulous with a cup of aromatic coffee!
Operating Hours:
8am–9pm, Daily
Closed on Tuesday
Address: 19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 0128663900
3. Starbucks Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu
Starbucks is undoubtedly one of the best cafes to have coffee as it has been well established in many states and even countries. Thus, you can highly trust their quality of food and beverages. Their cosy environment with friendly staff makes it a wonderful place for you to hang out with friends.
Operating Hours:
7am–1am (Monday-Thursday)
7am–2am (Friday)
8am–2am (Saturday)
8am–1am (Sunday)
Address: Warisan Square, Lot No. 8, Ground & 1st Floor, Block C, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, 88000, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 088447062
4. Woo!
As implied by the name of this cafe: Woo!, it will surely give you a surprise with their mouth-watering food and beverages. Their highlight is the big breakfast, in which the components are well executed; the scrambled eggs are creamy yet smooth, and the potato waffles are very crispy. Moreover, their tarts are also nice to eat, such as Matcha Tart, Chocolate Tart and Lemon Curd Tart.
Operating Hours:
10am–6pm (Monday-Saturday)
9am–6pm (Sunday)
Closed on Tuesday
Address: 21, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 0168184130
5. Haru Cafe
Haru Cafe is a Korean Cafe that serves all-day brunch, coffee and more. The Daily Freshly Baked Croissant is a new addition to their menu; crispy outside and a soft texture inside will surely linger your taste buds with satisfaction. It is great to pair it with scramble egg or their homemade strawberry jam with whipped cream!
Operating Hours:
8:30am–11pm (Monday-Saturday)
10am–11pm (Sunday)
Address: 7, Lorong Gunung Juo, Taman Far East, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 0109351233
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafeharukk/
6. The Bean Café
The Bean Café is ideal if you wish to find a place to unwind from stress as it has all the right settings. Their philosophy is to create unique settings with good food and drinks for people to relax, be themselves, as well as unleash their creativity. You may surf the website to know more about their membership, as the members are always eligible for promotions.
Operating Hours:
10am–7pm (Monday-Thursday)
10am–11pm (Friday-Sunday)
Address: Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Kobusak, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 088703884
View website7. Coffee Lab
Coffee Lab provides their customers with a wide range of food and coffee at a reasonable price so that you may visit there without worrying whether you will go over budget. Their omelette is smooth and rich in flavours, while the coffee is creamy yet delicate, both are worth a try!
Operating Hours:
9am–5pm, Daily
Closed on Sunday
Address: GF Lot 10, 3, Lorong Bernam, Taman Soon Kiong, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 0168331868
8. Shulamite
Shulamite is a cosy place to hang out, offering great coffee and cakes with a relaxed ambience. Their waffles are highly recommended by people; it is lightly sweet yet a little bready which matches very well with their sauce and ice cream. Most importantly, their price is relative to what is given; thus, it deserves a try.
Operating Hours:
9am–6pm (Daily)
Closed on Sunday
Address: blk j-o-1, metro town, metro town, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 0168784880
9. T Culture
T Culture is a pleasant and relaxing café with modern decor, comfortable sofas, relaxing music, a kids’ zone, and a wide range of food and beverages. Their Espresso is a must-try since it is made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, providing you with the most enjoyable coffee experience.
Operating Hours: 10am–4pm, Daily
Address: 2nd Floor, Phase, Wisma Merdeka, 1, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 088276816
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tculturekk
10. Hoola Hoop Cafe
As the energetic name implies, Hoola Hoop Cafe is a place for food and fun. It provides a diverse assortment of tender and delicious foods at a reasonable price. Most notably, It has dedicated spaces for kids to play; you may enjoy lunch with your friends chilly while your children can play with their friends also.
Operating Hours:
9am–6pm (Sunday-Wednesday)
9am–10pm (Friday-Saturday)
Closed on Thursday
Address: 1st Floor, Lot No.3, Block B Lintas Jaya Uptownship, Jln Lintas, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
Tel: 088711730
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoola.hoop.cafe/?igshid=102jq6kacgy9t
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
