Kota Kinabalu is located in the northern region of the island of Borneo and serves as the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state. It is a coastal city that features a stunning fusion of city and nature with the city’s skyline partially encircled by lush rainforests. Kota Kinabalu is famous for its lively markets, modern walkway, beautiful beaches and the stunning waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. This beautiful city also features an excellent seafood scene that will satisfy any seafood lover.
If you’re planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu soon, be sure to bookmark these popular seafood establishments to experience the city’s finest seafood offerings. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu for you. Depending on your specific preferences, be it budget-friendly options, the freshest ingredients or a particular ambiance, there’s sure to be a restaurant that perfectly suits your needs. Here are the top 10 best seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu.
What Types of Seafood Dishes Are Popular in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu is situated along the coast of the South China Sea. It is renowned for its diverse array of fresh seafood dishes. Some of the city’s most popular seafood include prawns, crab, fish and lobster. Other seafood delicacies commonly found in Kota Kinabalu are squid, and clams. Furthermore, the city’s seafood is celebrated for its freshness so it often prepared using simple steaming methods and served with soy sauce.
What Types of Fish Are Commonly Caught and Served in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu is known for its fresh and diverse seafood offerings. Some of the most commonly caught and served fish in Kota Kinabalu include Siakap, red snappers, barracudas and crabs. Other popular seafood options include shrimps, lobsters and oysters. The seafood is often served fresh, steamed or fried with a variety of sauces and spices to complement the natural flavors of the seafood. Besides that, Kota Kinabalu is also known for its unique and exotic seafood offerings such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu 2025
1. Welcome Seafood Restaurant
Welcome Seafood Restaurant is a popular destination among seafood lovers of both locals and tourists. With a team of experienced and innovative F&B professionals, they place emphasis on gastronomic and service excellence. Their seafood is fresh and of high quality with a wide range of options to choose from. The restaurant spans over 5 shops which making it a spacious and accommodating dining experience. It has earned numerous culinary recognitions over the years, and comes highly recommended by locals.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot G18, Komplek Jalan Asia City Phase 2A, Asia City, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-447866
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welcomeseafoodrestaurant/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/welcomeseafoodrestaurant
Check Info On Website2. Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
Fatt Kee is a seafood restaurant that serves a unique dish of fish skin in addition to other seafood options such as fish balls, fish cake and fish fillets. The restaurant offers either garoupa or shark skin which has a soft and smooth texture that is reportedly five times tastier than other types of skin. The tomato soup is highly recommended with an aromatic tomato profile and a slightly sour but flavorful taste. The tom yum is also a great option since it cooked with a strong and thick soup texture. It is not too spicy and suitable for most people.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lorong Hilltop, Taman Far East, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8248414
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fattkeeseafoodrestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fattkee_hilltop88/
3. Gayang Seafood Restaurant, Sulaman Tuaran, Sabah
Gayang Seafood Restaurant offers affordable prices and a beautiful view outside the city. It is situated on a small hill and the restaurant provides a cozy and calming atmosphere with a refreshing breeze. The highlight of the menu is the delicious and fresh seafood that includes prawns, crabs and fish well as the juicy and flavorful wet butter chicken. You can enjoy a stunning view of the sunset while sitting in comfort. With consistent quality, this restaurant is a great dining option for those looking for affordable and tasty seafood.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Thursday – Tuesday)
Closed on Wednesdays
Address: Jalan Sulaman, 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-8105385
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayangseafoodrestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayangseafoodrestaurant/
4. Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant
Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant is a unique restaurant in Taman Tun Fuad Bukit Padang that floats on a lake and provides a special dining experience. They serve live seafood and a variety of dishes in table seating with the option of barbeque steamboat in a designated section of the restaurant. Nightly Sabah Cultural Performances can be enjoyed in their open space seating area and private rooms are also available for those who prefer a more intimate dining experience.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant, Jalan Bukit Padang Luyang, Taman Tun Fuad Stephen, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-231003
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kampungnelayan/
5. Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant
Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant is a great option for tourists as it offers affordable prices and good service. Customers can select their seafood fresh from the fish tanks and choose how they want it cooked. However, parking can be difficult in this city center location due to limited street parking availability. It’s recommended to walk or take a taxi to avoid any inconvenience. The restaurant recommends trying their prawns (tiger shrimp) with black pepper and wet butter as a delicious option.
Operating Hours: 2:30 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: No. 16, Block D, Ground Floor, Sedco Complex, Kampung Air, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 011-26155796
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suangtainseafood/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suangtainseafood/
6. Tung Fong Seafood Restaurant
Tung Fong Seafood Restaurant may be hidden away in an industrial area but it is definitely worth a visit. They have two sessions of service, one for lunch and another for dinner. Their menu offers a variety of fresh seafood and all of which are cooked to perfection. The wait staff are polite and efficient. They can provide great recommendations if you are unsure of what to order. Although it may close earlier than other city restaurants, it is still worth the visit to enjoy the delicious food and great service.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 017-8282668
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
7. Todak Waterfront Hawker Center
If you’re looking for a lively place to enjoy some seafood in Kota Kinabalu, Todak Waterfront Hawker Center by the sea is a great option. You’ll find plenty of fish, lobster, crab and other seafood options to choose from. However, be aware that many of the stalls inside the center sell similar seafood and some of the vendors may use hard-selling techniques. Besides that, the hawker center features some buskers who providing lively entertainment while you enjoy your meal with the nice sea breeze.
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
8. Sasa Seafood Restaurant
Sasa Seafood Restaurant is always crowded during dinner time, but the service is fast and efficient. With a massive selection of seafood, the dishes are all delicious and reasonably priced. The seafood is very fresh and generously portioned. The kum heong crab is a must-try and the fish is always fresh. The steamed grouper is full of umami and the salted fried squid is cooked to perfection. It is best to go early or make a reservation if you are going with a large group.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 11:30 pm (Daily)
Address: SH 3-1-0, Jalan Penampang Lama, Penampang, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-701668
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sasa.seafood
9. Sembulan Lobster Restaurant
Sembulan Lobster Restaurant is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in Kota Kinabalu. This popular restaurant is famous for its delectable and fresh seafood ecspecially their lobster dishes. Whether you are in the mood for a steamboat, seafood platter or other local seafood delicacies, Sembulan Lobster Restaurant has something for everyone. They provide plenty of parking and it is only a short drive from central Kota Kinabalu. If you prefer to handpick your seafood from tanks, Sembulan Lobster Restaurant offers this unique experience as well.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Com Development, Jalan Mat Salleh, Taman Sempelang, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-211795
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057346784109
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sembulanlobster
10. Fish Market Restaurant
Fish Market Restaurant offers a diverse and delectable seafood menu featuring the freshest catch of the day. From plump oysters to juicy lobsters, the restaurant serves up a symphony of flavours and aromas that will delight your taste buds. What sets this restaurant apart is their simple yet delicious preparation of seafood with just steaming to bring out the natural freshness of the ingredients. To top off your meal, don’t miss the porridge with fresh crabs for a perfect ending.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: No.A-G-2,Ground Floor,Block A Phae 1,Lorong Sutera,Sutera Avenue sembulan,88100, Sutera Avenue, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 012-8035757
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishmarketrestaurantmalaysia/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fishmarketkotakinabalu
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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.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
