Kota Kinabalu is an incredible city with lots to explore from lush rainforests, to beautiful mountain peaks and stunning beaches.
Attracting visitors from far and near, the state capital of Sabah, more commonly known as KK, has seen a growth in modern cafes that serve high quality coffee and food.
Here are some of the cafes in Kota Kinabalu that is worth a visit when you’re in the area.
Nook Cafe
One of the top cafes in Kota Kinabalu, Nook Cafe is a cosy little cafe with a cheerful interior and good vibes.
They serve a selection of breakfast, brunch and lunch menus alongside good coffee.
Don’t miss out on their Nook’s Breakfast, the complete meal to start the day with your choice of eggs, sausage, hash brown, beef bacon, sautéed mushrooms, confit tomatoes, chilli con carne, salad greens and a sourdough toast.
Besides that, they have a selection of sourdough sandwiches, toasts and bagels too. For something light, they have a smoothie bowl, salads, soups and more.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more filling, they also have burgers and pasta.
Address: 19 Jalan Dewan, Kota Kinabalu
Contact no: 012-866 3900
Facebook page: Nook Cafe, Kota Kinabalu
Instagram page: look.for.nook
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cafe Haru 하루
Cafe Haru is a Korean cafe serving all-day brunch, coffee, sandwiches, hearty meals and desserts with a Korean touch.
Some notable items from their menu that are different from other cafes in Kota Kinabalu are their Fruit Pizza, Spicy Cream Tteobokki, Cheese Corn Dog, Blueberry Cream Cheese Sandwich and Kimchi Korokke Curry Rice.
They are also on top of the popular Korean Dalgona trend, with a range of dalgona coffee available.
Address: 1, Jalan Lintas, Kolam Centre 88300 Kota Kinabalu
Contact no: 010-935 1233
Facebook page: Cafe Haru 하루
Instagram page: cafe_haru_kk
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The B Side
The B Side is one of the more popular cafes in Kota Kinabalu, with an industrial interior accentuated with black decor.
They serve an all-day breakfast that goes up to 6 in the evening, so you don’t have to be an early bird to feast on their breakfast options.
Besides the usual big breakfast and eggs benedict, they also have a short rib hash and a ham and cheese sandwich to start your day.
For mains, they have an assortment of chicken dishes, as well as a grilled rib eye, pan-seared seabass and baked crusted salmon.
Remember to leave some space for dessert! They have a wide range of cakes and pastries that pair perfectly with their coffee.
Address: 21, Lido Plaza, Jln Nosoob Hungab, 88300 Kota Kinabalu
Contact no: 088-532 950
Facebook page: The B Side
Instagram page: thebsidekk
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
October Coffee Gaya
October Coffee Gaya is a stylish yet homely cafe that is a great place to chill and hangout with your family and friends over coffee and dessert.
They serve filter coffee, espresso-based drinks, juices, non-coffee options and snacks. Although they do not have a large selection of snacks, there’s still plenty of options for everyone.
For the sweet tooth, they have French toast, brownies, scones, profiteroles, panna cotta, banoffee pie, ice cream and cakes.
And for those who want something savoury, they have an assortment of sandwiches, bruschetta and toast.
Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu
Contact no: 088-277 396
Facebook page: October Coffee Gaya
Instagram page: octobercoffeegaya
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
LUPA CAFÉ LOUNGE
For a memorable time, head over to Lupa Cafe Lounge, a place not to be forgotten. It’s a pork-free eatery that serves hearty meals, local favourites and an assortment of pastries.
Fix your cravings with some of their all-time favourites like Unagi Don, Teriyaki Chicken Don, Seafood Pasta, Carbonara Pasta, Soto Mee Hoon, Curry Mee and Ipoh Hor Fun.
They also have local desserts like Bubur Cha Cha to complete your meal.
Address: Lot 2, Ground Floor, Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu
Contact no: 012-792 0320
Facebook page: LUPA CAFÉ LOUNGE
Instagram page: lupacafelounge
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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