4 Best Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

About 10 minutes' drive outside the city center, this is hands-down the best steak house in KK, but it's Raja Sagaran, the owner, who probably deserves credit for people coming back. He's around almost every night, often mingling with diners. The beef and lamb is flown in from Australia and New Zealand, and the portions are generous, so order light. The inside of the restaurant is filled with bric-a-brac and monkey paraphernalia—there are even masks on hand if you cannot resist the photo opportunity. Weekend visitors should make a reservation, as this place fills up fast.

Serving a mix of Western and local fare, El Centro attracts a range of tourists and expats with open-mic sessions, quiz nights, and arts events. The open storefront allows for those cocktail-in-hand minglers to spill out onto the street, while diners can take a seat at one of the tables made from repurposed driftwood, under lights made from old jars. The menu includes everything from tacos and Caesar salad to fried mee hoon and laksa. Katie, the owner, is sharing recipes she has picked up throughout her travels. As a former tour guide, she's a great asset to those looking for advice about travels around Borneo.

Always bustling, this kopitiam—a traditional-style coffee shop found through much of Southeast Asia—is one of the most widely regarded in the region. While often times the service can be lacking, the quality of the budget bites makes up for it. It serves arguably the best fish soto nyonya (noodle soup) in town, and the fried kuey teow (flat rice noodles) are also worth a try.

Located along Gaya Street, this scruffy stall serves what is argued by many to be the best bowl of bak kut teh. Literally translated as "pork bone tea," this Chinese dish is a staple through much of Malaysia. The soup, filled with meaty pork ribs and a long list of herbs and spices, is served with rice and strips of fried dough. For those interested in tasting more than just ribs, the pork liver, pork belly, and various other intestines are available as well. Plastic tables are set up on the street outside and all of the offerings go down well with a large bottle of Tiger beer.