Welcome to the Friendly Seafood Restaurant, where the vibrant flavors of the sea come to life right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This culinary gem, located at 89200 Kota Kinabalu, is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
With a reputation for serving fresh and delicious seafood, Friendly Seafood Restaurant has become a beacon for those craving an authentic taste of marine delicacies. The restaurant has recently undergone a change of ownership, breathing new life into its menu while still honoring its loyal customer base. Regulars and first-timers alike rave about the star dish—fresh live prawns, famous for their sweetness and preparation methods, particularly the steaming technique which preserves their natural flavors.
As noted by returning guests like Eileen Cheong, the rise in prices post-pandemic might be worth it, considering the consistent quality of the food. Eileen attests, "The live prawns remain our top fab, even after two years." It's evident that the commitment to quality hasn’t wavered, making every ringgit spent feel justified.
Crab lovers will also find their haven here. The salted egg yolk crab has garnered considerable praise, emerging as a favorite among diners. Guests are treated to dishes that are not just about taste but also value, with prices clearly stated before cooking, so there are no surprises. Many diners appreciate that the dishes are crafted to let the seafood shine, and it’s common to see patrons relishing their meals under the sky, a setting that enhances the overall experience.
Beyond the standout seafood, the restaurant offers a quick and friendly service that aligns perfectly with its name. Shannon Richards observed that even on a quiet day, the food service was prompt and efficient. The relaxed atmosphere is complemented by a selection of beverages that pair well with the vibrant dishes, although some customers have noted that drinks can be on the sweet side.
While the appeal of Friendly Seafood Restaurant is undeniable, some reviews indicate areas for improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness in certain facilities. However, the overall sentiment is one of appreciation for a neighborhood eatery that serves up tasty and well-cooked seafood at an acceptable price point.
If you find yourself in Kota Kinabalu and in search of a delightful seafood experience, Friendly Seafood Restaurant promises to satisfy your cravings. With delectable offerings and a homey feel, it invites you to indulge in some of the freshest catches of the day, making it a fantastic stop for locals and tourists alike.
For more information or to make reservations, feel free to reach out at +60 10-212 5899. Come hungry and leave with a content palate!
Your opinion matters! Help other visitors discover this spot. Your email will stay private. Fields with * are required.
Tarlac Rd, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2200 Zambales, Philippines
Himmelsgasse 8, 65510 Idstein, Germany
Aquiles Serdán 9, Col del Centro, 61940 Huetamo de Núñez, Mich., Mexico
Konigstraße 55, 90402 Nurnberg, Germany
Fiona Foo
20/10/2025
Came here again after many years for their seafood.. apparently changed owner already.. no wonder name also different.
Eileen Cheong
29/09/2025
Updates (2022)- this is super worth coming. Since last visit pre-covid, we have been missing the food. The live prawns - steam method remains our top fab, even after 2 years. Though the price has increase ( previous RM35kg to RM50 for and RM 65 for prawns). Its still worth it. As for crab, salted egg yolk remains our second favourite. It's worth coming if you are near this district. Most votes for favourite belongs to the live PRAWNS. Its sweet and delicious. And very affordable. Next vote is CRAB. We tried 2 ways .. 1 in salted egg and another steam. Salted eggs received highest vote.. also very affordable.. all prices are stated before cooking . 1 less star for accessibility. Will definitely return again. Under grab address search : it should says Gayang Friendly seafood restaurant where there is also a homestay resort nearby.
MARFIANNA PAUL
23/09/2025
Overall ok. Tasty, excellent service and for price just nice for every package. 1 out of 5 star because of toilet cleanliness and dustbin so that guest will not just throw away their garbage everywhere.
Shannon Richards
26/07/2025
The food was fresh and well cooked. We had clams, crabs, lobster (crayfish), snails and green beans. All very nice. Sat outside and had Tuger beer. Food service and food came quickly restaurant empty but still good. Nothing flash but good food. In middle of carpark. Recommend of want to try local seafood at a good price. Clean and well run.
Surianie Mustari
20/07/2025
Fast service, prawn is fresh, mee goreng taste good, but the drinks too sweet. Price was acceptable. Btw, this is my favourite spot for seafood.
Alexander
14/07/2025
Salted egg is great. Butter prawn not so. The prawns were nice but the cooking for the butter prawn wasn't. Overall food is nice but food takes quite long to get served. We waited over an hour for our food and there were only about 7 tables.