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All 123 Kota Kinabalu Restaurants »

El Centro

Ground Floor, Lot 32, | Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
+60 88 251 427
Ranked #9 of 123 restaurants in Kota Kinabalu
4.5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
Cuisines: Asian, Bar, Café, Fusion
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, After-hours
Restaurant details
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, After-hours
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26 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    14
    8
    3
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

We went to El Centro a few times during our stay in KK and it was great ever time. The food was delicious and the service was brilliant. Very well run and a really lovely place to spend some time. Great atmosphere and the cafe was very well decorated inside and had clearly been carefully thought out and a lot... More

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See 2 more reviews by Dorothy K for Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

El Centro serves fresh and healthy food - not always easy to find in KK! They sometimes serve versions of local food, but the best is their hummus dip with fresh veggies and bread. Sometimes on weekends they have bands playing, or other events. There's a book swap in the corner. Although it's not the best view (you look onto... More

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See 5 more reviews by nyenyedzi for Kota Kinabalu
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

A little change from the standard malaysian food. The place seems to be a favorite expat hangout. Tacos and salads are great and good value. More

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See 4 more reviews by boothash for Kota Kinabalu
Essex
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

We had two nights in central KK and after going on our first night we decided to return again the second night as we were so impressed. The food is all freshly prepared and predominantly western so is a good option for those that have been in Asia for a while like we had. The service was good and the... More

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Singapore, Singapore
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

We were so surprised to find such delicious western food in the middle of KK. Owner Katie King is a gracious hostess and puts out really wonderful food at such good prices. We were staying at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria but wanted to have a meal out of the resort and came across El Centro. Who would have thought you... More

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Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2012

The spaghetti and bruschetta tasted well. The Philippino waitress was good and friendly. The price was reasonable also. More

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See 8 more reviews by Taira-K for Kota Kinabalu
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2012

Decent food. Good value on drinks, especially for Malaysia. Nice atmosphere. Decent music. Go to the Xinjiang Restaurant a few doors down! More

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See 4 more reviews by EthanandJocelyn for Kota Kinabalu
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

So happy to have found this place - a little bit away from the overly touristy night spots of waterfront but that makes it even better - great atmosphere, great music and some great cocktails! Bar staff are all really friendly and apparently they do an open mic night which we weren't around for long enough to see - next... More

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See 2 more reviews by Sazzysarah for Kota Kinabalu
Miri
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Cocktails, food, atmosphere, staff, prices, all just great! Its a clean releave if youre in to something else then malay or chinese mood. The cocktails, and fresh juices, are just perfect! We had great fun and free drinks with the pop quiz night! More

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BKI
1 review
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 February 2012

good environment ,a bit dissapointed as saw comment from others saying a non smoking but can see many smoking in that cafe..anyway, good food but too much of MSG.. More

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