The 10 Best Restaurants in Miri, Malaysia

Located near the Marriott Resort a few kilometres south of the city centre, Tanjong Seafood Restaurant offers basic Chinese seafood. An extensive menu includes redfish and prawns straight from the sea, as customers can enjoy fresh seafood without spending a fortune. Other options include pork, chicken, and vegetable-based dishes. The restaurant also has three private air-conditioned rooms for functions. Budget-conscious seafood lovers should consider dining here.

Khan’s Islamic Restaurant ranks as one of the best restaurants in Miri, if not Sarawak, for north Indian food. Expect to find a selection of favourites such as roti, naan and murtabak (a type of Arabic-style stuffed pancake), tandoori chicken, lamb curry as well as vegetarian options. Anyone who likes spicy food should try their tandoor aloo prata. Prices range between RM5 ($1.30) to RM12 ($3) for a meal.

For high-quality seafood in a mid-range restaurant overlooking the beach, head to Dragon Seafood. Located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) south of the centre, the restaurant prides itself on serving the city’s freshest food. Customers choose live seafood from the aquarium, including lobster and grouper, as chefs deliver it to the plate. Large, round tables fill the open-air dining area as the sounds of the waves in Luak Bay lap against the shore. Air-conditioned seating is available too. Culture Trip recommends Empurau Fish.

Khan’s Taj offers a decent selection of North Indian food in Miri. While the city isn’t known for its food from the subcontinent, this is one of the best restaurants in Miri for Indian cuisine. Culture Trip recommends the tandoori chicken and spinach paneer for vegetarians. According to regulars, Khan’s has some of the best roti in Miri too. Head down at lunch for the buffet-style self-service or order a set meal from the menu.

The famous Indonesian Ayam Penyet Ria Restaurant has branches in Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and of course Malaysia. Expect a selection of halal chicken fried rice, hot and spicy Indonesian favourites and various chicken-based dishes. While the food is quite pricey for local standards, this is one of the best restaurants for nasi ayam bakar (barbequed chicken and rice). The convenient location near Miri Waterfront makes an ideal spot for an early dinner after watching the sunset.

For a fresh seafood dinner, check out Meng Chai Seafood on Jalan Merbau. Rather than a menu, customers choose their fish from the ice, tell the waiter how to cook and pay by weight. Other options include live clams and prawns from inside the aquarium. Go to this restaurant in Miri with a clear idea of what to order, otherwise it might not end up as good as expected. According to recent customer reviews, a good family-sized meal and drinks often cost more than RM200 ($51).

Want to try some of the best laksa in Sarawak? Head to Laksa Lolita, a local restaurant with a vendor stall. The menu has two dishes: Laksa and mee Jawa, a type of Javanese-style noodles. Don’t expect a five-star environment but do anticipate tasting some of the most delicious laksa served in a thick flavoursome broth for a few ringgits. Be aware of the opening hours and aim to arrive early for either breakfast or lunch.

Anyone looking for Italian food in Miri will appreciate the selection on offer at Santinos. Gourmet pizza using 100% real cheese, pasta, salad as well as onion rings, garlic bread, and Western-style chicken dishes fill the menu. With prices ranging from RM20 ($5.10) to RM43 ($10.90) for a pizza as well as regular food promotions, this is often rated as one of the best restaurants in Miri for families.

Madli’s, opposite Imperial Mall, is the best restaurant in Miri for Sarawakian-style satay. What started as a small vendor grew into three family-run branches throughout the state. Customers will find delicious halal food served all day, including roti, Western-style breakfasts, and buffet self-service lunches. Check out the Fun Plate, which consists of 10 sticks of beef and chicken satay along with sides. Other Malaysian, Chinese, Western and Indonesian dishes are available to eat in or take away.

Fratini’s is one of few restaurants in Miri serving halal-friendly Italian food. After opening in 1996, the Bruneian chain has expanded into Sabah and Sarawak. Offering an Islamic-style pizza while preserving the flavours of Italy, as well as other dishes like pasta and spaghetti, Fratini’s is a popular spot in Miri for families. From satisfying pizza cravings to eating high-quality Italian food in the safe knowledge of its halal status, there’s little wonder why this is such a favourite spot.