Shoney's Dining & Bar — Restaurant in Borneo

The first thing that struck me walking into this restaurant (I chose the seating inside) is its ambience. Timber planks on the walls and zinc shuttered windows? And a zinc roof? But cooled with air conditioning. And soft background music, totally unobtrusive to any conversations.

And then you interact with staff and attendants who are attentive and friendly. This restaurant is actually the first time I encountered staff who recommended us a different table just so that there would be some space between us and an adjoining table with young kids. I couldn't believe that the staff here were that attentive to us diners and could immediately pick up our vibes.

The food. Everyone knows that when you order a steak, chop, etc, there would be side dishes which come with your meat. Here at Shoney's, we are actually given a choice of side dishes which we can choose from and we can choose three side dishes. In most other places I've been, there is no choice of side dishes. Its placed on your plate and is not an option. Here at Shoney's, we choose what side dish we want.

Our lunch here was also to celebrate someone's birthday. We brought in a cake and the staff actually kept it for us while we were having our meal. Then after our meal, we requested for the cutlery to be cleared and the cake brought out. Here, we were pleasantly surprised when the cake was brought out (already taken out from the box and with lit candles on top) and accompanied by a birthday song piped in over the restaurant's sound system. And the restaurant provided us with plates and spoons for eating the cake. All this without corkage (for bringing in outside food) and additional service charges.

Price is generally what you should expect to pay for in a restaurant serving western meals. But with all the plus points we encountered in this restaurant, I'm not at all going to question the price. In fact, a respectable tip should be the way to go.

Overall, this restaurant is above average. On all counts. If ever anyone asks for a restaurant serving western meals, this is the place to come to.

Kudos and keep up with the atmosphere...

Went to dine at Shoney’s Dining & Bar at Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu to celebrate a friend’s birthday and it turned out to be one of the better group dining experiences we’ve had recently. We came in a group of 7 and decided to try a variety of items on the menu — everything from pasta to burgers, steak, and mocktails — and I’m glad to say, the food delivered.

We started with the Shrimp Marinara (penne) which had a rich tomato base and a generous amount of shrimp — cooked just right, not rubbery or overdone. The Fish & Chips came with a crisp batter and flaky white fish inside, paired with a good portion of fries. Their Classic Cheeseburger and Mushroom Swiss Burger were both BIG, hearty and juicy, with soft buns and perfectly melted cheese. The Mushroom Swiss, especially with sweet potato fries, was a favourite at the table. It was the first time I felt very full just on 1 burger sitting. lol

Unfortunately the medium rare Sirloin Steak that we requested was a little bit on the raw side on some parts which was a little bit disappointing however it was still tender, flavorful, and complemented nicely with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. We also had the Wan Tan Fritters, Parmesan Cheese Bites, and Chicken Arabbiata Fettuccine, which were all satisfying, especially if you enjoy snacking and sharing.

For drinks, the Virgin Apple Mojito, Purple Rain, Coke Float, and Mojito were refreshing and well-balanced. Not overly sweet, which is a plus. Even the small add-ons like black pepper sauce and water were noted and served promptly.

Service-wise, the staff were friendly and efficient. Food didn’t take too long despite our large order, and everything came out warm. The atmosphere was lively without being too loud, making it great for casual hangouts or small group gatherings (We were the only loud ones out there 😂)

Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a solid dining spot in KK with great food and a chill vibe.

I’ll be back for more of that...

Amazing Food, Great Ambience, and Excellent Service!

I had an incredible dining experience at Shoney’s Dining & Bar! From the moment we walked in, the cozy yet sophisticated ambience set the perfect tone for a relaxed evening. It’s a popular spot, so I’d definitely recommend booking in advance, especially for dinner, as it tends to get busy.

The highlight of our meal was the fish and chips—perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. It was cooked to perfection and served with a generous portion of golden fries and tangy tartar sauce. The portion size was impressive for the price, making it great value for money.

We also tried the mushroom Swiss burger, which was absolutely mouthwatering. The beef patty was juicy and flavorful, complemented by earthy mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. It came with a side of fries that were perfectly seasoned—definitely one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time!

The portion sizes for both dishes were surprisingly large, leaving us feeling fully satisfied. Considering the quality and taste, it’s hard to believe how reasonably priced everything was.

The service was another standout element. The staff were friendly, attentive, and ensured we had everything we needed without being intrusive. Their warm hospitality truly elevated the dining experience.

Overall, Shoney’s Dining & Bar is a must-visit! Whether you’re craving comfort food or a casual yet elegant dining experience, this place delivers on all fronts. I’m already looking forward to...