Top Japanese Restaurants in Sandakan You Need to Try

If you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine in Sandakan, you’re in luck. This bustling Sabah town is home to a growing number of Japanese restaurants that serve everything from fresh sashimi to sizzling teppanyaki. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visiting traveler, this guide highlights the best Japanese restaurants in Sandakan—all with excellent reviews, delicious dishes, and affordable prices.

Here are the top 3 Japanese restaurants in Sandakan that should be on your must-visit list.

1. Sushi King Sandakan

Location: 211, Lor Prima 4, Bandar Indah, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Google Rating: 4.3 (700+ reviews)
Cost for 2: RM 60–100
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

Sushi King is a household name in Malaysia, and its Sandakan branch maintains the brand’s reputation for quality, affordability, and speed. This casual conveyor-belt sushi restaurant is perfect for families, solo diners, or a quick lunch between errands.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Grand Mixed Bento
• Salmon Cheese Roll
• Chuka Idako (baby octopus)
• Unagi Don (grilled eel rice bowl)

Why Go: The restaurant frequently offers promotional sets and value deals like the Sushi King Bonanza. It’s also equipped with a tablet-based ordering system for a hassle-free dining experience.

2. Kyoto Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Location: Lot 132, Block 14, Ground Floor, Prima Square, Lor Prima 3, Jalan Utara, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Google Rating: 4.2 (140+ reviews)
Cost for 2: ~RM 60
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

Tucked inside Prima Square, Kyoto Sushi is a cozy and charming Japanese restaurant popular with Sandakan locals. Known for its generous portion sizes and friendly service, the restaurant also offers a lifetime membership for just RM 10, which gets you 10% off all future meals.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Tempura Bento Set
• Niku Nabe (beef hotpot)
• Salmon Sashimi
• Tori Katsu Curry Don

Why Go: The variety of affordable bento and donburi options makes it great for budget-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on quality.

3. Teppan Hiroshi Japanese Cuisine Restaurant

Location: Lot 9G & 10G, Ground Floor, Shopping Arcade, Batu 6, Jalan Utara, Bandar Tyng, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Google Rating: 4.3
Cost for 2: RM 80–120
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

Teppan Hiroshi brings a more elevated Japanese dining experience to Sandakan. This teppanyaki-style restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, sizzling hotplates, and generous servings. It’s a pork-free, alcohol-free restaurant, making it an excellent choice for families and Muslim diners.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Teppanyaki Chicken or Beef Set
• Fresh Sashimi Platter
• Donburi Rice Bowls
• Garlic Fried Rice

Why Go: Ideal for groups or special occasions, thanks to its spacious layout and high-quality teppanyaki experience.

Kuala Lumpur Weather Now

Kuala Lumpur

11:31 am, Jul 14, 2026

30°C

overcast clouds

Humidity: 68 %

Pressure: 1011 mb

Wind: 7 mph

Wind Gust: 9 mph

Clouds: 94%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 7:10 am

Sunset: 7:27 pm

Visit Malaysia:  Pelita Nasi Kandar Chai Leng Park – Butterworth’s Iconic Nasi Kandar Destination

• Temperature
• Precipitation
• Rain Chance
• Wind
• Humidity
• Pressure

2:00 pm

30°/31°°C 1 mm 100% 7 mph 66% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 pm

30°/30°°C 0.87 mm 87% 7 mph 67% 1009 mb 0 mm/h

8:00 pm

29°/29°°C 0.75 mm 75% 3 mph 79% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 pm

29°/29°°C 0 mm 0% 3 mph 82% 1012 mb 0 mm/h

2:00 am

29°/29°°C 0 mm 0% 4 mph 84% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 am

28°/28°°C 0 mm 0% 3 mph 85% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

8:00 am

28°/28°°C 0 mm 0% 2 mph 81% 1012 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 am

30°/30°°C 0.43 mm 43% 5 mph 59% 1013 mb 0 mm/h

Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for affordable sushi, hearty Japanese hotpots, or sizzling teppanyaki, Sandakan has something to satisfy your cravings. These top-rated restaurants offer authentic Japanese flavours, warm service, and great value for money.