Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most popular coastal retreats, and its food certainly boosts its appeal. Located near fresh seawater and natural landscapes, the island is brimming with fresh seafood and local produce. With no shortage of culinary delights for visitors to choose from, we have compiled our recommendations of the best restaurants in Langkawi for you to try.
Langkawi was developed in 1980s as a tourist destination with construction of many buildings and resorts. The island is part of the state of Kedah and has been nicknamed ‘The jewel of Kedah’. The resort is known for its attractions like the Langkawi Cable Car, Langkawi Sky Bridge, and the The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
Being an archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is also home to many resorts and hotels. The lush beaches and slower lifestyle is also a strong draw for city folks from Kuala Lumpur. The island life has attracted many tourists and locals to move to the island permanently. Another thing that keeps people coming back is it’s unforgettable food scene.
Being surrounded by beaches and nature has inspired the best local dishes with the freshest ingredients. Whether it’s cooking local fish into a delicious ikan assam or turning fresh squid into sambal sotong, the restaurants here cook from the ingredients and livestock around them and prepare them without any chemical preservatives or processing.
From local classics like nasi lemak and roti sarang burung to Western favourites like Italian pastas and pizzas, Langkawi’s food scene has got range. Whether you’re looking for Malaysian fare or higher-end fine dining, this island has got it all. And if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Langkawi to visit on your next trip, we’ve got you covered.
8 best restaurants in Langkawi to indulge in local flavours and cuisine
(Hero image credit: Instagram/atisya / Feature image credit: Instagram/fatcupidlangkawi)
1 /8
Located in Bon Ton Resort, this restaurant is known for having the best laksa in Langkawi. The restaurant serves Western and Eastern fusion with homemade cakes and ice cream. The restaurant overlooks a stunning view of kampung houses and of Mat Chinchang Mountain. Coming here during sunset will definitely be a highlight of your trip, not forgetting that they play live music every Sunday.
Operating hours: 10:30AM – 11PM
Image credit: Instagram/josephthx
A Nyonya family run restaurant with authentic recipes, FatCupid is the go-to spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Some recipes like their nyonya laksa and beef pontay have been passed down through generations. The creamy laksa broth with chicken and prawn has been praised for its thickness and spice.
Operating hours: 10 AM–3 PM, 6PM–9:30PM (Closed Tuesday to Wednesday)
Image credit: Instagram/fatcupidlangkawi
Located at the entrance of the Temple Tree Resort, Paloh serves up some of the best cuisine and service on the island. The restaurant blends old-school resort and a modern villa with surrounding fauna to create a relaxing vibe. The menu features a wide range of Western dishes like fish & chips and burgers to local dishes like laksa and nasi ayam. Their staff and service have been also highly praised.
Operating hours: 8AM – 11PM
Image credit: Instagram/paloh_templetree
4 /8
Located up a hill in Kuah, Pizza Hills is one of the best fire-baked pizzas on the island. Run by Lance, a chef with Michelin-star experience, the simple shack serves pizzas filled with flavour. Using 48-hour fermented pizza dough, Lance serves a diverse menu of pizza’s with unique pairings in an ‘omakase’ style. You may not know what pizza you’re going to get but we can guarantee that it will be delicious.
Operating hours: 4PM – 9PM (Closed on Mondays)
Image credit: Instagram/pizza.hills
5 /8
You may have tried roti but have you ever experienced roti sarang burung (bird’s nest)? It’s a fluffy crispy base of roti with two sunny-side eggs and topped with sambal and ground meat, and is a true delight. And this is exactly what is specially served up at this roti stall in Jalan Kedawang. A hidden if-you-know-you-know spot in Langkawi, this spot is often visited by foodie’s looking for the perfect breakfast.
Operating hours: 7:30Am – 12PM
Image credit: Instagram/f00djpeg
If you’re craving a Chinese Tai Chow meal with fresh seafood, Zhong Hua should be on your list. For a reasonable price, you can get the island’s best seafood served in Chinese of Thai-style cooking. Serving up classics like chilli crab, tiger prawn, and oyster omelette in generous portions, this tai chow would make the perfect family meal.
Operating hours: 12PM–3:30 PM, 5:30PM–10:30 PM
Image credit: Instagram/jeanwooinoms
7 /8
If you want the true local experience – by that we mean sitting in a hut and eating your food from a banana leaf – then check out Dangau. Serving up traditional Malay dishes like nasi ulam and kari ikan, Dangau has become a popular spot among locals and some tourists. With a glorious view of paddy fields, enjoy the produce of the harvest while indulging in traditional Malay cooking.
Operating hours: 12:30PM – 6:30PM (Closed on Fridays)
Image credit: Instagram/atisya
If you’re fancying pastas, rigatonis, and tiramisu, we would recommend Gallo Nero. With a warm atmosphere the restaurant serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Whether it’s the variety of pastas or meat-dishes like lamb shank the food here is packed with flavour and served with a smile. Don’t forget to try their tiramisu that will have you saying ‘bellissimo’!
Operating hours: Tue–Fri & Wed: 6PM–10PM; Sat–Sun: 12:30PM–3 PM, 6–10 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Image credit: Instagram/ikamalnor