Beyond the one ambuyat stall
Most "things to do in Labuan" lists — including our own — treat food as one line item among shipwrecks, war cemeteries and duty-free shopping, usually pointing at a single weekends-only ambuyat stall and stopping there. Fair enough for a general guide, but Labuan's small, Brunei-adjacent food scene deserves its own list. This one stays on food only: three Chinese seafood institutions, a hotel coffee house, a Western-leaning garden restaurant, the island's night market and a casual local gerai — all verified as currently trading during this search.
The seafood houses
Labuan's food identity leans heavily on Chinese seafood, cooked to order from a display tank or ice tray. New Sung Hwa Seafood Restaurant on Jalan Hujong Pasir is reportedly the island's oldest seafood restaurant, with a river view and both open-air and air-conditioned seating. Mawilla Yacht Club Restaurant near Ramsey Point trades on its Brunei Bay and Papan Island views rather than polish — expect a dated, stilted building and plastic chairs, but a fresh-catch board with prices displayed (crab, squid, silver fish sold by weight). Labuan Fisherman Harbour Restaurant relocated to Paragon Labuan and is known for tiger prawn baked with cheese and Nyonya-style steamed fish.
Everyday and budget picks
Green Apple Restaurant on Jalan Sawangan Cina is a reliable, wallet-friendly Chinese/oriental spot with both indoor air-conditioned and outdoor seating. The Grill at Tiara Labuan Hotel doubles as the hotel's 24-hour coffee house, serving a "Tiara laksa" alongside Chinese, local and Western dishes — handy if you're staying nearby and want food outside typical restaurant hours.
Western fusion and casual eats
Red Onion House, tucked beside Labuan Golf Club, leans Western and Italian — pastas, fusion dishes and a well-reviewed steak sandwich in a garden-casual setting. For something more informal, Manis Fam Empire in Kg Sungai Bangat is a gerai known for its "shell out" seafood boil spread and smash burgers, open evenings Tuesday to Sunday.
The night market
Pasar Malam Labuan on Jalan Bunga Mawar is the island's main night market — ikan bakar (grilled fish), satay, traditional kuih and fresh drinks like coconut water and cendol, in the usual point-and-grill night-market format.
Picking a spot
For a proper sit-down seafood dinner, New Sung Hwa or Labuan Fisherman Harbour are the safer bets; Mawilla trades some polish for the best view. On a budget or short on time, Green Apple, The Grill's laksa, or a walk through Pasar Malam Labuan will do the job well. Whichever you pick, this is a small market — call ahead where hours matter.
