Southside Cafe Bistro
A lively Western bistro in Old Chinatown, known for its great cocktails, cozy ambiance, and a unique play area for kids.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Southside Cafe Bistro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively Western bistro in Old Chinatown, known for its great cocktails, cozy ambiance, and a unique play area for kids.
Parking Advisory
Parking can be challenging; consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid difficulties.
Steak Night Recommendation
If you love steaks, try their steak night as it's highly recommended by visitors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Western
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+60 16-897 1822
Address
16, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family-Friendly Fun
A unique mezzanine play area keeps kids entertained, making it a relaxed dining spot for families.
Above-Average Cocktails
The drinks menu shines with creative cocktails, appealing to those seeking a lively atmosphere.
Cozy & Casual Ambiance
Experience a chill vibe in this comfortable bistro, perfect for laid-back hangouts with friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Parking Advisory
Parking can be challenging; consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid difficulties.
Steak Night Recommendation
If you love steaks, try their steak night as it's highly recommended by visitors.
Western Menu Focus
Expect Western cuisine; the menu does not feature local dishes like rice or noodles.
Limited Food Variety
The food selection is somewhat limited, so it may not be ideal if you're seeking diverse options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Parking Advisory
Parking can be challenging; consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid difficulties.
Steak Night Recommendation
If you love steaks, try their steak night as it's highly recommended by visitors.
Western Menu Focus
Expect Western cuisine; the menu does not feature local dishes like rice or noodles.
Limited Food Variety
The food selection is somewhat limited, so it may not be ideal if you're seeking diverse options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Southside Cafe Bistro offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere with generally good service and above-average drinks. While the Western-style menu and cocktails are a draw for many, some diners find the food quality to be just 'edible' or 'mid,' with specific complaints about pasta and overcooked dishes. The unique play area for children is a significant plus for families.
"Excellent service. Friendly staff. Had fish and chips and chips and curry. All the food was excellent. Fresh, hot, great flavours. Faultless. Good size and reasonably priced. Highly recommended..👌"
Paul Anderson
"Came here with the family for dinner while we were vacationing in Sarawak.
The food is just okay and the drinks were considered above average. We ordered a variety of dishes and nothing really struck as spectacular. Price per dish is usually RM30 thereabouts. Steaks were double the price.
Frankly, we came here because my brother's kids liked the place as there was a hanging mezzanine place where they could play and have fun.
I had to make several rounds to get an available parking lot.
The only observation I could make is, a lot of foreigners came here for the drinks."
Nicholas Wei Han Chua (Nick)
"Chill atmosphere n friendly staff. Price is decent. I tried the White Russian cocktail n it tastes different than the one I had at another bar. It tastes chocolatey. The burger portion is just enough, but would be better if served with some pickled cucumbers."
Gary Looi CW
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the restaurant features a unique hanging mezzanine area where kids can play, making it a great spot for families.
They primarily serve Western-style meals. Expect dishes like fish and chips, pizza, and burgers; no local rice or noodle dishes are offered.
Many reviewers note that the drinks, especially cocktails, are above average and a highlight of the dining experience.
Parking can be limited. It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours to find available spots more easily.
Yes, Southside Cafe Bistro has an extensive drink selection, including beers, spirits, mixers, and classic cocktails.
Some diners have mentioned that the food choices are somewhat limited and may not cater to those seeking extensive variety.
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For the best river views, take afternoon tea or sunset cocktails at the James Brooke Bistro (7 Tunku Abdul Rahman Street), which recalls the days of the white rajahs. Locals, though, tend to prefer freshly roasted coffee from beans grown on Sarawak plantations, at Black Bean Coffee (87 Ewe Hai Street). From early evening happy hour until well after midnight, the Drunk Monkey (68 Carpenter Street), in Chinatown, is Kuching’s latest hot spot, though easily confused with the equally popular Monkeebar (12 Song Thian Cheok Street), owned by a conservation NGO that gives a third of its profits to an orang-utan conservation project.
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