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IF KOTA KINABALU had a culinary bucket list, La Chica just wrote itself onto the top of it. Perched above the bustling Imago Mall with a golden-hour view to die for, La Chica is more than just a new Mexican bar and restaurant—it’s a full-sensory experience.

This latest outlet from The Olive Tree Group fuses flavour, colour, and culture in a way Sabah hasn’t quite seen before. And for locals and visitors alike, it's a bold, breezy invitation to unwind, indulge, and fiesta a little.

Where Mexican flavour meets Sabah hospitality

La Chica isn’t here to mimic the usual taco-and-tequila trope. Instead, it sets the bar for what modern Mexican dining can be in East Malaysia. Think sizzling fajitas, crispy quesadillas, overflowing plates of nachos, and vibrant tapas that beg to be shared. And at the bar?

Frozen margaritas and mojitos served slushy-style—straight out of the Mexican beach playbook.

But here’s what sets La Chica apart: this isn’t Mexican food cooked from a YouTube tutorial or a copy-pasted cookbook. It’s backed by real experience—decades of it. As the 31st outlet under the powerhouse The Olive Tree Group, La Chica is a product of hard-earned expertise, passionate R&D, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

“Anyone can pour a beer.” says Leslie Gomez, the company founder. “But the food—that needs to stand out. If you're specialising in Mexican, the food has to speak.” And at La Chica, it doesn’t just speak—it sings.

KK’s newest sunset hangout

La Chica boasts arguably the best sunset view in town. A few prized tables on the balcony overlook the South China Sea—perfect for golden-hour cocktails and golden-hour Instagram stories.

Inside, the vibe is equally photogenic: bright, bold interiors channel Mexican artistry and culture, with décor choices deliberately made for the camera lens.

This isn’t accidental. “The younger generation today, everything is about Instagram,” the founder notes. “So we made it very Instagrammable—from the entrance to the bar to the back wall.”

More than just a meal

La Chica isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to be. Thoughtfully designed to blend food, drinks, entertainment, and sports under one roof, it offers a complete hospitality experience from day to night.

Come for a late lunch, stay for sunset cocktails, and stick around as live music sets the mood into the evening.

It’s not a club—and it’s not trying to be. La Chica is made for a refined, grown-up crowd: people who appreciate a well-made mezcal cocktail, quality food, good company, and smooth music that complements the atmosphere—never interrupting a good conversation.

Why Mexican, and why KK?

Simple: there was a gap in the market. “There’s no one really doing Mexican food like this here,” Gomez explains. “We felt there was a demand, especially with the younger crowd and the growing number of tourists.”

After scoping out KK since 2019, the group finally landed on a prime location at Imago Shopping Mall. The result? A stunning, high-investment concept that brings together taste, style, and atmosphere in a way few others do in Sabah.

Rooted in local, inspired by global

What also sets La Chica apart is its deep respect for local talent. From the service staff to the bands on stage, Sabahan energy runs through the entire operation.

Many team members were trained in KL to ensure La Chica brings the same quality and vibe as its peninsula counterparts.

The group's executive chef, worked tirelessly to fine-tune the core menu. This isn't just another F&B concept trying its luck—it's built from the ground up with expertise, love for the craft, and attention to detail.

Doing what you love

Gomez’s passion is evident. With over 20 years in the F&B scene and 31 outlets under his belt, his philosophy is simple: Love what you do, and do what you love. “Working is my hobby,” he says with a smile.

And that mindset has translated into an empire of experiences, not just eateries. And it’s a universal truth, right? When food is made from a place of love, it’s always the best. Just ask our moms.

Gomez is also a strong believer in good service. By this, he means service that borders on perfection. His well-trained staff are always a step ahead in anticipating customers’ needs.

They’re not merely people waiting tables—one could say they are trained to be exceptional body language readers, ensuring every guest feels seen, understood, and well taken care of. Honestly, no exaggeration here. 

With eyes already set on a couple more countries abroad after Bali, La Chica is not just here to make waves in KK—it’s part of a much bigger culinary current.

The verdict

La Chica doesn’t just introduce Kota Kinabalu to Mexican food—it elevates it. With solid hospitality roots, decades of know-how, and a whole lot of heart, this isn’t just a place for good food. It’s a place where culture, comfort, and flavour collide.

Whether you're coming for the tacos, the tequila, the view, or the vibes, this is a place that delivers more than a meal—it delivers a memory.

So, go check out La Chica at Imago Shopping Mall. Seriously. Panza llena, corazón contento.