Commons is a casual dining spot housed in Kuching’s heritage Old Court House since April 2017. It serves a mix of Western comfort, Asian favourites and Sarawak-inspired dishes, plus handcrafted drinks and desserts. Designed for everyday gatherings—coffee, lunch, family meals or relaxed dinners—Commons combines familiar flavours, thoughtful presentation and a cozy, heritage-centered atmosphere. Would you like an even shorter tagline version?

OVERVIEW

Commons is a casual dining restaurant located inside the heritage Old Court House in Kuching. Established in April 2017, it offers a warm and welcoming dining experience built around the idea that “a story to tell is what we all have in common.” The restaurant serves a diverse menu that brings together Western comfort food, Asian favourites, local Sarawak-inspired dishes, handcrafted drinks and desserts.

Designed as a place for everyday gatherings, Commons suits different dining occasions, from coffee catch-ups and casual lunches to family meals
and relaxed dinners. Its menu reflects the same approachable character, offering familiar flavours with thoughtful presentation and a wide selection that appeals to both locals and visitors.

With its heritage setting, central location and wide-ranging menu, Commons has become a recognisable dining spot in Kuching for those looking for good food, comfortable ambience and a place that feels connected to the city’s old charm.

AMBIENCE

Commons has a warm vintage-inspired interior that reflects the character of the Old Court House while creating a comfortable dining environment. The space features wooden cabinets, classic furniture, bookshelves, chandeliers, woven pendant lights and soft lounge-style seating, giving it the feel of an old library, café and heritage dining room combined.

The high ceilings, large windows and natural light make the space feel open and inviting, while the layered décor adds a sense of nostalgia and charm. Books, display shelves, lamps and antique-style details help create a lived-in atmosphere that feels relaxed rather than overly formal.

Overall, Commons offers a cosy heritage ambience with a classic, story-filled interior that suits both casual meals and slow gatherings.

MUST TRY

Crunchy Chopped Salad
Char Kway Tiaw
Fettuccine Carbonara with Smoked Duck and Onsen Egg
Seabass with Sichuan Oil
Commons Cheeseburger
Oxtail Stew
Tiramisu Alcohol Cake
Batik Indulgence Cake

FOOD

Commons serves a broad menu of Western comfort food, local favourites, Asian-style mains, cakes and handcrafted beverages. The menu includes familiar dishes such as burgers, fish and chips, carbonara, fried rice, kuey tiaw and chicken chop, making it suitable for different tastes and dining preferences, like huge families,
company gatherings or just a good time with friends.

Popular dishes include the Char Kway Tiaw, Fettuccine Carbonara with Smoked Duck and Onsen Egg, Seabass with Sichuan Oil and Commons Cheeseburger.

PRICING

Average spend per person without drinks: RM40–RM70 Depending on the order, guests can enjoy casual mains such as local dishes, burgers and pastas from around RM26–RM52, while premium mains such as lamb rack and sirloin are priced higher.

ABOUT CHEF

Chef Azwan Mat Yacob is an Executive Chef with over two decades of experience, known for blending refined Western techniques with bold, contemporary Asian influences. His culinary journey began in Kuala Lumpur, where he trained in leading hotels and later played a key role in kitchens such as the award-winning Strato at Troika Sky Dining, consistently recognised among the city’s best Italian restaurants.

His international experience in Mexico City, where he worked as a private chef for corporate and diplomatic clients including Petronas and the Malaysian Embassy, further shaped his adaptability and perspective on modern dining.

At Commons, Chef Azwan brings this experience into menus that are thoughtful, approachable and rooted in flavour. Drawing from global techniques and local ingredients, he creates dishes that feel familiar yet elevated, with a focus on consistency, quality and a strong culinary identity for the brand.