Looking for the best places to eat in Gili Air? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants and cafes on the island, so you can enjoy delicious food and drinks during your stay.
Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, traditional Indonesian cuisine, or Western-style dishes, Gili Air has something to offer everyone. From beachfront eateries with stunning views to cozy cafes tucked away in quiet corners of the island, there’s no shortage of great places to eat.
Best Restaurants in Gili Air
When it comes to the best place to eat on Gili Air, we have found a few places that stand out from the rest. Here are some of our favorite restaurants on the island:
Mowies
Mowies Gili Air is a beachfront restaurant and bar that offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean. The menu features a mix of Western and Indonesian dishes, and the quality is exceptionally high. The staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable considering the location and quality of the food. We think Mowies is the best restaurant on the island by a long shot!
Mama’s Pizza
Mama’s Pizza is a cozy beachfront Italian restaurant that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. We also recommend trying the pasta dishes, which are made with homemade sauces. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe, and the staff is attentive and welcoming. Casual but delicious.
Pink Coco
Pink Coco is a restaurant and bar that offers a range of international dishes. The menu includes a lot of Spanish tapas & Spanish influences. The beachfront location provides the perfect romantic atmosphere for sunset, and the staff is always friendly and attentive. We definitely recommend trying their tapas at sunset.
Lockdown Kitchen
Lockdown Kitchen is a small cafe that offers some of the most delicious simple and healthy food on the island. The food is made with fresh and local ingredients, and the flavors are bold and unique. If you’re staying at Villa Burung you can also WhatsApp Lockdown Kitchen and they’ll deliver directly to the door any time of day. Epic!
Top Coffee Spots in Gili Air
If you’re a coffee lover (addict) like us, you’ll be happy to know that Gili Air has some fantastic coffee spots. Here are our top three picks for coffee shops on the island:
Barefoot Blondie
Barefoot Blondie is a charming cafe located on the main street of the island. This spot is known for its delicious coffee and friendly atmosphere, as well as it’s upstairs coffee deck which is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the breeze coming in off the ocean. They offer the full variety of coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffee. The coffee here is made with very high-quality beans and is expertly brewed by friendly baristas downstairs. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Gili Coffee Roasters
Gili Coffee Roasters is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers. This cafe is known for its high-quality, locally roasted coffee, and gorgeous outdoor cafe garden. They have a wide variety of top-quality coffee drinks, including espresso, macchiato, and lattes. They also offer a selection of delicious foods to pair with your coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with plenty of seating.
Alegria
Alegria is a trendy coffee shop located right at the harbour. This spot is known for its delicious coffee and Instagram-worthy location. It’s also a key waiting point for travelers about to board a ferry, or a meeting point for travelers just arrived on the island. Alegria is the perfect spot to start your day, sip a coffee whilst waiting for your fast boar, or to simply take a break from exploring the island.
Most Popular Beach Clubs in Gili Air
When it comes to beach options in Gili Air, we are totally spoilt for choice. Our favorites below offer a perfect combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and stunning views of the ocean.
Pelangi Beach
Pelangi Beach is a charming little laid back beach club located on the north coast of Gili Air. The club has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a lazy afternoon or sunny lunch. The menu offers a wide range of Indonesian and Western dishes, including some fantastic local seafood. We highly recommend their grilled fish with Balinese sambal sauce, which is simply delicious. Insta-worthy swing is worth noting too!
Scallywags
Scallywags is a beach club and restaurant located on the east coast of Gili Air (the sunrise side of the island). The club has a very laid-back atmosphere, perfect for chilling out with friends or family. Scallywags is a great snorkeling beach, so bring your gear or hire a snorkel and flippers. The menu is extensive and features a variety of dishes, including seafood, burgers, and salads. We recommend trying their seafood platter, which comes with fresh fish, prawns, calamari, and mussels. Scallywags also do great seafood BBQs in the evenings.
Sunrise Resort & Beach Club
Sunrise Resort & Beach Club is a luxurious beach club located on the east coast (the sunrise side) of Gili Air. The club overlooks the ocean, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing swim or sunbathing, it’s also a perfect spot to snorkel. The menu features a variety of Indonesian and Western dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. We recommend trying their nasi goreng, which is a classic Indonesian dish.
Top Warungs in Gili Air
When it comes to finding the best local food in Gili Air, warungs are the way to go. These small, family-owned eateries offer a wide range of delicious Indonesian dishes at affordable prices. Here are our top picks for the best warungs in Gili Air:
Warung Sunny
Warung Sunny is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Indonesian cuisine. The menu is extensive, with plenty of authentic Indonesian options available. We highly recommend trying the nasi campur, which comes with rice, vegetables, and your choice of meat or tofu. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make this warung a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Warung Sunny also has the best cooking lessons on the island!
Warung Rainbow
Another great option for local food is Warung Rainbow. This family-run business offers a wide range of Indonesian local dishes, including fresh seafood and vegetarian options. The standout dish here is the grilled fish, which is cooked to perfection and served with a side of vegetables and rice. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making this warung a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
Warung Green Chili
If you’re in the mood for something spicy, head to Warung Green Chili. This warung is located on the main street and specializes in Indonesian cuisine, with dishes like sambal goreng and ayam penyet on the menu. The food is flavorful and satisfying, and the prices are very reasonable. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is laid-back. We recommend trying the nasi goreng, which is packed with flavor and comes with your choice of meat or tofu.
Best Spots for Vegan Food in Gili Air
If you’re looking for some delicious vegan food in Gili Air, you’re in luck! This tiny island is a haven for vegan foodies, and we’ve rounded up some of the best spots for you to try.
Panchamama Organic Cafe
Panchamama Organic Cafe is a beautiful dining spot that offers a variety of vegan options. The cafe is located in the heart of Gili Air, and it has a relaxing atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. Some of our favorite dishes include the vegan burger, the quinoa salad, and the smoothie bowls.
Flowers and Fire Wholefoods Cafe
Flowers and Fire Wholefoods Cafe is a yoga studio and cafe that offers a variety of vegan options. Flowers and Fire is our favourite yoga studio on the island, and the cafe is a great place to enjoy a healthy meal and a freshly brewed coffee after class.
JuJu
JuJu is a small vegan cafe & wholefoods store that offers a variety of plant-based dishes. The restaurant is located in the center of Gili Air, on the main street and it has a friendly atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. Some of our favorite dishes include the pineapple vegan pancakes and their scrambled tofu.
Mama’s Garden
Mama’s Garden is a vegan restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes. Some of our favorite dishes include the vegan curry, the tempeh burger, and the vegan ice cream.
Best Places for Sunset Drinks (and a Meal) in Gili Air
If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset in Gili Air, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Gili Lumbung
Gili Lumbung is one of the top places for mesmerizing sunsets, from the comfort of a beanbag on the beach! Whether you’re with a group of friends or a solo traveler, Gili Lumbung is the perfect spot to make new friends from around the world. The upbeat energy and the cocktail specials make for a perfect combo to enjoy pre-sunset and post-sunset vibes with some good buddies.
Legends Bar
Legends Bar is another great spot to catch the sunset. It’s located on the beachfront, offering a stunning view of the ocean as the sun sets. The bar offers a range of drinks, including beer, cocktails, and mocktails. The friendly staff and chilled-out atmosphere make it a great place to relax and enjoy the views.
Luckys Bar
Luckys Bar is a must-visit if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe and a great view. The bar is located on beach, and you can sit on the swings and enjoy the sunset. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the bar offers a range of cocktails, beers, and mocktails. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the island.
Cheeky Monkey
Cheeky Monkey is a popular spot for sunset drinks. It’s located on the beachfront, and you can sit on bean bags and watch the sunset. The bar offers a range of drinks, including beer, cocktails, and mocktails. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to chill out and enjoy the views. Cheeky Monkey are also doing fantastic and well-priced meals: the beautiful seafood BBQ is our favorite.
Conclusion
Overall, Gili Air is a fantastic destination for food lovers. We’ve explored some of the best restaurants on the island, from traditional Indonesian cuisine to vegan and western-style dishes. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a quick bite to eat, there’s something for everyone.
One thing that stands out about the food on Gili Air is the quality of the ingredients. Many of the restaurants source their produce locally, ensuring that the dishes are fresh and bursting with flavor. We highly recommend trying the seafood, which is caught daily by local fishermen.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, we suggest checking out Flowers and Fire. This restaurant offers a fusion of Indonesian and western cuisine, with a focus on vegan and vegetarian dishes. The smoothie bowls are a must-try, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
For a more traditional Indonesian meal, head to Warung Sunny. This family-run restaurant serves up authentic dishes at affordable prices. We recommend the nasi campur, which is a plate of rice served with a selection of different dishes. It’s a great way to try a variety of flavors.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, check out Aura Bowls. This dessert spot serves up delicious smoothie bowls and ice cream, with a focus on using natural, healthy ingredients. It’s the perfect place to cool down on a hot day.
Overall, Gili Air is a foodie’s paradise. With so many fantastic restaurants to choose from, you’ll never go hungry. We highly recommend taking the time to explore the island’s culinary scene and trying as many dishes as possible.
