Where to Eat in Gili Trawangan: 10 Great Restaurants for Every Type of Traveler
Whether You're Looking for Beachfront Dining, Indonesian Food, Pizza, or Authentic Indian Cuisine
When most people think about Gili Trawangan, they picture crystal-clear water, sea turtles, beach bars, and unforgettable sunsets.
What often surprises first-time visitors is how diverse the island's food scene has become.
Despite being a small island, Gili Trawangan offers everything from fresh seafood and Indonesian classics to artisan pizza, vegan cafés, beachfront dining, and authentic Indian cuisine. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, you'll find restaurants that match every budget and every craving.
The challenge isn't finding somewhere to eat.
It's deciding where to spend your limited meals.
This guide highlights some of the restaurants that consistently stand out for food quality, atmosphere, location, and guest experience.
1. Pesona Lounge Trawangan
If you're craving authentic Indian food while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Gili Trawangan, Pesona Lounge deserves a place at the top of your list.
Located just a short walk from the harbour inside Pesona Beach Resort & Spa, the restaurant offers three distinct dining experiences. Guests can choose between an air-conditioned indoor lounge, a relaxed poolside setting, or beachfront tables overlooking the ocean.
The menu focuses on authentic Indian cuisine, including freshly baked naan from the tandoor, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, aromatic biryanis, vegetarian curries, and tandoori specialties. Alongside the food, you'll find handcrafted cocktails, premium shisha, fresh juices, and international favourites, making it suitable for mixed groups with different tastes.
Why visit:
Beachfront location
Air-conditioned dining room
Fresh tandoor-baked naan
Extensive vegetarian options
Premium cocktails
Shisha lounge
Close to the harbour
2. The Banyan Tree
For vegetarian and vegan travellers, The Banyan Tree has become one of the island's favourite cafés.
Expect colourful smoothie bowls, fresh salads, wraps, vegan desserts, and excellent coffee in a relaxed tropical garden setting.
Best for:
Healthy breakfast
Vegan meals
Digital nomads
3. Regina Pizzeria
Sometimes after several days of Indonesian food, travellers simply want excellent pizza.
Regina Pizzeria has built a strong reputation for thin-crust pizzas cooked in a traditional oven, generous toppings, and relaxed outdoor seating.
Best for:
Pizza lovers
Casual dinner
Families
4. Kayu Café
One of the island's most popular breakfast and brunch spots.
Their menu includes excellent coffee, pastries, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, and healthy brunch options.
Perfect before diving or island hopping.
5. Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill
If fresh seafood is your priority, Scallywags remains one of the classic choices.
Guests can choose fresh fish, prawns, squid, and lobster displayed on ice before they're grilled to order.
Ideal for:
Seafood dinner
Romantic evenings
6. Casa Vintage Beach
This beachfront restaurant combines Mediterranean-inspired dishes with beautiful sunset views.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular place for afternoon cocktails before dinner.
7. Jali Kitchen
Located slightly away from the busy harbour, Jali Kitchen offers a quieter dining experience with Indonesian and international dishes.
Many returning visitors appreciate the peaceful garden setting.
8. Ko-Ko-Mo Restaurant
For travellers looking for a more upscale dinner, Ko-Ko-Mo delivers elegant beachfront dining with seafood, steaks, and international cuisine.
It's especially popular for celebrations and romantic dinners.
9. Pituq Café
Another excellent choice for plant-based travellers.
Their creative vegan menu has earned a loyal following among long-term visitors to Gili Trawangan.
10. Sama Sama Reggae Bar
Not just for drinks.
Many visitors enjoy Indonesian comfort food here before staying for the live reggae music that has become part of Gili Trawangan's nightlife.
Which Restaurant Should You Choose?
It depends on what you're looking for.
If you want seafood, Scallywags is difficult to beat.
For brunch, Kayu Café remains one of the island's favourites.
Pizza lovers often head to Regina.
Plant-based travellers have excellent options at Banyan Tree and Pituq Café.
But if you're looking for authentic Indian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, premium shisha, and the flexibility of dining indoors, poolside, or directly on the beach, Pesona Lounge Trawangan offers one of the most complete dining experiences on the island.
Final Thoughts
One of the best parts of visiting Gili Trawangan is discovering that the island offers far more than beautiful beaches.
Its growing restaurant scene means you can enjoy a different style of dining every day of your holiday—from healthy breakfasts and fresh seafood to authentic Indian cuisine and sunset cocktails by the beach.
Whichever restaurant you choose, taking time to explore beyond the first place you see near the harbour will reward you with some of the island's most memorable experiences
