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Gili Air Good Food Guide: Western and Local Places to Eat

Posted on 09/10/2019

Gili Air Good Food Guide: Western and Local Places to Eat

So, you’re a first-timer visiting our tiny paradise island. You’ve finally figured out what to expect and how to get here. Hell, you’ve even sorted your accommodation, diving, activities and all! Buuuuut you’re a foodie desperate for the deets on Gili Air eats. Well, we’ve got you covered! 

We’ve made suggestions on various cuisines at different price points. So. you can eat what you fancy on a budget or treat yourself to something more upmarket. Please note that there are good food places on Gili Air that may not be listed. Not all listed are given comprehensive details. The island has way more choice than you’d expect and well, we’re trying not to keep you here all day! Take our go-to guide as the perfect starting point.

Pricing Guide*, considering full meal:

£ - 15 - 35,000 IDR

££ - 35 - 85,000 IDR

£££ - 85,000 IDR plus

*Our prices and guide are correct as of the time of writing, but on Gili Air things can change quickly so be sure to double check before you head out!

 

Healthier picks - western and local

Being health conscious, all places listed here are vegetarian and vegan friendly. But they also have plenty of meat and fish dishes for the carnivores! Healthy food to suit all diets.

 

PinkCoco

Price range: ££-£££

Location: North west of the island

Food on offer:

What makes this place special is its all pink decor featuring a cute bike out front. So, it’s 100% Instagrammable...including the food, which actually tastes as good as it looks!

Think smoothie bowls, poached eggs on toast with ALL the trimmings, pancakes - the list is endless. Known more for breakfast or brunch, it’s a great way to start your day! Oh, and they’ll have your Insta page looking lit.

 

Gili Bliss

Price range: ££-£££

Location: On the right from the main road at harbour...it looks tiny but there’s an upstairs.

Food on offer:

Another pink/pastel themed place with good healthy food on Gili Air. Again, hella Instagrammable with food that tastes as good as it looks! A variety of dishes from smoothie bowls, to pasta, to buddha bowls, to burgers are all served here. 

Though there are more vegetarian than vegan options here, ingredients can easily be swapped out on request. A special drink unique to this place is ‘jamu’, a delicious fresh herbal medicine drink of a kind. Think turmeric and ginger. We’d definitely recommend giving it a try and you can even choose to have it cold or hot.

fresh fruit smoothie bowls and juices at Gili Bliss
Image by Gili Bliss/ @giliblisslove

You’ll often see the owner Suki around with her beautiful baby boy Kanoa. And she’s always more than happy to chat! Her passion for Gili Bliss and healthy living radiates at the highest vibration. And her staff are always full of joy!

 

Aura Bowl

Price range: ££

Location: Turn right off the main road from harbour when you hit the junction. You should turn at Eazy Gili - there’s a signpost for Aura Bowl. Or take the hidden alley before Manta and follow the road, it will be on your right.

Food on offer:

This place is basic at its best. The place is pretty small and run by a local couple. One person cooks everything to order one dish at a time. But you’ll see both husband and wife whipping up smoothies and smoothie bowls. 

fresh fruit smoothie bowls at Aura Bowl

Though the wait time can be long, it’s well worth it! Serving smoothie bowls, curries, local Indonesian dishes like gado gado and starters from various cuisines, they’ve got it all. Fresh and healthy, with local and western food, pretty central and not too heavy on the purse strings, it’s a must.

 

Pachamama

Price range: ££-£££

Location: North east of the island

Food on offer:

The boho decor gives a light airy atmosphere. The location makes it a peaceful place to enjoy your meal at island pace. With a range of sweet and savoury options and carefully matched ingredients, every dish really is unique. You can find Pachamama’s food and drink menu here.

They also have a range of superfood additions to add to any meal or drink for that extra health kick. And if you’re looking for English Sunday dinner standard roast potatoes, this is the place. A little luxury in a comfy hidden island spot!

fresh fruit smoothie vegetarian wrap and roast potatoes at Pachamamas

 

Le Sate Bar

Price range: £-££

Location: Turn right off the main road from harbour when you hit the junction. You should turn at Eazy Gili - if you hit Aura Bowl, you’ve gone too far. Or take the hidden alley before Manta and follow the road, it will be on your right- if you hit Eazy Gili you’ve gone too far.

Food on offer:

This place does good grilled food on Gili Air, a welcome break from fried food. This is how meat, tofu, tempeh and fish are commonly cooked on the island. You can order wraps or the like or just have the protein sources as kebabs. They also have quite a few vegan and veggie options! Oh, and their sauces are mouth-wateringly delicious. 

 

Local food warungs

Many of the local food warungs cook good Indonesian and western food. Don’t worry, we’ve made note of this below, even specifying specific dishes so you know what’s up. You’re welcome!

 

Firda

Price range: £

Location: South of the island, not too far from harbour - the location is accurate on Google Maps and the warung is signposted.

Food on offer:

Budget Indonesian and western good food! This place does great nasi goreng and campur. Meaning stir fried rice with seasoning and whatever you’d like inside OR plain rice with separate topping mixtures. 

They also do an awesome tempeh burger patty for the vegetarians and vegans out there. As well as top-notch baguettes, sandwiches and the like to suit all diets. They offer casual style seating but takeaway is also welcome.

 

Aladdin’s

Price range: £

Location: South of the island, not too far from harbour - super close to Firda which is clearly signposted.

Food on offer:

Budget Indonesian and western good food! The cheapest nasi campur on the island and it tastes quality. There’s a glass window where you can see all the topping mixtures. These are all served with plain white rice. There’s a small casual seating area or you can go takeaway.

 

Warung Lalapan

Price range: £

Location: A few doors away from Manta, feel free to just ask our staff.

Food on offer:

Budget-friendly good local food. The awesome-smelling little brown paper cones you see people walking into the dive shop with are usually from here. 

tofu lalapan at Warung Lalapan

These guys are known for having a ridiculous amount of nasi campur options. Lots of fried extras like samosas, spring rolls, corn fritters and even chocolate and banana filled doughnuts of a kind. They also do lalapan...just specify if you’d like chicken, tofu or tempeh lalapan. You’ll get plain white rice with the fried protein and a spicy sauce which you can ask to swap out for a different one if spice isn’t you thing. We’d recommend kecap (ketchup) manis - a slightly sweeter thicker soy sauce.

 

Burger Lady 

Price range: £

Location: On the left from the main road at harbour. In between Shark Bites and Olala Cafe, both of which are more clearly labelled.

Food on offer:

Yati (Burger Lady), true to her cooking alias, makes amazing burgers. We’re talking avocado, cheese and fresh crunchy veggies. Additional to your patty or tempeh substitute at a budget-friendly price. 

big tempeh burger and chips fries at Burger Lady

Her local food is also amazing, particularly the gado gado. Tofu and fresh veggies in a freshly made peanut sauce served with white rice. If you’re looking for homey food with a homey feel, Yati is your lady. 

There’s a few tables so you can eat in but takeaway is also welcome. Bear in mind that Yati often makes the food solo, sometimes with a helping hand. Every dish is made to order one at a time so there’s often a wait but her food is well worth it. 

Oh, and if you’re looking for good dessert at a low price, you can’t go wrong with her pancakes!

 

Warung Kampung

Price range: £- ££

Location: Turn right off the main road from harbour when you hit the junction. You should turn at Eazy Gili - it’ll be on your right opposite the tattoo place. Or take the hidden alley before Manta and follow the road, it will be on your left.

Food on offer:

This place has a much larger seating area including cosy cushion floor and table seating, indoors and open air. They serve delicious local and western food at fair prices.

For all the vegetarians and vegans out there, their tempeh burger is especially tasty. Oh, and their lemon iced tea is full of real citrus and tastes delicious without sugar. A sugar-free yet tasty iced lemon tea is a rare find on Gili Air!

 

Other budget-friendly local warungs:

Warung Bambu, on your left down the main road from harbour. The Bakso (meatballs - they also have veggie/vegan local food options) place with the big banner close to the mosque. Price point for both - £.

 

Western food with a sunset view

Mowies

Price range: ££-£££

Location: Take the opposite way along the coast from the route to Manta, you’re headed west of the island. You’ll reach a strip of stalls and restaurants, you’ll see Mowies. If you hit Gili Lumbung you’ve gone too far!

Food on offer:

This place has a great night atmosphere. They provide indoor seating as well as tables and beanbags outdoors. 

The menu ranges from jackfruit tacos to tuna burgers, both of which Mowies are reputable for. If you’re looking for good chips, or pasta or salad, we could go on...they do it all. A great place for couples, groups or families who all fancy different food to one another but definitely want to eat western food. Enjoy your meal as you watch the sky light up with burning oranges and soft pinks.

 

Gili Lumbung

Price range: ££-£££

Location: Take the opposite way along the coast from the route to Manta, you’re headed west of the island. You’ll reach a strip of stalls and restaurants, you’ll see (or hear) Gili Lumbung quite clearly.

Food on offer:

These guys have various options and are known for their western food. Favourites include the chicken pesto pasta and their burgers. 

big meat burgers and chipsfries at Gili Lumbung
Image by Gili Lumbung/ @gili.lumbung

More notably, they hold live music most nights, which usually ends up with many customers choosing to dance. 

The sense of community and relaxed yet lively feel is a truly special atmosphere you can’t miss. They also hold a great happy hour with great service and and just as tasty cocktail concoctions.

 

Other western food places along the sunset strip:

Most food places along the sunset strip - along the coast when you turn right from harbour and the opposite way to Manta - have pretty good food. 

Safari’s has tasty local and western food and is often quieter than the above mentions. Perfect if you’d prefer something a little more private. Their price point is a little lower too at £-££.

Cheeky Monkey, also known for its parties, is also a popular choice on sunset side.

 

Western food near Manta

The Waterfront

Price range: ££

Location: A stone’s throw from our dive shop, simply walk a few steps over from our dive shop. Though our staff also take orders from around the dive shop, so you can order from exactly where you are!

Food on offer:

Good local and Western food, even if we do say so ourselves. From healthier options, with vegan and vegetarian considerations. To mie goreng, Thai curry, a falafel wrap or a BLT sandwich. Choices are plentiful! We also hold a happy hour and our cocktails, particularly daiquiris, receive glowing reviews.

Big breakfast at the Waterfront Manta Dive

Image by Manta Dive Gili Air/ @mantadivegiliair

We hold indoor seating as well as waterfront (hence our name) relaxed lounger, couch and table seating. Literally, a step away from dipping your toes in the water...or half your body at high tide. The ocean view is incredible!

 

Chill Out

Price range: ££-£££

Location: Turn right from Manta and walk a couple restaurants. It’s the super busy one! 

Food on offer:

These guys are known for their barbecue, their steak is mouth wateringly delicious. The rest of their food is also up to par. We’ve had a customer tell us that their pasta sauces are the best on the island. We’d suggest you put that to the test! 

They offer indoor seating as well as table seating on the beach, under the starry night sky.

 

Zipp Bar

Price Range: ££-£££

Location: Turn right from Manta and walk a few restaurants down. Just past Chill Out.

Food on offer:

These guys do all round great food, though their pizza is especially delicious. If you’re looking for a slightly quieter atmosphere, Zipp’s your place.

 

Scallywaggs

Price Range: £££

Location: Turn right from Manta and walk a couple restaurants past Chill Out. It’s very clearly labelled.

Food on offer:

Another place known for their barbecue. They also do a variety of other dishes, all meeting a high standard. 

They offer mostly outdoor table seating. A little more formal than most places, Scallywags is a particularly good choice for special occasions. 

 

Niche cuisines : Italian, Mexican and Spanish

There are far too many to detail here but we do have suggestions you can look into.

Mama pizza along the sunset strip, Classico more centrally placed and Biba Beach near Manta all serve delicious pizza and pasta. Their price point - ££-£££

Warung Mexicana, left off the junction from the main road at harbour (opposite way than Eazy Gili) at a price point of £-££. And Mexican Kitchen which is north east of Gili Air at a slightly higher price point of ££-£££.

And for good Spanish food, including delicious desserts and live music some nights, try Pura Vida. Price point, ££-£££

 

Dessert and coffee places

So, you’re in need of sugar spike after expending energy spending pretty much all day diving with marine life. Or you wanna treat yourself ‘cause you’ve just finished a course. Or it’s just an ice cream for breakfast kinda day. Well, you are on holiday! We know just the places to head to…

 

Breadelicious

Price range: ££-£££

Location: Go straight down the main road from harbour, it’ll be on your right.

Known for: Croissants, cookies, brownies, cheesecake, cakes, patisserie, ice cream, crepes, waffles...you name it. They’re dessert heaven! Oh, and their make your own sandwiches/paninis section is pretty damn good too.

nutella filled crepe pancake at Breadelicious

Their style imitates a French cafe well enough to trick the French into thinking they’re back home. There is both indoor seating and outdoor seating under the fairy lights.

 

Burger Lady

Price range: £

Location: On the left from the main road at harbour. In between Shark Bites and Olala Cafe, both of which are more clearly labelled.

Known for: Pancakes - European style, Yati whips them up real good with a range of fillings to pick from, including Nutella.

 

Coffee and Thyme

Price range: ££

Location: At harbour

Known for: Good coffee and cake. With a ton of outdoor and indoor seating right in front of harbour. Well...you can’t go wrong with sweet treats and an ocean view.

 

Scooperific Cafe

Price range: ££

Location: One shop left of The Waterfront/ Manta

Known for: Pancakes, waffles and ice cream. There’s a few small tables and chairs to sit at or you’re welcome to takeaway. The beach is but the smallest of walks away!

 

The Waterfront

Price range: ££

Location: A stone’s throw from our dive shop, simply walk a few steps over from our dive shop. Though our staff also take orders from around the dive shop, so you can order from exactly where you are!

Known for: Cakes, crumbles, puddings and good coffee, with a soy milk option for vegans.

 

B52

Price range: ££-£££

Location: Go down the main road at harbour, it’ll be on your right just before Cocomart

Known for: Quality coffee with non-dairy milk options. Oh, and they’re the only cafe/restaurant with air con on the island.

 

Good food places near harbour/ along the main road

So, your boat’s coming soon but you wanna grab a filling lunch beforehand. You’re gonna need that fuel for your trip to climb Mt. Rinjani, right? Yeah...there’s a volcano you can climb like a 20 minute boat ride over and a drive away. And there’s a whole bunch of other activities you can do on and close to Gili Air, when you’re not diving, of course.

Lots of places mentioned in prior sections are also located close to harbour and along the main road. These are the ones we’ve missed!

If you’re in a real rush, grab a filling, fresh, fruity shake from Gogo’s at a price point of ££. If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, head up to Pockets and Pints, Shark Bites or Olala Cafe. Pick a plentiful pitta and a beer, or perhaps a burger! Shark Bites is known for its meaty burgers and Olala Cafe for its tuna steak burger, as well as their made to order local food. The choice is yours!

big tuna steak burger and chips fries at Olala Cafe2

Now you know all you could possibly know and more about being happily fed and watered on Gili Air. All that’s left to do is arrive to eat all the good food and drink all the yummy bevvies. See you soon!

 

By Aneesa Patel/ saltyaneesa

All images by Aneesa Patel/ saltyaneesa unless otherwise stated

 

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  • rarddib 12/10/2019 3:40pm (4 years ago)

    hello everyone thanks for approve

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