Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands located near the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. In response to the surge of tourism it has recently experienced, Gil T (as it’s known) now has a large selection of dining choices available. There’s something for every visitor on this small island. In the post below, I’ll show you the best restaurants on Gili Trawagan.
Taco Corner–
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m constantly searching all corners of SE Asia for good Mexican food. Taco Corner definitely satisfies this craving. The small restaurant is an island favorite and can become quite crowded at times.
Le Pirate Beach Club-
Located on the quieter side of the island, Le Pirate Beach Club is the perfect place to spend the day. The club has both a private beach and an infinity pool where you can lounge around all day topping up your tan. When you’re ready to eat, the club has an impressive menu made even more impressive by the fact that the staff will deliver your choices right to your sun bed.
Casa Vintage-
When I started posting pics on social media from Gili T, I had multiple people reach out to tell me that I had to try Casa Vintage during my time on the island. I’m glad I listened to their suggestions–this place seriously did not disappoint. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful, and they were happy to go through their entire menu with me while I tried to make selections.
Diversia Restaurant and Lounge-
While you might not expect a restaurant attached to a dive shop to make a list of the best places to eat, Diversia was a pleasant surprise. I passed the Italian style restaurant everyday, and the menu looked intriguing. I finally decided to stop in and I’m glad I did.
Night Market-
No list of where to eat on Gili Trawangan would be complete without mention of the night market. Every evening, vendors arrive and set up stalls where they begin preparing fresh selections of local foods. Here you can find everything from simple noodle and rice dishes to whole lobsters prepared to order–even freshly made cakes and pastries. The night market is also great, because it seems nearly everyone on the island is here every night. So it’s a great chance to catch up with friends or meet other travelers.
The Roast House-
Saving my personal favorite for last, The Roast House was the best meal I had on the island. In fact, it was the best meal I had both times I went! In SE Asia, many times you might get, at best, a decent version of what you’re craving. The Roast House had something I didn’t even know I missed until I had it–gravy. The roast chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. The vegetables were full of flavor and not overcooked at all. And the gravy was as good as any my mom makes–please don’t tell her I said that!
And for a restaurant known as The Roast House they also make an incredible salad. This seared tuna salad was the perfect light lunch for our beach day:
If you enjoyed this post please consider pinning it using the image below:
Which meal looked best to you? Let me know in the comments section below!
Everything looks and sounds delicious. Love the look of Casa Vintage’s slow roasted chicken stew and that tuna tataki from Diversia.
Wow. These photos have me drooling. I am seriously eyeing that human appetizer and the roasted chicken stew.
I’ll have the tuna Tataki please!
Oh yum! I never would have associated these foods with Indonesia. That chicken stew looks delish!
I can’t choose just one meal; they all looked delicious!! The roasted chicken, the Ragu, the taco salad, the food at the night market…EVERYTHING. I’m def saving this for when I visit!!
Looks like quite an eclectic variety of foods. I’d definitely hit up the night market for some eats. It sounds like a perfect place to try out many different foods prepared by the locals. That taco salad looks great, too!
I was in Gili T but I only went to Diversia restaurant (They are the ones with the dive shop, right?) . Damn now I am kicking myself for missing the Taco corner.
The bottom picture looks the best but I would take the nachos and chicken taco salad please. 😉 What adventurous and yummy eats!
Awwww I’ve been here – and I LOVED the night market! I think I was there almost every night. I actually did a blog post about night markets in Indonesia! Loved them so much 😛
I always make it a point to visit night markets where ever I travel! I love them also– such a variety of fresh foods.
I am on a fruit diet today. but I don’t think I can make it past evening, after seeing this post. I am craving chicken tacos and I even have most ingredients in my kitchen right now. Great pictures, very appetising.
So, did you stay strong or did you make tacos?
That roast chicken looks huge! And very authentic – not the sort of meal I’d expect to find in the Gilis. I’d love to check out the night markets – it’s great seeing everything prepared in front of you.
It was such a big portion of chicken but I ate all of it, lol. It was delicious. And yes, I love night markets anywhere.
These all look like delicious places to eat! The tacos look amazing…certainly no shortage of options – yum! Great guide.
For sure! I love the variety you can find on such a small island.
i’ll have the Mexican everyday of the week 😀 yum
me also! Mexican is never a bad idea.
I visited Gili T back in 2012 it def stepped up its restaurant game! I second the night market.
yeah, it’s gotten many more restaurants just since I was here two years ago as well!
Awesome info! mexican is my fave! Thanks for sharing
It’s one of my favorites also! It probably has something to do w/the fact that I’m half Mexican.
These look like great eating options in Gili. But my favourite would be Tacos Corner. Would love to indulge in some hot and spicy food here.
It’s an island favorite for sure! It’s really popular for good reason.
As a vegetarian, I’d love to eat that hummus! NOMS. Indonesia is also known for tempeh, so I’d love to my weight in that! 🙂
I just love foodie posts. I also love how you found Mexican food in SE Asia! Everything looks DELICIOUS. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you! I’m always on the hunt for great Mexican food.
Ha, I totally understand you. When I was living in London for a year back in 2012 – I searched high and low for decent Mexican food! I’m very hungry after reading this post, thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Most of the time the Mexican food I find is a bad version of stuff I love but sometimes you find a gem!
This is a great round up. I had a hard time on Gili T figuring out which spots were worth stopping at and which ones were overrated. I did have a chance to eat at the Pirate Club and ate both nights at night market which was delicious.
Wow! I never heard of this place in Indonsiea but the food looks totally yummy and I really want to check it out now.,
Oh my these photos are making my stomach growl! I love to try food and new places while traveling – I am drooling right now. Thanks for all the tips on where to eat as well, I am forever searching for this info.
ok i didn’t know that in Indonesia you can find so many kinds of delicious food!! they are so yummy 🙂
Nice! I was in Gili Trawangan a few months ago and we dined in one of the resorts there. But I do remember that there really are a lot of options there. Those food looks scrumptious! a good way to refuel after a day of swimming and snorkeling!
As always your posts make me super hungry and with a list of places to go to try all the amazing food! And night markets are always fun – and generally a place to ‘try and see.’ There’s usually something that looks a little dodgy/interesting – but you seemed to have done well to avoid those things!
You’re right the Le Pirate Beach Club looks like the perfect place to spend the day, relaxing and eating. But wow those night markets are completely calling my name. Love night markets!
I love night markets also! They’re so awesome. Bangkok has some of my favorites!
I know that eating local food from the street night market may be risky in some cases, but I think I’d like to take a chance once or twice. But other than that sometimes I would choose restaurants, even if they don’t serve local food, like some you mentioned here, just for safety reasons. Of course all depends on the place. I haven’t been to Indonesia (not yet 😉 ).
I eat street food quite often and I’ve rarely if ever had a problem but I get what you mean for sure! I hope you make it to Indo soon!
I think my pick would be the night market. I love trying out different things at the same time