West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) is an Indonesian province spanning two main islands—Lombok and Sumbawa—offering a diverse blend of volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and rich Sasak and Sumbawan cultures. From the towering Mount Rinjani and the turquoise Gili Islands to the legendary surf breaks of Lakey Beach and the remote wilderness of Moyo Island, the province delivers world-class adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
West Nusa Tenggara's culinary identity is dominated by the fiery, bold flavours of Sasak cuisine from Lombok and the more subtly spiced traditions of Sumbawa. Lombok's signature dish is ayam taliwang — grilled chicken rubbed with a potent spice paste of red chillies, garlic, shrimp paste, and turmeric — served alongside beberuk terong (raw eggplant salad) and pelecing kangkung (water spinach in chilli-tomato sauce). Seafood is ubiquitous along both coasts, and the Gili Islands have a thriving international dining scene alongside traditional warungs.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define West Nusa Tenggara.
Ayam Taliwang
Grilled spiced chicken — Lombok's most famous dish, intensely flavoured with chilli and local spice paste
Where to try: Restoran Taliwang Irama, Mataram
Price: $3–5
Pelecing Kangkung
Blanched water spinach tossed in a fiery chilli-tomato-shrimp paste — the essential side dish of Lombok
Where to try: Any Sasak warung
Price: $1–2
Sate Rembiga
Sweet, spiced minced beef satay skewers unique to the Mataram suburb of Rembiga
Where to try: Sate Rembiga Bu Sinnaseh, Mataram
Price: $2–3
Beberuk Terong
Raw eggplant salad with coconut, chilli, and lime — a distinctive Sasak side dish unlike anything elsewhere
Where to try: Traditional warungs across Lombok
Price: $1
Sepat
Raw fish 'cooked' in sour fruit juice and herbs — Sumbawa's version of ceviche with unique local flavours
Where to try: Rumah Makan Sumbawa, Sumbawa Besar
Price: $2
Nasi Balap Puyung
Rice topped with spiced shredded chicken, fried soya beans, and sambal — a Lombok breakfast staple
Where to try: Local markets and warungs across Lombok
Price: $1.50
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Ashtari Restaurant
Perched on a dramatic clifftop above Kuta Bay with panoramic ocean views, Ashtari is one of Lombok's most scenic restaurants serving fresh local and international dishes alongside excellent cocktails. The infinity pool and swing overlooking the sea make it as much a destination as a dining experience.
Known for: Clifftop views and fresh seafood
Jl. Mawun, Kuta, Central Lombok
Warung Sasak
A beloved no-frills warung in Mataram serving the most authentic Sasak dishes in the provincial capital, including the iconic ayam taliwang (grilled spiced chicken) and pelecing kangkung (water spinach in chilli sauce). Local families and government workers pack the humble dining room at lunch.
Known for: Authentic Sasak home cooking
Jl. Pejanggik No.56, Mataram
El Bazar Restaurant & Bar
One of Senggigi's most popular restaurants, El Bazar combines a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired menu with a lively outdoor terrace and sunset views over the Lombok Strait. Known for its extensive tapas selection, wood-fired pizzas, and well-stocked cocktail bar.
Known for: Mediterranean tapas and sunset cocktails
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, West Lombok
Sate Rembiga Bu Sinnaseh
The most famous sate rembiga stall in Mataram, run by Bu Sinnaseh whose family recipe of spiced, sweet grilled beef skewers has attracted a loyal following for decades. The tiny warung is standing-room only at peak times and the sate is considered among the best in West Nusa Tenggara.
Known for: Famous Mataram-style sweet beef satay
Jl. Rembiga, Mataram
Warung Menega
Renowned across Gili Trawangan as the most authentic and affordable Sasak seafood warung on the island, Warung Menega grills fresh fish, squid, and prawn to order over coconut husks and serves them with pelecing sauce and steamed rice. The beachside tables and local atmosphere are unbeatable.
Known for: Fresh grilled seafood on the beach
Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
Casa Vintage Beach Restaurant
One of Gili Trawangan's most sophisticated dining experiences, Casa Vintage combines a romantic beachfront setting with a creative fusion menu that draws on French culinary techniques and Indonesian ingredients. The wine list is the best on the island and the desserts are exceptional.
Known for: Romantic fine dining with beach views
East Beach, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
Warung Bule
A Kuta Lombok institution popular with local surfers and expats, Warung Bule serves hearty Indonesian staples, fresh juices, and excellent banana pancakes at unbeatable prices in an open-air bamboo dining room. The chilled vibe and reliable WiFi make it a favourite for digital nomads.
Known for: Budget Indonesian food and fresh juices
Jl. Pariwisata, Kuta, Central Lombok
Lombok Italian Restaurant
A reliable Italian restaurant in Senggigi run by an Italian chef using imported cheeses and locally sourced seafood for handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The cosy garden setting and cheerful service make it a favourite for travellers craving a taste of home.
Known for: Handmade pasta and authentic Italian pizza
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, West Lombok
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Sasak
Beberuk Terong Bu Darmi
A humble but legendary warung in Mataram specialising in beberuk terong, the Sasak raw eggplant salad dressed in spiced coconut, chilli, and lime that is one of Lombok's most distinctive dishes. Simple, inexpensive, and utterly authentic — this is real local eating.
Known for: Traditional Sasak raw eggplant salad
Pasar Kebon Roek, Ampenan, Mataram
Warung Dokar
Named after the traditional horse-drawn carriages of Lombok, Warung Dokar in Mataram serves an extensive menu of authentic Sasak dishes at very low prices. Try the soto Sasak (spiced local soup), lontong (rice cakes), and the refreshing es timun (cucumber drink).
Known for: Sasak breakfast and traditional soups
Jl. Langko, Mataram
Restoran Taliwang Irama
The most famous restaurant in Mataram for ayam taliwang, the signature Lombok dish of grilled chicken marinated in a complex paste of chillies, shrimp paste, and local spices. The establishment has fed Indonesian presidents and celebrities, and the recipe has barely changed since opening in 1970.
Known for: The original ayam taliwang recipe since 1970
Jl. Ade Irma Suryani No.4, Mataram
Warung Tepi Sawah
Perched on the edge of terraced rice fields in Tetebatu, Warung Tepi Sawah (warung by the rice fields) offers fresh Sasak cooking with an unbeatable green valley backdrop. The homemade tofu and tempeh dishes and fresh rice picked from surrounding paddies are exceptional.
Known for: Fresh Sasak food with rice paddy views
Tetebatu, Sikur, East Lombok
Warung Lombok Pelangi
A cheerful family-run warung in Senggigi serving traditional Sasak lunch specials including sate buntel (minced meat skewers), beberuk, and several types of sambal. The portions are generous and the family matriarch personally adjusts spice levels on request.
Known for: Family Sasak lunch plates
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, West Lombok
Warung Dani
A simple family warung on the main road in Sembalun serving hot rice meals, fresh vegetable stir-fries, and hearty noodle soups to trekkers preparing for or recovering from the Rinjani climb. The portions are enormous and prices extremely low.
Known for: Hearty trekker meals at base camp prices
Sembalun Lawang, East Lombok
Indonesian
The Beach Club at Jeeva Klui
The beachfront restaurant of the boutique Jeeva Klui Resort, set on a secluded black-sand cove north of Senggigi, serves exceptional farm-to-table cuisine using herbs and vegetables grown on site alongside locally caught seafood. The combination of outstanding food and remote tropical setting makes it special for a splurge dinner.
Known for: Farm-to-table fine dining on secluded beach
Klui Beach, Mangsit, North Senggigi
Olivia's Restaurant
The restaurant of the Katamaran Resort in Senggigi, Olivia's offers an extensive menu of Indonesian and international dishes in a sophisticated beachfront setting with live cultural music performances most evenings. The rijsttafel (rice table) feast of Sasak dishes is particularly recommended.
Known for: Sasak rijsttafel and live cultural performances
Katamaran Resort, Jl. Raya Senggigi, West Lombok
Surfer's Warung
A tiny but much-loved warung steps from Lakey Beach in Hu'u, Sumbawa, Surfer's Warung feeds the local surf community with enormous plates of nasi goreng, mie goreng, and fresh coconut at prices that make it the cheapest meal in the region.
Known for: Cheap hearty meals for surf-weary travellers
Lakey Beach, Hu'u, Dompu, Sumbawa
Karma Kayak Restaurant
Attached to the popular dive and kayak centre of the same name on Gili Air, Karma Kayak serves fresh Indonesian and Western food to a lively mix of divers, kayakers, and island wanderers. The grilled fish caught by local fishermen is the daily highlight.
Known for: Fresh daily catch grilled to order
Gili Air, North Lombok
Ziva Restaurant & Bar
A well-regarded restaurant at the Kuta Indah Hotel in Kuta Lombok, Ziva serves a wide menu of Indonesian rice and noodle dishes alongside pasta, burgers, and fresh salads. The beachside bale dining area is one of Kuta's most pleasant spots for a sunset dinner.
Known for: Beachside dining in Kuta Lombok
Kuta Indah Hotel, Kuta, Central Lombok
Café
Sweet & Spicy Café
The most popular breakfast spot in Kuta Lombok, Sweet & Spicy serves fresh smoothie bowls, avocado toast, banana pancakes, and Indonesian breakfasts in an airy bamboo-decorated café. The fruit shakes using local Lombok pineapple are a must.
Known for: Superfood breakfasts and fresh fruit shakes
Jl. Pariwisata, Kuta, Central Lombok
Lombok Surf Camp Café
The casual café of Lombok Surf Camp in Kuta, open to the public, serving protein-packed surfer breakfasts, açaí bowls, wraps, and cold-pressed juices. The friendly staff provide free surf report updates and the atmosphere is energetic and welcoming.
Known for: Surfer fuel breakfasts and health bowls
Kuta Beach Road, Kuta, Central Lombok
Cafe Gili
A well-designed café-restaurant on Gili Trawangan's main strip offering excellent espresso, pancakes, Western breakfasts, and reliable WiFi in a comfortable air-conditioned interior. Barista-quality coffee on the Gili Islands is rare — this is the best option.
Known for: Best espresso on the Gili Islands
Main Road, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
Sembalun Strawberry Farm Café
A delightful farm café in the Sembalun Valley where you can pick your own strawberries directly from the fields before enjoying fresh strawberry juice, smoothies, and simple Indonesian breakfasts in the cool mountain air with Rinjani views.
Known for: Pick-your-own strawberries with mountain views
Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok
International
Cocotinos Sekotong Restaurant
The restaurant of the boutique Cocotinos resort on the remote Sekotong Peninsula, serving fresh Indonesian and Western dishes with uninterrupted views over the small offshore Gili islands. The seafood BBQ on Friday nights is particularly popular with guests and day visitors alike.
Known for: Seafood BBQ with island views
Sekotong, West Lombok
Barakuda Dive Centre & Bar
The social hub of Gili Meno island, Barakuda combines a PADI dive centre with a relaxed beachside bar-restaurant. Cold beers, decent burgers, and enthusiastic talk of the day's dives characterise the laid-back atmosphere on the quietest of the three Gili Islands.
Known for: Dive stories and cold beers on Gili Meno
Gili Meno, North Lombok
Cocco Beach Bar
A lively beachfront bar-restaurant on Gili Trawangan's north coast offering wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and cold Bintang with a view of Rinjani's volcanic peak rising above Lombok. The pizza is some of the best on the Gili Islands.
Known for: Best pizza on Gili Trawangan with Rinjani views
North Beach, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
The Sunset House
A charming hillside restaurant between Kuta and Mawun with a wide wooden deck overlooking the ocean, serving good Indonesian and Western food alongside creative cocktails. The late-afternoon sunset views from the terrace are among the most spectacular on the south coast.
Known for: Hillside terrace with panoramic south coast sunset views
Jl. Pantai Mawun, Central Lombok
Seafood
Scallywags Ocean Club
Gili Trawangan's most upscale beach club serves excellent grilled seafood, fresh salads, and cocktails with prime sunset views from its beachfront tables and sunbeds. The daily special catches and cold Bintang on ice are hard to beat after a day of snorkeling.
Known for: Fresh grilled seafood with sunset views
West Beach, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
Sandy Beach Bar & Restaurant
Gili Meno's most atmospheric beachfront restaurant, set directly on the island's quiet western beach with stunning sunset views across to Gili Trawangan. The menu focuses on fresh grilled seafood, salads, and cold drinks at unhurried island pace.
Known for: Beachside seafood and tropical cocktails
West Beach, Gili Meno, North Lombok
Sea Breeze Café
A breezy open-air restaurant on Gili Air's east beach serving reliable international food with excellent sea views and a particularly good selection of fresh fruit smoothies. The long breakfasts and sunset dinners with fish and vegetable curries attract a loyal returning clientele.
Known for: East beach views with fresh smoothies and curries
East Beach, Gili Air, North Lombok
Restoran Nelayan
Mataram's most celebrated fresh seafood restaurant, where the daily catch is displayed on ice at the entrance and priced by weight before grilling. The grilled squid and whole barramundi with local sambal are exceptional, and the outdoor waterfront setting is pleasant in the evening.
Known for: Fresh daily catch priced by weight
Jl. Banda Maluku, Ampenan, Mataram
Indonesian Street Food
Mie Goreng Abu Bakar
A beloved Mataram street food stall that has been serving hand-rolled noodles fried in a traditional wok over a charcoal flame since the 1980s. The mie goreng here is widely regarded as the best in the city — order it with extra eggs and sambal for the full experience.
Known for: Charcoal-fried mie goreng
Jl. Sriwijaya Night Market, Mataram
Lombok Night Market (Pasar Seni)
The Mataram Arts Market transforms at night into a sprawling street food bazaar where dozens of stalls serve every variety of Indonesian and Sasak street food, from sate to martabak, es campur to fresh grilled corn. The atmosphere is lively and prices are extremely low.
Known for: Wide variety of Indonesian street food
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Mataram
Balinese
Nuri's Warung
A popular Senggigi warung known for its generous portions of Balinese-influenced Indonesian food — babi guling-style pork belly (one of the few pork options in predominantly Muslim Lombok), fresh grilled fish, and an excellent homemade sambal collection.
Known for: Balinese-style Indonesian food in Senggigi
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, West Lombok
Barbecue
Bar & Grill Gili Air
A sociable open-air barbecue restaurant on Gili Air's beach road serving marinated grilled meats, fresh seafood, and cold Bintang to a mix of travellers and long-term residents. The weekly grill night on Saturdays becomes a small island party.
Known for: Island BBQ and cold beers
Gili Air, North Lombok
Irish
Tir Na Nog Irish Pub & Restaurant
Senggigi's most established expat and tourist bar, Tir Na Nog serves reliably good pub grub — fish and chips, burgers, and curries — alongside cold draught beer and live sports. The two-for-one happy hour from 5–7 PM makes it a popular sunset gathering spot.
Known for: Pub food, live sports, and draught beer
Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, West Lombok
Javanese
Depot Segar Lombok
A popular local lunch restaurant in Mataram offering a vast self-service display of Indonesian dishes including Javanese gudeg, various opor and curry preparations, and dozens of side dishes. Pay by the plate — excellent value and constantly fresh throughout the day.
Known for: Self-service Indonesian buffet at local prices
Jl. Pejanggik, Cakranegara, Mataram
Mexican
The Lemon Bar
A colourful and casual bar-restaurant on Gili Trawangan's beach strip serving Mexican-inspired tacos and burritos alongside innovative cocktails and mocktails. The friendly atmosphere, regular live music, and creative frozen cocktails have made it a Gili T institution.
Known for: Mexican food and frozen cocktails on the beach
Beach Road, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok
Organic
Gili Eco Villas Restaurant
A charming eco-restaurant on Gili Air serving organic salads, fresh smoothies, and Indonesian staples made with local ingredients. The leafy garden setting, hammocks, and commitment to sustainability attract health-conscious travellers and digital nomads.
Known for: Organic and healthy island food
Gili Air, North Lombok
Sumbawan
Rumah Makan Sumbawa
The best place in Sumbawa Besar to try traditional Sumbawan cuisine, including the unique sepat (raw fish cured in sour fruits and herbs), daging sapi salai (smoked beef), and various local rice and cassava dishes. The humble dining room fills with locals for lunch every day.
Known for: Authentic Sumbawan home cooking
Jl. Diponegoro, Sumbawa Besar, Sumbawa
Food tours & tastings in West Nusa Tenggara
Eat your way through West Nusa Tenggara with a guide.
Browse food experiences in West Nusa TenggaraWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Martabak
Thick savoury pancake filled with egg, minced meat, and spring onion, or sweet with chocolate and cheese
Find it at: Night markets and street stalls, Mataram
Es Campur
Shaved ice dessert with mixed fruits, jellies, coconut milk, and syrup — perfect in the tropical heat
Find it at: Markets and warungs throughout the province
Sate Pusut
Minced fish and coconut meat packed around a lemongrass skewer and grilled — uniquely Sasak
Find it at: Sade Village and Kuta markets
Jagung Bakar
Whole corn grilled over charcoal and brushed with sweet-spicy margarine and chilli sauce
Find it at: Evening beach stalls, Senggigi and Kuta
Bakso
Indonesian meatball soup served with noodles and crispy wontons — the nation's favourite street food
Find it at: Every town and village in the province
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Pasar Cakranegara
Mataram's main traditional market selling fresh produce, Sasak spice pastes, and local snacks
Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pasar Seni Senggigi Night Market
Evening craft and food market along the Senggigi strip with street food stalls from 5 PM
Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Pasar Kebon Roek
Ampenan's sprawling wet market — the most atmospheric traditional market near Mataram
Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Pasar Sumbawa Besar
The main market of Sumbawa's capital with fresh fish, local vegetables, and Sumbawan spices
Hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lombok's cuisine is genuinely very spicy by default — tell warung staff 'tidak pedas' (not spicy) or 'pedas sedikit' (a little spicy) if needed
Friday noon prayers mean many local restaurants in Mataram and Sumbawa close briefly — plan lunch accordingly
The Gili Islands have no motorised transport — restaurants deliver via bicycle carts at night
Always try the daily fish special at coastal restaurants — catches are usually bought directly from fishermen that morning
- Vegetarian
- Manageable in Mataram and the Gili Islands; most Sasak warungs can prepare tofu and tempeh versions of popular dishes on request
- Halal
- Almost universal throughout the province — West Nusa Tenggara is predominantly Muslim; pork is only available at some tourist restaurants and Chinese establishments
- Gluten free
- Rice-based cuisine means many dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce contains gluten — specify 'tanpa kecap' if needed
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $2–5 per meal | Local warungs, street food stalls, and market food |
| Mid-range | $8–20 per meal | Tourist restaurants and beach cafés |
| Upscale | $30–60+ per meal | Resort restaurants, fine dining, and lobster at beach clubs |