(Best restaurants Gili Air • Fine dining Gili Air • Where to eat Gili Air 2025)

Gili Air may be small in size, but its culinary scene is surprisingly diverse and increasingly refined. From beachfront sunset spots to organic cafés, traditional Indonesian warungs and fine dining on Gili Air, food is an essential part of the island lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, a diving holiday, island-hopping with friends, or living here long-term, discovering where to eat on Gili Air is part of the adventure.

This guide highlights the restaurants most loved by travelers, locals and returning guests — carefully selected for quality, atmosphere, unique concepts, and exceptional dining experiences. Instead of listing every venue, it focuses on the best restaurants on Gili Air, across different categories and budgets.

1.     Local Warungs & Authentic Indonesian Food

One of the best ways to truly experience the culture of Gili Air is by eating at local Indonesian warungs – small, family-run kitchens serving homemade dishes filled with tradition and regional flavor. These warm, humble restaurants are an essential part of island life. Flavours are bold, aromatic and comforting – often cooked with chilli, lime leaves, coconut, lemongrass and peanuts.

Eating at a warung supports local families and offers a genuine connection to Indonesian hospitality: warm smiles, homemade recipes, and generous portions at affordable prices. If you want to experience the real taste of Indonesia, don’t miss at least one meal at a traditional warung during your stay.

What to Eat at Local Warungs on Gili Air

Here are some classic dishes you’ll find across the island:

Insider Tip: Warung Sunny

A long-time favourite among both locals and travellers, Warung Sunny is known for its friendly atmosphere, delicious home-cooked meals and generous portions.

Warung Sunny is also well-known for offering Indonesian cooking classes, where guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes from scratch, explore local ingredients, and understand the role of spices in Indonesian cuisine.

Insider Tip: Oranges

Oranges is a well-loved local warung on Gili Air serving simple, delicious Indonesian comfort food with the warm, personal hospitality that makes warung dining so special. Known especially for its freshly caught fish, often brought in by local fishermen the evening before, it’s a favourite for travellers who value authentic island flavours prepared with genuine care.

Meals here are hearty, full of character, and cooked using traditional home-style methods — the kind of comforting food that feels both satisfying and meaningful. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and affordable prices, making Oranges a place where many return again and again during their stay.

2.     Fine dining on Gili Air

Although Gili Air is widely known for its beachfront cafés, smoothie bowls and casual island dining, the island also offers a growing fine-dining scene for travellers looking for something more refined, intimate and culinary-driven. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic dinner, or simply seeking exceptional food prepared with creativity and precision, Gili Air now has several standout options that go beyond the typical beach experience.

Insider Tip: KAI – the spice table

Mediterranean & Indonesian Fusion | Unique Architectural Ambience

Best fine dining restaurant on Gili Air • Romantic dinner Gili Air • Fusion food Gili Air

Located in a peaceful part of the island surrounded by nature, KAI – The Spice Table is a standout choice for travellers searching for the best fine dining on Gili Air or an elevated culinary experience that goes beyond casual beach bars. While many restaurants on Gili Air rely on ocean views for ambiance, KAI focuses on the dining experience itself – elevating Indonesian spices and Mediterranean techniques into beautifully crafted dishes served in a calm architectural setting.

Why KAI-The Spice table is a Must-Try Restaurant on Gili Air

KAI isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a sensory journey. The menu is built around the ancient Spice Route, using local spices and ingredients as the foundation for each dish. Expect thoughtful balance, layers of flavour and presentation that feels artistic without being pretentious. The kitchen draws influence from Mediterranean cuisine and blends them harmoniously with Indonesian staples.

Guests often describe KAI as:

• “The best dinner experience on Gili Air”
• “Real fine dining on Gili Air — unforgettable”
• “A hidden gem restaurant with peaceful atmosphere and amazing food”

This is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a romantic dinner on Gili Air, a celebration meal or a sophisticated restaurant that stands apart from beachfront crowds.

Who KAI is perfect for

• Couples on honeymoon or romantic getaway
• Travelers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or proposals
• Food lovers who appreciate culinary creativity and storytelling
• Guests staying in Gili Air villas seeking a refined dining night out
• Anyone searching for unique restaurants on Gili Air that offer more than ocean views

Practical details

• Reservation recommended
• Located off the beach, away from noise and busy sunset areas
• Easily accessible by bicycle from anywhere on the island

For those who appreciate calm atmosphere, flavour craft and experience-based dining, KAI – The Spice Table is the best fine-dining restaurant on Gili Air and an absolute must-visit.

Insider Tip: YANAI

Japanese-inspired Fine Dining | Sushi & Asian Fusion

Yanai is another exceptional choice for fine dining on Gili Air, specialising in high-quality sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine. With beautifully presented plates, fresh ingredients and a minimalist elegant atmosphere, Yanai is perfect for those who appreciate refined Asian flavours and precision-crafted dishes. It’s an excellent option for date night or travellers craving a premium sushi experience in a relaxed, intimate space.

Why go

• Sushi and Asian fusion prepared with expertise and attention to detail
• Calm and elegant atmosphere ideal for evening dining
• A premium alternative to beachfront restaurants

Best for: sushi lovers, Asian fusion fans, elegant dinners, couples

3.     Beachfront & sunset views

One of the classic island experiences on Gili Air is starting the evening with a relaxed sunset drink or early on the beach. It’s something everyone should try at least once –  sitting with your feet in the sand, watching the sky turn pink and gold, and soaking in the slow island rhythm.

While beachfront restaurants offer a simple, casual atmosphere, they’re a wonderful way to begin your night before heading to a more refined dining experience or celebrating a special occasion elsewhere. Many travellers enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach first, then continue their evening at a fine-dining restaurant for a more intimate, culinary-focused dinner.

Insider tip: Island View

Beachfront fish BBQ • relaxed sunset atmosphere • fresh seafood

Island View is known for its beachside seating and fresh fish BBQ, often sourced locally and grilled to order. It’s a perfect place to unwind at sunset with a drink and some light food while watching the ocean and listening to the soft evening sounds.

Insider tip: Lumbung beach bar

Live music • welcoming atmosphere • oceanfront seating

Lumbung offers a cozy beachfront setting with live music nights and a warm community feel — ideal for easing into the evening before transitioning to a quieter, more refined dining experience. Enjoy golden-hour drinks or a small bite while musicians play and the sky changes colours over the water.

4.     Vegetarian & Vegan

Vegan Gili Air • vegetarian food Gili Air • healthy restaurants Gili Air

Gili Air is a wonderful destination for vegan and vegetarian travellers, with many restaurants offering plant-focused menus, creative dishes and fresh island ingredients. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply enjoy healthy, nourishing meals, the island provides plenty of delicious options.

Insider tip: Pituq

Plant-based menu • wholesome, flavourful dishes • peaceful garden setting

Pituq has become one of the most recognised vegan and vegetarian restaurants on Gili Air, serving creative plant-forward food with big flavours and beautiful presentation. With a cozy garden atmosphere and nourishing menu, it’s an ideal place to unwind and enjoy food that feels both satisfying and conscious.

Insider tip: Juju

Healthy & vegetarian-friendly café • fresh bowls & colourful plates

Juju offers vibrant, fresh bowls, salads and creative vegetarian-friendly dishes packed with flavour and colour. It’s a great spot for a light lunch or early dinner, with a relaxed feel and menu options that suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Good to know

While Pituq and Juju specialise in plant-based dining, many other restaurants on Gili Air – including fine-dining venues such as KAI – The Spice Table — also offer vegan and vegetarian alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy a beautiful meal regardless of preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re plant-based full-time or just want to balance island indulgence with something nourishing, Gili Air has plenty of delicious choices waiting for you.

How to Choose Where to Eat on Gili Air