Gili Trawangan is small enough to explore almost entirely on foot or by bike, which makes finding your favourite food spots part of the fun. Between healthy beach cafés, good coffee, sunset drinks and a surprisingly memorable Jamaican restaurant, we found plenty of places worth returning to. These are our favourite places to eat and drink around the island.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Gili Trawangan
The Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree is an easy daytime favourite if you are looking for fresh, vegetable-focused food. The menu has plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, with breakfast, lunch, juices and sweet things all covered. We especially liked being able to sit right by the beach — exactly the kind of uncomplicated place that works well on a small island like Gili Trawangan.
Casa Vintage Beach
Casa Vintage Beach was one of our favourite dinner discoveries on the island. The restaurant brings Caribbean and Jamaican influences to Gili Trawangan, which immediately made it stand out from the many more predictable tourist menus. The food is freshly prepared and the atmosphere feels warm and personal. Definitely somewhere to take your time rather than rush through dinner.
Coffee & Thyme
Coffee & Thyme combines good coffee with an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, making it one of those addresses that is useful at almost any point in the day. We particularly remember the generously topped smoothie bowls, but it was the relaxed island atmosphere that kept us coming back. A very easy choice for a slow breakfast before heading to the beach.
Hello Capitano
Hello Capitano is located right by the water and makes a particularly nice start to the day. Coffee, breakfast and fresh sweets are served in a relaxed beachside setting where there is very little reason to hurry. We originally came for coffee and a smoothie bowl and loved how naturally it fitted into the easy rhythm of mornings on Gili Trawangan.
Kayu Cafe
Kayu Cafe offers a broad mix of comfort food, lighter dishes, coffee and homemade baking. We liked that it worked equally well when we wanted something fresh or when the only sensible answer was cake and a cinnamon roll. Its location close to the harbour also makes it an easy stop when arriving, leaving or simply exploring this side of the island.
PinkCoco
PinkCoco is our pick for sunset drinks rather than a full restaurant experience. The beachfront setting on the quieter western side of the island is made for the end of the day: find a place to sit, order something cold and watch the sun disappear across the water. Sometimes a recommendation really can be that simple.
Trawangan Night Market
For something completely different, head to the Trawangan Night Market near the harbour in the evening. Stalls fill the area with Indonesian and Sasak dishes, grilled food and plenty of local favourites, all eaten in a busy communal setting. It is less polished than the cafés around the island, but that contrast is exactly why we think it belongs on the list.
