Gili Trawangan

Cafe

Facing Bali's Gunung Agung (which sometimes appears through the haze) and some superb sunsets, Casa Vintage is the best place to enjoy a sundowner on Trawangan. A brochure-perfect beach is littered with cushions and loungers, trees shelter hammocks and trestles. The food is fresh and healthy, with juices, smoothies, wraps and other tasty fare.

Indonesian

The best traditional warung on Gili T is just a few steps back from the high-priced bustle of the main strip. The nasi campur is fantastic (coconut sambal, jackfruit curry, fried chicken and several vegetable sides is a common combination) while vegetarians will like the plecing kangkung (a spicy Sasak water spinach dish).

Asian

Distressed wood, gorgeous tiles and abundant foliage combine to give this eye-pleasing restaurant a chic and earthy vibe. The Asian-fusion dishes combine the familiar with the exotic in intriguing ways, and there are several options for vegetarians. Vietnamese noodles, the curries and the pad Thai are standouts.

Vegan

Enjoy classic Indonesian fare reinterpreted as exquisite vegan tapas at this back-lane haven. Gather a group of friends, sit together at one of the low-rise tables and order like there is no tomorrow as proceeds go to a variety of projects to improve local living conditions.

Cafe

Kayu has a lovely array of healthy baked goods, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls and the island's best juices. Savour it in air-con comfort or across the lane where the beachside tables have sweeping views of the boats zipping to and fro.

International

The bamboo flows only a little less fluidly than the beer at this high-concept beachside lounge and restaurant. During the day, spending 100,000Rp on food and drink from the burger- and salad-filled menu gets you access to comfy beach loungers. At night the striking bamboo main pavilion comes alive, and more complex steak and seafood mains are on offer.

Pizza

The wood-fired oven rarely gets a break at this excellent Italian joint, just inland. At busy times there's a long line for takeaway pizzas, but a better option is to find a bamboo table in the garden and have some cold ones with the fine thin-crust pies. A sign announces: 'no pizza pineapple'. Ahh, the sound of authenticity...

Italian

There comes that moment when another nasi goreng will just make you turn nasty. Don't delay, hop right on over to this expanded cafe that's not much bigger than one of its excellent espressos. Slices of authentic pizza and a whole range of pastries are joined by daily specials cooked by the Italian chef-owner.

International

Scallywags offers casual yet stylish beach decor, polished glassware, switched-on service and superb cocktails. The dinner menu features tasty seafood – fresh lobster, tuna steaks, snapper and swordfish – and a great salad bar. The seafood barbecue lures many.