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.
Indonesian
Ashtari Restaurant
Warung Bule
The Beach Club at Jeeva Klui
Olivia's Restaurant
Surfer's Warung
Karma Kayak Restaurant
Ziva Restaurant & Bar
Sasak
Warung Sasak
Beberuk Terong Bu Darmi
Warung Dokar
Restoran Taliwang Irama
Warung Tepi Sawah
Warung Lombok Pelangi
Warung Dani
Seafood
Warung Menega
Scallywags Ocean Club
Sandy Beach Bar & Restaurant
Sea Breeze Café
Restoran Nelayan
Café
Sweet & Spicy Café
Lombok Surf Camp Café
Cafe Gili
Sembalun Strawberry Farm Café
International
Cocotinos Sekotong Restaurant
Barakuda Dive Centre & Bar
Cocco Beach Bar
The Sunset House
Indonesian Street Food
Mie Goreng Abu Bakar
Lombok Night Market (Pasar Seni)
Balinese
Nuri's Warung
Barbecue
Bar & Grill Gili Air
Fusion
Casa Vintage Beach Restaurant
Irish
Tir Na Nog Irish Pub & Restaurant
Italian
Lombok Italian Restaurant
Javanese
Depot Segar Lombok
Mediterranean
El Bazar Restaurant & Bar
Mexican
The Lemon Bar
Organic
Gili Eco Villas Restaurant
Sasak Street Food
Sate Rembiga Bu Sinnaseh
Sumbawan
Rumah Makan Sumbawa
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 |