I hadn’t been to Nusa Lembongan since 2009 and was expecting it to be as changed as Uluwatu from then to now. I was pleasantly surprised when I found old Bali vibes on this little island. Not only is it a great place for exploring beaches and surf breaks, it has a really vibrant food scene from down-to-earth warungs to posh beach clubs. Refuelling at the Nusa Lembongan best restaurants is a treat. Here are seven of our favourite places to eat in Nusa Lembongan (and neighbouring Nusa Ceningan), offering some of the best food and dining experiences this island paradise has to offer.
If you are wondering how to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan we have a complete guide for you to check out.
Nusa Lembongan’s Best Restaurants: 2-Second Guide
Best for lunch: Dapur Kecil
Best for a nice dinner (no kids): Curry Traders
Best for dinner (kids ok): Little Prima Warung or the Sampan
Best coffee: Delight Bakery & Coffee
1. Dapur Kecil
Dapur Kecil is our go-to lunch spot on Nusa Lembongan for a healthy, hearty meal. Iate here basically everyday. This cozy, eco-conscious café specialises in nasi campur (mixed rice plates) served buffet-style, allowing you to build your own plate from a spread of freshly cooked Indonesian dishes. It’s zero-waste and caters to all diets – vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, and even kids will find plenty to love. The cuisine has an authentic local flavour with a hint of Chinese influence in some recipes, and everything is prepared with love by the friendly owners. Don’t miss their flavourful turmeric rice, corn fritters, or even the special beef rendang if you visit on a Sunday. With its affordable prices and wholesome menu, Dapur Kecil delivers some of the best food in Nusa Lembongan for travellers seeking a local culinary experience.
2. Curry Traders
For an upscale dinner and a break from beachy warungs, Curry Traders Restaurant & Bar is often cited as the best restaurant on Nusa Lembongan. The moment you step in, you’ll notice the tasteful decor and cozy vintage ambiance – perfect for a special evening out (we even left the kids at home for this treat!). True to its name, Curry Traders offers a diverse menu of Indian and Asian curry dishes and more. In fact, many say it serves possibly the best curry in Indonesia, with standout favourites like the butter chicken and tandoori prawns earning rave reviews. The quality of ingredients and depth of flavour here justify the slightly higher prices, making it a must-visit for curry lovers. Service is attentive and the cocktails are top-notch, rounding out a delightful dining experience. Pro tip: It’s popular and can get busy, so consider making a reservation for dinner and get a babysitter so you can enjoy spicy food and cocktails in peace.
3. Little Prema Warung
If you’re after an authentic local seafood feast, Little Prema Warung is the place to go. This family-run roadside warung might not look fancy, but it serves up an excellent seafood BBQ experience that’s hard to beat. Each evening, they display the day’s fresh catch (fish, squid, prawns, etc.) on ice out front. You simply pick what you want and they grill it to order over coconut husk coals. Valle had to have the lobster, which was epic. We also had parrot fish, which was unique and everyone loved. It doesn’t get any fresher or more flavourful than eating fish caught that very morning, grilled in front of you over an open flame. Little Prema Warung’s no-frills setup means you’ll be dining under the stars at a plastic table, but that’s part of the charm. The BBQ fish and prawns come with tasty Indonesian sides and spicy sambal on the side – an island-style dinner that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. It’s a popular spot (often bustling with hungry locals and tourists by nightfall), so come a bit early to snag a seat. For seafood lovers, this warung offers some of the best places to eat in Nusa Lembongan when it comes to fresh local catch straight from ocean to plate. (Note: Only open for dinner; cash only.)
4. Delight Bakery & Coffee
This little hole in the wall bakery was right down the street from our villa. Delight Bakery & Coffee (nicknamed “Oh Happy Day”) is an island favourite for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Run by expats, this bakery has earned an “Aussie-approved” reputation for its barista-made coffee and fresh-baked goodies. In fact, one travel guide called it “the best bakery on the island, perfect for breakfast with a delicious coffee.” Here you’ll find flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and other pastries coming out of the oven each morning – a heavenly aroma for homesick travellers! Pair a pastry with a flat white or cappuccino and you might momentarily forget you’re on a tiny tropical island. They also offer light café meals like avocado toast, sandwiches, and smoothie bowls if you want something more substantial. The bright, cheerful atmosphere and friendly staff make it a pleasant spot to start your day. Delight Bakery is proof that even on Nusa Lembongan, you can get your coffee and pastry fix – and yes, it’s legitimately good. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back every morning; it’s easily one of the best places to eat in Nusa Lembongan for breakfast lovers.
5. Le Pirate Beach Club (Nusa Ceningan)
Okay, this one is technically on Nusa Ceningan – the smaller island connected to Lembongan by the yellow bridge – but it’s such a great spot that we have to include it. Le Pirate Beach Club is a famous beachfront hangout known for its Instagrammable turquoise huts and laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect lunch or happy hour stop on your way back from exploring Ceningan. We had the best nasi goreng and burger of our entire trip here, which speaks to the quality of both their Indonesian and Western menu offerings. Le Pirate’s open-air restaurant serves a mix of local favourites (yes, classic nasi goreng with satay skewers) and international comfort food like burgers, tacos, and even ceviche. Enjoy your meal with a tropical cocktail in hand – they make a mean mojito and other beachy drinks – while overlooking the stunning channel between the islands. The venue features an infinity pool and beanbags, inviting you to relax for a while and soak up the view. Around sunset, Le Pirate becomes magical, with live music or chill tunes and front-row seats to a gorgeous horizon. Whether you’re staying in one of their cute “beach box” bungalows or just dropping by for lunch, Le Pirate delivers a top restaurant experience in the Nusa islands – fun atmosphere, great food, and an unbeatable setting.
Family tip; when we were there they allowed the kids to have lunch and swim, but we were told, normally it is adults only!
6. Mahana Point (Nusa Ceningan)
For dining with a side of adrenaline and scenery, head over to Mahana Point on Nusa Ceningan. Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking a famous surf break, Mahana Point is a casual warung and bar that offers classic Indo fare with absolutely epic views. The menu is simple – think mie goreng, nasi goreng, satay, and cold Bintangs – but everything tastes twice as good when you’re enjoying it above crashing waves. This spot is legendary for its cliff-jumping platforms (5 m and 10 m high), so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can literally take a plunge between bites of your fried rice! Even if you don’t jump, it’s great fun watching others leap into the blue water below. Surfers also love this spot, as you can watch them ride the left-hand break just offshore.
Mahana Point is especially popular at sunset: grab a seat facing west and witness a spectacular Bali sunset with Mount Agung visible in the distance. The vibe is friendly and laid-back; you might find yourself chatting with fellow travellers over a beer. While the food is basic, the experience is 100% Nusa Ceningan – a must-visit for the view and atmosphere alone. It’s an easy scooter ride from Nusa Lembongan, making it one of the best places to eat when you want dinner with a view and a bit of adventure.
7. The Sampan
The Sampan is a bit of an institution on Nusa Lembongan, a large restaurant, bar, and coffee shop that has been serving up good times since 2016. Located on the main street in Jungut Batu, The Sampan offers a little bit of everything in one place, making it a perfect choice for families and groups. By day, you can come for breakfast and coffee (they have a boutique patisserie on site baking croissants and cakes). By night, it transforms into a lively dinner spot with live music and a full bar. There’s a multi-level layout including a stage for bands, a pool table deck, an upper stargazing terrace, and even a small playground for kids to romp around. The night we went the power was out through the whole town! But not to worry, The Sampan had a generator so we could feed our hungry children and drink cold Bintangs!
The menu is extensive, you’ll find Western favourites (pizzas, burgers, pastas) as well as a full Indonesian menu and plenty of fresh seafood. In particular, their grill does excellent fish and prawns; one travel guide praised The Sampan as an “ideal place for dinner” where the fresh fish is superb Portions are generous and the prices reasonable for the quality and portion size. Parents can relax with a cocktail or local beer, enjoying the live band’s tunes, while the kids stay entertained – truly a win-win. With its friendly service, fun atmosphere, and diverse menu, The Sampan delivers a consistent crowd-pleasing experience. It’s no surprise this place remains one of the top restaurants in Nusa Lembongan, drawing both tourists and loyal repeat visitors year after year.
Nusa Lembongan Best Restaurants
These are just a few of the best restaurants Nusa Lembongan has to offer. From authentic warung cooking to trendy beach clubs, Lembongan’s food scene has something for every palate. Exploring the island’s eateries is part of the fun – you might discover a hidden gem or two along the way. But rest assured, you can’t go wrong with any of the favourites on this list. Selamat makan – happy eating! Enjoy the best food in Nusa Lembongan and savour every bite on your tropical getaway.