The Best Food on Gili Air
Gili Air is absolutely beautiful. However - good food was sparse, and after too many failed attempts of ordering food hoping it would be amazing, and instead, being terrible - Danielle and I took it upon ourselves to discover the most wonderful food on thee island possible.
01 // Mowies
There aren't a lot of restaurants on Gili Air - and the general consensus is to avoid the beach restaurants unless you are stopping by to chill, drink, and watch the sunset. However, just outside of Captain Coconuts Hostel is a gem - Mowie's. Here you will find amazing tuna burgers, wonderful chicken burgers with black charcoaled buns, and delectable fries. To find Mowie's - look for either the sign, or if you're coming from the beach - hoards of comfy maroon bean bags. Tonight is my last night in Gili Air, and we will be eating here while watching the sunset, and then hopping over to a beach theater which will be playing LaLaLand.
02 // Classico
Nom nom nom. Classico is an absolutely delightful Aussie owned Italian restaurant. I had lasagna and one of the best fresh juice drinks I've had in a long time which had orange, mint, ginger, and a bunch of other random ingredients. The personal pizza's are filling and quite nice - unlike any other pizza on this island really. Danielle, Amy, and I had a craving for pizza the day before, and unfortunately Classico's is closed for lunch so we searched in the scorching heat to find somewhat desirable pizza, and unfortunately, we had no luck. We did eat pizza - though it didn't satisfy our craving. Sometimes I eat an entire pizza and am so full, but wish so badly I had room for more - Classico's did this to me!!
03 // Indonesian Restaurant
This restaurant is less a restaurant and more a family home. It doesn't even have a name! We found it through a recommendation from a friend and I don't think one would ever know about it otherwise. I had nasi goreng both times I ate there, but really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The restaurant is ran by the most adorable husband and wife team who are so kind and such wonderful cooks!
To find: Walk down the main stretch of road off of the harbor, all the way to the very end where the only way you can turn is right. This restaurant is located kiddy corner to this turn on the left.
04 // Captain Coconuts
Stay here for the best hostel or villa's on Gili Air. If you can't stay - eat here for breakfast or lunch! Great coffee, amazing banana pancakes, guacamole on toast, vegan lasagna, vegan cheesecake...so good.
05 // Dolce Mare
Real Italian food!! It is ran by a wonderful Italian lady, and you can taste her passion in the food! First off - they give you a biiiiggg basket of delicious bread. Amazing fish tartare. I had the gnocchi and it was fresh and wonderful! Especially after eating so much fruit and veggies in Bali, it was nice to fatten up a little bit and binge on gluten ;)
06 // Perla Nera
On my last night on Gili Air, we all decided to try the last restaurant on Daniel and Mines list of "must go" restaurants on Gili Air.
Perla Nera is owned by the same owners of Classico, the Italian restaurant. After such a good experience there, we were excited to give it a try. After hanging out at Mowie's to watch the sunset, we found ourselves as a group of 9 sitting outside at this beautiful restaurant. Laughing and having a great time while biting into delicious burgers (they even have vegan burgers for those that aren't a fan of meat). It felt very much like the "American Dream" here in this moment.
Afterwards, I tried the Chocolate Burger (pictured right), which I must try to re-create back at home. While if I was forced to rank my list of favorites, Perla Nera would be last due to the slow service and burgers that were good - but not amazing, it was a wonderful place to enjoy my last evening on Gili Air!
07 // Bintang.
One word. Bintang. Everywhere. All day everyday, at least in Daniels opinion.