It’s been far too long since we last shared our guide to restaurants and bars in Kuta. In that time, a lot has changed — new places have opened, the scene has evolved, and the rhythm of Lombok keeps moving.
This is our updated, very personal playbook: a mix of new discoveries and familiar favourites. Some of the spots remain on this list because they’re still very present, still doing things with heart, and still deeply important to the Lombok food and drink scene. Others are newer additions that have quietly earned their place. All of them are places we genuinely return to — and happily recommend.
So.Nak
You can’t really start a day in Kuta without a good coffee — and for us, that means So.Nak. Tucked away on the quieter backstreets, slightly off the beaten track, it’s peaceful, unpretentious, and consistently excellent.
The name Sonak itself is a playful nod to enak — the Indonesian word for tasty — and it very much lives up to it. Run by an Indonesian coffee-obsessed owner and a genuinely lovely team, this place is all about doing the basics really well.
The espresso is solid, but if you’re here, you’ve got to try their filter coffee — it’s where they really shine. Add a slice of their burnt cheesecake, which somehow manages to be rich and light at the same time, and you’ve got a near-perfect morning setup.
A true gem of a place — calm, considered, and quietly one of the most important coffee spots in Kuta.
Photo: @so.nak.lombok
Jelajah Coffee
You’ve probably heard that Indonesia is a kingdom of coffee, so it’s no surprise that another place on our list is just as coffee-obsessed — and proudly Indonesian-run. Jejala is one of those small, cozy cafés that instantly feels familiar, in the best way.
They work with fantastic beans, brewed with care, and it shows in every cup. The space itself is intimate and welcoming, with a great team who make you feel genuinely looked after rather than rushed. Add a simple but well-executed breakfast menu, and it becomes an easy place to settle into your morning.
Unpretentious, warm, and quietly consistent — Jejala is one of those spots that proves Lombok’s coffee scene runs deep.
Photo: @jelajahcoffeeroasters
Guru
Right in the middle of the buzz of Kuta, Guru somehow still feels airy and open — high ceilings, lots of light, and big communal tables that make it feel instantly social. Over the past few months it’s become the happening spot, so if you’re crowd-averse, go before 9 a.m. Otherwise, lean into it — the energy is vibrant and contagious.
Come hungry. The Santiago Bernabéu toast is a standout – the Spanish tortilla de patatas is, hands down, the best in town — perfectly moist inside, just how it should be. Add good coffee, friendly chaos, and a constant hum of conversation, and you’ve got a place that feels very alive.
Photo: @guru.lombok
Milk
Milk has been part of the Kuta scene for as long as we’ve been here — one of those places that’s quietly anchored the town through all its changes. It used to sit right in the middle of the main street action; these days it’s moved to a calmer end of the same strip, which honestly suits it perfectly.
It’s a solid all-rounder in the best sense of the word. Great breakfast, really good coffee, and a varied lunch menu that works whether you’re hungry-hungry or just peckish. The space is spacious, air-conditioned, and comfortable — making it one of our go-to spots if you need to catch up on emails without feeling rushed.
Reliable, consistent, and still very relevant — Milk is an easy recommendation for breakfast, coffee, or lunch any day of the week.
Photo: @milk.lombok
Anchor Bed & Breakfast
Another quiet one — clearly a theme here. Island living does that to you.
Tucked away in the backstreets of Kuta, Anchor Bed & Breakfast is calm, relaxed, and a lovely place to ease into the day.
What we really like about Anchor is the build-your-own breakfast concept: you choose several items and put together your own perfect plate. The sourdough bread is excellent, and the menu offers a thoughtful mix of sweet and savoury options, all done simply and well.
It’s the kind of place you go when you want a wholesome, hearty breakfast without noise or rush — unpretentious, nourishing, and quietly satisfying. A great start to the day.
Photo: @anchor.bedbread
Mama Pizza
Mama Pizza was already in our previous guide— and for good reason. There simply isn’t a food scene in Kuta without it. This is, hands down, the best pizza in town: beautifully made on a sourdough base, topped with high-quality ingredients, and executed with care and precision.
Run by two Italians and made with a lot of love (and serious attention to detail), the place is packed almost every night — so either come early or book ahead.
Reliable, comforting, and consistently excellent, Mama Pizza is a safe bet for high-quality comfort food and a true cornerstone of Kuta’s dining scene.
La Cuna
Formerly known as The Mexican In Town, the restaurant rebranded but still very much holds the title of THE Mexican in town. Whenever the craving for Mexican flavours hits, this is where we go — no second guessing.
The menu delivers all the comfort you want: tacos, burritos, tostadas, and plenty more, served in a space that feels homey, relaxed, and welcoming. Add margaritas into the mix and a solid selection of vegan options, and it’s easy to see why La Cuna has remained a favourite over the years.
And if you need a recommendation: the jackfruit burrito is an absolute winner — satisfying, flavour-packed, and proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Jiang Nan
Another all-time favourite — and one that tends to surprise people. Jiang Nan is a quirky Chinese restaurant with the cutest interiors and a menu that’s clearly been put together with a lot of love and intention. This is not what usually comes to mind when you think of a Chinese restaurant in a surf town — and that’s exactly why we love it.
The food is made for sharing. We usually order half the menu, put everything in the middle, and slowly work our way through it. Homemade noodles, beautifully balanced dishes, and flavours that feel thoughtful rather than heavy. On Wednesdays, it’s dumplings night, which alone is reason enough to go.
Don’t leave without trying the spicy garlic prawn noodles, a selection of dumplings, the Hunan beef, and the shredded potatoes — honestly, there are so many good options it’s hard to choose. Add a passion fruit martini, and you’ve got yourself a near-perfect dinner.
Unexpected, generous, and full of soul — Jiang Nan is one of those places that stays with you long after the plates are cleared.
Thaia
On the other end of the main Kuta Road, you’ll find Thaia — a newer addition to Kuta’s food scene and already a strong contender. It’s a Thai restaurant with beautiful, pared-back interiors, subtly blending Thai sensibilities with Indonesian architectural elements.
The food is genuinely excellent — fresh, well-balanced, and full of flavour — and the team is fantastic and genuinely attentive, making the whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming. If you’re craving Thai cuisine, this is hands down the best place in town to go for it.
Photo: @thaia.lombok
Gaucho
Another newer addition to Kuta’s food scene is Gaucho, an Argentinian parilla restaurant — and the place to go when you’re craving meat. Great steaks, cooked over a proper Argentinian grill, which sits right at the centre of the space and sets the tone for the whole experience.
What we really appreciate about Gaucho is that it’s non-pretentious and simple, yet delivers seriously good food. The atmosphere feels special without trying too hard — good music, an easy vibe, and plates that speak for themselves. It’s where we go when we’re in the mood for a special dinner night that still feels relaxed.
Don’t miss the provoleta — that gloriously melted Argentinian cheese — best shared while you wait for your steak. Comforting, generous, and done right, Gaucho is a solid go-to for a proper grill night in Kuta.
Photo: @gaucholombok
Otaku Ramen
When it comes to ramen, Otaku Ramen keeps things simple — and does it really well. No overcomplication, just flavourful, comforting bowls that hit the spot every time.
They offer a pork option (a rarity around here), as well as a solid chicken ramen, making it a go-to when you’re craving something hearty and warming. Head upstairs and you’ll find a cute, cozy space that stays true to that classic ramen-restaurant vibe — intimate, unfussy, and perfect for a casual dinner.
If you’re in the mood for a proper bowl of ramen that does exactly what it promises, Otaku Ramen is an easy recommendation.
Pic: @ramenotakulombok
Latika
For Indian flavours, Latika is the place to go. Simple interiors with a subtle Indian vibe set the tone, letting the food do all the talking.
The dishes are rich, comforting, and full of depth, made with spices brought directly from India, which you can really taste. A small heads-up: spicy here means SPICY — so choose your heat level wisely. Luckily, they offer multiple levels of spiciness, so there’s something for everyone.
Unpretentious, soulful, and deeply satisfying — come hungry.
Pic: @latikalombok
La Cabrona
Another staple on Kuta’s food scene, La Cabrona is all about good, mean burgers — no bells, no whistles, no pretending to be anything else. Just proper buns, juicy meat, and burgers done right.
This is comfort food at its most honest. Simple menu, bold flavours, and zero fuss. When you’re craving something satisfying, filling, and reliably delicious, La Cabrona delivers every time.
Uncomplicated, indulgent, and straight to the point — exactly what a great burger spot should be.
Kawan Kopitiam
True Malay cuisine, done simply and incredibly well. Kawan Kopitiam is inexpensive, comforting, and full of flavour — the kind of place you keep coming back to without overthinking it.
The laksa is to die for — rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying — and the roti is dangerously good (you’ve been warned). Honest food, generous portions, and zero fuss.
If you’re craving something soulful and comforting that hits all the right notes, this one’s a must. Our favourite especially in the wet season on a rainy evening.
Pic: @kawankopitian
Codium
Codium is one of the most refined dining experiences around Kuta— a beachside restaurant a 30-min drive outside of town that blends elevated seafood cuisine with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Expect beautifully plated dishes that are intentionally small but incredibly flavour-forward — the kind of menu that invites you to order several plates to share and explore. The focus is on fresh seafood, thoughtful technique, and clean, vibrant flavours.
Set within a stunning beach club setting, Codium pairs its culinary experience with sweeping ocean views, elegant surroundings, and warm, attentive service. It’s perfect for a long, unhurried lunch by the sea that drifts into sunset — or an intimate dinner with the sound of the waves in the background.
Pic: @restaurant.codium
