Scallywags Beach Club

Scallywags is widely considered the best restaurant on Gili Trawangan, and the accolade is well deserved. This beachfront seafood grill takes the concept of "choose your catch" dining to an art form: an ice-laden display of the day's fresh catch — snapper, tuna, barramundi, prawns, squid, lobster — lets you pick exactly what you want, choose your cooking style (grilled, pan-fried, baked), and select from a range of sauces. Everything is cooked over coconut husks for a distinctive smoky flavor. The sides are thoughtful rather than afterthoughts: roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potato, Asian slaws. The setting is gorgeous — tables in the sand with tiki torches, the gentle lapping of waves, and a stunning sunset backdrop. The cocktail menu is creative and well-executed. Prices reflect the quality: expect to pay IDR 120,000-250,000 for a main seafood course, more for lobster. Wine is available but pricey. The attached resort also has comfortable rooms. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, especially during peak season. The staff are trained to a standard you would expect in Seminyak or Singapore. Scallywags also has a location on Gili Air. A genuine special-occasion dining experience in an island setting.