Nestled on the west side of East Nusa Tenggara Flores lies the once-sleepy seaside town of Labuan Bajo. Skipping to the last 5 years the Labuan Bajo trip has turned into a bustling gateway to Komodo National Park – the only place in the world to see the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat.
As many tours depart early in the morning, it’s common for travellers to arrive the day prior, and book into a hotel in Labuan Bajo, before commencing their adventure on a Komodo Islands boat tour.
Labuan Bajo Indonesia, the alluring gateway to Komodo National Park, is not only famed for its natural beauty but also for its burgeoning food scene. Here are 22 must-try Labuan Bajo restaurants and cafes that will tantalize your taste buds with their unique offerings, from fresh seafood to delectable desserts. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey full of surprising and delightful flavours.
1. Artomoro Restaurant and Grill
Image Credit: Tripadvisor/Artomoro Restaurant & Grill
For those seeking a cosy atmosphere with hearty meals, look no further than Artomoro Restaurant and Grill. This welcoming establishment serves Western and Indonesian favourites.
TRAVELIST TIP: They also have live music on certain nights so be sure to check out the Facebook or Instagram pages to find out the line up.
Kick back on their main indoor dining area or the outdoor terrace. Seafood is their speciality and their beachy wooden decor definitely speaks to the chilled vibes of the coast.
2. Mola’s Cafe
Image Credit: Tripadvisor/Molas Cafe
Escape to Molas Cafe for the ultimate oasis of relaxation with a vibrant social scene and laid back pool-side vibes in Labuan Bajo. Indulge in their delicious food, refreshing drinks, and uplifting music. Definitely be sure to take a dip in our inviting swimming pool, challenge friends to a game of billiards, or unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment.
TRAVELIST TIP: You can also look forward to engaging cultural events, including Manta talks hosted by the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Indonesian movie screenings, and traditional dance performances on certain nights so be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook to check out the schedule.
3. Pondok Mai Ceng’go Labuan Bajo
Image Credit: Pondok Mai Ceng’go Restaurant
Experience authentic Manggarai cuisine at Pondok Mai Ceng’go Labuan Bajo. This charming establishment specializes in traditional Indonesian dishes with a local flair. Specializing in seafood and grilled and fried chicken dishes you wont be short on delectable dishes to try.
Conviniently located close to the airport, this is a great place to try on arrival or just before you head home. sit back and bask in the rich cultural ambience while savouring a truly unique meal.
4. La Cucina
Image Credit: Bali.com/La Cucina
Experience the warm and inviting atmosphere of La Cucina, where simple elegance and authentic Italian cuisine meet. Dishes are prepared with the same love and care as your Italian nonna would, using time-honoured traditions and recipes. Their trattoria-style space features maritime-inspired decor in shades of blue and white, and is run by a Neapolitan chef and Italian owners for an authentically Italian experience.
Indulge in homemade pasta, crafted fresh each morning and served with classic Italian sauces. From the daily staples of tagliatelle and gnocchi to creative twists on traditional dishes, not forgetting beloved pizza, made with fresh, typical Italian ingredients and a whole lot of love. >> Full Menu here
TRAVELIST TIP: Feeling adventurous? Let their chef surprise you with their daily special ‘Dish of the day’, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted flavours.
Although prices may still appear to be expensive by local standards, ‘Western cuisine’ is generally pricer than local dishes at any restaurant in Indonesia.
5. Hong Signature Restaurant
Image Credit: Tripadvisor/Hong Signature Restaurant
Hong Signature Restaurant offers is the place to visit when you need comfort and seafood. Although seafood may be their speciality, diners have raved about their fried rice dishes too, quoting “some of the best they’ve had in the world’ Known for their exquisite fusion of Indonesian, Chinese, and Western flavours, we recommend indulging in their mouthwatering Black pepper Crab dish and definitely their fried rice options.
6. Happy Banana
Image Credit: Bali.com/Happy Banana
Happy Banana Labuan Bajo is at its heart a sushi restaurant, but also offers Japanese, Asian fusion and health foods.
With Japanese at its essence, their dishes are a delight for the eyes and taste buds. Offerings from breakfast to dinner include organic salads, open sandwiches, quinoa bowls, homemade noodles, superfoods and even homemade desserts.
TRAVELIST TIP: They also have a number healing and medicinal tonics created with traditional Indonesian healing properties such as: Chrolophyll, Jamu and Tumeric ginger – Certainly, something to try.
A vibrant food experience which also offers vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.
7. Copper Bonnet Bistro & Bar
Image Credit: Bali.com/Copper Bonnet Bistro and Bar
Looking for a dining experience that’s truly unforgettable? Look no further than Copper Bonnet Bistro and Bar! Their bold dishes draw inspiration from cultures around the world, resulting in a menu that’s bursting with flavour and creativity. And when it comes to cocktails, there’s no sticking to the status quo – their mixologists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible inside a glass.
But it’s not just about the food and drink at Copper Bonnet – the mood and decor are described as intimate and sultry paired with their speciality cocktails make for perfect memories.
A vibrant food experience which also offers vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.
8. Plataran Komodo Resort – Atlantis on the Rock & Atlantis Beach Club
Image Credit: Atlantis on the Rock at Plataran Komodo Resort
Plataran Labuan Bajo is a stunning resort on the Waecicu Beach and has two gorgeous dining offerings.
Atlantis on the Rock offers a breath-taking view whilst enjoying delectable cuisine. Enjoying an exceptional selection of local and international cuisine, alongside a varied menu of wines, cocktails, and other drinks Atlantis Labuan Bajo is a place to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the sunset.
Atlantis Beach Club, Labuan Bajo’s treasured sundowner spot makes a splash with its distinctive architecture – a sunken phinisi boat that has been refurbished into a restaurant and beach club.
Image Credit: Atlantis Beach Club at Plataran Komodo Resort
Both establishments make for a divine culinary experience and if you have the time, both are certainly worth checking out before you cruise Labuan Bajo for Komodo!
9. AYANA Komodo Waecicu Resort
Considered to be one of the best hotels in Labuan Bajo, If you’re looking for luxury, then look no further than the Ayana. Labuan Bajo restaurants like this are the envy of Instagram feeds and with multiple places to get incredible food and snaps like these. You’re bound to find something delicious.
Honzen Komodo
Image Credit: Tripadvisor/Honzen Ayana Komodo Resort
Honzen Komodo offers an elegant dining experience nestled within the Ayana Komodo Resort. Using the freshest ingredients, this restaurant serves up modern interpretations of Japanese dishes. Be sure to try their signature Tuna Tataki while soaking in the ambience of their contemporary indoor setting or the sweeping ocean views from their outdoor terrace. >> Full menu here
Kisik
Image Credit: Kisik/Ayana Komodo Resort
Kisik Labuan Bajo presents the alluring ambience of Bali’s Jimbaran’s famous beachfront barbecue scene. Satisfy your luxurious cravings for lobster, fish and artisan wood-fired pizza
Open for Dinner: 17:00 to 21:00
10. Taman Laut Handayani Seafood
Image Credit: Taman Laut Handayani Seafood
For seafood lovers, there’s nothing better than enjoying the fresh catch of the day at Taman Laut Handayani Seafood. Specializing in freshly caught fish, squid, prawns, and crab, this relaxed seafood restaurant offers BETOND STUNNING VIEWS of the bay.
