Juku Marlin

Juku Marlin is one of the island's established local seafood restaurants, with tables set out under the trees on the east-coast beach just north of the harbour. It has been grilling fish for expats and visitors for many years and remains one of the better-value places to eat on the sand.

The barbecue is the focus: tuna with sambal dabu-dabu, prawns, squid and the catch of the day, served with rice, vegetables or chips. There is also a broad menu of Indonesian and Western dishes, from kung pao chicken to wraps and pasta. Diners often mention the friendly service and the cocktail happy hour, when three cocktails cost around Rp100,000.

Juku Marlin opens daily from 08:00 to 22:00. The look is simple, but the shaded beach seating with views over to Lombok is excellent, and you can swim before or after your meal. Come in the late afternoon for happy hour and stay for dinner from the grill.