Lombok

Lombok's Italian food scene is small but punches above its weight. Most of the best Italian cooking on the island comes from Italians who settled here, drawn by the surf, the beaches and a slower pace of life than neighbouring Bali, and who now make pasta and pizza the way they did back home.

The two places to look are Kuta in the south and Senggigi on the west coast. Kuta has become the island's surf and backpacker hub, and its pizzerias are lively, good value and perfect after a day in the water, with sourdough pizza from brick ovens. Senggigi is quieter and more grown-up, with family-run trattorias making fresh pasta and beachfront restaurants where you can watch the sun set behind Bali's Mount Agung across the strait.

Prices are among the lowest in this guide, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Many places close earlier than in Bali, so check the opening hours on each listing, and use WhatsApp to book, especially at weekends in the dry season.