Labuan Bajo Food: 8 hand-picked places

An Italian restaurant that brings an Asian touch to seafood. Standout dishes include barracuda carpaccio, grilled octopus, and linguine with shrimp. It’s a good spot for wine or cocktails, with a cozy, relaxed interior.

A restaurant serving local and international dishes featuring moringa leaves. Moringa rice and se’i pair fragrant rice with tender meat, while the bold, spicy aroma of sambal talalu whets the appetite. The wood-and-bamboo interior opens onto a green garden with sea views.

A seafood and Indonesian restaurant on a hill overlooking the harbor. The grilled fish and prawns have a lovely smoky char, complemented by local seasonings. A good spot for a meal around sunset with views of the sea and harbor.

A seaside seafood restaurant that also serves Western-style dishes made with local ingredients. The grilled Langko octopus is tender and buttery, while the seafood soup brings together fish, shrimp, and octopus in a tomato broth. The wood-decorated outdoor seating is a lovely spot for a meal at sunset.

Choose from live seafood at this restaurant, which also serves Chinese and Indonesian dishes. Its signature grilled fish is marinated in a savory, umami-rich seasoning.

A spacious Indonesian restaurant with striking Manggarai decor. Pair fragrant rice and tender grilled duck with sambal matah, then finish with durian cendol. Choose between air-conditioned indoor seating and a garden-like outdoor area.

An Italian restaurant led by a chef from Tuscany, making its pasta in-house. The crab ravioli is generously filled and rich in flavor; wood-fired pizza and Italian wine are also lovely choices.

A local restaurant serving pork dishes, with smoked Sei Babi as its signature. The tender, generous portions of pork come with a spicy, deeply flavorful sauce. Dine in an open-air setting with rustic wooden tables.