Baccalá

Baccalá is an Italian restaurant on Jalan Mutiara, a short walk up from the harbour road, that builds its menu around the fish landed in Labuan Bajo. The kitchen describes its food as a meeting of Italy and Asia: expect barracuda carpaccio, grilled octopus, linguine with prawns and courgette, seafood and lobster pastas and whole grilled fish, alongside Italian staples such as bruschetta and parmigiana di melanzane.

The dining room is bright and relaxed, with patterned tiles, wooden tables and an open bar, and it suits a long dinner after a day on the water as well as a lighter lunch. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, fresh juices and wine and cocktails, and the staff are often singled out in reviews for their warmth.

It is one of the most popular restaurants in town, so book a table for dinner in the busy months from June to September, by phone or WhatsApp. Prices sit at the upper end of the Labuan Bajo range but below the resort restaurants.