A good variety of restaurants are situated on or close to the lakeside road; much of the fun of a stay in Maninjau is trying them out.

Alam Maninjau Restaurant Just off the road at the start of the track up to the Alam Guest House, this open-sided bale has magazines to read and a good range of meals: around Rp7500 for chicken, sirloin and teriyaki; baked potatoes with cauliflower cheese cost Rp3000.

Maransy Beach This is the place for a special meal or a sunset beer. The restaurant is set on stilts over the lake and offers an excellent range of cocktails (Rp3000 upwards), beer and white wine, plus classy appetizers, goulash and beef escalope.

Srikandi Caf? At the southern end of Maninjau village. A slightly grander dining experience than many, with a varied menu including soups (pumpkin, curried apple, Thai tom yam), stir-fries, sate, fish, steak, pizzas and burgers (Rp5500-9000).

Three Tables Coffee Shop (Gondang Ria). Just across the road from the louder, more assertive Bodo's south of the main junction, this is a tiny place with a good balcony, serving inexpensive Padang food plus the usual travellers' fare.