From casual cafes to fine dining, and from Balinese cuisine to international specialties, there are so many fantastic options for all budgets. Knowing where to eat and drink in Bali will definitely help you to get the most out of your trip.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bali
Are you ready to experience the gastronomic paradise that is Bali? Escape from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life in this idyllic tropical island – perfect for chilling out with a cool drink at one of its many hip beach bars. So come along with us as we explore some of the best places to eat and drink in unique Balinese style!
Here are the best restaurants in Bali, serving everything from traditional Indonesian street food to fresh seafood delicacies and vegetarian dishes.
Jimbaran Restaurants
Cuca
The peaceful coastal town of Jimbaran is home to one of the best restaurants in Bali, Cuca. Billing itself as a casual sharing experience, it serves up an eclectic menu including this Cocoa 99, a mix of warm organic chocolate, mint ice cream and cocoa croutons.
Chef Kevin Cherkas honed his skills at the famous El Bulli, La Broche in Madrid and Arzak in San Sebastian amongst others. He studies all the ingredients to find out how they were traditionally used and then prepares them, applying Western techniques. Make time to enjoy a drink before or after dinner in their peaceful garden lounge.
Tapis
There’s also a great Indonesian restaurant Tapis, which is located next to Cuca in the Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Villas and Spa. Tucked away in a traditional Balinese compound and next to a pool, you’ll find excellent service and a focus on market-fresh ingredients, particularly seafood and spices.
Why not try the Rijstaffel feast for two, a sampler menu showcasing a range of Indonesian cooking styles and specialties.
Seminyak Restaurants
Ginger Moon
With a whole host of dining establishments, Seminyak is the place to go for trendy beach bars, cool cafés and great Bali food. For a relaxed ambiance, Ginger Moon is located on the main shopping street, also knicknamed “Eat Street”.
There’s a huge choice of eateries here. Ginger Moon is a good choice if you’re looking for very reasonably priced Modern Asian cooking.
For dessert, we can highly recommend the trio of creme brulees.
SOUQ
Continuing the casual theme, SOUQ is a funky boutique and café, located close to Eat Street, that is great for a healthy pitstop at lunchtime. Who knows, you might even pick up a bargain whilst you are there!
La Favela
One of the most visually appealing places on Eat Street is La Favela bar and restaurant, with its intricate decor and signature cocktails. The outdoor terrace is ideal to escape the hustle and bustle outside.
The Bistrot
The last of my Eat Street picks is The Bistrot, a French shabby chic style venue over two floors. We loved the comfy armchairs, vintage theme and cobbled floor. They serve very tasty comfort food including these ribs, plus a range of healthy salads.
Mama San
Mama San has been a fixture on the Seminyak dining scene for several years. The brainchild of Will Meyrick, it aims to be more than just a restaurant and has a clubby vibe.
It complements renowned sister restaurant Sarong with its 1920s style, spread over two floors. There’s a bar and cooking school as well as valet parking.
Potato Head
If you’re looking for somewhere to party, drink and eat on your Bali trip, then Potato Head is the ideal spot. With a prime location right on the beach, you can choose to relax in their swimming pool or stay cool under a shady umbrella.
The buiding itself is stunning and was designed by well-known architect Andra Matin to be a modern take on the Coliseum. It’s definitely one of the best bars in Seminyak.
There are two restaurants, one offers Western style dishes and the other is Lilin, serving Indonesian specialties. We opted for the latter and washed down our meal with a coconut mocktail served in the shell.
Ku De Ta
Equally popular at night time, Ku De Ta is an iconic beachfront venue that has been popular for Bali drinks since first opening in 2000. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset whilst sipping an Indonesian beer and enjoying the DJ set.
Mozaic
Our final beach front venue is renowned for the quality of its cuisine – Mozaic is the place to come for fine dining with a spectacular sea view, and its sister restaurant in Ubud is equally popular.
Merah Putih
The name Merah Putih means red and white, and it’s the colours of the Indonesian flag. This spectacular restaurant serves up fine Indonesian cuisine and was the ideal place for our wedding anniversary dinner.
They’re particularly renowned for their fresh seafood served with herbs and spices.
Sardine
One of the most romantic restaurants in Petitenget near Seminyak is Sardine, where you’ll dine overlooking a working rice field. The restaurant is housed in an imposing bamboo structure and the menu changes daily to include the very freshest seafood and vegetables.
Ubud Restaurants
Locavore to Go
Ubud is one of the best places to visit in Bali, being the spiritual heart of the island. If you’re looking for a quick bite before or after a visit to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, then Locavore to Go is a brilliant option.
The little sister of Locavore, the hot newcomer on the Ubud dining scene, rustles up unpretentious food in a rustic setting. Feast on pulled pork sandwiches with homemade coleslaw or the wide range of vegetarian options.
Plantation Restaurant
For fine dining in the gorgeous hills surrounding Ubud, Alila’s Plantation Restaurant makes an excellent choice. On certain evenings, they arrange Balinese dancing by local children whilst you dine.
Executive Chef Eelke Plasmeijer believes that thoughtful travellers are prepared to be adventurous and the menu offers locally sourced delicacies such as mackerel, beef, king prawns and rabbit.
Three Monkeys Ubud
Finally, Three Monkeys Ubud is just right for a sundowner. Overlooking a rice field and a few minutes walk from the Monkey Sanctuary, this café really comes alive in the evenings when the lanterns are twinkling.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bali
Bali is a foodie paradise, with delicious options available around every corner. From traditional Indonesian fare to fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone in Bali.
And of course, no trip to Bali would be complete without indulging in the local tropical fruits. Be sure to try all of the different Balinese dishes during your next visit!
