Must-see restaurants in Bali

  • Trattoria Cucina Italia

    East Bali

    The Amed branch of a multinational chain, this pavilion restaurant at Ibus Beach is perched on a cliffside and offers its diners wonderful sea views to…

  • Warung Nikmat

    Kuta & Legian

    This long-running Javanese favourite is known for its array of authentic Indonesian dishes, including beef rendang (curry), perkedel (fritters), prawn…

  • Pondok Kuring

    Denpasar

    The foods of the Sundanese people of west Java are the speciality here. Highly spiced vegetables, meat and seafood draw flavours from an array of herbs…

  • Ultimo

    Seminyak

    This vast and always popular restaurant thrives in a part of Seminyak that's as thick as a good risotto with eateries. Choose a table overlooking the…

  • Balcony

    Kuta & Legian

    The Balcony has a breezy tropical design and sits above the din of Jl Benesari below. Get ready for the day with something from the long breakfast menu…

  • Elephant

    Ubud

    Globally influenced vegetarian dining and gorgeous views across the Sungai Cerik valley are on offer here. Dishes are well seasoned, interesting and…

  • Yellow Flower Cafe

    Ubud

    A New Age ambience reigns at this cute cafe in Penestanan, just up the stairs and along a greenery-edged path above Jl Raya Campuan. Organic mains include…

  • Massimo

    Sanur

    The interior is like an open-air Milan cafe; the outside is like a Balinese garden – it's a combo that goes together like spaghetti and meatballs. Pasta,…

  • Bebek Bengil

    Ubud

    This famous place is hugely popular for one reason: its crispy Balinese duck, which is marinated for 36 hours in spices, steamed and then fried. Those who…

  • Warung Murah

    Kuta & Legian

    Lunch goes swimmingly at this authentic warung specialising in seafood. An array of grilled fish awaits; if you prefer fowl over fin, the sate ayam (satay…

  • Kebun

    Ubud

    Paris meets Ubud at this charming bistro and it's a good match. Your choice from the substantial cocktail and wine lists can be paired with French- and…

  • Bali Cardamon

    Bukit Peninsula

    A cut above most of the other restaurants on the Jl Pratama strip, this ambitious spot has a creative kitchen that takes influences from across Asia. It…

  • Spice Beach Club

    Lovina

    Mirrored shades are de rigueur at this stylish hang-out on a nice patch of beach. There's a whiff of Cannes about the rows of beach loungers backed by a…

  • Jamie's Italian

    Kuta & Legian

    One of 40 worldwide, this outlet of Jamie Oliver's chain has the expected creative and seasonal menu. The dishes bust clichés and also, possibly, your…

  • Watercress

    Kerobokan

    A hit with the hipster set, this leafy roadside cafe does a roaring trade. As well as hearty breakfasts and gourmet burgers, it features healthy mains and…

  • Melting Wok

    Ubud

    Pan-Asian fare pleases the masses at this very popular open-air restaurant on the Goutama strip. Curries, noodle dishes, tempe and a lot more fill a menu…

  • Akar

    Lovina

    The many shades of green at this vegetarian cafe aren’t just for show. They reflect the earth-friendly ethics of the owners. Enjoy organic smoothies,…

  • Warung Little India

    Ubud

    Run by the delightful Siti, this spice-scented Indian restaurant is decked out in vintage Bollywood posters and diners are serenaded by a soundtrack of…

  • Nerni Warung

    Bukit Peninsula

    Down on the sand at the south end of the beach, this simple place has great views from its cafe. Nerni keeps a close watch on things; simple sleeping…

  • Wacko Burger

    Seminyak

    It's like you died and went to comfort-food heaven. The burgers here are beloved as are the onion rings, fries, shakes and more. There are all manner of…

  • Bali Balance Café & Bistro

    North Bali

    Excellent coffee, plus juices and tasty cakes, make this spotless cafe a good place for a pause any time. There's a short menu of sandwiches and salads,…

  • Gaya Gelato

    Ubud

    Ubud has been undergoing a gelato craze in recent years, which is to everyone's benefit. This branch of the international chain sells fresh flavours…

  • Loaf

    Candidasa

    DiMattina espresso coffee, home-made bread and a tempting all-day breakfast menu are three of the inducements at this contemporary-chic cafe on the main…

  • Pitri Minang

    Ubud

    In the heart of the unadorned neighbourhood of Peliatan, this open-fronted warung (food stall) serves up fresh and tasty Padang-style meals. Choose from…

  • Gourmet Cafe

    Kerobokan

    Like a gem store of treats, this upscale deli-cafe run by the Bali Catering Company serves an array of fanciful little delights. Many spend all day…

  • Earth Cafe & Market

    Seminyak

    The good vibes are organic at this vegetarian cafe and store. Choose from creative salads, sandwiches or wholegrain vegan and raw-food goodies. It's most…

  • Barbacoa

    Kerobokan

    Barbacoa is an impressive space with soaring timber ceilings, colourful mosaic-tiled floors and rice-field views (for now). The food is all about grilled…

  • Warung Babi Guling Sanur

    Sanur

    Unlike many of Bali's babi guling (spit-roast pig) places that buy their suckling pigs precooked from large suppliers, this small outlet does all its…

  • Bakery Lovina

    Lovina

    Enjoy Lovina's best cup of coffee amid groceries at this upmarket deli a short walk from the centre. The croissants and German breads are baked fresh…

  • Mai Malu

    West Bali

    Near the highway on the Medewi side road, guesthouse Mai Malu is a popular (and almost the only) hang-out. The modern, breezy upstairs cafe serves crowd…

  • Il Giardino

    Ubud

    Located in the grounds of the studio/residence of the late Dutch painter Han Snel, this romantic outdoor Italian restaurant has a beautiful setting…

  • Tukies Coconut Shop

    Ubud

    Crazy about coconut? If so, this is the joint for you. Home to Ubud's best coconut ice cream, which is served topped with shaved coconut and coconut…

  • Balé Udang

    Kuta & Legian

    Serving the food of Indonesia, this large restaurant is a metaphor for the islands themselves, with various thatched dining pavilions set amid ponds and…

  • Indotopia

    Canggu

    Otherwise known as 'Warung Vietnam', this place serves bowls of pho that are simply superb. Lots of rich beefy goodness contrasting with perfect noodles…

  • Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang

    Denpasar

    Open to the street, this spotless cafe serves up Javanese treats such as nasi uduk (sweetly scented coconut rice with fresh peanut sauce) and lalapan (a…

  • Warung Taman Bambu

    Seminyak

    This classic warung may look simple from the street but the comfy tables are – like the many fresh and spicy dishes on offer – a cut above the norm. There…

  • Bakso Supra Dinasty

    Denpasar

    One taste of the soup assembled to order out of the steaming vats at this small stall and you'll agree that the name (translated: Meatball Super Dynasty)…

  • Sushi Tei

    Kuta & Legian

    Let the beach breezes waft across your cheeks at this upscale sushi outlet with views of the surf. The menu is long on sushi and quality is high. Watch…

  • Bintang Supermarket

    Seminyak

    Always busy, this large supermarket is the grocery favourite among expats, who appreciate its good prices and broad range of food, including good fruit…

  • Ajeg Warung

    Kuta & Legian

    This simple stall with shady tables is right on Kuta Beach. It dishes up some of the freshest local fare you'll find, with views of the surf. Enter the…

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