Must-see restaurants in Bali

  • Mama San

    Seminyak

    One of Seminyak's most popular restaurants, this stylish warehouse-sized space is split into levels, with photographs hanging from exposed brick walls…

  • Warung Mak Beng

    Sanur

    You don't need a menu at this local favourite: all you can order is its legendary barbecued fish (ikan laut goreng), which comes with various sides and…

  • Cafe Pomegranate

    Ubud

    High style amid the rice fields. This curving teak, bamboo and thatch pavilion is a favourite of Ubud's expats for a drink. Lassies, smoothies, coffee…

  • Warung Ment Tempeh

    West Bali

    An extended family runs several neighbouring iterations of this cafe, which serves a local dish Gilimanuk is known for: betutu chicken, a spicy form of…

  • Wooyoo

    Kuta & Legian

    In a hot tropical place, what is better than ice cream? The soft-serve treats here come from a well-known Korean brand renowned for its rich, creamy…

  • Mango Tree Cafe

    Bukit Peninsula

    This two-level cafe has a long menu of healthy options. Sandwiches and the tasty burgers have amazing buns. The salads, soups, breakfast burritos and more…

  • Pesona

    Ubud

    Superb Indian fare (the pappadums crackle!) is served by attentive staff in this airy upstairs restaurant. But the real appeal is the long cocktail list…

  • Locavore

    Ubud

    Foodies book months in advance to sample the tasting menus at this temple to modern gastronomy. Flavours are fresh, bold and often unorthodox;…

  • Fat Gajah

    Seminyak

    Fat Gajah is all about dumplings and noodles, prepared with mostly organic ingredients. They come fried or steamed with innovative fillings such as beef…

  • Fat Chow

    Kuta & Legian

    A stylish, modern take on the traditional open-fronted cafe, Fat Chow serves Asian-accented fare at long picnic tables, small tables and lounges. The food…

  • Cozy Resto

    Singaraja

    One of the more established cafes at Pantai Penimbangan, Cozy has a long menu of Balinese, Indonesian and seafood dishes. Celebrating locals fill the open…

  • Bali Eco Deli

    Nusa Lembongan

    This irresistible cafe has great green cred and is noted for giving back to the community. But what it gives customers is also good: fresh and creative…

  • Betelnut Cafe

    Canggu

    There's a hippy-chic vibe at this thatched cafe with a mellow open-air dining room upstairs. The menu leans towards healthy, including juices and lots of…

  • La Lucciola

    Seminyak

    A sleek beachside restaurant with good views across a lovely lawn and sand to the surf from its 2nd-floor tables. The bar is popular with sunset-watchers,…

  • Warung Sobat

    Kerobokan

    Set in a bungalow-style large open-sided brick space, this old-fashioned restaurant excels at fresh Balinese seafood with an Italian accent (lots of…

  • Jimbaran Bay Seafood

    Bukit Peninsula

    The menu assures patrons that seeing the prices means 'Don't be worry!' Part of the rather staid northern group, JBS is especially welcoming with a huge…

  • Byrdhouse Beach Club

    Sanur

    With sun lounges, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and table tennis on-site, you could happily spend an entire day here by the beach. Check the club's…

  • Nasi Bali Men Weti

    Sanur

    This simple stall prepares excellent nasi campur, the classic Balinese lunch plate of mixed dishes. Everything is very fresh and prepared while you wait…

  • Warung Bu Mi

    Canggu

    Classic Balinese warung-style food. Choose your style of rice (we like the local fave: nutty red) and then go down the line picking from various dishes…

  • Sari Bundo

    Sanur

    This spotless Padang-style shopfront is one of several at the south end of Sanur. Choose from an array of fresh and very spicy food. The curry chicken is…

  • Gusto Gelato & Coffee

    Kerobokan

    Bali's best gelato is made fresh throughout the day, with unique flavours such as rich Oreo, surprising and delicious tamarind and kamangi (lemon basil)…

  • Warung Heboh

    Bukit Peninsula

    Near the turn-off to the main road for Bingin, this Padang Padang–style (a buffet of spicy dishes) cafe serves fresh, tasty and affordable fare throughout…

  • Warung Ramayana

    Bukit Peninsula

    Fishing boats dot the beach in front of this long-running favourite. The seafood marinates from the early morning and grills smoke all evening. The menu…

  • Sarong

    Kerobokan

    Sarong is an elegant affair. The cuisine spans Asia, and its small plates are popular with those wishing to pace an evening and enjoy the commodious bar…

  • Merta Sari

    East Bali

    Popular traditional eatery in the village of Pesinggahan, two kilometres southeast of Kusamba. The set menu comprises juicy fish satay, fragrant fish soup…

  • Pondok Baruna Warung

    Nusa Lembongan

    The dining part of the Baruna empire boasts some of the best food on the island. Look for excellent Balinese dishes as well as a range of fine curries…

  • Seyu

    Lovina

    This authentic Japanese place has a skilled sushi chef and a solid list of fresh nigiri and sashimi choices. The dining room is suitably spare and…

  • Sama-Sama Cafe

    East Bali

    Junkungs (outrigger canoes used for fishing) lined up on the sand provide a picturesque backdrop when enjoying a casual meal or drink at this beachside…

  • Saleko

    Kuta & Legian

    If you haven't tried Masakan Padang food yet, you haven't eaten proper Indonesian. Saleko is a great place to sample this simple, delicious and cheap…

  • Clear

    Ubud

    Known for its theatrical decor and crowd-pleasing menu, Clear is one of Ubud's most popular eateries. The relentlessly healthy dishes feature local…

  • Nusantara

    Ubud

    Can't score a table at acclaimed Locovore? You might have more luck here at the same team's stylish Indonesian restaurant. Nusantara means 'archipelago',…

  • Om Burger

    Bukit Peninsula

    'Superfood burgers' – that's the come-on at this joint with nice 2nd-floor views. The burgers are indeed super and supersized. The shaka burger (with…

  • Crazy Kangaroo

    Candidasa

    Wild by local standards, this open-air and pavilion pub is full of characters shooting pool or propping at the long bar to watch sports. The open kitchen…

  • Swasti Beloved Cafe

    Ubud

    This cafe attached to Swasti Eco Cottages is reason enough to take a stroll through the Monkey Forest. Indonesian and Western dishes prepared from the…

  • Porch

    Sanur

    Housed in a traditional wooden building, this cafe offers a tasty mix of comfort food like burgers and freshly baked goods such as ciabatta. Snuggle up to…

  • Plantation Grill

    Kuta & Legian

    The gaudy sign outside leaves no doubt that this posh hotel restaurant springs from the empire of Australian chef Robert Marchetti. Inside you'll find a…

  • Tékor Bali

    West Bali

    Down a small lane 100m back from the beach, this inviting restaurant with a grassy lawn feels a bit like you've come to a mate's backyard for a barbecue…

  • Sandy Bay Beach Club

    Nusa Lembongan

    Pushing the distressed bleached-wood look for all it's worth, this appealing beach club occupies a fine position on a sweet pocket of sand most call…

  • Warung Lesehan Sari Baruna

    East Bali

    Follow the crowds of Balinese to this open-air pavilion near Pura Goa Lawah. There's only one meal option: a paket pesinggahan (set meal) comprising spicy…

  • Sari Kembar

    Kerobokan

    One of Bali's best places for babi guling (spit-roast pig stuffed with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger) is back off this busy street about 1.5km east…

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