Bali may be synonymous with cheap and cheerful street food— but the Island of the Gods also has a sophisticated food scene that’s ripe for discovery. From breezy beachfront hotspots to hidden rainforest gems, here’s 16 of the best Bali restaurants to enjoy on your next gourmet getaway.
Table for two? Step this way, please…
SEASALT, ALILA SEMINYAK
As the name suggests, you’ll be savouring ocean views and sea breezes with your meal at Alila Seminyak’s signature restaurant Seasalt. Showcasing wild-caught and sustainably harvested seafood, the mouth-watering menu draws on Balinese, Japanese and Mediterranean flavours. The name nods to the stellar location but also to the restaurant’s seasoning of choice: organic Kusamba sea salt, harvested in East Bali using a centuries-old evaporation method. Swing by for their Sunday Seafood Brunch (don’t worry, there’s tender Wagyu and chicken yakitori for the carnivores) or book a romantic Twilight for Two seaside dining experience. A don’t-miss oceanfront dining spot in one of Bali’s most tempting holiday neighbourhoods.
THE TEMPAYAN AT TANAH GAJAH, UBUD
Nestled among the iconic rice paddies of Ubud, The Tempayan restaurant is part of another must-see Ubud destination, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana: a luxurious boutique retreat and former estate of Indonesian art collector Hendra Hadiprana. In the heart of the resort, The Tempayan takes design cues from wantilan: traditional pavilions that serve as a gathering place in the heart of a Bali village. This breezy open-sided setting offers a true slow-food menu (most ingredients are sourced from less than 100 metres from your table) and clear views to the candle-lit rice fields and verdant jungle beyond. Sustainable, seductive, and stunning.
Related Article: Discover the Real Ubud ~ What to Do & See
SUNDARA BAR RESTAURANT BEACH CLUB, JIMBARAN
In the seaside town of Jimbaran, not only is Sundara home to Bali’s longest beachfront pool (a cool 57 metres), the food is pretty impressive too. Part of the Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran but open to everyone, this sun-drenched destination puts an upscale spin on Jimbaran’s iconic beach barbeque. Chef de cuisine David Gavin (ex-Mozaic Ubud, see below) heads up a fabulous offering from grilled lobster tail and smoked Balinese pork martabak to the signature beach BBQ and a looong Sunday brunch billed as ‘5.5 hours of beachfront gazing and grazing’. Perfect.
HONEY & SMOKE, UBUD
A wood-fired bistro dressed as a deliciously moody 1920s train carriage – with culinary cues from Australia! It all comes together at Honey & Smoke, the latest venture from Will Meyrick (Mama San/Hujan Locale/Sarong). Opened in late 2022, after the chef’s gourmet stint in Australia, the restaurant looks lifted from the set of a Wes Anderson film (little wonder as Meyrick was inspired by these fabulous films when dreaming up the interiors with the Mirah Group). The menu may be flame-focused but don’t mistake this for a steak house. The food is inventive, varied and delicious with a fabulous wine and cocktail list to boot. A must for movie-lovers and gourmands alike.
SARDINE, PETITENGET
Located in Petitenget, just a stone’s throw from Seminyak, is Sardine – an open and airy bamboo restaurant which looks onto stretches of vivid green rice paddies dotted with local farmers. If you’re looking for the magic of traditional Bali, this is the place. The ever-evolving menu often lies in the hands of the Jimbaran fishermen and their catch; a daily trip to the fishing village and Sardine’s very own organic vegetable garden in mountainous Bedugul ensures the produce is of the highest quality. The Asian-European fusion menu will please even the fussiest foodies, and the establishment’s funky bar won’t disappoint those searching for a taste of the exotic; arak cocktails concocted from the local brew are a house specialty.
DA MARIA, SEMINYAK
A taste of Capri has landed on the south-west shores of Bali with bright and breezy Da Maria. Come early for the family-friendly Italian vibes or head in later for a more grown-up, yet equally relaxed, party mood. With Italian Chef Lorenzo De Petris behind the menu and Roman architects Lazzarini Pickering behind the chic blue-and-white decor, you know this is worth a look. Drop by for date night and work your way through their extensive menu of Italian favourites, washed down with a Mediterranean G+T or Sicilian Margarita. Saluti!
Visiting Seminyak? You’ll love our guide to the best places to eat, drink and shop in Bali’s Capital of Cool (Seminyak).
CUCA, JIMBARAN
Set in a serene coconut grove, Cuca is renowned for its casual meets fine-dining experience and innovative, flavourful, colourful cuisine. Michelin-trained Canadian chef Kevin Cherkas and his Spanish-born partner Virginia Entizne have created a gem here. Sit close to the action at the interactive teak ‘food bar’, catch your breath in the air-conditioned dining room, or head out to the laidback garden lounge. The tapas menu emphasises ‘inventive comfort food made for sharing’ with fresh local ingredients and dishes that looks as good as they taste. The cocktail list is a favourite (we’re particularly besotted with the ‘iced rose’ a mix of hibiscus, brandy, wild honey and lemongrass) and you absolutely must leave room for dessert!
DINING CORNER AT KAYUMANIS UBUD
An intimate dining space positioned high above a lush river valley, Dining Corner at Kayumanis Ubud is pure delight and perfect for couples. The menu of Thai, Indonesian and contemporary Western dishes draws on fresh local produce and spices, complemented by a refreshing drinks menu of alcoholic and ‘non’ options. The ambience is quintessential Ubud: magical and serene with tables positioned around a shimmering decorative pool on the open deck. Take in the views of the pristine, cocooning rainforest dotted with cinnamon trees while relaxing to the sounds of the gently flowing Ayung River below. Open for all-day dining with romantic just-for-two dining experiences available.
LA LUCCIOLA, PETITENGET
Need directions to La Lucciola? It’s on the beach, next to the 15th century Petitenget Temple. How could you miss it?! La Lucciola is a pioneer in Bali fine dining and still one of the best restaurants on the island. With a fab menu of modern Mediterranean-style fare, an open-air, thatched-roof pavilion that harnesses the cooling ocean breeze and one of the prettiest views out over Seminyak beach, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful weekend breakfast, lazy lunch or candlelit dinner.
MOZAIC, UBUD
Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomic Bali reopened its doors, re-designed and with new head chef Blake Thornley taking the helm alongside chef Chris Salans. Offering a true gustatory adventure at one of our favourite Ubud haunts, Mozaic. The restaurant offers two set menus, seasonal and botanical, available in 6 or 8 courses with options of wine pairing, cocktail pairing, or mocktail pairing. The magical garden setting is perfect for a dinner à deux, with a menu of French-Indonesian dishes (including plenty for vegetarians) that will have you returning time and again.
ROCK BAR BALI, ULUWATU
If you’re looking for one of those cinematic holiday moments where location reigns supreme, then you can’t go past Rock Bar. The Bali sunsets don’t get much better than right here, perched on the edge of a 14-metre cliff overlooking Jimbaran Bay, with a Rock Tonic or Lychee Martini in hand. The bar is run by Bali’s luxe AYANA Resort and Spa — but all are welcome to ride the cliffside inclinator up to enjoy the spectacular views. A Bali must-see.
MOTEL MEXICOLA, SEMINYAK
Follow the fun fiesta vibe to Motel Mexicola where colourful retro stylings, deliciously fresh tacos, and free-flowing tequila make for an intoxicating night out. Book a cosy corner or pull up a seat at the bar. Arriba!
MERAH PUTIH, PETITENGET
If you’re craving a taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine (in a luxe setting), head to this Petitenget favourite. Merah Putih encourages guests to dine as an Indonesian family would, with plates set in the middle of the table, family-style, encouraging you to sample a little of everything. The food is spectacular and the theatrical setting blends exotic timbers and greenery with soaring illuminated ceilings. Nab a teak pod on the mezzanine level for a memorable night out.
MAMA SAN, SEMINYAK
Bali update! Seminyak favourite Mama San (you know, the one with the fabulous mural) has just reopened following a game-changing extension. Stepping into the space next door has signalled a shift from street food to a more sophisticated Modern Asian cuisine and a linger-longer dining room feel (here’s hoping the slow-cooked beef rendang makes an appearance). The new space incorporates a seven-metre-long bar serving up classic Latin and Italian cocktails as well as an open grill section that channels chef Will Meyrick’s foray into food “blessed by the flame.”
Piasan Restaurant, Nusa Dua
Piasan Restaurant, situated in Kayumanis Nusa Dua, presents a fresh and distinctive approach to Italian cuisine in a stylish and modern environment. The restaurant’s ambience is warm and inviting, featuring a blend of glass and bamboo that celebrates the art of fine dining. Piasan’s menu highlights traditional Italian delicacies prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing a flavorful and authentic dining experience. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or searching for an unforgettable dining experience, Piasan is an excellent choice.
CASA LUNA COOKING SCHOOL, UBUD
Started by Australian Janet DeNeefe, who runs Ubud’s famed Casa Luna and Indus restaurants, the Casa Luna Cooking School is perfect for those looking for a deeper understanding of food’s role in Balinese culture. Often teamed with market tours, participants will learn to prepare dishes like spiced fish in banana leaves, roasted white eggplant, gado-gado and sago pudding, while sipping on a glass or two of local rice wine or homemade hibiscus tea. Hosted in the grounds of the Second Honeymoon Guesthouse (yep, you can stay over here too), this is a seriously affordable and insightful gourmet experience.