From authentic local food done right, to modern twists on traditional recipes at fancy fine dining establishments, these are best Indonesian restaurants in Bali. Selamat makan!
Fiery sambal, succulent babi guling, and rich homemade Sumatran rendang… We just can’t get enough of Indonesian food. Home to thousands of islands, Indonesia is a treasure trove of culinary gems and heritage recipes passed down through generations. And if (like us) you love immersing yourself in local culture through food, then you’ve come to the right place! Bali is a melting pot of cultures, so you can find almost every cuisine from across the archipelago right at the best Indonesian restaurants in Bali.
With access to abundant produce from local farmers, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Indonesian cooking. Not only that, top chefs across the island are striving to put Indonesia on the world map, by showcasing family recipes and traditional methods. And while we love our daily visits to local street food warungs (they are both delish and budget-friendly!), sometimes we deserve to splurge in the name of cultural exploration.
So, if fine Indonesian dining is what you’re looking to spend your rupiah on, head to the best Indonesian restaurants in Bali – from Ubud and Nusa Dua, to Seminyak, Canggu and beyond…
10 BEST INDONESIAN RESTAURANTS IN BALI
1. Kaum – Seminyak
One of the many boundary-pushing culinary ventures of the epic Potato Head empire, Kaum is all about exotic Indonesian dishes served up in a fine dining setting. Its beautiful interior is a scrumptious love letter to this incredible archipelago with elements from all over the country, so saddle up for a culinary journey you won’t forget any time soon at this chic Seminyak hotspot.
Kaum at Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, p. +62 361 300 7990; Open daily from 12pm.
2. Merah Putih – Seminyak
This iconic fine diner has stood the test of time, regularly topping the list of Bali’s best restaurants. And for many good reasons – from its stunning cathedral-like architecture to the kitchen’s high-end Indonesian cuisine served to six-star standards. Merah Putih showcases the true flavours of Indonesia with recipes that are handed down through generations. Try the famous Balinese slow-roasted pork belly served with sambal matah, or go all out with Merah Putih’s tasting menu featuring dishes which have been thoughtfully selected. And as your food arrives, you’ll see why Merah Putih has won multiple restaurant awards…
Merah Putih, Jl Petitenget No. 100x, Seminyak, p. +62 361 846 5950, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
3. The Warung – Uluwatu
Inspired by the traditional Indonesian food stalls known as “warung”, The Warung is a gastronomic take on Indonesian and Balinese food, set at the stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu. The Warung serves up the nation’s beloved staples with high-end ingredients, artful presentation and a powerful flavour punch with every bite. This is wholesome, authentic and undoubtedly delicious “local food” on a whole other level…
The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Pecatu, p. +62 811 385 5729; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
4. Hujan Locale – Ubud
Putting his unique spin on Asia’s street food, Hujan Locale is another culinary winner from Bali’s celeb chef, Will Meyrick. The man behind Billie Ho, Buzo, Mama San and Honey & Smoke is dishing up his vast array of Bali-inspired signatures within Hujan Locale’s double-storey dining space. With various curries and stir fries that bridge the cultural divide of Asian fine dining and casual home cooked food, the only problem is having to choose between them…
Hujan Locale, Jl Sri Wedari No. 5, Ubud, p. +62 813 5326 0275; Open daily 12pm – 10.30pm.
5. Restaurant Nusantara by Locavore – Ubud
Restaurant Nusantara is all about top-end Indonesian food from all over the archipelago – all thanks to the family that brought us the iconic Locavore NXT (Indonesia’s most award-winning fine dining restaurant to date!). It’s as authentic as it is delicious, and with dishes that represent the heart and soul of this massive country, you can be sure of a culinary journey like no other. To avoid disappointment, our hot tip is to book ahead because this legendary Indonesian restaurant in Ubud is a real hit!
Restaurant Nusantara by Locavore, Jl Dewi Sita No. 9C, Ubud, p. +62 361 972 973 / +62 877 47411 496, e. [email protected].
6. Cerita Manisan – Ubud
Hidden away behind Pison, one of Ubud’s best cafes, is its Indonesian sister, Cerita Manisan. Surrounded by rice fields, you can soak up the al fresco ambiance as you graze on authentic Indonesian dishes. Think Balinese meat salad (known as “lawar“) with grilled octopus that’s been spiced with the traditional basa gede paste, and Medanese broth with prawns and glass noodles… Yum!
Cerita Manisan, Jl Hanoman, Ubud, p. +62 813 3908 7098; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
7. Ayung Terrace – Ubud
Perched high above Sayan’s lush treetops is Ayung Terrace, a signature restaurant at Four Seasons in Ubud that’s a sight to be seen. Head Chef Suta combines contemporary techniques with age-old recipes to give us a one-of-a-kind Indonesian dining experience. Think grilled chicken breast swimming in creamy coconut and candlenut broth served with cassava mash and bean sprouts. Or tender beef striploin, seasoned with the creamiest, most succulent rendang we’ve ever tried. And with the legendary Four Seasons service, it’s a prestigious dining destination that’s not to be missed.
Ayung Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 977 577.
8. Ulekan – Canggu & Munduk
Following the success of its predecessors Milk & Madu and Watercress (brought to us by The Good Food Brotherhood), Ulekan is another hit that puts a fine dining spin on Indonesian home cooking. From traditional dishes and stylish interiors to delicious drinks and desserts, you won’t want to miss this foodie treasure. There’s even an entire sambal menu, and a regular roster of live music and Balinese dancing, too! Psst… the good news is, you’re never too faraway from Ulekan, as it is located both in south (Canggu) and North Bali (Munduk).
Ulekan Bali, Jl Tegal Sari – Jl Pantai Berawa No. 34, Berawa, Canggu (p. +62 821 4594 8624) & Jl Pura Puseh, Munduk (p. +62 859 5266 4126), e. [email protected]; Open daily.
9. Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali – Nusa Dua
From the legendary family who brought us Bumbu Bali restaurant and cooking school, Art Cafe is a Balinese restaurant in Nusa Dua that pays homage to the island’s rich culture. The interior itself is a representation of a Balinese home, complete with warm and genuine hospitality and decades-old knowledge of authentic Balinese food. The menu highlight has to be the traditional Rijsttafel feast, where plate upon plate is served up around a steaming bowl of rice, featuring a selection of different dishes to sample, swap and share family-style. And to finish, a selection of traditional desserts done to perfection.
Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali, Jl Pintas Siligita No. 101, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 771 256 / +62 361 772 344, e. [email protected]; Open daily 10am – 10pm.
10. Chandi – Seminyak
Haute Indonesian-inspired cuisine is the name of the game at Chandi, a stunning Balinese restaurant that’s committed to only using organically grown greens and spices from local farmers. Munch away on the highly recommended satays, featuring all kinds of produce – choose from beef, duck, scallop, prawn, fish, vegetables (the list goes on…), or try out the Seasonal Set Menu that changes from time to time. It’s a big thumbs up from us.
Chandi, Jl Kayu Aya No. 72, Seminyak, p. +62 361 4471 155 / +62 812 3666 4450, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 10am.
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/best-indonesian-restaurants-in-bali/
