It’s hungry work trying to decide where to eat, so we’ve done the hard work for you and found the very best restaurants in Bali from every neighbourhood…
So much food, so little time *SIGH*. Choosing between Bali’s Best Restaurants is hungry work, especially when there are more sensational fine dining destinations popping up across the island than you can wave a fork at. And that’s before we get started on the cafes, the brunches, or the monthly lineup of Hot New Tables (believe us, there are plenty of them).
Yep, as you probably already know, Bali is becoming a real foodie destination, with all the best cuisines from around the world now on our tiny paradise island. And it’s not only the food that’s getting global gourmands’ attention. We have designer decor, celeb chefs, chic cocktails and awards a-go-go – not to mention some of the most dreamy settings on the beach, clifftops, and deep in the jungle…
So, we’ve done the hard work for you and we’ve rounded up Bali’s Very Best Restaurants – the cream of the culinary crop from every neighbourhood. If you’re after Bali’s best local food, the best cafes or the best coffee shops, this one ain’t for you. But if you’re a die-hard gourmand or a curious epicurean, then bring your appetite and get dressed in your best – here are Bali’s Very Best Restaurants for serious foodies.
Bali’s Best Restaurants: EDITOR’S PICKS
1. Merah Putih – best fine dining destination
Is it the stunning cathedral-like architecture that we love most about Merah Putih? Or is it the high-end Indonesian cuisine served to six-star standards? Whatever it is, this iconic fine diner has stood the test of time, regularly topping the list as Bali’s very best restaurant. And for good reason. Merah Putih showcases the true flavours of Indonesia with recipes that are handed down through generations. Try the sumptuous Sumatran beef stuffed in soft bak pao, or Bali’s famous crispy duck with spicy balado sauce. We say, go all-out with Merah Putih’s tasting menu to get a taste of it all, and wash it down with the ‘Flavours of Indonesia’ cocktail flight. And if you can, snag a seat in one of the teak pods to score an elevated view of the breathtaking interiors. It’ll come as no surprise that Merah Putih recently won two ‘Best Restaurant’ titles in the Chope Diners’ Choice Awards…
Merah Putih, JI Petitenget 100x, Seminyak, p. +62 361 846 5950, e. [email protected]
2. Ayung Terrace – best for high-end Balinese cuisine
Sitting high above the treetops and totally open to the palms, Ayung Terrace at Four Seasons in Ubud is a sight to be seen, and reason alone to visit Ubud. Specialising in modern Balinese food that’s at once avant-garde and authentic, Ayung Terrace presents Indonesia’s colourful cuisine at its best. Head Chef Suta is the man behind the magic, merging contemporary cooking and presentation techniques with age-old recipes. Think premium imported sous vide beef cheek, seasoned with traditional herbs and spices to create the creamiest and most succulent rendang we’ve ever tried. Or the local Lombok lobster, grilled with Bali’s signature bumbu paste and stir-fried with a spicy sambal matah. Or the ever-famous bebek betutu, where a whole duck is slow-roasted for 12 hours in a traditional claypot oven and seasoned with base genep. Add to that the legendary Four Seasons service that’s been honed worldwide, and you can see why this prime island destination deserves such prestige…
Ayung Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 977577.
3. Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant – best award-winning restaurant
Any list of Bali’s best restaurants simply must include Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant. This iconic fine-diner has won so many awards throughout its 20-year reign, we can’t begin to name them all. Well, may its reign continue, because Mozaic’s award-winning Chef Chris Salans is joined by Chef Blake Thornley – a two-pronged approach to gastronomic excellence. These culinary greats bring the flavours and seasonal ingredients of Bali, with the uncompromising dictates of modern French cuisine. The result? Two degustation menus (one wholly vegetarian) artfully presented and served in the dining room, alongside The Tasting Room (a live kitchen, bar and lounge with a walk-in wine room and mixology concept) and The Chef’s Table – a beautiful space where the chefs serve up a live and interactive cooking experience. And in case you still need convincing, Mozaic is the only restaurant in Indonesia that’s a member of Les Grandes Tables du Monde – an association composed only of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant, Jl Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, p. +62 361 975 768 / +62 821 4723 5550, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
4. Sa’Mesa – best experience dinner
For when a standard dinner for two simply won’t do, you’ll want to book a hot-seat at Sa’Mesa – Canggu’s innovative Italian dining destination that’s dripping in exclusivity. Not your typical Bali restaurant, Sa’Mesa dishes up one helluva foodie experience, with the chef personally helming the open kitchen each evening, and keeping his guests well-oiled with free-flow limoncello. Throughout the night, a theatrical parade of 15-20 surprise dishes are served set menu-style, designed to share on the long communal tables that seat just 50 lucky diners. And while the menu changes almost daily, expect to see some of Sa’Mesa’s Italian-inspired favourites making an appearance, like the tuna crudo, the chargrilled whole red snapper, and the homemade mushroom risotto. And to top off such a vibrant evening of good food and great company, Sa’Mesa also slings fine wines, signature cocktails, and of course, that free-flow homemade limoncello…
Sa’Mesa, Jl Tanah Barak No. 1E, Canggu & Jl Petitenget No. 1A, Seminyak, p. +62 813 5303 5411.
5. Kokokan – best new semi-gastronomic restaurant
Nestled amongst the emerald green rice paddies of Ubud, Kokokan is an elevated wining and dining venue serving up an unforgettable semi-gastronomic experience. Hidden within the calming grounds of Kappa Senses Ubud, this upscale restaurant is a haven for beautifully presented and meticulously curated dishes. Swing by for an aperitif and toast to the sunset, then settle in for a three-, four- or six-course degustation menu with wine pairing to really get a taste of it all. Start with the locally sourced poached oyster with basil jelly and mango caviar, followed by the roasted pigeon stuffed with foie gras, before finishing with the panna cotta. Psst… you’ll want to reserve an outdoor table to overlook the rice paddies, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a sea of fireflies at nightfall…
Kokokan Restaurant at Kappa Senses Ubud, Banjar Tanggayuda, Jl Taman Sari, Ubud, p. +62 811 3800 1555, e. [email protected]; Open daily 6pm – 10pm.
Bali’s Best Restaurants: UBUD
6. Locavore
If you’re lucky enough to get a booking at this über-popular Ubud favourite (def book a table long before you actually arrive in Bali) you’ll soon learn what all the fuss is about here. The famed degustation menu at Locavore showcases the culinary genius of Chef-Owners Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah – two chefs who made history at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards by single-handedly representing Indonesia and becoming the only restaurant (ever) to skyrocket up the list by a whopping 27 places. Take a seat at this experimental eatery and you’ll come face-to-face with mind-blowing creations you won’t find anywhere else. As you may have realised, the menus here honour the restaurants namesake, using only local ingredients that wholly celebrate the farmers, fishers and food artisans of Indonesia. This one is a must for any serious foodie.
Locavore, Jl Dewisita No. 10, Ubud, p. +62 821 4495 6226, e. [email protected]
7. Room4Dessert
For something totally different (yet undeniably awesome) head to Room4Dessert for levelled-up sweets and drinks in an outlandish late-night venue, helmed by famed New Yorker Will Goldfarb. Indoors, embrace gluttony with a degustation menu of avant-garde desserts expertly paired with award-winning (and potent) cocktails, or head out back to the terrace garden to revel in a Spanish tapas-style concept, stuffed full of tasty savoury snacks, plated desserts, and hand held petits fours, which feature locally sourced products.
Room4Dessert, Jl Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, p. +62 813 3705 0539; Open Tue – Sun 4pm – 10pm.
8. BLANCO Par Mandif
Every Bali foodie will be very well acquainted with BLANCO Par Mandif – home to ultra-fine dining Indonesian cuisine in a refined and intimate setting. Helmed by Indonesian celeb chef and restaurateur Mandif Warokka (the same genius behind Teatro Gastroteque in Seminyak) this award-winning resto seats just 28 lucky guests each evening. This stylish fine diner is both intimate and elegant, and in true Warokka style, the concept is all about degustation. The menus are seven courses of exquisite gastronomy, sublimely served, explained and precisely paired with fine wines and cocktails. A signature here is the butter-poached Jimbaran Bay Rock Lobster with green pea puree, Kalio curry and burnt leek. You’ll want to reserve one of the hot seats here, because Warokka has his sights set on Michelin stars, and we don’t doubt him for a second…
BLANCO Par Mandif, Jl Raya Tjampuhan, Museum BLANCO Complex, Ubud, p. +62 361 479 2284 / +62 819 3370 7707, e. [email protected]; Open by reservation.
9. Kubu at Mandapa
Widely recognised as the best fine diner in Bali, Kubu at Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, is truly divine. Cooled by a tropical Bali breeze and the soothing sounds of the Ayung River below, this signature bamboo restaurant is cocooned by both nature and sheer decadence. Under the expert and creative direction of Madapa’s award-winning chefs, Kubu serves up fine Mediterranean-European cuisine, prepared with the region’s fresh premium produce. Try the chef’s multi-course degustation menu, and you might want to bring a hot date, because this place is just dreamy.
Kubu at Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Jl Kedewatan, Ubud, p. +62 361 479 2777; Open daily 6pm – 11pm.
10. Hujan Locale
Will Meyrick – Bali’s celeb street food chef who gave us Sarong, Mama San, Som Chai and Tiger Palm – is credited yet again for putting his spin on Asia’s street food favourites at another award-winning restaurant – this time at his Ubud baby, Hujan Locale. This double storey restaurant features a vast menu with some of Will’s signature tastes and flavours (curries, soups and noodles all play a big role here) bridging the cultural divide between Asian fine dining and casual home cooked food. The steamed fish with yellow sauce (AKA ikan bumbu kuning) with green and red tomatoes, lemon basil, chilli and charred sweet corn, served with sambal dabu dabu, is our clear fave.
Hujan Locale, Jl Sri Wedari No. 5, Ubud, p. +62 813 5326 0275, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 12pm.
11. CasCades
Situated in a high Balinese-style thatched roof house, on a ridge overlooking the luscious “Valley of the Kings”, CasCades promises one helluva wonderful dining experience. Owned and managed by Aussies, CasCades sources the finest produce from around the globe including Australian Wagyu beef, Canadian lobster and Avruga Caviar. The food is sublime and the tropical views are second to none, and there’s even live Grand Piano performances in the evenings.
CasCades at Viceroy Bali, Jl Lanyahan, Br. Nagi, Ubud, p. +62 361 972 111, e. [email protected]; Open daily 11am – 9pm.
12. Apéritif
Set amidst the lush jungle valleys of Ubud, Apéritif is the second signature fine dining restaurant at Viceroy Bali (joining CasCades, above). It’s culinary focus is on top-shelf produce, sourced from the hotel’s own greenhouses and from across the island and the world. These ingredients are then presented in an exquisite multi-course degustation-only menu (special menus for vegan and vegetarian dining, plus a lunch menu), featuring sublime creations like chawanmushi with king prawns and dashi, or the signature Venison Wellington studded with foie gras and dolloped with a rendang sauce. The aperitifs here are unsurprisingly impressive, spearheaded by award-winning bartender Ran Van Ongevalle, and inspired by the Roaring Twenties with a tropical Bali twist for good measure!
Apéritif at Viceroy Bali, Jl Lanyahan, Br. Nagi, Ubud, p. +62 361 908 2777, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
Bali’s Best Restaurants: SEMINYAK
13. Mauri
A fusion of culture, tradition and an abiding passion for fine food, Mauri is the impeccable work of award-winning Chef Maurizio Bombini – a culinary veteran that’s dishing up his very own version of contemporary Italian dining with utmost finesse. Fine local ingredients (mostly homegrown within Mauri’s own rooftop hydroponic garden) are served in their purest form on an a la carte and seasonal tasting menu, delicately plated on fine GAYA ceramics from within a glass-enclosed show kitchen. Prop up at the five-seat chef’s counter for an intimate and private tasting, or meander up to the mezzanine bar and lounge where small bites and cocktails are served “Aperitivo Style”. Get dressed in your best, and add this tour de force to your must-try list.
MAURI Restaurant, Jl Petitenget No. 100, Seminyak, p. +62 817 776 177, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
14. SI JIN
With an average of three months on the waiting list, you already know that Si Jin is a restaurant worth knowing about. And yes, it’s definitely worth the wait. Best known as a modern steakhouse with a Korean twist, Si Jin is a super sophisticated dining destination that draws in a discerning crowd of international foodies. You’ll want to try the 60 day aged bone-in ribeye and the signature black striploin, and whatever you do, don’t miss the Korean namul, made with roasted sesame, crispy garlic rayu and silken tofu (yum!). Did we mention the cocktails are a knockout too? Try the tipsy Jamaican and the Ticket to Seoul.
Si Jin, Jl Lebak Sari No. 18, Petitenget, Kerobokan, p.+62 812 3871 3964, e. [email protected]; Open by reservation.
15. Mama San
The oh-so-trendy Mama San is the sister restaurant to Sarong, and this Seminyak staple firmly put celeb chef Will Meyrick on the culinary map. A more casual affair compared to the Sarong flagship, Mama San is all about shared street food bites, sensational cocktails and even a raw food menu, wrapped up in an old-Shanghai-meets-gentleman’s-club interior. The place is rammed every night, which only fortifies Mama San’s stellar rep.
Mama San, Jl Raya Kerobokan No. 135, Seminyak, p. +62 818 0612 6700, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm.
16. Starfish Bloo
This open air beachfront spot at W Bali – Seminyak is one of Bali’s most breathtaking restaurants – and that’s before we mention the food. Specialising mostly in the finest seafood around, Starfish Bloo is an icon on the island. It’s best known for its Sunday brunch that offers an ultra-luxurious (and delicious) weekend foodie sesh overlooking the ocean at what’s become one of Seminyak’s swankiest resort addresses. And while it’s one of our fave Bali brunches, we highly suggest you feast here any day of the week, because the quality of Pan Asian flavours are unparalleled.
Starfish Bloo at W Bali – Seminyak, Jl Petitenget, Kerobokan, p. +62 817 001 5808, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 7am.
17. Tanaman
The Potato Head Family are well versed in breaking boundaries and blowing minds, and Tanaman is no different – the game-changing, plant-powered vegan restaurant that’s set in an otherworldly venue with a teleporting soundscape. As for the menu, each dish is born from a resounding respect for plants – from the root to the fruit – honouring each humble ingredient and elevating them to divine new heights. Expect casual share-style dishes that change with each season, and prepare to feast your way through Indonesia’s tropical flora, unveiling their full edible potential thanks to both traditional and new-age techniques. Think textures of broccoli served with coconut and chive. Or wood ear and oyster mushroom satay served with black garlic aioli. Head chef Dom Hammond honours Indonesia’s landscapes, by turning them into a multi-sensory dining journey.
Tanaman at Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, p. +62 361 620 7979, e. [email protected]; Open daily 7am – 10pm.
18. The Restaurant
As The Legian Bali’s multi-award-winning dining destination, The Restaurant promises fine dining cuisine, seamless service and the most gorgeous brasserie-style interiors. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef, Stephane Gortina, the menu features Asian influences and local ingredients with a European twist – think top-notch produce from Bali, using a combination of both French and Southeast Asian cooking techniques. For a truly exquisite dining experience, try the Indonesian-inspired menu that showcases a selection of The Restaurant’s very best dishes of the moment – perfectly paired with a glass of wine and a postcard-worthy seascape of the shimmering Indian Ocean out yonder. Our fave? Don’t miss the Grilled Batik Lobster with eggplant caviar, sublimely matched with a Californian Sauvignon Blanc…
The Restaurant at The Legian Bali, Jl Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach, p. +62 361 730 622 / +62 811 3821 8771; Open daily 7am – 10pm.
19. KAUM
Part of the epic Potato Head empire, KAUM is all about exotic Indonesian dishes served up in a fine dining setting (just upstairs above the buzzing beach club). 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 Bali at Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, p. +62 361 620 7979, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 9.30pm.
20. Uma Garden
Nestled amongst Umalas’ rice paddies and surrounded by greenery is Uma Garden – a fire-based restaurant with the humble philosophy of bringing people together over real food and good vibes. As its name suggests, Uma Garden is set within a magical garden setting – the perfect spot for a candle-lit date night or an al fresco dinner with friends. And with a menu that’s been carefully designed to share, there’s no better place to round up your fellow foodies to graze beneath the stars. We say, head to Uma Garden early and settle in for a pre-dinner aperitivo at the contemporary bar and lounge, before heading past the open-flame grill to the garden’s long communal tables. Here, you can graze on Wagyu beef and juicy prawns ember-grilled to perfection, or the oh-so succulent 24-hour slow-cooked pork belly. Everything on the menu is grilled primitively over a wood fire to let the true taste of each premium ingredient shine, best paired with the equally smoky cocktails, like the Wood Fire Lemon Sour with coconut charcoal.
Uma Garden, Jl Umalas 1 No. 8, Kerobokan, p. +62 821 4736 9323, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 12pm.
21. The Plantation Grill
As the opulent culinary hotspot at Seminyak’s Double-Six Luxury Hotel, The Plantation Grill flaunts twenties-style colonial glamour and a dazzling menu to match. Look out for gourmet goodies like oysters, T-Bone steaks, jumbo Tiger prawns and grilled crispy pork belly – cooked over custom-made coal and wood grills and wood-fired ovens. For dessert, the Bombe Alaska is flambeed and famous – a real sweet treat not to miss. After dinner, head up to the stylish Sunset Bar for a nightcap, mixed up by one of the expert bartenders.
The Plantation Grill at Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Jl Pantai Legian Jl Double Six No. 66, Seminyak, p. +62 819 9989 5111, e. [email protected]; Open daily 6pm – 11pm.
22. Sarong (temporarily closed)
Easily one of Seminyak’s best-known and respected restaurants, Sarong is the brainchild of celebrated “street food chef” Will Meyrick. The concept is simple: authentic Asian and Indian food presented in a fine dining atmosphere. There are plenty of imitators, but Sarong really is the OG, being one of Bali’s first restaurants to receive recognition in the “Asia’s 50 Best” awards. The plush vintage décor, the high ceilings, the semi-alfresco areas, the cocktail bar… Everything is just perfect at this Seminyak institution.
Sarong – temporarily closed, moving to a new location – p. +62 812 3765 5009, e. [email protected]
Bali’s Best Restaurants: CANGGU
23. Skool Kitchen
Backed by some of Bali’s biggest foodie names (and housed above Canggu’s coolest oceanfront destination), Skool Kitchen is the hottest new restaurant by Tai Buddha and Adam McAsey where every dish is touched by fire. A primitive style of cooking meets contemporary culinary excellence here, with its honest modern menu powered by natural wood and charcoal embers. Try the woodfired bone marrow, grilled Flores oysters with szechuan vinaigrette, and the ash-baked beetroot with stracciatella and hibiscus to see exactly what we mean. Even the artisanally crafted cocktails get a taste of the flames, like the Burnt Lemon Daiquiri – perfect for watching a fiery Bali sunset overlooking the waves…
Skool Kitchen, Jl Pura Dalem, Canggu, p. +62 361 6200 603 / +62 811 3800 4952; Open daily from 5pm.
24. Luma
A Mediterranean showstopper, Luma is the collaborative work of two award-winning chefs: Cameron Emirali of 10 Greek Street in London, and Kieran Morland of Sangsaka and Merah Putih in Seminyak. The menu is all about rustic dishes that combine classic elements of Southern Europe’s traditions, with indigenous ingredients from Bali and nearby islands. Think yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi tartare, razor clam fritters, and tiger prawns with salsa verde. And the jewel in the crown here is the charcoal grill and the custom-made, see-through wood fire oven, taking centre stage in the dazzling Luma kitchen. Unsurprisingly so, the carefully curated wine list is second-to-none (featuring hand-written rare gems), while the cocktail list follows the menu’s lead by using local ingredients for a tropical twist on the classics.
Luma, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 91, Canggu, p. +62 811 3941 4999, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 11pm.
25. Mason
Canggu’s unstoppable team of hospitality hotshots are behind Mason – and it shows. Just a few sandy-footed steps up the road from Batu Bolong beach, Mason is all about top quality meat and seafood that’s carefully sourced locally, alongside cheeses, dips and veggie plates that are all homemade. Everything is served simply and honestly to let the flavours and quality really shine. The burnt chilli butter hummus here is the best we’ve ever tried, as is the honey-fried halloumi, the smoked tuna dip and the slow-roasted, 48-hour slow-cooked short rib. Oh, and true to form, Mason also slings superb cocktails…
Mason, Jl Batu Bolong No. 83C, Canggu, p. +62 857 9250 5028, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 12pm.
26. Uni Restaurant & Bar
From the trailblazing duo of Bali’s Mexicola Group, star chef Steven Skelly and drinks guru Nicolas Lento have once again joined forces to bring us Uni Restaurant – an innovative fine diner in buzzing Berawa. This sophisticated and design-savvy 70-seater ‘casual fine diner’ comes with eclectic artwork lining the walls and an amalgamation of Asian inspiration and contemporary techniques on the menu. Expect locally sourced seafood and vegetables served with Japanese and French influences, like the coddled egg and sea urchin with seaweed butter and caviar on top, or the BBQ Snapper with fermented carrot, almond butter, sherry vinegar and saffron. Top tip: graze through the a la carte menu or go all out with the tasting menu, best shared and paired with the experimental cocktails, sake, natural wines and even a tea-pairing menu.
Uni Restaurant, Jl Pantai Berawa No. 99, Canggu, p. +62 811 388 3371, e. [email protected]; Open Tue – Sat from 6pm.
27. Santanera
Sleek, stylish, and with a menu that spans continents and cultures, Santanera is Canggu’s Latin-American fusion restaurant that’s dishing up contemporary tapas plates designed to swap and share. Organic, farm-to-plate produce takes centre stage here, as does the enormous spiral staircase that leads you from the bright and spacious lounges, to the breezy ocean-view rooftop. Graze on smoked, whipped and marinated delicacies by day, and feast on sea bream ceviche, chargrilled octopus, dry aged duck and Black Angus Tomahawk by night. Sip on a sunset aperitivo on the rooftop, and top it all off with a fine wine from the bountiful cellar.
Santanera, Jl Tanah Barak No. 55 – 57, p. +62 812 4665 8896, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 12pm.
28. Café Del Mar
A sun-soaked Mediterranean fine dining restaurant sitting beneath the iconic archways at Café Del Mar, the signature restaurant at this Ibizan-inspired beach club is a foodie force to be reckoned with. Armed with a team of international culinary talent and alllll the white-and-blue sleek interiors you’d expect from this Ibiza-born brand, this restaurant is all about casual fine dining in an oh-so relaxed environment. As for the menu, expect new coastal Mediterranean and neo-Middle Eastern cuisine, made with the finest and freshest ingredients around. It’s playful, seasonally inspired, and in true European style, it’s designed to swap, share and sample over multiple hours and glasses of vino.
Café Del Mar, Jl Subak Sari, Canggu, p. +62 811 3811 8181; Open daily from 11am.
29. One Eyed Jack
A playful take on a Japanese Izakaya and Sake Bar, One Eyed Jack is a culinary underdog. While its aesthetic is all about casual shared plates in a cool and vibey setting, make no mistake – One Eyed Jack means business. The menu is the work of a Noma-trained chef, and as such, the Japanese food here is some of the best we’ve tried in Bali (if not in Indonesia). The cocktails are also worth a mention, as are the spicy tuna bites on crispy rice topped with an eel sauce – they are next level delicious. Seriously.
One Eyed Jack, Jl Pantai Berawa No. 89C, Canggu, p. +62 819 9929 1888, e. [email protected]; Open daily 3pm – 10.30pm.
30. Kong
Bringing international elegance and old-world charm to the bustle of Canggu, Kong is a contemporary bistro with chic European-styled dishes, stylish decor and excellent service. And with its long list of new world wines, classic handcrafted cocktails, bar snacks and delicatessens, it offers one helluva stylish dining experience. Each carefully crafted dish uses only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients; full of bold flavours and stunningly presented. Try the piri-piri prawns with chilli and garlic, or the lobster cappelletti in lobster bisque with poached lobster, ricotta cheese and hazelnut hollandaise on top. In the mood for meat? Expect fine bistro classics like racks of Australian lamb and red wine-braised short rib. All of this is served up in the sleek and chic space that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or night out with friends (or even hire the entire venue for a special private gathering!)
Kong, Jl Pantai Berawa No. 14B, Berawa, Canggu, p. +62 852 1668 8869, e. [email protected]
Bali’s Best Restaurants: JIMBARAN & NUSA DUA
31. Kayuputi
A shining beacon of the culinary scene in Bali and a five-time winner of the Wine Spectator Award, Kayuputi is the fine beachfront dining restaurant at The St. Regis Bali in swanky Nusa Dua. Offering a dining experience unlike any other, think luxurious Asian-influenced haute cuisine with a stellar wine list to match, not to mention a priceless setting with magnificent ocean views. Decadent and divine, Kayuputi is a showstopper, and if you’re in the neighbourhood on a Sunday, the brunch here is especially world-famous.
Kayuputi at The St. Regis Bali Resort, Kawasan Pariwisata Lot S6, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 300 6786, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 10pm.
32. Cuca
It’s no secret that we’re totally cuckoo for Cuca – and we’re not alone. This cult-status restaurant in Jimbaran comes with serious credentials and an ever-growing foodie following. Maybe it’s the El Bulli-trained chef that makes this place worthy of awards, or maybe it’s the ever-creative, almost-too-pretty-to-eat “tapas-style” cuisine that leaves you wide-eyed and jaw-dropped after each bite. Whatever it is that’s helped spread Cuca fever, you’ll want to catch it too. Try the Honey Baked Pumpkin Salad, the Smoked Butterfish and the BBQ Octopus – and whatever you do, don’t miss the cocktails served up in Cuca’s home-branded bottles.
Cuca, Jl Yoga Perkanthi, Jimbaran, p. +62 812 3687 0486; Open daily from 12pm.
33. Sundara Beachfront Restaurant
Bali beachfront dining bliss. Sounds tempting, right? Sundara (Sanskrit for ‘beautiful’) is an all-day dining and lifestyle destination that just so happens to serve some of the best food around. Think sultry beach club by day, then an iconic fine diner by night. We love the mix of five-star flair and relaxed beach club vibes at this sophisticated address. And when the sun goes down, the fire pits are lit, the bartenders get busy and the impeccable fusion cuisine really comes to life. Sundara, we love you!
Sundara at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, p. +62 361 708 333 / +62 361 701 012, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 11am.
34. Soleil
Soleil is the stunning, signature beachfront dining favourite at Mulia Bali, overlooking the ocean and offering Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisine with influences from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mulia’s array of food is as vast as their never-ending infinity pool, with a fantastic selection of premium meat, grilled seafood and endless other delicacies. Stick around on a weekend to try the famous Sunday brunch – it’s arguably the very best in Bali.
Soleil at The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, Jl Raya Nusa Dua, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 301 7777 / +62 855 3904 391, e. [email protected]; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
35. Izakaya by OKU
Tucked away within The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Izakaya by OKU is just one of multiple exceptional restaurants at this five-star Nusa Dua resort. An outpost of the award-winning OKU Japanese Restaurant in Jakarta, Izakaya by OKU brings all of the flagship’s finest creations to the island, this time served up in a dynamic and casual atmosphere that reinvents a typical izakaya. With its bistro-chic setting and fab open-kitchen taking centre stage, feast on Wagyu Foie Gras Nigiri, black chicken thigh Karaage and truffled Gyūdon. Or, for a super spesh experience, go for the Chef’s three- or five-course “Okukase” degustation menu. Watch our video tour here.
Izakaya by OKU at The Apurva Kempinski, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 209 2288, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 10.30pm.
36. Manarai Beach House
A beach club, restaurant and wine shop combo, Manarai Beach House in Nusa Dua is where you can graze all day on fine seaside staples and Indonesian favourites. Masterfully designed to match the laid-back beach club vibes, the menu ranges from sizzling beef satay featuring fine Wagyu steak, to colourful platters of sushi, topped with ocean delicacies like unagi, tobiko and aburi salmon. And FYI, we regularly order not one, but three plates (each) of the Crispy Tuna Tempe (topped with truffle aioli) – words are futile in describing how creamy, crunchy and delicious these bites really are! Pair this oceanfront feast with one of the fine wines from the cellar, or try the whimsical cocktails that use delicate Balinese ingredients.
Manarai Beach House, Kawasan Pariwisata Lot N5, Nusa Dua, p. +62 811 1392 727; Open daily from 11am.
Bali’s Best Restaurants: ULUWATU
37. The Cave
Serious foodies, this one’s for you. The Cave at The Edge is a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience that takes place inside a 25,000 year-old underground cave. And to match such a superlative setting, the menu is the jaw-dropping work of Chef Ryan Clift, the man behind the award-winning Tippling Club in Singapore. This latest venture is a 22-seat subterranean restaurant where you can graze on a seven-course menu of modern gastronomy with interludes in between, all whilst taking in the magnificent rock formations. You also have the option to pair your degustation with wine and cocktails, which isn’t mandatory, but highly recommended…
The Cave at The Edge, Jl Pura Goa Lempeh, Pecatu, p. +62 361 847 0700, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
38. Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin
Push the boat out with a trip to Bulgari Resort Bali’s opulent dining experience, Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin. Helmed by famed Michelin-starred executive chef Luca Fantin, this award-winning fine-diner is an intimate 36-seat restaurant that specialises in contemporary and creative interpretations of classic Italian cuisine. You’ll want to dress to impress at this suave dinner-only venue, where you can choose from five- or seven-courses of impeccably plated creations. Wine pairing is also available, as is a pre-dinner Aperitivo hour from 6pm – 7pm at The Bulgari Bar on the cliff-front, where complimentary Italian canapés are served alongside an award-winning cocktail list and a fiery Bali sunset.
Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin at Bulgari Resort Bali, Jl Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, p. +62 815 1403 8549.
39. AKASA at Jumeirah Bali
Prime cuts, flame-grilled seafood, and cliffside views with sleek and stylish interiors – AKASA is the brand new Asian-fusion restaurant at Jumeirah Bali that’s bringing premium wood-fired dining to Uluwatu’s coastline. Situated on the topmost level of this coastal resort, AKASA places diners in the midst of nature, sea and sky. Any dinner here should begin with time well spent on the al-fresco terrace, with mesmerising fire-pits, hand-crafted cocktails and of course, Jumeirah’s world-famous five-star service. Then, graze on flame-grilled tuna tartare with Timut pepper and wood-fired veal katsu, cooked over an aromatic flame that uses seasonally-changing local firewood. Move on to the giant blue river prawns with mango and passion fruit, or the Wagyu beef tenderloin with golden pear pickles, truffle and katsuobushi. And whatever you do, don’t miss AKASA’s prime cuts, like the tender lamb cutlets with yakiniku sauce. Finish it all off with the pandan crème brûlée with homemade kaya jam.
AKASA at Jumeirah Bali, Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Jl Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, p. +62 361 201 5000, e. [email protected]; Open daily 5pm – 11pm.
40. The Warung
Wholesome, traditional and downright delicious, The Warung is the gastronomic Indonesian and Balinese restaurant at the stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu. Though each dish on the menu can be found at warungs across the island, The Warung serves up these national staples with a difference. High-end ingredients, artfully tailored recipes and a powerful flavour punch with every bite – this is ‘local food’ on a whole other level.
The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl Belimbing Sari Tambiyak, Pecatu, p. +62 811 385 5729; Open daily at 11am – 11pm.
41. Ju Ma Na
Ju Ma Na has long earned itself an island-wide reputation for stellar dining, designer drinks and exquisite food in an incredibly beautiful setting. It has attracted and delighted foodies for some time now, and it doesn’t disappoint. We recommend going whilst the sun is still up to enjoy the panorama before dinner (drinks on the balcony are a must), and the French cuisine with a Japanese twist is very popular for very good reason. Book ahead, and don your very best dress…
Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant & Bar at Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort, Jl Melasti, Ungasan, p. +62 811 3820 7733.
42. El Kabron
Come for the tasty Spanish fare and stay for the million dollar views at this Bukit treasure, perched high up on the cliff tops above Bingin Beach. Casually cool with modern Mediterranean decor and 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean, at El Kabron you can get stuck into tapas, paellas, cocktails, beers and good wines in between dips in the famous cliff edge infinity pool – easily the best spot in the area to watch the sun go down with your crew.
El Kabron, Jl Pantai Cemongkak, Pecatu, p. +62 813 3723 5750; Open daily from 11am.
43. Dugong Restaurant at Suarga Padang Padang
Authentic Indonesian flavour meets fine dining at the super swank Dugong Restaurant. One of the Bukit’s most exclusive resorts, Dugong has a menu to die for and a view to match over Padang Padang beach. The talented culinary team here source everything from within a 50km radius, ensuring the freshest ingredients without going to the ends of the earth.
Dugong Restaurant & Lounge at Suarga Padang Padang, Jl Pantai Labuan Sait, Br. Dinas Labuan Sait, Pecatu, p. +62 361 472 5088 / +62 811 399 1199; Open daily.
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/best-restaurants-bali-fine-dining/
