Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Bali
Bali is no longer just about cheap surf shacks and Bintang. The island has evolved into a global culinary capital. You will find world-class fine dining, Australian-style brunch spots, and high-end molecular gastronomy sitting right next to traditional roadside warungs. The competition is fierce, meaning the quality across all price points is exceptionally high. Whether you are looking for a $2 plate of local rice or a $200 tasting menu, Bali delivers. This guide cuts through the tourist traps to show you exactly where to eat in Bali.
Must-Try Dishes in Bali
Before booking your tables, you need to know the local staples. These are the foundation of Balinese food culture.
- Babi Guling: Spit-roasted suckling pig rubbed with turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal. Expect crispy skin and tender, spice-heavy meat.
- Bebek Betutu: Slow-cooked duck wrapped in banana leaves. The meat is steamed and then smoked for hours until it falls off the bone.
- Sate Lilit: Minced fish or pork mixed with grated coconut and lime juice, wrapped around lemongrass sticks rather than skewers.
- Nasi Campur: The quintessential Indonesian meal. A scoop of white rice surrounded by small portions of meats, vegetables, peanuts, and sambal.
- Lawar: A crunchy salad made of finely chopped vegetables, coconut, and minced meat, heavily seasoned with traditional herbs.
- Sambal Matah: A raw, fragrant chili relish made from shallots, lemongrass, and lime. It is the signature condiment of the island.
Best Restaurants for a Splurge
When you want a high-end experience, these spots define the ceiling of the best restaurants in Bali.
Locavore NXT, Ubud
Located just outside the main Ubud center, Locavore NXT is the successor to the most famous restaurant in Indonesia. It focuses strictly on local ingredients—nothing is imported. Expect a progressive multi-course menu that turns often-ignored hyper-local plants and proteins into art. You need to book weeks in advance.
Mason, Canggu
Mason focuses on the fundamentals: wood fire, smoke, and premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Canggu, this spot skips the gimmicks for high-quality meats, house-made charcuterie, and wood-fired vegetables. The atmosphere is industrial-cool and the service is fast. It is consistently packed for a reason.
Merah Putih, Seminyak
This is the most visually stunning dining room in Seminyak. Merah Putih serves "translucent" Indonesian food—meaning they take classic flavors and elevate them with modern techniques. The menu is split between traditional and modern interpretations. Go here for the architecture, stay for the beef rendang and creative small plates.
Best Casual Restaurants and Local Favorites
These are the reliable mid-range spots where you will find locals and expats eating on a Tuesday night.
Ibu Rai Bar & Restaurant, Ubud
A long-standing staple in Ubud that balances tradition with comfort. Ibu Rai serves a massive menu ranging from Balinese classics to healthy western bowls. It is located right on Monkey Forest Road but feels like a secluded garden. The Gado-Gado here is one of the best in town.
Sisterfields, Seminyak
If you want the quintessential Melbourne-style cafe experience in Bali, this is it. Sisterfields is loud, hectic, and serves excellent burgers, salads, and coffee. It sits right in the middle of Seminyak’s shopping district. It is the perfect spot for a quick, high-quality lunch between errands or beach trips.
Crate Cafe, Canggu
Crate is the pulse of the Canggu social scene. The menu is simple, the portions are massive, and everything is priced fairly. It functions as a gallery, boutique, and cafe all in one. Expect industrial decor and a young, energetic crowd. Their "Lifesaver" breakfast plate is an island legend.
Naughty Nuri’s, Ubud
Famous for "wicked ribs and brutal martinis," this institution is a must-visit. The pork ribs are glazed in a thick, sweet soy-based sauce and grilled over charcoal right at the entrance. It is loud, smokey, and unpretentious. If you order a martini, the staff will perform a signature dance at your table.
Best Cheap Eats and Street Food
You don't need a massive budget to find the best restaurants in Bali. Some of the most authentic flavors are found at these low-cost spots.
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, Ubud
This is arguably the most famous place to eat suckling pig in the world. While it has become very popular with tourists, the quality remains high. Order the "Spesial" plate to get a mix of meat, blood sausage, and that iconic crunchy skin. It usually closes once the pig runs out.
Warung Local, Canggu
This is a modern take on the traditional "Nasi Campur" style of eating. You point at what you want from a glass display—tempeh, curries, fried chicken, vegetables—and pay only for what you take. It is clean, incredibly cheap, and allows you to try dozens of different Balinese flavors in one seating.
Gianyar Night Market, Gianyar
For a true street food experience, head to the Gianyar Night Market. It is a 20-minute drive from Ubud and offers a sensory overload. You can find everything from Bakso (meatball soup) to Martabak (stuffed pancakes). It is the best place to eat like a local without any tourist filters.
Warung Indonesia, Kuta
Tucked away in a small alley in Kuta, this warung serves massive portions of Indonesian staples for a few dollars. It is a favorite for budget travelers and surfers. Their Nasi Goreng and Chicken Satay are consistent, fresh, and delivered fast. It is a reliable refuge from the overpriced Kuta beachfront.
Best Breakfast and Brunch
Bali has some of the best coffee and breakfast culture in the world. Here is where to start your day.
Milk & Madu, Canggu & Ubud
Known for their "all day breakfast" and excellent coffee, Milk & Madu is a family-friendly powerhouse. Their poached eggs are always consistent, and their sourdough is some of the best on the island. The open-air pavilion style makes it a great spot to catch a breeze and watch the street traffic.
Penny Lane, Canggu
Penny Lane looks like a Mediterranean villa meets a rock-and-roll museum. The decor is worth the visit alone, but the brunch menu holds its own. They serve everything from loaded breakfast burritos to shakshuka. It is a high-energy spot that is perfect for groups.
Suka Espresso, Uluwatu
If you are surfing in Uluwatu, this is your home base. Suka Espresso serves some of the best specialty coffee on the Bukit peninsula. The menu focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients that fuel you for the day. Their pulled pork eggs benedict is a standout dish.
Best Rooftop or View Dining
Bali’s geography allows for incredible views, from limestone cliffs to volcanic craters.
El Kabron Spanish Restaurant & Cliff Club, Uluwatu
Perched 50 meters above sea level on the cliffs of Uluwatu, El Kabron offers some of the best sunset views in the world. They serve authentic Spanish tapas and paella. While it is a premium price point, the infinity pool and the view across the Indian Ocean make it worth it for a special occasion.
AKAR, Ubud
Part of the K-Club resort, AKAR features a stunning bamboo structure overlooking the jungle canopy. It focuses on charcoal-grilled dishes and organic produce. Dining here feels like sitting in a high-end treehouse. It is one of the more romantic settings you can find in the Ubud highlands.
Best Food Neighborhoods to Wander
If you don't want to book a specific table, head to these areas where you can find dozens of options within walking distance.
- Jalan Kayu Aya (Eat Street), Seminyak: This is the densest concentration of trendy restaurants on the island. You can find everything from high-end Italian to greasy tacos.
- Jalan Batu Bolong, Canggu: The main artery of Canggu. It is lined with healthy cafes, vegan spots, and lively bars. It's the best place to wander if you want a "cool" atmosphere.
- Jalan Goutama, Ubud: A narrow, pedestrian-friendly street packed with small, intimate cafes and traditional warungs. It is quieter than the main roads and has a much more local feel.
- Pererenan: The quieter neighbor to Canggu. It is currently seeing an explosion of high-quality, boutique restaurants that are slightly more sophisticated and less crowded than the main Canggu strip.
Note: Opening hours and reservation requirements in Bali change frequently; check the venue's Instagram or website before heading out.