Everyone agrees that food is the essence of life and, when you’re travelling, finding restaurants is among the key requirements when choosing accommodation. As the most visited island in Indonesia, Bali boasts one of the most mouth-watering food scenes in the country. From the local Indonesian dishes to Asian fusion and Latin American cuisine, Bali has it all. The question is, where to find them? Read on to find out about the best areas in Bali and seek out the island’s most scrumptious meals.
UBUD
As Bali’s capital of culture and art, Ubud is also home to some of the island’s most incredible and diverse food scenes. There is a valid reason why the Ubud Food Festival is held every year on this corner of the island, as the area’s lush nature is crucial to the type of dishes you can find here.
Here are some restaurants in Ubud where the food is promised to be otherworldly:
- Hujan Locale should be your go-to if you want to taste Indonesian dishes usually sold by street vendors
- Mozaic has long been a household name in the culinary scene in Bali for its Asian gastronomic menus, offering Asian dishes in a different light
JIMBARAN
Bali is blessed with the Indian Ocean and other bodies of water surrounding the island. Its geography makes it a heaven for seafood lovers, especially the areas close to the beach. There are some of the best seafood restaurants in Bali, but those on the Jimbaran Peninsula are the ones you can visit.
Here are a few of the seafood restaurants in Jimbaran:
- Kisik Lounge offers a spectacular view of Jimbaran Bay and benefits from the freshest catch the sea can offer
- Cuca may not be located on the beachfront, but its seafood menu is, without a doubt, one of the best on the island
NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua can be considered a luxurious area in Bali. It has many world-class hotels and resorts and often hosts international conferences. When it comes to the food scene in Bali, some fine-dining restaurants can be found here, promising a dining experience with the freshest ingredients:
- Koral is the first underwater restaurant in Bali and dining here can only be described as spectacular
- Samabe Cave Diving offers an international feel in a natural setting ‒ but inside a cave! It’s perfect for a romantic dinner with your spouse
SEMINYAK
For decades, Seminyak has been the ‘it’ spot as the area has everything, from restaurants, clubs and shops to beach clubs. The variety of the restaurants, each offering a different dining experience while also combining the vibrant atmosphere has made Seminyak the perfect destination if you’re a serious foodie.
These restaurants should be on your radar if you stay around the Seminyak area:
- Merah Putih is known as the best fine-dining restaurant if you want to indulge in Indonesian dishes full of spices
- Sushi Koen makes a perfect restaurant if you crave authentic Japanese delicacies with their omakase dining experience
CANGGU
No area in Bali has developed so rapidly as Canggu in the last ten years. Well known as the capital of digital nomads in Bali, the restaurant industry on this side of the island reflects the diversity of people who make Canggu their base. Whatever dish you wish to enjoy, the chances are that Canggu has what you are looking for.
These places to eat in Canggu will seriously satiate your appetite if you’re a true foodie:
- Home by Chef Wayan is where the Balinese cuisine, blended with superb hospitality, will elevate your dining experience with some of the best Balinese dish creations
- Sensorium is the place to go if you crave something familiar but done differently, as their menus of fusion of Asian dishes will blow you away
ONBALI site provides a very detailed guide about restaurants in Bali. You can also find recommendations about hotels, resorts, and activities to give you ideas and where you can access a great deal of helpful information.
