Those that have been to Bali enough will know that the foodie scene here has absolutely skyrocketed over the last few years. At Urban List, our team has witnessed a heap of renowned chefs reside on the island, whether local or from around the world.
And no matter the occasion—whether you’re with a big group of mates, on an anniversary trip with your significant other or just travelling solo—Bali’s restaurant scene has something for you.
Here are the best updated Bali restaurants to book before your next trip in 2024.
Mosto
Jl Pantai Berawa no.99, Tibubeneng
Image credit: Mosto Bali | Instagram
If sommelier Nicolas Lento could add anything to his CV, it would be that as Indonesia’s only low-intervention natural wine importer and distributor, he is key to giving Bali wine lovers the chance to tipple natural wines. To showcase them, Lento is part of the team running Bali’s first natural wine bar and eatery, Mosto, a cruisy 70-seat eatery and bar with a Euro-cool thing going on. Sit at stools along the bar or gather around tables indoors and out. The Italia-centric wine list of ‘juicy + fresh’; ‘safe + clean’ wines sneak in good drops from elsewhere, including a delicious sparkling pet nat from South Australia. It’s paired with a similarly forward-looking menu on which free-range Asian ingredients mix it with Italian and French cuisine techniques. Duck rillette with brem wine and pickled daikon salad is a new favourite, and no doubt fettuccine alfredo with lemon and Javanese long pepper will stand the test of time.
Trattoria
Jl. Karangasem – Seraya, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Amed
Image credit: Trattoria | Instagram
On the picturesque villa-studded coastal road of northeast Bali, about 15 minutes from the main Amed township, Trattoria is a surprise culinary treat given its middle-of-nowhere locale. As the name suggests, the menu is staunchly Italian, but the scene is pure Bali, with a teak and rattan open-sided pavilion surrounded by tropical garden. Incredibly in these parts Trattoria has been able to source all the staple ingredients for authentic Italian flavours. What’s the more the pizzas have a wood-fired crust and plenty of mozzarella, the ravioli with sage butter is perfectly creamy, the rich beefy lasagne is just like the one nona used to make. Tomato bruschetta, served to each table before the meals arrive, is a nice touch and there’s a small walk-in wine cellar with bottles from around the globe.
Shelter
Jl. Drupadi 1 No.2b, Seminyak
Image credit: Shelter | Instagram
If you're looking for one of the most buzzy restaurants in Bali, look no further than Shelter in Pererenan—just a short stroll from Canggu. Dishing out Middle Eastern and Mediterranean bites, you'll want to go in a group or at least make sure you're hungry.
Start with the bread and housemade ricotta before moving onto the wood-roasted moon scallops covered in chilli, lemon butter and sumac. They're smaller than what we're used to at home, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavour (not to mention the sheer volume of them on the plate).
The edamame falafel is not to be missed and will satisfy even the biggest carnivores in your group, but fear not, there's also plenty of meat on the menu with the slow cooked lamb being a firm favourite among those in the know.
Shelter also has a great wine list and more cocktails than you can poke a stick at, so settle in for a balmy evening in the lush outdoor setting.
Santana Brasserie Latina
Jln Pemelisan Agung, Berawa
Image credit: Santana | Instagram
Just opened in busy Berawa, Santana Brasserie Latina is a showy new restaurant that manages just the right balance between dressy dinner restaurant and fun night out. In the spirit of Latin American dining, the fit-out is lavish, all golden arches, richly textured chairs and cushions, mosaic tiles and little table lights to keep the mood intimate (if a little dark).
The menu is fabulously Latino with a few twists and turns. It’s made for sharing. Begin with Para Picar (to nibble), work up an appetite with Barra Fria (raw bar) then dig in with Pescado (fish) and Carna from the firewood (meat). Ceviche di Sandia – a salad of fresh watermelon with ponzu chipotle and crispy seaweed, is a surprise favourite, but no prizes for guessing langosta a las brasas – grilled lobster buns with jalapeno butter and chimichurri, is going to be popular. Go hard with a classic cut black angus striploin served juicy and pink on a wooden board, and round it all off with a side of garlicky mushrooms.
The margheritas here put most others in Canggu to shame. For more cocktail love, Mamasita is the restaurant’s little speakeasy bar open on Friday and Saturday nights. Also stay tuned for a tasting experience hosted up a winding staircase in a wine bar looking over restaurant.
Rize
Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.150, Pererena
Image credit: Rize | Instagram
The beachfront neighbourhood of Pererenan is it-and-a-bit right now, and it doesn’t get much better than Rize for nailing the Bali scene. Tucked down a laneway off motorbike-mad Pantai Pererenan, the incense scented café is the hangout of digi nomads, buffed surfers, breath-workers and everyone in between. They’re here to nab a bench seat for some serious laptop time; sip on the island’s best chai while talking tides; or take it up a notch to dine on breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The mindful menu takes on all the food trends: healthy, plant-based, gluten free, local, artisanal, and it all tastes fantastic. While the egg dishes, juices and smoothies rock, the chef is at his best when channelling modern Indian cuisine. His expertise has given Rize a reputation for its dosa brunches loaded with spiced potato or mushroom, creamy dahl and piquant chutneys (one is enough for two!). Dinners take on a leafy candlelit vibe with the menu focusing on Indian favourites like tandoori cauliflower, garlic naan, samosa chaat and a tasty eggplant bhartha.
Yuki
Uluwatu, Canggu
Image credit: Yuki | Website
Another stunning open-air restaurant with sunset views, Yuki is the place to go when you're craving fresh sashimi and easy-drinking cocktails. The menu covers small bites—don't miss the nori taco and wagyu beef—yakitori, sashimi and yakimono (mains cooked on the charcoal grill) and will not disappoint. Best of all, if you can't decide, you can hand over the reins by choosing the feed me menu.
Both the Uluwatu and Canggu locations are also known for their events so keep an eye on their website to see what's coming up.
Lulu Bistrot
Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.72, Canggu
Image credit: Lulu Bistrot | Instagram
If loading up on a Parisian feed is the last thing you think you'd want in Bali—think again. Lulu Bistrot is a French restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Canggu serving up French cooking in its traditional way but with the local and seasonal ingredients Bali is known for. Feast on the likes of tarte aux pommes (apple tart with brandy diplomat) and pâté de campagne alongisde goblets of spiced orange margaritas.
Motel Mexicola
Seminyak, Canggu
Image credit: Motel Mexicola | Instagram
When you're keen to combine feasting and tequila-fuelled dancing, Motel Mexicola is the spot. The Seminyak restaurant has been serving up some of Bali's best damn margaritas along with banging Mexican eats and unbeatable after-dark vibes for a decade now.
Given its success, the crew decided to spread the Motel Mexicola love, with a sunny new spin on the OG in Canggu. It's much the same, except with a balmy outdoor atmosphere to suit the beachy locale and more of the authentic Mexican eats you love. Think classics like guacamole, tostadas, ceviche and tacos filled with fire-roasted meats fresh from the traditional eight-metre fire pit. Wash it down with some sexy cocktails and you might just be here all day.
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Bu Reka Bistro
Jl. Pantai Seseh No.18, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung
Image credit: Bu Reka | Instagram
One of Seseh’s most idyllic restaurants is this streetside, fairylight-lit gem run by the next generation of Bu Reka’s own family, who have owned this plot of land since anyone can remember. Balancing a contemporary look with Indonesian charm, the open-air restaurant has a peaked wooden roof and rockwork walls. Small tables surrounding a big central table make it a good fit for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends. The menu is all about fresh clean produce with strong Asian influences, and an emphasis on seafood. Try the herb-scatter prawn platter, or the grilled whole fish but don’t go past the specials board which often has surprises in the form of tasty curries and excellent pasta. There’s wine on offer or celebrate with the bistro’s own line-up of arak-based cocktails.
Tanaman Restaurant
Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod
Image credit: Tanaman | Supplied
With its bright blue floor, chairs and neon lights, Tanaman is Potato Head’s multi-sensory, plant-based restaurant that is absolutely unmissable. Having kicked off experimental dinners last year, twice a month you’ll find an impeccable Chef’s Table throwdown consisting of an eight-person feast inside this OMA-designed dome.
The menu itself sources produce from small farms around Bali and currently, Tanaman is kicking off a whole new season of courses, paired wines and mocktails. This means you’ll find well-crafted dishes unlocking the deliciousness of fungi seeds,leaves and roots, and trust us, they will completely blow your tastebuds.
The Cave Bali
Central Batur, Kintamani, Bangli Regency
Image credit: The Cave | Instagram
Lush beachside dining gems may be a dime a dozen in Bali, but there's only one subterranean restaurant. Located within a 25,000 year-old cave, this moody new 22-seater from Chef Ryan Clift is serving up a jaw-dropping seven-course degustation that you'll definitely want to charge your phone up for—it's a constant battle for attention between those striking stalactites and the edible plates of art that arrive promptly at your table.
Zest
Jl. Penestanan No.7, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud
Image credit: Zest | Instagram
Another Bali restaurant powered by plants, Zest offers up all the laid back vibes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The concept here is that dishes get filled with tasty ‘fruits, shoots and roots’ for a wide array of feeds to fuel your adventures. On the menu you’ll find an absolute bible of delicious feeds like sushi, burgers, plant pizza, peking duck-inspired pancakes, jackfruit steak, mushroom schnitzel and hey, seaweed waffles with sweet chili if you’re feeling brave.
Kaum Restaurant
Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta
Image credit: Kaum | Supplied
Another stellar restaurant from the Potato Head family, if you call yourself a big foodie, Kaum is an Indo eatery you absolutely have to hit up. Kaum actually means “clan” or “tribe” in Indonesian and it’s a gentle nod to where this restaurant has soured its inspiration from. The Kaum team actually travelled across the archipelago to learn all about Indigenous cooking methods and flavours native to Indonesia’s tribal communities so if you’re looking to get a taste of Indonesia’s true culinary culture, this is the place to be.
Bartolo
Uluwatu, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel
Image credit: Bartolo | Instagram
This cheeky neighborhood restaurant is a haven for a low-key dinner after a day at the beach featuring Euro share plates, refreshing cocktails and wine. If you’re out at these parts with your significant other, it’s also a 10/10 spot for date night. Work your way through steak frites, marinated olives, tuna crudo, lamb kofta and an absolute swill of tropical concoctions like black lime Margaritas and a tonka Espresso Martini.
Mama San Bali
Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.135, Kerobokan Kelod
Image credit: Mama San | Website
We mean, there really is no place that is more of an institution than Mama San. To put it bluntly, you’ll rarely head in here without the place being packed-to-the-rafters—the food is that superb. And recently, the longtime fave has gone through a bit of a transformation with two new venues to check out. The classic Mama San experience is on offer down in the refurbed Dining Room & Grill with Thai, Indonesian, Laotian cuisine front and centre across the street food menu.
You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for the Mama San's latest venture—the Mama San Supper Club. Headed by Chef Will Meyrick, and separate from Mama San's Dining Room & Grill Bar, this fresh dining offering is open Tuesday through to Sunday. It's fine dining made easy.
Merah Putih
Jl. Petitenget No.100X, Kerobokan Kelod
Image credit: Merah Putih | Website
Open from 5:30pm every day until late, Merah Putih easily sports one of the most theatrical restaurant settings in Bali. Think an illuminated roof, an indoor garden and neon lights. Yes, if you’re a keen snapper, this is the Bali restaurant for you. We particularly love this place if you’re travelling with a larger group of mates, plates are set in the middle of the table so everyone has the opportunity to sample all the dishes. The squid ink noodles are a fan favourite, as is the slow roast pork belly. These guys also plate up one of the best nasi gorengs, dare we say in the world.
Barbacoa
Petitenget St No.14, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara
Image credit: Barbocoa | Instagram
Get amongst the burning embers, charcoal and smoke at Barbacoa. The whole essence of this menu is based around char, the crew roasts whole pigs over the Asado pit as well as beef, lamb, chicken, seafood and veggies over the Parilla flat grill. With a feast headed by Aussie chef Nic Philip, you can expect Latin American cuisine with plenty of offerings for vegos or vegan folk. On top of this, Barbacoa pickles, ferments and makes all their own mustards and vinegars in-house. Unsurprisingly, the cocktail list anchors in South American flavours while the wine cellar carries new and old world wines, vintages, natural and biodynamic drops too.
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*Ends 31st October 2023. T&Cs apply. Consider the PDS and TMD. Issued by Heritage and People’s Choice Limited (AFSL 244310).
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Image credit: Tanaman Restaurant | Supplied
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