25 Best Restaurants in Bali

Ubud and seafood? Those are two words you don’t put in one sentence. Not anymore! Nautilus brings fresh seafood to Ubud, making sure the oceanic flavors don’t get lost in translation even when surrounded by lush jungles and rice fields. The industrial and coastal vibe is strong at this new restaurant with the shell sign and exposed brick aesthetics. 

Please take our word that the 650 grams of Lobster & Zucchini Pasta, one of Nautilus’s signature dishes, is devilishly tasty. Though it goes well with every drink menu, go with Nautilus’s extensive wine list or pick the classic cocktails from the bar. You’ll soon forget the ocean is 20 miles from where you have your seafood feast.

The literal melting pot at Donna is all about the bold Latin flavors and herbs of the Mediterranean. That’s why you don’t see empty tables at this Ubud restaurant during dinner. Add the pot plants inside, and you get the down-to-earth and classic Mediterranean vibe, even when you sit at the table by the pool.

Polpo alla Donna, a grilled octopus dish, and Pull Up Tiramisu for a sweet treat make a perfect combo for the dinner menu. Try one of Donna’s signature cocktails, Smoked Clover Club, and snap the dramatic presentation to make it onto your social media post. On Friday night, rush to the Rooftop Bar on the second floor after dinner. Burn the calories from all those delicious meals as the Latin beats turn the space into the dance floor when the clock strikes 9 PM.

If you ask us what the “it” fine dining restaurant in Bali is, we’ll unanimously answer Locavore NXT. It’s the kind of dining experience that is stuck in your memories. The short tour of the impressive Mushroom Chamber and a 3D Bio Library boldly showcases the local ingredients they use. What’s hot about the tasting menu at Locavore NXT is the seasonality of the ingredients. That’s how innovative plus sustainable Locavore NXT is.

When you taste the 20+ course menu at Locavore NXT, you’re in for a ride of Indonesia’s diverse ecosystems. And we have to strip your foodie badge if you skip one of the best restaurants in Bali from your must-visit list.

Admit it, never in your wildest dreams, that eating in a cave with stalactites makes sense in Bali. But that’s precisely why The Cave by Chef Ryan Clift should be part of your dining experience on the island. A winner of the Best Luxury Fine Dining Experience in 2022, there’s no need to don your hiking boots or walk through the thick forest to get to this 22-seat subterranean Uluwatu restaurant.

As one of the best places to eat in Bali, pick your favorite meals from the classic or vegetarian menu. Get ready for the rich flavors of Tuna Rouille or Brocollini to hit your palate, as Chef Ryan Clift is a master at modern gastronomy. For us, The Cave is undoubtedly on the list of the non-skippable fine dining restaurants in Uluwatu.

Let’s all agree that a romantic dinner by the beach is so last year’s. Instead, go for the private cocoon at Kubu at Mandapa to wow your ladies. We can vouch it’s the new definition of having a romantic dining experience in Bali. What’s more intimate than the taste of Mediterranean flavors with the sound of Ayung River next to your table?

The locally sourced Kintamani jicama and Serangan mangrove crabs are part of the 10-course degustation menu. Kubu at Mandapa is serious about its ingredients. They only forage and source ingredients within a 100-kilometer radius! This means you get the freshest ingredients on your plate. Fostering a close relationship with local communities is the core value of the restaurant.

There’s no denying that SKOOL Kitchen is one of the trendiest places to eat in Bali. Everyone loves the combo of the Indian Ocean in the background and the primitive cooking using a wood fire. Who can resist the smoky aroma of Argentinian Red Prawn or Wagyu Ribeye Steak? Certainly not us! Catching up with your bestie on the beige sofa on the outdoor terrace while watching the sunset sounds like a perfect afternoon.

SKOOL Kitchen is not only good at cooking (and serving!) premium meats and seafood. The vast selection of drinks, from the world-class wine list to cocktails, is a great follow-up to your dinner. Come and taste the scrumptious grilled dishes at SKOOL Kitchen yourself.

If you’re in the mood for a chic brunch at a Parisian bistro, head to none other than Bar Vera in Pererenan. Located within the Further Hotel, Bar Vera is a mix of a trendy and modern European bistro with local produce ingredients on the menu. Where else can you find beef tartare served alongside Indonesia’s sambal?

The terracotta, wood, and stone elements at Bar Vera give a sleek yet cozy and down-to-earth vibe. There’s a chance you’ll be ordering your third natural wine from the drinks menu as you lose track of time chatting with your pals. It’s okay, though, as the wines at Bar Vera are lo-fi, organic, and biodynamic. Life’s too short to pass on good wines, don’t you think?

When you dine at Apéritif, get ready for the European way of dining. This means you will start with drinks and canapes and end it with petit fours and dessert. No one’s going to blame you for gaping at the dining room at Apéritif. The art deco style with black and white tiles and arched windowpane at this world-class restaurant will take you back to the jazzy Roaring Twenties.

As one of the fine dining restaurants in Bali, Apéritif offers five degustation menu options. Rest assured that you’ll get fresh produce ingredients cooked using modern gastronomic techniques. Having more than 180 exclusive fine wine collections on display, picking wine has never been this fun. No wonder that Apéritif often makes a list among the top restaurants in Bali.

There’s no better way to savor the spiciness and richness of Indonesian cuisine than with the view of the Ubud jungle and Ayung River. Ayung Terrace delivers its caliber as one of the finest Indonesian restaurants in Bali through the menu from across the archipelago. From Satay Lilit to Ayam Tuturuga, you’ll be swayed by Chef Wayan Sutariawan’s skills at blending the many layers of Indonesian spices and seasoning.

As part of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, everything about this Bali restaurant is top-notch. From the service to the semi-open seating area, Ayung Terrace makes a great casual spot for lunch and dinner in Ubud.

Dining at Koral is all about a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After all, you’ll be having the modern twist of the bistro dishes at this Nusa Dua restaurant surrounded by fish! This first aquarium restaurant in Bali certainly doesn’t look drab on your social media. The gastronomy cooking method by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali is worth a standing ovation. Inspired by Indonesia’s coastal flavors, the result is a unique taste of bistronomic delights.

But let’s be honest, the colorful fish and the aquarium setting make Koral a one-of-a-kind place to eat. The leather sofa may look too formal, yet you can’t help but feel the intimate and laid-back ambiance here. For that reason, Koral stands as more than just a simple fine dining restaurant in Bali.

Forget the dull and uneventful Indonesian food at your local warung. Merah Putih takes Indonesian food to fine dining status like you’ve never seen before. Since 2013, Merah Putih has upgraded the experience of enjoying Indonesian cuisine by making it gastronomy-friendly. With its striking glass walls, cathedral-style ceilings, and indoor plants, Merah Putih is arguably one of the best interior designs of restaurants in Bali.

But it’s not all just a facade. The food in a gourmet setting is what sets Merah Putih apart from other Indonesian restaurants. The variety of sambals as a condiment, from matah to the classic dish of Kare Kambing, is the true spirit of Merah Putih. If you want an authentic Indonesian dish and a fine dining experience, we cannot suggest Merah Putih enough.

If you’ve never heard of the concept of Nyegara Gunung in Balinese, you’re not alone. That’s why Kayuputi takes this philosophy as the theme of their restaurant. It’s basically using all the ingredients from the mountain to the sea and everything in between. You’ll drool over the Pan-Asian cuisines such as Jembrana Mud Crab and Char-Grilled Octopus Tentacle offered here. Don’t sleep on the wine list, as Kayuputi has won the Wine Spectator Award for the 13th consecutive year!

Situated within the St. Regis Bali Resort, Kayuputi makes a perfect Sunday brunch spot. Sit inside and witness how your food is prepared in the open kitchen. Or enjoy the ocean breeze at the alfresco seating because nothing screams brunch than a beachfront view of Nusa Dua Beach.

Bali may not have a Michelin-starred restaurant yet. But Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant is the closest thing to having that exclusive dining experience. If you’re saying we’re bluffing, Mozaic is the first Southeast Asian restaurant to be inducted as a Les Grandes Tables du Monde member. Championing a sustainable gastronomic approach, the menus at Mozaic are a fusion of Indonesian spices and ingredients and French cooking.

With a mini maze-like setting and surrounded by a lush garden, Mozaic feels intimate and casual without losing its fine dining ambiance. If you’re looking for the best food in Bali, Mozaic delivers more than you can think of.

Welcome to Seasalt, where you can indulge in the wildly caught and sustainably sourced seafood with a Japanese touch. Yes, it’s a seafood restaurant in Seminyak that takes inspiration from Japanese cuisine. Nestled in the corner of Petitenget with a stunning beach view, nothing tastes better than savoring its Java Sea Octopus or Ocean Bali Platter at Seasalt during sunset.

The outstanding thing about Seasalt is not only about its seafood. Seasalt also committed to using Kusamba salt in all of its dishes. It’s an organic and traditional sea salt produced by a small community on the East Coast of Bali. Though a great escape for sunset, Seasalt also makes a great pick for your Sunday brunch!

Don’t sweat yourself looking for the best Japanese restaurants when Izakaya by OKU exists. Inspired by the award-winning OKU Japanese restaurant in Jakarta, Izakaya brings the complex flavors of Japanese cuisine in a casual yet refined setting. Whether it's sushi or Bento, every dish at Izakaya by OKU is authentically Japanese.

Chat with your buddies or with the chefs in the open kitchen overlooking the Indian Ocean. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in the perfect light to snap photos for your Insta feed. Do you want a more authentic experience? Then, Izakaya Journey is specifically made for you. Available from 12 to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, this set menu is an excellent choice to cheers on the weekend.

At Syrco BASÈ, sustainability and back to nature are more than just a hip slogan. Chef Syrco Bakker believes in transparency. He understands the importance of sourcing the ingredients until serving them on the table. That’s why he has Bali Heroes to highlight the local ingredients, while the Heritage pays homage to Chef Baker’s Balinese and Indonesian roots.

You can also go all-in with Syrco BASÈ Ku for intimate dining. Chef Bakker will show you the whole journey from the preparation and story around his atelier and counter. You need to be quick, though, as it’s only available for 14 guests. If you’re feeling gutsy, try the drinks at Syrco BASÈ Bar, where the cocktails are made of botanical ingredients known in Bali for generations.

Naughty Nuri’s is the OG, the icon, and the legendary eatery in Bali. Naughty Nuri’s has always been about comfort food since its humble beginnings in 1995. The place may not be the same, and they have branched out outside Ubud, but the Signature BBQ Pork Spare Ribs is still to die for. Don’t forget to pair it with Naughty Nuri’s margarita for the drink. They are called classic combos at this Bali restaurant for a reason.

Naughty Nuri’s no-fuss approach with the wooden tables and chairs gives this place a casual vibe. Perfect for friends or family meet-ups, the cute piggy ornaments add to the playful side of the place. There’s no doubt that Naughty Nuri’s is where you get the best pork ribs in Bali.

Successfully incorporating luxury and eco-friendly practices, Akar is all about sustainability. The bamboo and wood interiors of this two-story restaurant are just the facade of what’s fantastic about Akar. As part of the complex of K-Club Ubud, Akar carefully handpicks each ingredient from the local farmers. No wonder it was voted Bali’s Top Restaurant by TripAdvisor in 2022 for a reason.

Another stand-out thing about Akar is that they use charcoal, including bamboo grilling, in all their dishes! If you need a fun night out in Ubud, this gastro bar has exclusive events with live DJs. Who says sustainable and fun don’t mix well?

Merlin’s Magic brings all the magic to the land of spirituality. When you walk into Merlin’s, don’t be startled by the magical atmosphere. With the blue colors and a colored-glass dome, Merlin’s feels more like a magician’s den than a restaurant. The magic shop on the first floor and the hanging branches give off that mystic vibe to Merlin’s.

The magic doesn’t stop at the interior. If you’re brave enough, you can let the tarot cards pick your food and drinks. Menus like Merlin’s Catch and Cauldron of Life certainly tickle your taste buds. There’s no place like this in Bali. So, if you’re around Ubud and want a magical (no pun intended) dining experience, then head to Merlin straight away.

If Canggu is your playground, there’s no way you have never heard of Mason. It has become a food hotspot in Canggu for years. Thanks to its no-nonsense approach to the Mediterranean’s smoking and wood fire grilling, the flavors shine from its quality ingredients. If you want proof, try the 48-Hour Slow Cooked Short Rib or the Charcoal Chicken. Don’t blame us if you’re hooked from the first bite!

Mason’s minimalist yet elegant and sophisticated style matches Canggu’s trendy atmosphere. Sitting indoors, you’ll watch the kitchen staff at the open kitchen. If you’d rather sit in the open-air and string-lit courtyard, have a cold beer or a glass of Martinis and bless your sight with Canggu’s hustle and bustle.

Ijen takes the concepts of sustainability, zero-waste concept, and minimalism to a T. The cold dishes and grilled options use minimal seasoning to highlight its sumptuous oceanic flavors. It constantly appears on the list of best restaurants in Seminyak precisely because of its concept. Whether it’s the oysters, prawns, octopus, or clams, all the ingredients at Ijen are carefully selected.

Ijen celebrates the Indonesian communal dining culture with long tables and an open kitchen. When you’re done taking countless photos of the sunset, take one of the seats at Ijen, suck those fresh oysters, and we won’t blame you for saying it’s the best food you’ve ever had in Bali.

Woods is about the all-day breakfast menu with a touch of Mediterranean using local and fresh ingredients. No one bats an eye if you’re ordering Coconut Pancakes at 3 PM or Pistachio Caccio e Pepe for lunch. And folks, don’t forget the organic wine on the menu to pair it with your meals.

Woods looks like it belongs in this less-busier part of Pererenan. Nothing screams rustic than the reclaimed woods in the interiors of Woods. Yet, it still feels cozy and refined. Come during dinner when Woods hosts some exciting events. It has live jazz and vinyl nights, perfect for casual dates or simply catching up with your best friends on a weeknight.

There’s no need to book a flight to Paris if you want to have brunch at a bistro. Lulu Bistrot takes Paris’s grand and classic bistro culture and transports it to the lively Canggu. You’ll be excused for saying that this Canggu restaurant and bar is the closest thing to Paris in Bali you’ll ever have. Terrine de Campagne and Bourguignon D’Agneau retain their rich French flavors despite using locally sourced ingredients.

The white-grey marble and tall liquor racks make Lulu Bistro exude the same charm of that low-down ambiance the French are known for. Have a good meal, and don’t forget to write j’adore on your Instagram caption to channel your inner Emily in Paris moment.

Mosto takes the Sydney bar scene and Paris’s neo-bistros then throws in the Italian-inspired menu with Indonesian twists. As if the eclectic style is not impressive enough, Mosto is Indonesia’s first natural wine bar. The result is a groundbreaking place you have to try yourself. Rigatoni Zozzona and Gnocchi Parisienne are paired with Indonesia’s sambal bawang and nutmeg, creating balanced yet distinctive flavors.

The exposed white bricks, terracotta outdoor accent, and mural ceilings further elevate Mosto’s rebellious and creative spirit. If you need an easy and non-nonsense setting for your casual Friday (or any day) night out, Mosto is your choice of restaurant in Kuta.

Racine takes the saying, “When one door closes, another opens,” literally. Sharing the same DNA as the previously (now closed) Warung Goûthé, the homemade food at Racine still packs a punch. This family business restaurant, run by Jean and Yen, Racine, still serves its killer grilled menus. From chicken breast to escargot and tuna loin, you can choose your sauce and sides.

Sitting outdoors in the garden or inside with the large windows and doors, Racine makes you think of the comfort of your home and your Mom’s food. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, Racine feels like the warm hug you need after a long day.