OnBali

Best Breakfast Cafés in Sanur

By Catur Herawanto
9 min read
Aug 19, 2024
Date of Last Update: Dec 04, 2024

If you're wondering whether Sanur's best cafés are non-notable establishments, we'd love to prove you wrong with this Sanur café guide about where to get the best coffee. These 11 cafés are not only the best places to get great coffee and breakfast in Sanur but also make excellent choices for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It may not give you the fine dining experience, but the list will easily answer your questions about where to eat in Sanur.

From the beachside cafés to the iconic locations on Sanur's Jalan Danau Tamblingan, these options selected as the best Sanur cafés are more than just a place to grab a coffee in the morning. Indeed, it's about time some of the coffee shops and restaurants in Sanur, Bali get the recognition they deserve for being the underrated gems of this culinary destination.

  • 1. Byrd House

    Located along Sindhu Beach, Byrd House is part of the Segara Village Hotel and undoubtedly one of the best cafés in Sanur. From afar, the building looks like a bird's nest and this exactly mirrors the purpose this beach house tries to achieve: making the guests so comfortable as if they are hatchling birds in a nest. Despite the many oceanview cafés dotted along Sanur Beach, Byrd House definitely stands out.

    The menu and interior overview in Byrd House

    Whether you're looking to start your morning with a Green Sunrise or Salmon Bagel alongside your fresh fruit or mixed juices, you won't be disappointed by the breakfast menu of Byrd House. Few things taste better than enjoying their homemade spinach tagliatelle tossed into the Grana Padano cheese wheel. Romance in Venice and also Flamingo are among Byrd House's signature cocktails to be enjoyed while lounging around the pool.

    Detailed info about Byrd House

    • Average price per guest at Byrd House: US $10

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 6:30 AM ‒ 11:30 PM

    • Call Byrd House: +62-851-7966-7935

    • Cuisine at Byrd House: Seafood, International, Fusion

  • 2. Sala Bistro

    Located on Sanur's main street of Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sala Bistro may not be one of the beachfront restaurants in Sanur that tourists flock to. Even so, this is the place to get one of the best breakfasts in Sanur. People come to Sala Bistro for the food and the ambience, so it's worth visiting when you're in the Sanur area.

    Sala Bistro not only serves great breakfast menus like Sunrise Smoothie Bowl and Protein Bowl, but the Bacon Egg Roll and Morning Glory are also incredibly delicious for brunch in Sanur. The flavours of the Seafood Linguini and Char Kway Teow for lunch will explode in your mouth. Looking for some dinner ideas? The Thai Fried Rice Pork Belly is Sala Bistro's take on one of the most popular Thai foods.

    Fresh cocktail, Thai food and Indonesian-style interior in Sala Bistro

    Sala Bistro is one of the busiest places to eat in Sanur, and you rarely see it empty. The semi-open seating area with wooden tables and Indonesian-classical-style chairs creates a warm and cosy ambience, similar to the feeling you get when visiting a beloved friend's house.

    Detailed info about Sala Bistro

    • Average price per guest at Sala Bistro: US $7

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7:30 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Call Sala Bistro: +62-859-0134-0984

    • Cuisine at Sala Bistro: International, Asian

  • 3. Soul on the Beach

    Shotgun Social has become a sort of local legend café in Sanur, but not many people know that Soul on The Beach is its sister restaurant. This means that you can't go wrong with any order at Soul on The Beach. Just like its name, the friendly staff and the perfectly brewed coffee are two of the things that infuse the DNA of Soul on The Beach.

    If you don't know where to eat in Sanur, the extensive menus of Western and Indonesian food at Soul on The Beach sure have you covered.

    Soul on the Beach - the restaurant on the beach

    Whether you opt to sit under the shady umbrellas on the beach side with your feet burrowed in the sand or enjoy the ocean view from the verandah, time definitely slows down at Soul on The Beach. The mural that says 'Love Bali I'm Never Coming Home' under their sign is exactly how you feel here because we can assure you that leaving will be hard after the extremely mouthwatering food and excellent service.

    Detailed info about Soul on the Beach

    • Average price per guest at Soul on The Beach: US $6

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 11 PM

    • Call Soul on The Beach: +62-813-3975-1932

    • Cuisine at Soul on The Beach: International, Indonesian

  • 4. Genius Café Sanur

    Among the many beachfront cafés in Sanur, Genius Café is one of the few that take Sanur's laid-back vibe to the next level. Not in the grandest way, but in the humblest way possible, this is a must-visit café when experiencing Sanur. Genius Café is for all travellers who are looking for a beach club atmosphere without having to actually visit one.

    Breakfast with coffee on the beach in Genius Café

    When we're talking about Genius Café Sanur, we have to mention the talented chefs and their take on Mexican food. From the Mexican Bowl of Glory and Holy Guacamole to the vegetarian version of fajitas and quesadillas, the Mexican influence is hard to resist at Genius Café.

    Genius Café is one of the few Sanur beachfront cafés where you can sit comfortably on the bean bags! They have combined Sanur's relaxed vibe with the aesthetic of the beach clubs without all the DJ sets and the infinity pool, resulting in a place that is down-to-earth and accessible for everyone.

    Detailed info about Genius Café Sanur

    • Average price per guest at Genius Café Sanur: US $8

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Call Genius Café Sanur: +62-822-3694-4873

    • Cuisine at Genius Café Sanur: Indonesian, International

  • 5. Batujimbar Café

    Out of all the places to get breakfast and coffee in Sanur, Batujimbar Café is certainly one of the best. It may not be located right on the beach, but its location in the heart of Sanur on Jalan Danau Tamblingan has made It easy to locate. Serving Western food and traditional Indonesian cuisine, it's about time that you find out about the greatness of Batujimbar Café.

    Brekfast and indoor seatings in Batujimbar Café

    Ordering a Turmeric Lamb Scramble or Eggs Benedict Royale for breakfast with a Green Smoothie or any choice from the Cold-Pressed Juice section will surely start your day with a bang. Be sure to check the Rijsttafel For Two; whether you opt for the Balinese or Island to Island version, you'll find they both deliver the taste of Indonesian dishes according to a Dutch way of enjoying it. The Merchant and Tiramisu Martini will be the right choice to close your night from their Signature Cocktails menu, or you can also go with the classic Negroni or Cosmopolitan.

    With the wooden floor and ceilings, the overall aesthetic of Batujimbar is classic and clean but not minimalistic. They have indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing you to sit inside with air-conditioned comfort or sit outside and enjoy the Sanur breeze.

    Detailed info about Batujimbar Café

    • Average price per guest at Batujimbar Café: US $10

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 6:30 AM ‒ 11 PM 

    • Call Batujimbar Café: +62-812-4659-6499

    • Cuisine at Batujimbar Café: European, Asian, Indonesian

  • 6. Bread Basket

    With other branches in Uluwatu, Canggu, and Kerobokan, the Bread Basket in Sanur is often mentioned in the Sanur food guide as one of the best breakfast spots in the area. Café hopping is one of the key things to do in Sanur besides lounging on the beach, and the Bread Basket should be included on your list!

    Surprisingly, the best coffee shop in Sanur is also where you can get some of the best freshly baked bread in Bali. Though the Fluffy Me pancakes and the traditional pies on the menu are tempting, it's the pastries, especially the croissant, the bagel, and the sourdough bread, that steal the spotlight at Bread Basket. Although it has never marketed itself as a leading vegan café in Sanur, the Bread Basket has some vegan meals like Mediterranean Wraps and Blackened Tempeh Wraps if you're looking for plant-based goodness on a platter.

    Wooden style interior in Bread Basket cafe

    Sitting on the verandah on their boxed-shaped wooden chairs and tables with freshly cold-brewed cubes while enjoying the morning sun is the definition of heaven. And the good thing is that they open daily, so you can throw the worries of missing your caffeine intake out of the window.

    Detailed info about Bread Basket

    • Average price per guest at Bread Basket: US $6

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 5 PM

    • Call Bread Basket: (0361) 282339

    • Cuisine at Bread Basket: Café, European, Bakery

  • 7. Canvas Café

    When you need to catch a boat to Nusa Penida but don't know where to eat in Sanur because you missed your breakfast, Canvas Café might be your saviour. Only a ten-minute walk to the Sanur Harbor, the Canvas Café gives you value for money with amazing food just a short distance from the boat. This is another hidden café in Sanur that more people should know about.

    At Canvas Café, you can dig into Arrabah, a Mediterranean hummus with grilled vegetables, or stick with the classic poached eggs with Canvas Café's twist. The Indonesian Red Chicken Curry and Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti are the ideal choices for dinner, representing both Indonesian and European cuisine. Looking for a fresh drink to help you battle with Bali's heat? Iced Herbal Tea or the Summer cocktail are excellent choices.

    Coffee and waffels in cozy Canvas Café

    Contemporary without sacrificing the existing surroundings, the Canvas Cafe's building is recognisable from the customised concrete roster that separates it from the main road. The name of this cool urban café is meant to signal as a hub for creative people, but it also shows the café's playful character, giving customers the freedom to 'paint' whatever they are when visiting.

    Detailed info about Canvas Café

    • Average price per guest at Canvas Café: US $6

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Call Canvas Café: +62-813-5385-7878

    • Cuisine at Canvas Café: Indonesian, European, Café

  • 8. The Coffee Therapy Sanur

    When you want to have a sip of coffee in Sanur, the name of The Coffee Therapy may have slipped from your memory. But this is one of the few places in the beach town of Sanur that serves its excellent specialty coffee. Honestly, we don't understand why this option still flies under the radar of the cafés in Sanur, Bali.

    Belgian waffles and cold coffee drink in The Coffee Therapy

    Tall, Dark, and Hungry is one of The Coffee Therapy's signature sandwiches, with its buns made from dark rye flour and roast beef cheddar. They also serve Sunday Morning bagels if you're craving an Italian bagel with cream cheese. But it is the coffee that takes centre stage at The Coffee Therapy, with the Vietnam Egg Coffee as the staff's recommendation, while the Americano, espresso, and the manual brew have a distinct taste that will make you want to come here every day.

    From the outside, The Coffee Therapy seems like another building on the block but, when you step inside, the long brown leather sofa chained to the wall conveys a sense of humbleness. They also have an outdoor area, but we prefer to sit inside simply because we love the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

    Detailed info about The Coffee Therapy

    • Average price per guest at The Coffee Therapy: US $5

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 5 PM

    • Call The Coffee Therapy: +62-812-3741-6992

    • Cuisine at The Coffee Therapy: Café, American

  • 9. Bull's Coffee Sanur

    Bull's Coffee is more than just another café in Sanur; it's an institution with outlets all over Bali, including Canggu, Pecatu, Negara, and Jimbaran. In less than five years, they have managed to give coffee enthusiasts in Bali another place to sample individual roasted specialty coffee, while ensuring that everything served is fresh.

    Minimalist design of rooms and coffee at Bull's Coffee

    Bull's Coffee is all about finding the best coffee in Sanur, but this doesn't mean they have nothing else on the menu. If you want some light bites, their croissant waffles with different flavours are something we highly recommend, while their smoked beef and cheese bagel is another excellent companion to your coffee order. They also offer non-coffee drinks for anyone who can't tolerate caffeine and various gelato flavours too. Perfect for a hot day in Bali!

    Our favourite spot is sitting on the chair outside overlooking the road, as this gives us the chance to really enjoy every sip. They don't have that many tables, but the smell of freshly brewed coffee will lure every passerby to step inside the world of Bull's Coffee, which we think is heavenly!

    Detailed info about Bull's Coffee Sanur

    • Average price per guest at Bull's Coffee: US $4

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Call Bull's Coffee: +62-819-0754-3248

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Cuisine at Bull's Coffee: Café, American

  • 10. Café Smorgas

    Calling Café Smorgas one of the local legend cafés in Sanur is quite apt because they have been around for almost two decades, and their consistency in delivering good Swedish delicacies (and more!) since 2006 is impressive. Situated in the heart of Sanur on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Café Smorgas remains one of the best places to have breakfast in Sanur.

    Indoor, outdoor seats and fresh cooked breakfast in Café Smorgas

    Whether you visit Café Smorgas for a savoury or sweet breakfast, you can never go wrong with their French Toast or Eggs Benedict because they do it brilliantly. As a café specialising in traditional Swedish food and one you can't easily find in Bali, you must try their Toast Skagen, Salmon Fillet and, of course, the quintessential Swedish Meatball. Also, just because they're exceptional for breakfast, this doesn't mean they don't serve killer cocktails as well, as their Negroni and Margarita pack a real punch.

    The red lettering on a white background has become quite iconic as a Café Smorgas identity. By the time you go inside, you know you've stepped into a special place. The mismatched colours and varied chairs might not look good in many places but seem to be seamlessly integrated here, fitting nicely with the ambience of Café Smorgas.

    Detailed info about Café Smorgas

    • Average price per guest at Café Smorgas: US $10

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 11 PM 

    • Call Café Smorgas: +62-813-5374-9982

    • Cuisine at Café Smorgas: Swedish cuisine (wrap, sandwich, salad)

  • 11. O’Sea Coffee and Eatery

    Nestled on the quiet street of Jalan Duyung, you can identify O'Sea Coffee and Eatery from the coconut, ylang-ylang and Bougainville trees in the front section. With less traffic passing on the street, we find the O'Sea Coffee and Eatery to be an exquisite choice to have breakfast in Sanur.

    The menus at O'Sea Coffee and Eatery will certainly make everyone happy. There are some Indonesian favourites, like Nasi Campur, fried rice, and fried noodles, but they also serve pasta and salad for those looking for Western food. For healthy enthusiasts, they have smoothie bowls and fruit lassi, which is something we haven't seen in many cafés in Sanur.

    O’Sea Coffee and Eatery - the outdoor seats with Indonesian atmosphere

    The front yard of O'Sea Coffee and Eatery is certainly the crowd's favourite, as it's not too hot during the morning or afternoon thanks to the shady trees surrounding it. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted with unfinished brick walls to provide an industrial vibe, yet the model of the wooden chairs and the tiles definitely take inspiration from the classic Indonesian house style.

    Detailed info about O’Sea Coffee and Eatery

    • Average price per guest at O'Sea Coffee and Eatery: US $3

    • Location: Google Maps

    • Opening hours: 8 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Call O'Sea Coffee and Eatery: +62-813-3732-3564

    • Cuisine at O'Sea Coffee and Eatery: Indonesian, Café, European

Expert Opinion about the Best Cafés in Sanur

Finding the best cafés in Sanur is actually not as hard as people make it out to be. There are numerous hidden gems in the area that people are oblivious to. You certainly have options to answer the classic question of where to eat in Sanur, especially if you're gravitating towards the Sanur coffee and breakfast scene.

The cafés covered in this article really highlight the diversity of the best options in Sanur. From the cafés near Sanur Beach to those on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, each one is similar yet also different at the same time. Here are three of our favourite cafés for you to try:

Byrd House, Canvas Café, and Café Smorgas

These three choices in Sanur all have their own strengths, with Byrd House being the most impressive with its spacious seating area and unique building. Canvas Café is proving to us that it's more than just a stopover for people before heading to Nusa Penida because their coffee and their food deserve to be better known. Café Smorgas is one of the iconic cafes in Bali. For almost 20 years, the quality of their food and their service hasn't faltered in the slightest; for that, we applaud the longevity of Café Smorgas.

Honestly, these 11 cafés in our Sanur guide are all great choices if you want to grab your morning coffee or simply have brunch. By highlighting these top cafés in Sanur, we hope it is no longer considered inferior to other areas in Bali when it comes to the café scene. We hope that you enjoy finding your favourite cafés in Sanur!

portrait of the writer on Bali
Catur Herawanto
Copywriter of the Project ONBALI
39 articles

Hi everyone! My name is Catur, and I was born and raised in Central Java. I moved to Bali in 2011 but left the island in 2016 before returning in 2018. Bali feels more than a home to me, and maybe that’s why my name feels like a premonition. Catur means four, both in the Balinese and Javanese languages. It is spoken like ‘c’ in chess, which is also the meaning of my name in Indonesian.

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