OnBali

21 Best Restaurants in Seminyak

By Catur Herawanto
13 min read
Sep 10, 2024
Date of Last Update: Oct 30, 2024

Seminyak's reputation as Bali's culinary capital is well-deserved. With a vibrant mix of fine dining establishments, trendy beach clubs, and hidden gems, this bustling district offers a dining experience for every palate and budget.

Our curated 2024 guide will lead you to the best restaurants in Seminyak, ensuring you savor every moment of your culinary journey. From indulging in exquisite Indonesian flavors to enjoying a casual beachfront lunch, Seminyak's culinary scene promises to delight and surprise.

Prepare to be captivated by the diverse flavors, impeccable service, and unforgettable atmosphere that make Seminyak a true foodie paradise.

  • 1. Merah Putih

    There aren't many fine dining restaurants in Bali that serve Indonesian cuisine, but Merah Putih on Jalan Petitenget is one of the Seminyak restaurants you must visit. Whatever image you have of Indonesian flavour, Merah Putih will elevate it a few notches above.

    Delicious details of menu in Merah Putih

    All the dish selections at Merah Putih are authentic Indonesian food. Staple Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur for lunch and Opor Tahu and Tongseng Kambing for dinner. You'll be served the true essence of what makes Indonesian food so rich in flavour. Whether you dine here with your partner or friends or have a family gathering, Merah Putih should certainly be on your list as it is one of the best dinner spots in Seminyak for Indonesian food.

    Detailed info about Merah Putih

  • 2. Kilo Kitchen Bali

    Where should you eat in Seminyak if you want something that showcases fusion food within their brand? Kilo Kitchen Bali is the answer. The Latin American heritage of the two owners is mixed with various places they've visited on their travels, resulting in a unique blend of menus.

    Delicious cuisine and romantic atmosphere at Kilo Kitchen Bali

    The culinary journey at Kilo Kitchen requires you to be open-minded. The selection of their raw menus, such as Truffle Tai Yuzu Roll or Wasabi Tuna Tartare, and unique ones like Beef Tongue Tacos and Salmon Turturaga, are undoubtedly intriguing. The beverage menus are impressive too, as the range of wines, whisky, sake, cocktails, and fruit juices makes Kilo Kitchen one of the most sought out bars in Seminyak. Kilo Kitchen has the potential to become the highlight of your dining experience in Bali.

    Detailed info about Kilo Kitchen Bali

  • 3. SugarSand

    Located on the vibrant Seminyak beach, SugarSand is one of the few ocean view restaurants in Bali specialising in Japanese cuisine. On your Bali holiday, chances are you will visit or be around the Seminyak area, and this restaurant should be on your radar whenever you crave Japanese food.

    Serving and interior in SugarSand

    Each selection of delicious food at SugarSand comes with Japanese flair. From Japanese-style breakfasts like Chawanmushi and Tamago with Asparagus to dinner menus like Yakisoba and Yakimeshi, everything is worth trying. The hommage to Japanese cocktail culture, such as Aoji-Show and Cha-No-Yu, as well as their signature cocktails, are waiting to be savoured. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, including poolside options, SugarSand makes for the perfect stop after an afternoon stroll at the beach.

    Detailed info about SugarSand

  • 4. Seasalt Seminyak

    Seasalt Seminyak is not just your usual seafood restaurant in Bali. Unassuming and minimalist, positioned at the outdoor deck while tasting the chef's creations and enjoying the ocean breeze, everything feels slowed down at this establishment in the heart of Seminyak.

    Summer food and drinks at Seasalt restaurant

    Seafood takes centre stage at Seasalt, where everything is sustainably sourced from Indonesian waters. Nouvelle Hokkaido Scallops, Branzino Brioche, and Papua Crab Risotto are among the notable creations of the Chef Hazwan Hamdan. Each menu item is seasoned with organic Kusamba sea salt, which is produced in East Bali using the traditional method. For foodies, the ambience is as important as the food, and Seasalt succeeds in delivering both at the highest level.

    Detailed info about Seasalt Seminyak

  • 5. Starfish Bloo

    Starfish Bloo prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, especially seafood, in its menus. Located in the chic neighbourhood of Petitenget on the outskirts of Seminyak Centre, this restaurant is one you will want to come back to whenever you visit Bali.

    Delicious cuisine in a refined atmosphere of Starfish Bloo

    Every time you order a fish menu at Starfish Bloo, it is guaranteed to be the freshest fish they can find on that day, while the vegetables accompanying it are cultivated in their own garden. Their plant-based menu aims to raise awareness about zero food waste without sacrificing the flavour and the experience. Try their Pears with Organic Balinese Honey as a dessert. You will crave more!

    Detailed info about Starfish Bloo

  • 6. Sa’Mesa

    Sa'Mesa first opened in Canggu before expanding its unique dining concept to Seminyak. The set menu at this authentic Italian restaurant will blow you away. If you're an adventurous eater, Sa'Mesa is undoubtedly one of Seminyak's best restaurants.

    Cooking process and result in Sa’Mesa

    With a shared dining concept, you can't choose the menu at Sa'Mesa. Approximately 18 Italian dishes will be served at one large table for you to share with the other guests. That's why you must make a reservation, as they don't accept walk-in guests. No venues in Seminyak offer this kind of experience before Sa'Mesa, which is exactly why you have to schedule a date at this modern Italian restaurant in Bali.

    Detailed info about Sa’Mesa

  • 7. The Forge

    The Forge bursts into the scene as the only gastropub in Seminyak that opens 24 hours. Located on Jalan Petitenget, if you're looking for the purest form of gastropub in Bali, then The Forge is the place.

    Steak and cockatail in The Forge restaurant

    The Forge's menu will remind you of a classic pub in England, featuring dishes like Beer-Battered Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, and Chicken Pot Pie, making a perfect choice for dinner in Seminyak. They also serve soups, salads, and oysters, as well as bar bites like Classic Cheese Fondue and Steamed Clams. If you're seeking a place where you can hang out with your mates while watching streamed live sports on their big screens, The Forge will fit your criteria.

    Detailed info about The Forge

  • 8. The Plantation Grill

    Are you looking for a steakhouse within a Roaring Twenties-style restaurant in Seminyak? If so, then the Plantation Grill is going to take you back to the golden era of style in a seaside setting. This late-night lounge and club make the perfect night out escapade for you and your best friends. So, who's looking forward to the weekend?

    The menu and room overview in The Plantation Grill

    The Plantation Grill's meat menu features dry-aged and exclusively sourced meat. The meat is then cooked over wood grills and wood-fired ovens, resulting in smoky yet tender meat. Their Gindara and Black Cod from the seafood selection, Dry Aged Duck Breast, and Braised Lamb Shank are the right alternatives if you want to try something different. The mezzanine bar and lounge, Sling Bar, is at the top of the spiral staircase, where you can chat the night away while enjoying your favourite cocktails.

    Detailed info about The Plantation Grill

    • Average price per guest at The Plantation Grill: US $15

    • Location: Seminyak, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361

    • Opening hours: 6 PM ‒ 11 PM

    • Call The Plantation Grill: (0361) 734300

    • Cuisine at The Plantation Grill: Steakhouse, seafood

  • 9. Motel Mexicola

    Bringing the spirit of Mexico to Bali, Motel Mexicola may be more famous as one of the best clubs in Seminyak rather than as a restaurant. But don't be fooled, as their Mexican food is some of the best in Bali! Tucked behind the main Seminyak Street, Motel Mexicola has established itself as one of the iconic Seminyak institutions where people come to have a good time.

    Cold drinks and mexican dishes in Motel Mexicola

    Staple Mexican dishes like tostadas and empanadas with various meat and gluten-free selections, as well as quesadillas, are just a few of the options you can try at Motel Mexicola. For drinks, you can choose from sangria, margaritas, teas, and cocktails, among other choices, completing your Mexican dining experience. Desserts like Arroz con leche and Tres Leches Cake make for the perfect closing of your meal. Whether you're having a feast with a group of your closest friends or simply want to enjoy the night, Motel Mexicola's clash of colours will certainly cheer up your night.

    Detailed info about Motel Mexicola

  • 10. The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak

    The Restaurant is part of the famous Legian Seminyak resort, which is known as one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Seminyak area. Facing the Indian Ocean, this Seminyak restaurant creates an excellent spot to shelter from Bali's heat or as an undeniable sunset spot.

    Romantic dinner near the ocean in The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak

    All the menus at The Restaurant result from the Legian Culinary team, alongside their nutritionist, Karin G Reiter, prioritising organic vegetables and sustainably sourced fish and meat from Bali and Lombok. Their Linguine di Mare with prawn, squid, and scallop is rich in flavours, as well as their Sop Buntut from the Taste of Indonesia section of the menu. Suitable for a romantic dinner or Sunday brunch, The Restaurant is definitely worthy to be included in your Seminyak food guide.

    Detailed info about The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak

    • Average price per guest at The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak: US $15

    • Location: Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak, beach, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

    • Opening hours: 7 AM ‒ 10 PM

    • Call The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak: (0361) 730622

    • Cuisine at The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak:  International, Seafood

  • 11. Huge Restaurant

    Huge Restaurant may be the new seafood restaurant in Bali, but it's succeeded in making quite a splash. Located in the strategic Jalan Batu Belig and close to the Petitenget area, its presence is unmissable. The name 'Huge' and the face of the monkey as the logo is the first impression you'll get of this restaurant.

    Exquisite seafood menu in Huge Restaurant

    Their Grilled Seafood Platter is enough for four people, making it an excellent choice if you come here with your best friends. Other menu items, such as Duck Leg with Buckwheat and Parmigiano, Grand Kutab with Prawns, and the Sushi Bar selections, are also available. This spacious restaurant is the ideal place to wind down after a day of exploring Bali or while you're waiting for the traffic to disperse a bit.

    Detailed info about Huge Restaurant

  • 12. Dome

    Dome is one of the favoured dining options at Desa Potato Head in Petitenget, where it functions as a triple treat during the day: a café, a library, and a co-working space. Once the evening sets in, it becomes a casual dining restaurant and wine bar.

    Delicious snacks and elegant interior in Dome

    One of the stand-out features of Dome is the way it approaches the natural food and wine. The focus of attention in all their menus is the ingredients from organic farmers and local producers, as with their wine bar where all the wine selections are consciously produced to remain natural and organic. Their Roasted Octopus, Ceviche, Chicken Liver Parfait, and Cabbage Cannelloni are among the dishes created by Chef Diego Recarte, as well as a selection of vegetarian and vegan food.

    The curated selection of culinary, design, and art books at this restaurant in Seminyak is worth checking out as well.

    Detailed info about Dome

  • 13. Da Maria

    If you want to know where to eat in Seminyak and if you crave authentic Italian pizza, Da Maria is your best friend. Among the many Italian restaurants on the island, Da Maria is easily recognisable, not only because of its strategic location on Jalan Petitenget but also because of its light blue and white decor.

    Blue white palette of Da Maria restaurant

    The pizza dough at Da Maria is fermented for 24 hours, resulting in an authentic Neapolitan pizza, before it is cooked in the lava ovens. Whether you choose Diavolo with spicy salami, Formaggi with four different cheeses, or Mare with prawns and calamari, you'll never go wrong with your choice. When you set foot into Da Maria, you'll be transported to the Mediterranean coastline of Italy, as the chairs and decor are quintessentially Italian coastal regions.

    Detailed info about Da Maria

  • 14. KAUM at Potato Head

    KAUM at Potato Head brings the unsung heroes of Indonesian restaurants in Bali to the forefront as it showcases 600 recipes from across the country. Indeed, KAUM at Potato Head is the place to be if you want to taste Indonesia via a new lens and perspective, featuring unusual menus you won't find anywhere else.

    Shish kebab and fresh juices from the bartender in KAUM at Potato Head

    Sup Brenebon from Maluku, Tuna Sambal Tangkil from Central Java, and Dendeng Lambok from West Sumatra are among the traditional Indonesian recipes that you can taste at KAUM. The best thing about the dishes at KAUM is not only are the recipes rarely shared outside their origin, but the cooking process is also carried out here.

    During the day, when the windows are opened, the ocean breeze and the activities downstairs add to the vibrant atmosphere at this notable restaurant in Bali.

    Detailed info about KAUM at Potato Head

  • 15. Sardine

    The small iconic fish with bones logo of Sardine, which features at the entrance of this restaurant, should be enough to give you a taste of what's to come. Located in the busy street of Petitenget, Sardine has proven itself as one of the finest seafood restaurants on the island.

    Exquisite table setting in Sardine

    Lobster Bisque and Peruvian Ceviche can be the perfect starter for you before digging into the main course. Moule a la crème, Prawn and Squid Ink Risotto, Coconut Clam Spaghetti, and Crab Curry Gnocchi are among the exquisite seafood selections at Sardine, elevating your experience of enjoying seafood. Plus, Passion Fruit Soufflé, Pistachio Parfait, and Apple Tatin make for the perfect sweet endings.

    Once you pass the entrance, you'll be greeted by the lush green rice paddies of Umalas, which provide comfort and tranquillity if you come here for lunch.

    Detailed info about Sardine

  • 16. Shelter Café

    Shelter Café can only be described as the sister of the established Shelter Restaurant in Pererenan, albeit with a more casual vibe and a different location. Located in the busy street of Seminyak, Shelter Café makes the perfect stop for breakfast, and the quality of food from its elder sibling is seamlessly transferred here.

    Shelter Café - the room and menu overview

    Although Shelter Café is primarily a breakfast and brunch spot, its core menus still have a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flair like its Shelter counterpart. Quinoa tabouleh, smoked chicken, falafel pita, and ash-roasted sweet potatoes are just a few examples of dishes where the ingredients are locally sourced and according to ethical standards. Healthy fruit juices, smoothies, and coffee menus are available to help you start the day in this Seminyak food scene.

    Detailed info about Shelter Café

  • 17. La Lucciola

    The competition in the restaurant industry in Bali is ruthless. Many restaurants have closed down or moved to new locations for various reasons, but La Lucciola is one of the few ocean-view restaurants in Bali that has remained strong for almost 30 years. The word iconic may be overused, but not when it's related to this Italian eatery on the beachfront of Petitenget.

    Building of La Lucciola, barcounter and menu

    The menus at La Lucciola are legendary. Whether you order Rigatoni al Pomodoro or Risotto Nero, the food quality has stayed the same over the years. If you want something less Italian, try ordering Porchetta, which is their take on rolled pork belly with nutmeg, saffron, and parmesan risotto.

    The best time to visit La Lucciola is definitely during lunchtime or late lunch, as the views of the Indian Ocean are impossible to ignore.

    Detailed info about La Lucciola

  • 18. Ijen at Potato Head

    Potato Head set the trend among its competitors thanks to Ijen. This restaurant completed Potato Head's culinary journey after KAUM and Dome, which we have covered above. Ijen, the name of the volcano in East Java, sounds contradictory to their menu, but that's precisely why you should eat at this restaurant in Seminyak.

    Seafood dishes from Ijen, Potato Head

    The cold dishes and the grilled options, from prawns, clams, and oysters to whole market fish, are carefully selected by the staff at Ijen, ensuring they remain fresh as well as sustainable. The seafood menu at Ijen may not be plenty, but the way it showcases the flavours of its raw materials deserves the highest accolade. The best time to sit at one of the tables is during the afternoon, right before sunset.

    Detailed info about Ijen at Potato Head

  • 19. Bottega Italiana

    With locations in Canggu and Petitenget, Bottega Italiana spread its wings to tell people that eating healthy shouldn't be expensive. They pride themselves on using the highest quality of local ingredients and incorporating artisanal techniques that have been used for centuries.

    Morning coffee and bright atmospere in Bottega Italiana

    One of the unique experiences you'll have at Bottega Italiana is not only the Italian cuisine but also the chance to see the freshly made pasta, which you can also take home! Aside from pasta, they also have panini and Italian pastry for you to enjoy. Eating at this Italian restaurant in Bali provides an atmosphere of familiarity.

    Detailed info about Bottega Italiana

  • 20. Mauri

    Mauri is an upscale Italian restaurant in Bali where the flavours of its ingredients deserve to take centre stage. Taking inspiration from Puglia, a town in southern Italy known for its Mediterranean diet, Mauri is the creation of the award-winning Chef Maurizio Bombini, whose aim was to bring Puglia to Bali.

    Mauri restaurant - rooms and menu overview

    To uphold its Pugliese tradition, Mauri's menus and prices change regularly. The ingredients are fresh and seasonal, with many sourced from Bali or homemade. Aside from the set menu, they also have an à la Carte menu but, whether you're there for lunch or dinner, the refined Italian cuisine at Mauri is going to stay with you for a long time.

    Detailed info about Mauri

  • 21. Mama San Bali

    Mama San is among the most popular restaurants in Bali as well as being one of the iconic lounge and bars in Seminyak. This is partly due to its existence in the food scene in Bali, but another reason is that it elevates Balinese, Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese dishes into an upscale dining experience.

    Meat dishes, drinks and romantic atmosphere in Mama San

    Choosing the menu at Mama San can be overwhelming due to the extensive selections available. From Chinese classics like Char Siu pork belly to Indonesia's Dendeng Balado, your choice is limitless! Whether it's Thai Style Clay Pot, Vietnamese Pho Bo Carpaccio, or as simple as dumplings, you can never go wrong with your order as the taste is unanimously excellent!

    With its dark brown leather sofas and wooden floor, dining at Mama San is like entering your grandmother's house, where everything is familiar yet new at the same time.

    Detailed info about Mama San

Expert Opinion About the Best Restaurants in Seminyak

The 21 places above are just a fraction of the best restaurants in Seminyak. For obvious reasons, there are many top eateries in Seminyak that have to be left out but, trust me, if you're a foodie, visiting Seminyak or at least going to the area to eat is compulsory.

Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Seminyak, the restaurants listed above should give you plenty of options. Bali may be changing with constant development, but the Seminyak dining scene always thrives, just as it has evolved over the years.

These are my three favourite options for where to eat in Seminyak:

KAUM at Potato Head, Mauri, and Sa'Mesa

These three restaurants are the best at showcasing their unique concepts to customers while delivering impeccable food and service. KAUM at Potato Head stands out for its selection of rarely known traditional Indonesian dishes. Mauri has succeeded in bringing many aspects of Puglia to Bali with its seasonal menus. Sa'Mesa is unrivalled in concept, as there is no other place like it in Bali, so dining there is a must!

I hope that this Seminyak culinary guide helps you and gives you ideas about the variety of restaurants in this corner of Bali. Happy dining, and enjoy every bite!

portrait of the writer on Bali
Catur Herawanto
The author of the project ONBALI
77 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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