Bali Hotels - bali restaurant guide

Whilst is quite easy to eat very nicely (and cheaply) in Bali, most of that is due to the intense competition of too many restaurants serving too much the same menu. With not much menu differentiation restaurants in Bali have, until recently, competed solely on price. Good for the hungry yobos but where to go for a nice evening and get good value for the money? (btw, good value does not always mean cheap...)

Below you'll find what could be Bali's only objective restaurant guide. We say objective because BaliHotels.com does not accept any advertising, sponsorship or freebies. We live here and when it's our money on the table this is where we spend it. Please be advised that when we say a restaurant is moderate or expensive it is in relation to other restaurants in Bali as even the most expensive restaurants in Bali are downright cheap compared to similar offerings elsewhere in the world.

Our scale is $ (Almost Free) to $$$$$ (Very Expensive). With no further ado, the knife and fork please.....

Kuta

Cafe Dulang: Indonesian $$
Comments: Super 'soto ayam' (Indonesian chicken soup) that's almost a meal by itself.
Location: Kuta Square Shopping Centre. 2 shops from Matahari & same side of the street. Jl. Pantai Kuta block C No. 21. Telp. 753 389.

Kopi Pot: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: Still, after all the years, one of our favorites. A welcome respite in Kuta.
Location: Jl. Legian 139 / Just across from Micky Ds. Parking Telp. 752 614

Kori: Western $$$1/2
Comments: You won't believe that you're still in Kuta, quiet and serene with a nicely prepared menu.
Location: Jl. Poppies II (Near Tubes). Telp. 758 605

Ma' Jolly: French $$$1/2
Comments: On the beach, exciting menu with the kitchen to back it up in a quiet and elegantly relaxed setting with a discreet yet always available staff. This is quickly becoming our favourite romantic restaurant.
Location: Jl. Wana Segara Tuban. Telp. 753 780

Made's Warung: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: There's a reason the place is a legend; good food, great atmosphere.
Location: Jl. Pantai Kuta / Just west of Bemo Corner Telp. 751 923 / 755 297

Pica Tapas Bar: $$$
Comments: Authentic Tapas and Churrasqueria. The real deal for Spainish cuisine in Bali.
Location: Kuta Galeria block River Side No.15 Telp. 769 038 - 769 028

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Legian/Seminyak

Antique Restaurant & Bar: International $$1/2
Comments: The cuisine is described as Pan-Asian fusion, an innovative combination of taste and flavour. Whatever... food is tasty and surprisingly inexpensive.
Location: Jl. Dhyanapura - Abimanyu Arcade 7 Telp. 730 907

Chat Cafe: International $$
Comments: Contemporary cafe with a nice, but limited menu that covers all the bases at very reasonable prices. As well there's free wifi internet access available from 7.00 am - 11.00 pm. Comfortable place to drop in or stay connected.
Location: Jl. Kunti 18 Seminyak Telp. 732 303

Cafe Moka: Pastries and Western Favourites $$1/2
Comments: A nice spot for brunch. Nice bakery, light meals relaxed atmosphere. We also like the casseroles and take-away items for quick home dinners.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak Telp. 731 424

Earth Cafe: Vegetarian $$1/2
Comments: Small cosy retreat with a surprisingly large menu, well prepared and good portions that will satisfy vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Location: Jl. Laksmana Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 736 614

Kembang Goela: Indonesian $$$1/2
Comments: Superb Indonesian cuisine in a colonial Dutch ambiance with an unmistakable Javanese accent that results in just the right balance of slightly sweet and a touch spicy. Beautiful presentation and attentive service.
Location: Jl. Petitenget 27C, Seminyak. Telp. 738 076

Kuni's Bali: Japanese $$$
Comments: Modern and comptempory urban design plus an extensive menu with freshest ingredients at very attractive prices equals excellent value for money.
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 80, Seminyak Telp. 730 501

La Luciola: Italian $$$1/2
Comments: An all time favourite and one of the few restaurants in Bali where you really should make a reservation - and they'll cook your pasta al dente if you ask nicely. Excellent value for money.
Location: Jl. Oberoi Seminyak - on the beach Telp. 730 838

Made's Warung: Indonesian & Western $$1/2
Comments: Same owners as Made's Warung in Kuta. It's rare to find a sequel as good as the original but Made's Warung in Seminyak has pulled it off. And there's parking!
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak, (right hand side going north, parking available) Telp. 732 130

Mykonos: Greek $$
Comments: The Greek restaurant in Bali, eating at Mykonos is like eating at home. Presentation may be simple but the atmosphere is fun, the food is delicious and the value is unbelievable. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Location: Jl. Laksmana No. 52 Telp. 733 253

Pizza Club: $$1/2
Comments: The best pizza in Bali. Period. And with several locations around Bali they deliver almost anywhere.
Location: Jl. Laksmana 72B, Seminyak. Telp. 730 614 / Citra Bali, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 23 Jimbaran Telp. 703 294

Queen's Tandoor: Indian $$$
Comments: Bali's premier Indian cuisine restaurant. A little more expensive than others but well worth the money.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak No.73 (Gallery Seminyak) Telp. 732 770

Rumors Restaurant: Cafe $$
Comments: The value restaurant on 'Eat Street' in Seminyak Rumours offers a full cafe style menu with an accent on Italian cooking at great down to earth prices.
Location: Jl. Laksmana Telp. 738 720

Sarong Restaurant: $$$1/2
Comments: Delightfully elegant interior that invites guests to linger sets the stage an eclectic menu that is as inventive as it is pleasing to the palate. Portions are very, very generous.
Location: Jl. Petitenget No. 19x, Seminyak. Telp. 737 809

SIP Wine Bar: French $$$$
Comments: The menu is (classic) French, the preparation is faultless and the wine well chosen while the atmosphere is elegant and urbane without being pretentious. A truly delightful bistro.
Location: Jl. Raya Seminyak, No. 16A (near Bintang Supermarket) Telp. 730 810

Tekor Bali: Indonesian and Western $$
Comments: With its beach side location, friendly service, great food and down to earth pricing who could ask for more? Always packed, always good.
Location: Double Six Beach, Legian Kaja, Legian Telp. 735 268

The Beach House at Echo Beach: $$$
Comments: Quintessential beach side restaurant. Good food, wide selection, decent prices, friendly staff, live music once in a while and free wifi to boot. Great place to hang out and enjoy the sun and watch the surf.
Location: Jl. Pura Batu Mejan, Canggu Phone (0361) 738471

The Living Room: Continental $$$1/2
Comments: True to it's name, The Living Room's comfortable atmosphere makes you feel right at home. Sharp service and continental favorites with a tropical flair at down to earth prices make the living room a great place to unwind.
Location: Jl. Raya Petitenget, Batu Belig Telp. 735 735

Tommy's Cafe: $$
Comments: The best breakfast spot in Legian. Hearty toasted sandwhiches and large fuit muffins baked to order - yes, muffins baked to order! Hmmm delicious. Great place to wake up and smell the coffee.
Location: Jl. Werkudara No. 520 Telp. 752 836

Trattoria: Italian $$1/2
Comments: A small intimate Italian restaurant serving a surprisingly wide variety of Italian dishes at rock bottom prices. Fine food, excellent value.
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 104x, Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 738 720

Ultimo: Italian $$$
Comments: Don't let the contemporary setting with white table cloths put you off, Ultimo offers hearty Italian cuisine at very affordable prices (be sure to check out the special set menus).
Location: Jl. Lesmana No. 104x, Oberoi, Seminyak Telp. 738 720

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Sanur

Cafe Batu Jimbar: Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: A long time favourite, drop in for a full dinner or just snack. Very good value for money.
Location: Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 152 Telp. 287 374

Candi Restaurant: Thai $$$$$
Comments: Consistently excellent Thai cuisine.
Location: Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Jalan Hang Tuah Sanur Telp. 288 511

Jazz Bar & Grill: International Favorites $$$
Comments: Don't be put off by the shopping center location. A little bit of this, a little bit that -- all exquisitely prepared and accompanied by live entertainment nightly.
Location: Sanur Raya Shopping Center, Jl. Ngurah Rai Sanur Telp. 285 892

Kopi Bali House: International $$$
Comments: Popular for lunch with its diverse range of International (and a few Indonesian) favourites and air-conditioned comfort. And the only place we know that serves luwak coffee.
Location: Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai 405-E, Sanur Telp. 270 990

Pergola: International $$$
Comments: Cosy and comfortable, Pergola is pehaps Sanur's most stylish restaurant with menu to match. Simply put, Pergola is just a great place to dine and unwind.
Location: Jl. Danau Toba 2, Sanur

Ryoshi: Japanese $$$
Comments: There are a several Ryoshi Japanese Restaurants - all serve an wide ranging menu, good sushi at down to earth prices.
Location: Jl Danau Tamblingan 150 Sanur Telp. 288 473

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Nusa Dua & Jimbaran

Bumbu Bali: Balinese $$$1/2
Comment: There are surprisingly few restaurants on Bali specialising in Balinese cuisine, Bumbu Bali is one of them and one of the best. Also offers cooking classes.
Location: Jl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa, Telp. 774 502

Faces at The Bale: International $$$$
Comments: New and cool. Exciting menu prepared in a show kitchen that opens onto and is part of the dining room. Faces is the only restaurant we know in Bali serving souffles - and we like souffles!
Location: The Bale Bali, Nusa Dua Telp. 775 111

Nusa Dua Grill: Seafood $$1/2
Comments: Serving up hearty portions of the freshest seafood in Nusa Dua, the Nusa Dua Grill is a where all the surfers come to fuel up before or after a long day on the water. Nothing fancy, just good value for money.
Location: Geger Beach (South Nusa Dua) Telp. 743 4779

Nyoman's Bali: Indonesian $$
Comments: If you staying in Tanjung Benoa area try Nyoman's. Nothing fancy but the food is tasty and the portions are ample. Stick with the Indonesian dishes.
Location: On the left hand side of the road just before the Club Mirage Resort.

PJ's at the Four Seasons: International $$$$$
Comments: It's not that hard to pick Bali's most romantic restaurant on the beach. The food is delicious and creatively presented - but make sure to leave room for the macadamia nut ice cream.
Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jimbaran Telp. 701 010

The Verandah: Continental $$$
Comments: One of Nusa Dua's best kept secrets is that The Bali International Lawn Bowls Club is open to the public. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the pitch while dining. Nice club menu featuring true imported streaks. Tremendous value for money.
Location: Bali Int'l Lawn Bowls Club. (Behind Matsuri Restaurant & Galleria Nusa Dua) Telp. 776 261

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Ubud

Ary’s Warung: Asian and Western $$$
Comments: A long time favorite that keeps getting better with time. Good food, relaxing atmosphere.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar Telp. 975 053

Bebek Bengil: Mixed Indonesian, Balinese & Western $$$
Comments: Good food, good service and the best coffee in Ubud. Call ahead for reservations.
Location: Jl. Raya Hanoman Padang Tegal, Ubud Telp. 975 489

Casa Luna: Mixed Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: A great place for brunch, always fresh bakery products.
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud Telp. 973 283

Ibu Oka: Balinese Babi Guling
Comments: Babi guling (roast suckling pig) is traditionally served only on special occasions. Ibu Oka makes every day a special occasion! Only open for lunch (from 11.00am or so while supplies last).
Location: Jl. Suweta, Ubud Telp. n/a

Kafe Batan Waru: Indonesian and Western $$$
Comments: All around good food in a relaxing atmosphere. A great place to hang out.
Location: Jl. Dewi Sita, Ubud Telp. 977 528

Naughty Nuri's: BBQ $$$
Comments: THE Best BBQ ribs on Bali (and perhaps the best BBQ ribs in Asia). Darn fine martinis and margaritas too.
Location: Jl. Raya Sanggingan (directly across from Neka Museum). Telp. 977-547

TeraZo: International $$$
Cooments: Owned and operated by Kafe batan Waru (see comments above). Cool, clean interior design with a eclectic menu that sets the standard in Ubud.
Location: Jl. Suweta, Ubud Telp. 978 941

Kokokan Club Restaurant: Thai $$1/2
Comments: Surprisingly decent Thai food overlooking a terraced rice padi. The first and still best Thai in Ubud.
Location: Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud (inside the ARMA Resort complex) Telp. 976 659

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Candidasa

Alila Manggis: Continental $$$$
Comments: A great place to splurge. Lovely atmosphere, creative menu, beautiful presentation and above all - tasty.
Location: Alila Manggis, Candidasa Telp. (0363) 410 11

Kedai: Balinese with a Western flair $$$
Comments: Operated by the same folks as Ary's Warung in Ubud, Kedai is simple restaurant with a limited menu where everything is done well. Best bet ? Try the four course sampler - Great value.
Location: Jl. Raya Candidasa, Candidasa Telp. (0363) 420 20

Watergarden Cafe: Mixed Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments: A nice, comfortable restaurant with good food. Wonderful place to while away the hours.
Location: The Watergarden, Candidasa Telp. (0363) 415 40

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Local Cuisine

One of the great things about Bali is the variety of cuisine from around the archipelago. Just to get you started, below we have outlined some of Bali (and Indonesia's most popular dishes):

Balinese Favourites:
Denpasar Lawar:
Minced cooked pork, mixed with young jackfruit or long green beans young grated coconut, completed by Balinese herb and spices.

Babi Guling:
Roast suckling pig stuffed with Balinese herb and spices.

Plecing Kangkung:
Boiled water spinach with shrimp paste sambal.

Ayam Betutu:
Whole chicken stuffed with hot Balinese spices simmered slowly over a low fire.

Satay Lilit:
Miinced fish, chicken or pork, mixed with grated coconut and assorted spices, the resulting paste is put on to bamboo sticks or lemon grass stalks and grilled.

Jukut Ares:
Thinly sliced young banana tree simmered in Balinese spices.

Indonesian Favourites:
Nasi Goreng:
Fried Rice: The ubiquitous national dish. Usually served with grilled chicken or beef satay & sometimes a fried egg on top.

Nasi Campur:
White rice, surrounded by small selection of meats, vegetables and condiments. Delicious and never the same twice.

Mie Goreng:
Bakmie means noodles. Variation on Nasi Goreng only this time using egg noodles but not usually served with satay.

Masakan Padang:
Indonesia's original fast food, all dishes are precooked and served . You are billed for what you eat. Beef Rendang (beef simmered in coconut curry) is out of this world.

Es Campur:
Shaved ice with a variety of seasonal fruits and jellied candies, topped with boiled palm sugar. Yum.

Martabak:
Somewhat similar to an omelet, usually filled with minced lamb and vegetables. Often served as an appetizer or accompaniment

Terang Bulan:
Literally Full Moon, this dessert is prepared only at night at hawker stands. There are many varieties of this dessert but the chocolate ones are Absolutely sinful.

Satay Kambing:
Goat satay. Usually served with a sweet soy sauce, no wedding buffet in Indonesia is complete without this all-time favourite.

Rujak:
Featuring un-ripened fruit, mangoes, apples, pineapple and so on mixed with a thick sweet, sour and HOT sauce that women seem to prefer more than men.

Ayam Goreng:
Fried chicken. The Colonel had better watch his backside. Indonesia has several fried chicken emporiums that put paid to KFC.

Soto Ayam:
This is Indonesia's version of chicken noodle soup. Almost a meal unto itself.

Sop Buntut:
Oxtail soup (with the oxtail). Hearty soup always served with a side of white rice.

Bakso:
Indonesian style meatballs. They're rubbery, they're everywhere.

Sambal:
Chili. Since most families have a Sambal recipe passed down from generation to generation (think Korea and Kimchee) there's a good chance that there are more types of Sambal concoctions than there are dialects in Indonesia. Some sweet, some hot, some lethal. All are delicious.

Kopi Bali (Bali Coffee):
Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee is coffee made from coffee cherries which have been eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet .
After collected, the beans are processed hygenically and given only a light roast so as to not destroy the complex flafour that develop through the process.