Bali Hotels - recommended restaurants in bali

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. 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.

Kopi Pot : Mixed menu, Indonesian & Western $$$
Comments : One of our favorites, a welcome respite in Kuta, uses real cream!
Location : Jalan Legian / 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 : Jalan Poppies II (Near Tubes)

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

Pawon Pasundan : Sundanese $$1/2
Comments : Looking for some real Indonesian food? Here it is. Specialising in Sudanese cuisine (West Java) everything at Pawon Pasundan is absolutely delicious. Must tries are the "Flying Grouper" and the ice desserts.
Location : Jalan Kediri No.2 (formerly Jl. Kesatria) - right hand side Telp. 755 833

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 $$
Comments : The cuisine is described as Pan-Asian fusion, in term of an innovative combination of taste and flavour.
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, very reasonable prices. And as an added bonus there's free wifi internet access available from 7.00 am - 11.00 pm.
Location : Jln. Kunti 18 Seminyak Telp. 732 303

Cafe Moka : Pastries and Western Favourites $$1/2
Comments : One of our favourite spots for bruch. Great bakery, light meals relaxed atmosphere and - surprise - great lasagne. Take-away available. Enjoy.
Location : Jl. Raya Seminyak Telp. 731 424

Gateway of India : Indian & Some Vegetarian $$$
Comments : The only restaurant in Bali dedicated serving authentic Indian cuisine - and if you get past the spartan decor the food is quite nice.
Location : Jalan Abimanyu. No. 10 Telp. 732 940

Kafe Warisan : French Mediterranean $$$$
Comments : The local perennial favorite, Kafe Warisan just gets better and better. Excellent value for money-especially for the daily lunch specials. Absolutely delightful. Reservations recommended.
Location : Jalan Raya Kerobokan No. 38 Telp. 731 175

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

La Luciola : Italian $$$1/2
Comments : 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. Good food, great sunsets.
Location : Jalan 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 : Jalan Raya Seminyak. Right hand side going north. Parking 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 are an absolute necessity on the weekends.
Location : Jl. Laksmana No. 52 Telp. 733 253

Queen's Tandoor : Indian $$$
Comments : It is a little more expensive than Gateway of India but worth for money.
Location : Jl. Raya Seminyak No.73 (Gallery Seminyak) Telp. 732 770, 732 771

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

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, 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 Good Earth Restaurant : Vegetarian $$1/2
Comments : Small cosy retreat with a surprisingly large menu, well prepared and good portions that will satisfy vegetarians and non-negetaians alike.
Location : Jl. Laksmana

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 : Jalan Raya Petitenget, Batu Belig Telp. 735 735

The Tuesday Night Pizza Club : $$1/2
Comments : The best pizza in Bali. Period. And they even deliver to Nusa Dua (extra of course).
Location : Jl. Laksmana Telp. 730 614

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 whitre table cloths put you off, Ultimo offers hearty Italian cuisine at and very affordable prices. Be sure to check out the special set menus - very, very good value for money.
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

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 : Jalan Danau Tamblingan 150 Sanur Telp. 288 473

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Nusa Dua & Jimbaran

Faces at The Bale : $$$$
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 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 surferes 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)

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.
Location : The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay Bali Telp. 701 010

Santorini : Greek $$
Comments : If you are staying in the Nusa Dua area and enjoy Greek cuisine. this is the place. Excellent Greek cooking, very, very friendly staff and decent prices to boot.
Location : Jl. Pratama (across from the Conrad Bali Resort), free transport for Nusa Dua Area Telp. 777942

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

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 : Temple Hills Studio, Jl. Wanagiri No. 18, Jimbaran Telp. 861 6924

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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 : Jalan Raya Ubud, Gianyar Telp. 975 053

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

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

Kafe Batan Waru : Indonesian and Western $$$
Comments : Good food complimented by relaxing atmosphere. A great place to hang out.
Location : Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud Telp. 977 528

Kokokan Club Restaurant : Thai $$$
Comments : Surprisingly decent Thai food overlooking a terraced rice padi.
Location : Jalan Pengosekan, Ubud 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 - 41011

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 : Jalan Raya Candidasa, Candidasa Telp. 0363 - 42020

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 - 41540

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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.