Bali’s dynamic dining scene has never been Better. The year isn't over yet but we've already seen some great additions to Bali's dining scene.
From Seminyak to Sanur, Ubud to Uluwatu, and dare we forget, Canggu, which now stretches to Pereranan and beyond, we’re floored by the great new places we’ve visited. New openings in Seminyak have brought some great newcomers and re-imagined old favourites to Bali’s trendiest neighbourhood (pre_Canggu of course). Canggu keeps us fed and watered and curious. In Uluwatu, things are busy and new openings are among the island’s best. Even Nusa Lembongan has welcomed a new restaurant and a revival of an old favourite.
Here's where we begin our delicious journey; in one of the world’s most delicious destinations -Seminyak:
AMICI BALI
@amicibali: Bringing in the big guns in Italian cooking, Amici introduces us to Chef Enrico Bartollini whose restaurants have an incredible 12 Michelin stars between them. With two Italian chefs at the stoves, including an award-winning pizzaiola, Amici’s cool restaurant and terrace is a hotspot for Seminyak diners.
The Flying Squirrel
@theflyingsquirrelbali: The Flying Squirrel has an intriguing story, stringing together fragments of New York, Melbourne, Tokyo and their home base, Singapore. This cool crew has opened in Jl Petitengett bringing cool sushi and Japanese whisky moments to our shores.
Cocoon seminyak
@cocoonseminyak: Bringing the sunshine back to the beachfront at Double Six, Cocoon has had a brilliant refit and introduced a delicious modern Asian menu with contemporary classics. The whole gang will love lounging by the pool, families will love the food and players have a dedicated sports bar. With afternoon tunes, all your favourite sporting events, three lively bars, an early start for breakfast and a great outdoor deck, there’s something here for the whole family.
Zibiru Cucina Bali
@zibiru: Zibiru Cucina Bali has also made a comeback with a slick new look and regional Italian dishes to swoon over. Zibiru is Chef Luigi’s first love before he launched the popular @bottegaitalianabali across Bali. With a stylish makeover, including an audio bar and some delicious new dishes on the menu, Zibiru is one of Seminyak’s most stylish Italians.
TERÉ SEMINYAK
@tereseminyak brings a contemporary French-style menu to Jl Drupadi at their boujee two-story diner. Chef @stefanpoyet has created a bar and restaurant that puts a twist on comfort food with a serious side. Signatures include beef tongue tacos and a delicious tri-tip wagyu burger.
vagabondo
@vagabondo_bali is not a Greek restaurant, or so they say. The atmospheric wooden structure is part bar/part modern Greek restaurant ( there, I said it). It’s romantic and intriguing with dishes that cross the Med like the lobster linguini and cured sea bream with beetroot and herby yoghurt. There’s all the favourites including dips and slow braises and a delicious wine list.
new in Ubud:
powder room by R4D
@powderroom_r4d: You’re forgiven for wondering why we’re including a powder room, but as with all things at Room 4 Dessert, this new bakery/cafe/candy shop for grown-ups is something only this team could dream up. From candy bars to croissants and a signature blend of coffee, the award-winning chef and his team have created something special. Inspired by moments from breakfast at Tiffany’s, the beautiful light-filled cafe celebrates nostalgia like no one else. Next door to Room4Dessert in Ubud, it’s fabulous.
gajah putih
@gajahputih As Bali’s culinary landscape evolves, Gajah Putih emerges as a trailblazer, crafting new narratives for dining enthusiasts by fusing imaginative gastronomy with theatre and storytelling. Nestled on the fringes of Ubud, Gajah Putih is a uniquely designed elegant dining space. Arrive well-dressed and be taken on a symphony of exquisitely plated dishes harmonised with mesmerising performances enhanced with light, sound, movement and song.
rusters bali
@rustersbali is a foodie destination that brings us a coffee-roasting cafe, an elevated restaurant, a homewares shop, a ceramics studio and now a bakery. With an award-winning Danish pastry chef at the helm, the pastries, bread and cakes are worthy of a star rating, indeed, the Chef worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen before landing in Bali. With a weekly organic market as well, Rusters is a destination on the fringes of Ubud that keeps coming up with new reasons for us to visit. The new bakery is simply the icing on the Danish pastry.
From spicy Indian to Authentic Italian places and some classy beach-side classics, Bali delivers a great dining experience wherever you decide to plant yourself. New in Canggu:
motel mexicola
@motelmexicola crossed the famous Canggu shortcut and has opened a vibrant new outpost in Canggu, on the famous Batu Bolong strip. With a signature explosion of colour and lots of tequila swigging opportunities, there’s a serious side to the Motel and it’s all on the menu. Slow braises fill their house-made tacos, crispy tostadas and fresh-from-the-sea ceviche. They’re lining up in Canggu, just like Seminyak, and it’s worth every moment.
RED GUNPOWDER
@red.gunpowder has been earning rave reviews, from us included. Putting a contemporary spin on authentic Indian dishes, the venue is gorgeous; created with reclaimed wood, and glass with an atmospheric garden. Red Gunpowder is the result of a Scttish chef, with a cordon bleu background, putting his focus on Indian cuisine. From contemporary takes on aromatic curries to tantalising tandoori and freshly baked flatbreads, each plate tells a story of India’s rich culinary heritage. The fabulous bar is where you’ll find aromatic cocktails that pair beautifully. Don’t miss out on ordering dessert, it’s something special. A gorgeous spot to enjoy date night or a sharing dinner with friends.
Hippie Fish Pererenan
@hippiefishbali. Is there anything better than enjoying fresh seafood on the edge of the ocean? Hippie Fish opened in Ubud first but has now found a forever home on the surf-kissed shores of Pereranan Beach. 3 floors offer a chilled-out cocktail bar for sandy gatherings, a stylish Mediterranean restaurant space above it, and on top a roof terrace for sunset sessions.
banger place
@bangerplace – who doesn’t love a good pizza? Banger takes authentic Italian recipes and tattoos them with their own twist. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and a go-to for takeaway, Banger’s serves up art, music, drinks and food with attitude.
bella canggu
@bella.canggu – turning heads in Berawa, Canggu, Bella introduces their chef from Istanbul and a menu that stretches across the Med. Expect the unexpected with dishes that include a contemporary batirik from Anatolia and origami barramundi.
Tickled Pink
@tickledpinkbali – We’re pretty tickled that this sweet Melbourne cafe has shown up in Bali. With an all-day menu, a pool and a terrace overlooking the rice fields, the playful nature of Tickled Pink is maybe best seen at dinner with dishes like a Hot Meat Donut and Crusted Patagonia Tooth fish joining ribs, burgers and seafood dishes.
lulu bistro
@lulu.bistrot is a charming Parisienne-style restaurant and bar in trendy Canggu. French without the fuss is their tag; if classic is your style, you’ll love it. From cheesy tarts to pate and charcuterie to meltingly tender steak frites and irresistible desserts.
electric eel echo beach
@electriceelechobeach captures the spirit of the surf beautifully in this new two-tier cafe. Locals are already lining up for coffee and pastries, lunches and dinners are best enjoyed on the upstairs terrace with vast views. it’s cool and trendy from the team behind @thelawncanggu and @sisterfields
the avocado factory
@theavocadofactory shines a spotlight on sustainability at their brand-new home in Canggu. Airy interiors, dishes that smile with sunshine, wellness and creative ways with avocado. Canggu loved its first tiny home and we think this one is even better.
Bar Vera Bistro & Wine Bar
@bar.vera.bali is a great addition to Pereran’s sophisticated dining scene, and it is sexy. Brought to us by the team behind @mason.bali the menu is inspired by retro French bistros but the design is almost Morrocan with lots of exposed brick. A wide street frontage means there are lots of tables for people watching but the real action is inside where a long bar and an open kitchen line the back wall. Menu highlights include freshly baked potato bread, prawn risotto and a garlicky charcoal-roasted chicken. Great wine list too.
NEW IN ULUWATU:
Yuki bali
@yukibali_ brought contemporary Japanese flavours to Canggu and now they’ve brought it all to Uluwatu opening. Expect dishes that embrace the sea and land with modern izakaya-inspired menus and ocean-fresh sushi, maki rolls and bottomless Sunday brunches.
sushimi bali
@sushimibali continues to expand with its fast and fabulous sushi train concept. Now open in Uluwatu, the bukit crew can’t get enough of creative sushi rolls, including some delicious vegan varieties, and a delicious a la carte menu that exemplifies the Bondi-to-Bali concept. Joining Berawa and the original Seminyak trains, Sashimi Uluwatu is the perfect way to end a surf session or fill up before a night out on the deck at Single Fin.
M. Mason Bar and Grill Uluwatu
M. Mason Bar and Grill Uluwatu by @mason.bali is yet another import from down South and it’s a beauty, amazing. Chef Ben Cross has created another great menu full of favourites including daily specials and a Sunday lunch spread. Based on a grill concept, mouthwatering dishes include the home-made halloumi and a lemon-scented roast chicken. House-made charcuterie adds a french flavour and the desserts are full of nostalgia with a modern twist.
