“Food is the most important thing in life.” – Us, 2016.
Compared to anything else in the world, we’d much rather splurge on a good meal. Who cares about buying that extra shirt or jewellery when we could be munching on some juicy meat instead?
When it comes to food, Bali no doubt lives up to its name as the Island of the (Food) Gods. From local dishes like babi guling to mouth-watering concoctions from all over the world, good taste (literally) matters here.
Also read:
11 affordable fine dining restaurants in Bali
7 extraordinary fine dining places in Bali
14 most romantic Seminyak restaurants for an unforgettable memory
And we’re not just talking about the yummy and cheap food that you can find on the streets, and in the many quirky cafes and restaurants that litter the island.
Sometimes, we just want to spend some big bucks on great food and an out-of-this-world experience. At these luxurious restaurants that we’ve sieved out, it’s not hard to see why.
Whether you’re a meat, seafood, foie gras or even a romance lover, join us as we lay out the best Bali dining spots that are so luxurious… your food baby will be born with a gold spoon in its mouth.
Here’s an overview of our complete guide (click to scroll to the relevant section):
1. Specialty cuisines (Greek cuisine, Meat, Seafood, Vegan)
2. Asian cuisines (Indonesian, Balinese, Asian Fusion, Japanese, Chinese)
3. Western cuisines (Western Fusion, Italian, French)
4. Other cuisines (International, Modern Fusion, Mediterranean)
5. Special mentions
Sponsored by The Mulia
Feast on exquisite delicacies like ancient Chinese royalty – Table8, Mulia Bali
Step into the elegant Table8 and marvel at the imperial-inspired interiors. Dining here, you truly will feel like Chinese royalty.
Serving up an exquisite selection of Cantonese and Szechuan menu, embark on your great Chinese food adventure at Table8 in Mulia Bali.
Make your way to the various live cooking stations where professional chefs whip up delicacies right before your eyes – and don’t forget to try all time favourites such as the steamed crystal shrimp dumplings and our personal favourite golden sauce bun!
Can’t wait to see what else Table8 at Mulia Bali has to offer? Click here to find out more!
Find out more Table8
If you love…
1. Specialty Cuisine
1-a) Step out of Bali and have a hearty dinner in Greece! (Greek cuisine) – Slippery Stone Bali
Find yourselves in Greece when you visit Slippery Stone, a “Greek oasis” where patrons are welcomed to sit back and lounge in elegant Grecian comfort.
Photo via yolandayoshe, inadesignerhome
Its ethereal settings combine sculpted pillars reminiscent of old Greece, with a dash of greenery and modern comforts.
There’s even a garden ceiling that provides the perfect mix of ‘picnic under the setting sun’ – every nook and cranny of the restaurant screams picture perfect!
Moving on to the food, when in Greece, you can of course expect Greek cuisine! “Diverse and healthy”, enjoy an authentic taste of Greece as everything is homemade the traditional Greek way.
If there’s one thing we love about Greek food, it’s how the simplest of ingredients can come together to create unexpectedly amazing flavours that explode on your tastebuds. From olive oil and olives, to lamb, beef and cheese, and homegrown greens, only quality ingredients are used!
All you need to know is that at Slippery Stone, one can definitely expect a hearty and delicious dinner surrounded by the beauty of Greece.
PS: For the health/weight conscious, no butter or fat is used in the cooking, and all of the meats are trimmed, making them very low in fat!
PPS: Every Sunday, be entertained as you dine with belly dancers, fire dancers and drag queens performing live!
Slippery Stone Bali
Address: JI.Batubelig, NO.9N Seminyak, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6pm to 12midnight
Price: From USD $5 (for mains)
Contact: +623618465999
Website
1-b) More than meats the eye (Meat) – DAVA Steak & Seafood Restaurant at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
SPONSORED
If you can’t take your eyes (or your mouth) off a good steak, AYANA’s DAVA Steak & Seafood Restaurant is where you can satisfy that carnivorous instinct of yours.
Freshly grilled, first-grade meat takes the centre stage on DAVA’s menu, with mouth-watering options like the Silver Label Wagyu Tenderloin Marbling 6/7 and the much raved about Kiwami Wagyu Rib Eye Marbling 9+.
Photo by bikingendut
There’s also an Enomatic Wine dispenser here, so you’ll get to try out different types of wines. Good wine with a perfectly cooked steak – mmm, we need a tissue here.
Photo by cahyampramarta, mavis528
Don’t misunderstand DAVA to be just another regular steakhouse, though. Other than some of the best beef out there, the restaurant also offers Baby Chicken, Roasted Boneless Suckling Pig and Lamb Chop for those of you who don’t feel like eating cow.
And if you just happen to hate meat (what blasphemy!), your happiness is still within reach with luxurious seafood dishes like Canadian Lobster, Salmon Fillets and juicy scallops.
Better yet, you’ll be enjoying all these with the restaurant’s beautiful atmosphere and views. Come at 6pm to enjoy DAVA’s unique gastronomic cocktails before dinner, and catch the gorgeous sunset – the perfect start to a great dining experience!
PS: Don’t forget to end your meal at DAVA beautifully with a dessert! Who can resist the Chocolate Guanaja Souffle, or the Peanut Butter Parfait? Certainly not us.
DAVA Steak & Seafood Restaurant at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Address: Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia
Opening hours: Breakfast: 7am – 11am / Dinner: 6pm – 11pm
Price: IDR 45.000 – IDR 830.000 (USD $3.42 – USD $63.21)
Contact: +62 361 702 222
Website
1-c) Under the seaaaa, under the seaaaa (Seafood) – Bubu Seafood and Chinese Restaurant
Located in upscale Nusa Dua, the most unique part about Bubu that we love are the boathouses guests dine in!
Photo by natalya kanalya
Picture traditional yet whimsical bamboo huts with sunken-in seats (slip your legs through if you want a different dining experience!) that look like they’re floating on water.
Photo by shootandgram
With its incredibly beautiful architecture, and boathouses floating on the water, this laidback fine-dining restaurant serves up some really good seafood to go along with it.
Photo via drsherrero, angelux68
There’s a huge selection of fresh seafood and shellfish for you to pick from, and choose to have them grilled or cooked Asian-style. Apart from seafood, the restaurant also offers a selection of other Asian favourites like Szechuan Spicy and Sour Soup and XO Rice too!
Photo via gedeinperut
While you’re mesmerised by the yummy seafood here, don’t forget to fully take in your surroundings. The large bamboo open-air structures are not only a work of art on its own, it also offers you the perfect vantage point to sit back with an arak cocktail and soak in the relaxing atmosphere.
Photo by ramarestobali
PS: If you’re not a fan of the boathouses (who are you?!), there are other great seating options available too!
Bubu Seafood and Chinese Restaurant
Address: Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm
Price: IDR 32,000 – IDR 350,000 (USD $2.40 – USD $26.66)
Contact: +62 361 776529
Website
1-d) When healthy food actually tastes good (Vegan) – Sakti Dining Room
Who knew raw vegan cuisine was capable of tasting this good?
If you didn’t, Fivelements’ award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Sakti Dining Room, is where you’ll go through the pleasurable experience of finding out.
Enjoy a luxurious and atmospheric night under the shelter of a magnificent bamboo building, surrounded by the flowing Ayung River and beautiful tropical gardens. Your experience will be made complete with yummy concoctions from the Chef’s Tasting Menu!
You’ll get to choose between a 3, 5 and 7 course meal, but with yummy treats like the Zucchini Tomato Lasagne and Shitake Mushroom Burger waiting for you, you’ll definitely be yearning for more by the time dinner is over.
Photo via eglezuzaite
But fret not, because dinner is never truly over until you have dessert! Sakti follows up on its delicious mains with some equally mouth-watering sweets, including raw chocolate and Coconut Lime Cheese Cake.
Phoot by lucumamagazine, hetit
Who knows? Maybe after all the amazing food, you’ll even start considering going vegan…
Sakti Dining Room
Address: Mambal, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm
Price: IDR 45,000 – IDR 750,000 (USD $3.42 – USD $57.13)
Contact: +62 361 4692206
Website
2. Asian Cuisine
2-a) Dine in a temple (Japanese) – JI at the Bale Sutra, Hotel Tugu
And not just any old temple out there! Hotel Tugu’s latest addition, JI at the Bale Sutra, is situated within an original Kang Xi period temple from 1706.
Photo by theluxurybali
It was relocated from Java, and then rebuilt entirely on Hotel Tugu’s premises. How cool is that! The temple is probably also one of the biggest “antiques” that Hotel Tugu owns, and you get to dine in it. Contrary to what you’re probably thinking now, no, this restaurant doesn’t serve Chinese food.
What it does serve is an interesting selection of fusion Japanese cuisine, pairing traditional Japanese food with influences from Peru, China, Korea and other Western countries.
Just as how the food here marries cultures, the restaurant’s setting brings Japanese and Chinese culture together as well.
Throughout the space, you’ll find ancient artefacts from Chinese dynasties long gone, while the bar area has a heavy Kabuki theme, with Japanese lanterns and large lion statues.
Photo by martabuiguess
You’ll also get to choose from a total of three doors while entering JI.
Will you walk through the Gate of Heaven, where you’ll have to bend real low to pass through, or will you pass the Guan Yin statue at the Gate of Love?
Photo by tuguhotels
Or if you really want to, you can even go to the Gate of Hell, where mythological guard statues are waiting to escort you through the 4-metre tall door.
That one kind of gives us the shivers – we’re not leaving earth until we’ve had a taste of all the sushi, tempura and tataki dishes here!
JI at the Bale Sutra at Hotel Tugu
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Badung 80361
Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday from 5pm until finished
Food take away from 4pm – 11pm
Wine to go from 11am – 11pm
Price: IDR 25,000 – IDR 220,000 (USD $1.90 – USD $16.76)
Contact: +62 812-3965-2695
Website
Other options include: Ko Japanese Restaurant, Intercontinental Bali
2-b) Feast like a king (Balinese) – Gabah Restaurant & Bar, Kuta
We mean it literally. If you can’t be king, well, you can at least eat like one.Now that you’ve tried almost all there is to try about Bali’s local fare, there’s one last experience to be had – the Balinese royal feast.
While Gabah also serves up other yummy Indonesian dishes with in both modern and traditional styles, what you’ll really want to try is their Royal Kingdom menu. It features the best of traditional specialties from around the island of Bali!
Photo by mabenn reca dsn patty angella garutma
You’ll get to feast on 22 signature dishes that the royal family eats on the first day of harvest season, including traditional Balinese soup, grilled chicken and fish satay.
And it’s not just eating – you’ll also be having the full experience of being a king/queen for a day.
Put on your Batik headdress, which will immediately elevate your sense of self-importance, and sit back as your dinner is served to you on an intricate platter – along with some traditional live music and dances to whet your appetite.
Photo by annabelralph
Gabah Restaurant & Bar
Address: Jl. Bakung Sari, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 7am – 12am
Price: Normal dishes from IDR 100,000 – IDR 200,000 (USD $7.60-15.21), Royal Kingdom Feast from IDR 688,000++ for 4 person (USD $52 ++)
Contact: +62 361 751864
Other options include: Abangan Restaurant, Seasalt, Alila Manggis
2-c) The Museum of Food (Indonesian) – BLANCO par Mandif
Stepping into BLANCO par Mandif won’t feel like anything too special. The restaurant is a tiny one, and only consists of bar seating.
But that’s not saying that you’ll regret coming here, because no way. The founder, Chef Mandif M Warokka, is an award-winning chef who had even been invited to Master Chef Indonesia as a judge.
And in BLANCO par Mandif, this creative chef shows off his creative and cooking chops by presenting you Indonesian dishes with a twist.
The result? Gorgeous and yummy dishes that come out looking like pieces of artwork. We don’t kid. You’ll even get to watch them being made.
Choose from a 7 course, 9 course or 13 course degustation menu, and watch as the chefs work their magic.
The price tag may be a hefty one, but hey, you’re paying for a great meal and a front row seat to what may be one of the best art shows ever, so it’s completely worth it.
BLANCO par Mandif
Address: Kompleks Museum Blanco, Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8:30pm, 9pm – 12am
Price:
7 courses: IDR 850,000 (USD $64.76) per pax
9 courses: IDR 950,000 (USD $72.38) per pax
13 courses: IDR 1,100,000 (USD $83.81) per pax
Contact: +62 361 4792284
Website
Other options include: Hujan Locale
2-c) Luxurious street food (Asian Fusion) – Sarong Restaurant
It may sound ironic, but that’s how Sarong Restaurant started out.
Photo via asia bars
Founding Chef Will Meyrick created this place to share the many recipes that he had learnt from street vendors around Asia, and Sarong was born!
Nowadays, however, the restaurant has become one of the most sought after Asian cuisine dining establishments in Bali.
And for very good reason – all the food here is made from organically grown produce, and with a mix of asian cooking techniques, fun and super yummy dishes are made.
From Laotian style grilled chicken to Panang Curry of Pork, all these dish names are enough to make our mouths water.
But, Sarong is also most loved for simple dishes like the signature pork belly and butter chicken curry. Why not you try it out and see if you end up joining the club?
Photo by sarongrestaurant
The food here may be amazing, but that’s not all there is to Sarong. Featuring two different dining areas, you get to choose between a soft Balinese atmosphere at the indoor dining area, or sit out in scenic romance at the tropical garden.
Can’t decide? That’s no issue at all – you’re probably going to be coming back again anyway, so why not just try both?
Sarong Restaurant
Address: Jl. Petitenget No. 19X, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 6:30pm – 1am
Price: IDR 43,000 – IDR 380,000 (USD $3.28 – USD $28.95)
Contact: +62 361 4737809
Website
Other options include: Sundara Bali
2-e) Comfort Chinese Cuisine (Chinese) – Laota
Looking for a restaurant that serves up a great Chinese meal? Welcome to Laota, one of our favourite late night dining spots around Bali.
Photo via yusufaffad
Whether you are jetlagged or just out for a carnage after alcohol-binging and all the dancing – there’s nothing better than to stuff yourself with steamy meat congee with greasy fritter doughs that crunch when you bite into them.
Even if you’re not a fan of mushy congee, you can always order the classic Chinese dishes like braised hotplate tofu, and garlic fried prawns off their menu.
Photo via venusaprodite, hyoti, felin syalalala
When you are in doubt about the quality of food in Indonesia, the best thing to do is look for eatery that is bustling.
Laota has been around for some time and have pool loyal customers who speak highly of their famous ‘rainbow porridge’ – porridge served with several seafood platters.
Apart from the rows of photos of local actors and actresses who have visited Laota displayed on the wall, Laota has an unassuming ambience.
They get away without grandiose decor and still attract people who loves a good and extremely satisfying Chinese meal.
Loata
Address: Jl. Raya Kuta 530, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 7429068
Price: From USD $4
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
3. Western Cuisines
3-a) The Bridge of no return (Western Fusion) – Bridges Bali
How can you ever leave Ubud without having eaten at Bridges just once?
This seven-level fine dining restaurant in Bali features some of the most luxurious views you can find in Ubud. Sit down at tables that look out towards the Campuhan River and its surrounding greenery – just one visit is enough to ignite your undying love of Bridges’ breathtaking scenery.
And of course, their equally breathtaking food. The restaurant serves a mix of Western and Asian dishes, with enough unique concoctions to get your head spinning and stomach churning (not in a bad way at all).
Photo by bridgesbali
With unique choices like the Baked Apple and Blue Cheese Tortellini, as well as Seafood Carrot Veloute, dinner will now become the most interesting mealtime for you.
We’re not forgetting how these things taste as impeccable as they look – the Pan-Seared Barramundi is one of the dishes that guests absolutely love!
For wine lovers, you’ll probably like to know that the art of wine is taken seriously here, so much that main dishes have a “recommended wine” listed below it!
Photo by bridgesbali
The restaurant also has a wine bar and shop that hosts weekly wine events. There you have it – your excuse to come back again and again.
Photo by myfoodfairytales
For an even more memorable experience here, you can grab your significant other and padlock your love on Bridges’ very own Love Tree. But even if you don’t do that, we reckon the taste of the food and green of the trees are going to be padlocked into your mind for a long, long time.
Bridges Bali
Address: Jln. Raya Bone, Ubud 80581, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11am – 11:30pm
Price: IDR 45,000 – IDR 275,000 (USD $3.43 – USD $20.95)
Contact: +62 361 970095
Website
3-b) Italian romance in a private garden (Italian) – il Lido
Relaxed atmosphere and calming greenery are what you’ll find at il Lido, a stylish Italian restaurant in Seminyak.
Dine alfresco in the courtyard as candles flicker and frangipani trees tower above you, or retreat indoors to the spacious wooden building to chill with your friends and have a drink at the bar.
If crowds aren’t your thing, you can also choose to sit at the 24-seater pergola, or book out the private dining room so you can have some privacy.
Photo by illidobali
With such a beautiful environment to dine in, il Lido is definitely not just a feast for your tummy – it’s an all rounded feast for the senses.
Nevertheless, they’re not slacking in the food department either. Bread and oil will be served the moment you enter the restaurant, and you’ll get to choose from a menu filled with yummy and interesting dishes.
We’re not kidding, have you ever eaten wild boar and bone marrow? If you haven’t, now’s the time and place to try it out – because these apparently taste great at il Lido, and we’d hesitate to say the same for other places.
The restaurant’s pastas are also well-loved by guests, and we can see why, because they sound amazing.
Truffle Cheese Ravioli with Veal Jus, and Tagliatelle with Duck Ragù and Smoked Ricotta? Sign us up for whatever that is right now!
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