The Prerequisites for your Bali Holiday Itinerary: Restaurants
Light and casual is the dress code for any restaurant.
Over the past few years, I have been savvy enough to spend any spare time I have, in Bali. If you don’t know much about Bali, let me tell you; it’s the most beautiful cheap and cheerful island you’ll ever visit. Throw your cooking plans out the window because you’ll be dining out on every occasion you have. If you’re not dining out you’ll be ordering in, because the matter of the fact is, eating out in Bali is cheap and absolutely delicious.
I have spent enough time exploring the food culture in Bali and I'm thrilled to share my favourite must-visit restaurants in Bali. The restaurants in this post stand out amongst the many other fantastic places you can visit for food, while it won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
My favourite culinary gems I visit every time I’m in Bali and some of my fav’ dishes…
My mouth is watering writing this post!
Downtown - Progressive Latin American Dining for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hola! Hands down, my favorite South American menu I’ve ever had. Margies and Palomas go down as an absolute treat! Definitely try the Jalapeno Poppers, Potato and Chorizo Taco, Tuna Tostada (YUM), Haloumi salad, and a non-negotiable Banoffee Pie!!! It’s a little bit of a hike, but it’s worth it. Make sure you organize a driver there and back if you’re not driving.
One thing I’ve been wanting to try for ages is their Sunday roast, which is a British and Latin fusion. However, if you happen to go any other day of the week, you might catch their daily specials: Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, Kids Eat Free Wednesday, Tlayuda Thursday, Fajita Friday, and Sunday Roast.
If you go on a Thursday, you can always head to Pretty Poison afterward if you’re into live bands, DJs, a massive skate bowl, and tattoos.
The Tuna Tostada @ Downtown in Kedungu
2. Sensorium for Breakfast and Lunch
I cannot find the words to describe this Asian fusion experience. By far, this was the most mind-blowing culinary journey I’ve ever had. Exploring this menu was so good that I came two days in a row to ensure I tried EVERYTHING on it. For some, this menu may be intimidating if you're not adventurous. However, I can guarantee that once you take your first bite, you'll be blown away by all the flavours woven into each spoonful, defining each dish you read on the menu. Please, just trust me on this one. Notable favourites I'll be coming back to experience again include the Textural Mushroom, Okonomiyaki Scrambled Eggs, Ramen Soup 3.0 (a must-order for the table), and Ba-Chi Egg Sando. If you have any room left in your appetite, try the Ice Cream Sandwich!
Ramen Soup 3.0 & Okomoniyaki Eggs @ Sensorium
3. Skool Kitchen for Dinner
Located above The Lawn, beachfront in Canggu, I was recommended this place by my Bali girlfriends who swear by certain dishes that they can't forget. It didn’t take us long to decide where to go for dinner this evening. Nevertheless, we ended up ordering more than we planned and could even fit in dessert. The entire menu is impressively crafted, each dish designed to make you crave more! Not a crumb was left on the plate as we savoured every last bite with our forks. It's a menu that invites indulgence without hesitation. Iconic dishes you must try include Woodfired Gnocchi with pecorino and brown butter (clouds of goodness that melt on your tongue), Gratin Potato, Chicken Liver Parfait, Smoked Octopus, and the mouth-watering dessert, Sticky Date Pudding with Smoked Milk Ice Cream and Butterscotch. You cannot visit Bali without dining at this restaurant.
“An Intimate Gathering Room Where We Share Our Love Of Good Times, Cuisine & Culture”
4. Yuki - For Lunch and Dinner. Situated in Canggu and Uluwatu.
Attention Japanese foodies! Allow me to bring you to my absolute favourite Japanese restaurant in Bali, which ticks all the boxes: creatively crafted drinks, a stunning beachfront location (in Canggu) with an intimate open-air ambience lit by soft lights and candles, where you can choose to sit on day beds and low tables. Yuki offers a succulent menu that takes casual dining to the next level.
Yuki’s menu features a variety of Japanese dishes including Wagyu beef sando, yakitori skewers, and of course, sushi. Yuki is my go-to choice for a decadent dinner with friends and family. Enjoy the sunset while savouring matcha-infused cocktails and sharing a table full of delicious plates.
Every time I visit, I always order: Kushiyaki (always two because it’s so delicious), Nori Ahi Tacos, Wagyu Beef Sando, Truffle Raw Fish with Ponzu, Wagyu 8+ (definitely worth splurging on!), Wagyu Beef Maki Roll, and Mad Matcha to drink (many of those are always on repeat).
Wagyu Beef Sando, Nori Ahi Taco, Cucumber Salad, Teriyaki Pumpkin, Sashimi and Maki Rolls @ Yuki
5. Boy’n’Cow - for Lunch and Dinner.
One of my favourite restaurants I discovered during a layover on a short-haul trip to Bali. Boy’n’Cow offers premium meats, fine wines, and impressive sides. If you plan to visit, I recommend coming with a group. While this restaurant leans towards the higher end of the budget, it’s definitely a spot not to miss.
Indulge in their 1kg Tomahawk steaks and high-grade global Wagyu beef. And don’t skip their mac and cheese side, which is served with a raw egg yolk in the middle — hands down the best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted. Be sure to make a reservation as tables fill up quickly; walk-ins can be limited.
Juicy 1kg Tomahawk steak. Owft.
Mac and Cheese @ Boy’n’Cow