From authentic local food done right, to modern twists on traditional recipes at fancy fine diners, these are best Indonesian restaurants in Bali. Selamat makan!
Fiery sambal, succulent babi guling, and rich homemade Sumatran rendang… I grew up on Indonesian food, and I still can’t get enough! Home to thousands of islands, Indonesia is a treasure trove of culinary gems and heritage recipes passed down through generations. And if (like me) you love immersing yourself in local culture through food, then you’ve come to the right island. While I’ll always love my daily nasi campur from the nearby street food carts and local warung, I often splurge in the name of cultural exploration. I’ve tasted my way through the island to give you this shortlist of elevated Indonesian restaurants in Bali that don’t shy away from punchy spices!
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in Bali
1. Kaum – Seminyak
One of the many boundary-pushing culinary ventures of the epic Potato Head empire, Kaum is all about authentic Indonesian dishes served up in a fine dining setting. Its beautiful interior is a scrumptious love letter to this incredible archipelago with elements from all over the country, so saddle up for a culinary journey you won’t forget any time soon at this chic Seminyak hotspot.
Kaum at Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, p. +62 361 300 7990; Open daily from 12pm.
2. Merah Putih – Seminyak
This iconic fine diner has stood the test of time, regularly topping the list of Bali’s best restaurants. And for many good reasons – from its stunning cathedral-like architecture to the kitchen’s high-end Indonesian cuisine served to six-star standards. Merah Putih showcases the true flavours of Indonesia with recipes that are handed down through generations. Try the famous Balinese slow-roasted pork belly served with sambal matah, or go all out with Merah Putih’s tasting menu featuring dishes which have been thoughtfully selected. And as your food arrives, you’ll see why Merah Putih has won multiple restaurant awards…
Merah Putih, Jl Petitenget No. 100x, Seminyak, p. +62 361 846 5950, e. info@merahputihbali.com; Open daily.
3. The Warung – Uluwatu
Inspired by the traditional Indonesian food stalls known as “warung”, The Warung is a gastronomic take on Indonesian and Balinese food, set at the stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu. The Warung serves up the nation’s beloved staples with high-end ingredients, artful presentation and a powerful flavour punch with every bite. This is wholesome, authentic and undoubtedly delicious “local food” on a whole other level…
The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Pecatu, p. +62 811 385 5729; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
4. Hujan Locale – Ubud
Putting his unique spin on Asia’s street food, Hujan Locale is another culinary winner from Bali’s celeb chef, Will Meyrick. The man behind Billie Ho, Buzo, Mama San and Honey & Smoke is dishing up his vast array of Bali-inspired signatures within Hujan Locale’s double-storey dining space. With various curries and stir fries that bridge the cultural divide of Asian fine dining and casual home cooked food, the only problem is having to choose between them…
Hujan Locale, Jl Sri Wedari No. 5, Ubud, p. +62 813 5326 0275; Open daily 12pm – 10.30pm.
5. Restaurant Nusantara by Locavore – Ubud
Restaurant Nusantara is all about top-end Indonesian food from all over the archipelago. It’s all thanks to the family that brought us the iconic Locavore NXT, Indonesia’s most award-winning fine dining restaurant to date! It’s as authentic as it is delicious, and with dishes that represent the heart and soul of this massive country, you can be sure of a culinary journey like no other. To avoid disappointment, our hot tip is to book ahead because this legendary Indonesian restaurant in Ubud is a real hit!
Restaurant Nusantara by Locavore, Jl Dewi Sita No. 9C, Ubud, p. +62 361 972 973 / +62 877 47411 496, e. reservations@restaurantsnusantara.com.
6. Cerita Manisan – Ubud
Hidden away behind Pison, one of Ubud’s best cafes, is its Indonesian sister, Cerita Manisan. Surrounded by rice fields, you can soak up the al fresco ambiance as you graze on authentic Indonesian dishes. Think Balinese meat salad (known as “lawar“) with grilled octopus that’s been spiced with Balinese basa gede paste, and Medanese broth with prawns and glass noodles… Yum!
Cerita Manisan, Jl Hanoman, Ubud, p. +62 813 3908 7098; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
7. Ayung Terrace – Ubud
Perched high above Sayan’s lush treetops is Ayung Terrace, a signature restaurant at Four Seasons in Ubud that’s a sight to be seen. Head Chef Suta combines contemporary techniques with age-old recipes to give us a one-of-a-kind Indonesian dining experience. Think grilled chicken breast swimming in creamy coconut and candlenut broth served with cassava mash and bean sprouts. Or tender beef striploin, seasoned with the creamiest, most succulent rendang we’ve ever tried. And with the legendary Four Seasons service, it’s a prestigious dining destination that’s not to be missed.
Ayung Terrace at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 977 577.
8. Ulekan – Canggu & Munduk
Following the success of its predecessors, Milk & Madu and Watercress, Ulekan is another hit by The Good Food Brotherhood. Ulekan puts a fine dining spin on Indonesian home cooking. From traditional dishes and stylish interiors to delicious drinks and desserts, you won’t want to miss this foodie treasure. There’s even an entire sambal menu, and a regular roster of live music and Balinese dancing, too! With one outpost in the south and another up north, you’re never faraway from Ulekan.
Ulekan Bali, Jl Tegal Sari – Jl Pantai Berawa No. 34, Berawa, Canggu (p. +62 821 4594 8624) & Jl Pura Puseh, Munduk (p. +62 859 5266 4126), e. hello@ulekanbali.com; Open daily.
9. Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali – Nusa Dua
From the legendary family who brought us Bumbu Bali restaurant and cooking school, Art Cafe is a Balinese restaurant in Nusa Dua that pays homage to the island’s rich culture. The interior itself is a representation of a Balinese home, complete with warm and genuine hospitality and decades-old knowledge of authentic Balinese food. The menu highlight has to be the traditional Rijsttafel feast, where plate upon plate is served up around a steaming bowl of rice, featuring a selection of different dishes to sample, swap and share family-style. And to finish, a selection of traditional desserts done to perfection.
Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali, Jl Pintas Siligita No. 101, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 771 256 / +62 361 772 344, e. info@artcafebumbubali.com; Open daily 10am – 10pm.
10. Sangsaka – Seminyak
I’ve eaten at Sangsaka on a few occasions now, but it was during my first visit that I knew this is the best restaurant in Seminyak. To find Sangsaka, you’ll need to stray from the main Petitenget strip, as it’s located on one of Seminyak’s lesser-known side streets. The space is small, warm, and intimate, which is all part of the charm.
The kitchen leans heavily on wood-fired ovens, native Indonesian spices and rare regional ingredients — and it shows. And the real magic? The tasting menus, which showcase home Javanese recipes – the kind of dishes you’d usually find on a warung table in the depths of Bandung. In fact, Sangsaka’s menus have made such an impression, that a number of award-winning chefs name Sangsaka as the best restaurant in Bali.
Sangsaka, Jl Raya Pangkung Sari No. 100X, Kerobokan, p. +62 812 3695 9895; Open daily 5.30pm – 11pm.
11. Begawan Biji – Ubud
When we arrived at Begawan Biji, we knew we were in for a treat! For starters, we were greeted by a stunning backdrop of lush, regenerative farms that glowed as the sun set. This open-air pavilion offers an elegant dining setting in the heart of Bayad Village, 20 minutes from downtown Ubud. We settled in at the communal table, and tasted the flavours of Indonesia and Bali, created by Chef Andrew Fahludza.
Their farm-to-table ethos meant we got to taste local ingredients at their best. Think fresh Snapper with gohu sambal and Duck Tutu with Balinese betutu spices. But our favourite? The Indonesian Wagyu tenderloin served with Begawan Mansur Heritage Rice harvested from their very own rice fields. The best bit is, dining here means you’ll support local community development through their charity. Plus, the ever-changing seasonal menu is yet another reason for us to come back for more…
Begawan Biji Restaurant, Melinggih, Payangan Village, Ubud, p. +62 853 3723 4495, e. hello@begawanbiji.com; Open Wed – Sun from 11.30am.
Love this list of Indonesian restaurants in Bali? Check out our favourite Balinese food and local warungs, too!