From authentic local food to modern twists on traditional recipes, these are the best Indonesian restaurants in Bali right now.
Fiery sambal, succulent babi guling, slow-braised rendang that’s been simmering since dawn – Indonesian food is one of the world’s greatest cuisines, and Bali is one of the best places on earth to eat it. I’ve spent years eating my way across four continents, but nothing beats coming home to real Indonesian comfort food.
Bali is home to top chefs from across the archipelago, all fired up by Indonesia’s staggering culinary diversity: more than 17,000 islands, each with their own traditions, recipes and regional specialties. This diversity comes from the centuries-old trade routes that brought spices and recipes from India, China, the Middle East and the Netherlands. The result? Incredible, complex flavours and dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
In Bali, you can eat Indonesian food at every price point: from a IDR 20,000 nasi campur at a roadside warung, to a multi-course tasting menu by a two-Michelin-starred chef. What unites the best of them is a commitment to the spices, techniques and stories that make this cuisine so extraordinary.
Why trust this guide
I’m originally from Timor in East Indonesia, so I grew up eating this food. The Indonesian restaurants below are my personal picks in Bali – the ones I’ve actually eaten at, paid for, and would go back to (in fact, I eat at them regularly!). I’ve included what I ordered, what it cost, and who each place is best for, so you can find the best restaurant for your trip. Selamat makan!
📌 Selamat makan means “enjoy your meal” in Bahasa Indonesia – you’ll hear it everywhere!
Indonesian food glossary: Dishes to know before you order
It’s impossible to list every dish in Indonesian cuisine, but these are the essentials you’ll see on menus across Bali.
- Nasi — Meaning “rice”, is the base of most Indonesian meals. Common options are: nasi putih (white rice), nasi merah (red rice), nasi uduk (rice in coconut milk), nasi kuning (turmeric rice), and nasi goreng (fried rice).
- Nasi campur — Literally “mixed rice”, featuring sides of meat, veggies, and sambal. Every warung has its own version, and no two are quite the same.
- Sambal — Indonesia’s famous chilli condiment. There are hundreds of variations, but my faves are sambal matah (Balinese, raw and fragrant) and sambal terasi (with fermented shrimp paste). Spice levels vary!
- Rendang — A slow-cooked curry from West Sumatra, often made with beef, simmered for hours in coconut milk and a complex spice paste. Rich, aromatic, and voted one of the “World’s Best Dishes” by CNN.
- Babi guling — Bali’s most iconic dish. Whole suckling pig stuffed with turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, shallots and chilli, slow-roasted on a spit. Crispy skin, tender meat, served with rice and lawar.
- Lawar — A traditional Balinese dish of finely chopped meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, grated coconut and spices, often mixed with blood. It sounds confronting, but it’s an essential part of Balinese ceremonial food.
- Sate — AKA satay, served with peanut or soy sauce. Sate lilit is Bali’s version: spiced minced fish or meat wrapped around a lemongrass stalk and grilled over coconut husks.
- Gado-gado — Steamed vegetables, boiled egg, tofu and tempeh, dressed in peanut sauce and topped with kerupuk crackers.
- Betutu — A traditional dish from Gianyar, usually grilled or roasted duck (“bebek“) or chicken (“ayam“).
- Bumbu — The spice paste that forms the base of most Indonesian recipes. Every region, family, and chef has their own. Bali’s bumbu is “base genep“, made of 15 spices.
Bali’s best Indonesian restaurants at a glance:
- Most authentic: Hujan Locale, Ulekan, Home by Chef Wayan, Restaurant Nusantara, Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali
- Fine dining: Merah Putih, Sangsaka, Syrco BASÈ
- Amazing views: Begawan Biji, Ayung Terrace, KAUM
- New & trendy: Spice by Blake, Ibu Kota Bar & Grill
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in CANGGU
1. Home by Chef Wayan
Modern Indonesian dining in Pererenan with home-style recipes and chef-driven dishes.
Home by Chef Wayan is exactly what it sounds like – a restaurant that feels like eating at someone’s home, if that someone happened to train at Michelin-starred restaurants around the globe. Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa is a big name in Bali’s food scene (he was the force behind Potato Head’s kitchens and Bali’s first zero-waste restaurant, Ijen), but this is his most personal project yet.
The menu is built around his own family recipes and traditional Southeast Asian flavours – comforting and refined at the same time. I started with a round of small plates (terong bakar, gado-gado and crispy chicken wings), before moving on to his standout mains: braised beef knuckle rendang, and hay-smoked bebek betutu. The drinks menu is worth exploring too: traditional jamu, kombucha, and infusions made with Bali’s native flowers, herbs and spices. Simple, soulful, and definitely worth driving to Pererenan for.
Must-try dishes: Ledok Nusa, Sate Lilit Bali, Udang Bakar.
Good to know: Chef Wayan was the man behind Potato Head’s kitchens, leading Bali’s first zero waste restaurant Ijen, and another top Indonesian restaurant KAUM.
Local tip: If you love Chef Wayan’s food, you’ll want to nab his cookbook, “PAON Real Balinese Cooking”.
Price: Mains start from IDR 85,000++
Address: Jl Pantai Pererenan No. 92, Pererenan, Canggu.
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm.
2. Ulekan
Modern Indonesian dining with a legendary sambal menu and live Balinese dance.
From the same team behind Milk & Madu, Ulekan is one of my favourite Indonesian restaurants in Bali. You might not expect these cafe icons to nail Indonesian food, but trust me — the food here is as authentic as it gets. There are two locations to choose from: one in Berawa, and one in the mountains of Munduk. The views in Munduk are breathtaking, but the Berawa venue is my favourite, built around a traditional Balinese pavilion.
Then there’s the food. The menu is designed for sharing (the way Indonesians actually eat together) and the flavours are so authentic, they got the thumbs up from my notoriously hard-to-please family.
The Rendang Sapi is perfectly slow-braised, and the char-grilled ribs in bumbu Bali are dangerously good. For lunch, the Nasi Campur Royal is the move (a platter of the kitchen’s best in one plate), and whatever you do, don’t miss the sambal menu with all the favourites: sambal ulekan, sambal pedas and the iconic sambal matah. As someone who grew up eating sambal daily, I’m hard to impress. Ulekan impresses me.
Must-try dishes: Nasi Campur Royal, Rendang Sapi, Sate Babi Samcan, Beng Beng Cheesecake
Good to know: Ulekan is completely MSG-free.
Local tip: Swing by on a Wednesday or Friday at 7.30pm to catch a traditional Cendrawasih dance.
Price: Shared plates start from IDR 80,000++
Address: Jl Pantai Berawa No. 34, Canggu, and Jl Pura Puseh, Munduk.
Opening hours: Daily, from 12pm in Berawa, and from 7.30am in Munduk.
Book Ulekan Berawa Book Ulekan Munduk
3. Ibu Kota Bar & Grill
Contemporary Indonesian grill in Canggu with smoky satay, rich rendang and bold Jakarta-inspired flavours.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to eat great Indonesian food in a cool Jakarta restaurant, Ibu Kota Bar & Grill is your answer. This is one of the hottest new restaurants in Canggu for bold Indonesian food, with an open-fire grill, smoky satay and signature cocktails, served in a space buzzing with big city energy.
The satay is smoky and tender, the prawns are sweet and perfectly charred, and the beef rendang is rich, aromatic and deeply spiced. Ibu Kota is also seriously committed to sambal, with eight different varieties on the menu. As an Indonesian who loves spice, this gets two thumbs up from me.
Must-try dishes: Sate Maranggi, Tum Ayam, Gulai Kambing.
Good to know: With eight different sambal to choose from, Ibu Kota makes sure your plate packs real Indonesian heat.
Local tip: Go hungry and order the Rijsttafel – it’s the best way to experience everything the kitchen does well.
Price: Mains start from IDR 85,000++
Address: Jl Nelayan No. 33, Canggu.
Opening hours: Daily, 4pm – 11pm.
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in SEMINYAK
4. Sangsaka
Intimate fine dining with wood-fired Indonesian dishes and rare regional spices.
I’ve eaten at Sangsaka on a few occasions now, but it took just visit for me to realise this is one of the best restaurants 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 hinges heavily on wood-fired ovens, native Indonesian spices and rare regional ingredients. But the real magic? The tasting menus, which showcase home Javanese recipes you’d usually find in a warung in the depths of Bandung. In fact, Sangsaka’s menus have made such an impression, that a number of award-winning chefs name Sangsaka the best restaurant in Bali.
Must-try dishes: Ikan Pesmol, Sate Kelapa, the seasonal tasting menu.
Good to know: The chef behind the menu is Kieran Morland of 10 Greek Street fame, and he’s also the owner of Luma in Canggu.
Local tip: Few people know, but hidden above Sangsaka is Di Atas – a cool speakeasy perfect for after-dinner drinks.
Price: Mains start from IDR 130,000++
Address: Jl Raya Pakung Sari No. 100, Seminyak.
Opening hours: Daily, from 5.30pm – 11pm.
5. Merah Putih
A Seminyak institution serving heritage Indonesian recipes under a dramatic cathedral ceiling.
Merah Putih has been on every best-of list in Bali for years, and it’s rightfully earned its place. The space alone is worth the visit – a soaring dining room with cathedral-like ceilings, rain-catching pillars, towering palm trees and an indoor garden. But it’s the food that keeps people coming back.
The kitchen works with recipes handed down through generations, treating Indonesian cuisine with the respect it deserves. The slow-roasted pork belly with sambal matah is a signature, closely followed by the chargrilled ikan bakar, made with ginger flower, jicama and the original barbecued flavours of Jimbaran. Or the soft bak pao steamed buns, stuffed with jackfruit rendang or Sumatran beef.
And if you’re eating with a group, the tasting menu is the way to go – a multi-course shared feast that covers serious ground across the archipelago.
Must-try dishes: Bak Pao Nangka, Ikan Bakar, Nasi Campur.
Good to know: Merah Putih is also open for lunch – it’s much quieter, and the dining room looks like a magical greenhouse.
Local tip: If you’re dining as a couple or group, try the Tasting Menu for a multi-course shared feast.
Price: Large plates start from IDR 180,000++
Address: Jl Petitenget No. 100x, Seminyak.
Opening hours: Daily, from 12pm.
Book Merah Putih Merah Putih Menu
6. KAUM
Native Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago, hidden inside Desa Potato Head
KAUM sits inside the boundary-pushing Desa Potato Head in Seminyak, which means the design alone is exceptional – every corner of the interior references a different part of the Indonesian archipelago, and it’s one of the most visually striking dining rooms on the island. But this isn’t style over substance.
The kitchen takes Indonesian cooking seriously, sourcing ingredients from across the country and letting the flavours do the work. The Gado-Gado KAUM is one of the best versions I’ve had anywhere, and the beef rendang is a benchmark. If you’re visiting Potato Head for a beach day, staying late for dinner here is highly recommended.
Must-try dishes: Gado-Gado KAUM, Ayam Bakar Biromaru, Beef Rendang.
Good to know: Part of the world-renowned Potato Head, expect Indonesian dishes done to perfection.
Local tip: Book a sundown session (from 4pm to 7pm) on the balcony which overlooks Seminyak beach.
Price: Large plates start from IDR 115,000++
Address: Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak.
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm.
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in UBUD
7. Begawan Biji
Farm-to-table Indonesian dining with rice field views and a focus on community.
Begawan Biji is a hidden Indonesian restaurant in Bayad Village, but it takes a little effort to get to. It’s located 20 minutes away from downtown Ubud, but arriving to an open-air pavilion surrounded by glowing, regenerative rice paddies at sunset makes you forget any of that instantly. This is one of Bali’s most beautiful restaurant settings by far.
As soon as I settled in to this elegant, open-air pavilion, I got to taste the flavours of Indonesia and Bali’s rich heritage. Think organic Black Pig and smoked barramundi. Begawan Biji also runs on a farm-to-table ethos, with ingredients sourced from their own land and local producers: freshly caught snapper, Indonesian Wagyu tenderloin, and heritage rice harvested from their own fields.
Must-try dishes: Smoked Baramundi Gohu, Organic Black Pork Chop Rica, Egg Drop Moringa.
Good to know: Dining here supports the Begawan non-profit, which works on community development, regenerative farming and conservation of the endangered Balinese starling.
Local tip: The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always a reason to return.
Price: Mains start from IDR 220,000++
Address: Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Bali.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am – 10pm.
8. Hujan Locale
Indonesian street food in Ubud, elevated by celebrated chef Will Meyrick.
Will Meyrick has built more successful restaurants in Bali than almost anyone – Mama San, Honey & Smoke, Buzo, and Billy Ho – and Hujan Locale is one of his best. Set across two floors in Ubud, it takes the bold, punchy flavours of Indonesian street food and gives them a refined, contemporary twist without losing what makes them exciting in the first place.
The curries and stir-fries are the stars: complex, fragrant and generous. But whatever you choose, every dish manages to bridge the divide between casual home cooked food and Asian fine dining. I can’t get enough.
Must-try dishes: Slipper Lobster Dumplings, Steamed Ikan Bumbu Kuning.
Good to know: The restaurant is helmed by the acclaimed chef, Will Meyrick, so you know you’ll be in good hands.
Local tip: Order their signature cocktails which come from a cart for the full experience.
Price: Large plates start from IDR 115,000++
Address: Jl Sri Wedari No. 5, Ubud.
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm.
9. Restaurant Nusantara by Locavore
Indonesian food from across the archipelago by the award-winning team behind Locavore NXT.
If you know Locavore NXT – Indonesia’s most awarded fine dining restaurant – then you already know the pedigree behind Restaurant Nusantara. This is the team’s love letter to Indonesian cuisine in its broadest sense: dishes from right across the archipelago, cooked with the same obsessive attention to ingredients and technique that made Locavore famous.
But the good news is, you won’t need to wait for months to get a reservation here, nor will you spend hundreds of dollars on a single meal. Restaurant Nusantara is much more affordable compared to its famous sibling, and though you’ll still want to book ahead, you can usually score a table without too much of a wait.
Must-try dishes: Babi Masak Dibulu, Konro Bakar, Sayur Trancam.
Good to know: Like Locavore NXT, they offer a ‘Culinary Adventure’ where you can go behind the scenes in the kitchen.
Local tip: Book ahead to avoid disappointment, because this one’s a year-round hit.
Price: Large plates start from IDR 195,000++
Address: Jl Dewi Sita No. 9C, Ubud.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm, Monday to Sunday from 6pm.
10. Syrco BASÈ
ustainable fine dining from a two-Michelin-starred chef, rooted in Indonesian heritage.
Syrco BASÈ is the first restaurant in Indonesia opened by a two-Michelin-starred chef, and Chef Syrco Bakker brings that level of precision to every detail. But what makes this place so good isn’t the accolades – it’s the philosophy behind it. Every dish is built around seasonal, traceable ingredients sourced directly from Indonesian farmers, fishers and producers. No imports and no shortcuts.
On my last visit, the team walked me through their regenerative garden before dinner. By the time I sat down, I already knew exactly what I was eating and where it came from. You can go a la carte, or try the tasting menu. Either way, you’ll get an exceptional taste of Indonesia’s culture, flavours, and biodiversity.
Must-try dishes: Bali Bouillabaisse, Grouper Bakar & Spiny Lobster, Forager Tressure.
Good to know: Syrco BASÈ is the first restaurant in Indonesia opened by a two-Michelin-starred chef.
Local tip: Head upstairs for botanical cocktails, or book a hot seat at the 12-seat chef’s counter, KU Culinary Atelier.
Price: Mains start from IDR 325,000++
Address: Jl Sri Wedari No. 72, Ubud.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 6pm.
11. Ayung Terrace
Modern Indonesian cuisine with jaw-dropping jungle views at Four Seasons Ubud.
Ayung Terrace is the signature Indonesian restaurant at Four Seasons Sayan, sitting high above the treetops of Sayan’s lush valley. The food here is an ode to the aromas, flavours and rituals of authentic Balinese and Indonesian cuisine, and Head Chef Suta is the man behind the magic.
He‘s managed to merge contemporary techniques with age-old recipes, and the result is truly one-of-a-kind. Think premium imported beef cheek, seasoned with traditional herbs and spices, then slow-cooked using sous vide technology, The result? The creamiest and most succulent beef rendang I’ve ever tried.
The Opor Ayam is another standout: grilled chicken breast in a creamy coconut and candlenut broth, served with cassava mash. And with the legendary Four Seasons service, it’s a prestigious dining destination that’s not to be missed.
Must-try dishes: Rendang Sapi, Opor Ayam, Ikan Colo Colo.
Good to know: The restaurant overlooks the jungle of the Ayung River valley at Four Seasons Sayan.
Local tip: Book the Jamuan Set Menu for a family-style feast of dishes from across Indonesia.
Price: Mains start from IDR 295,000++
Address: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Jl Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud.
Opening hours: Daily, 6.30am – 10pm.
12. Spice by Blake
Casual, Indonesian dining from one of the chefs behind Ubud’s award-winning Mozaic.
Love Ubud’s award-winning Mozaic restaurant? One of the chefs behind its menu, Blake Thornley, has now brought us Spice by Blake – Mozaic’s more casual sister restaurant. It’s relaxed yet stylish, with a menu built around authentic Indonesian flavours, native ingredients and the island’s spice heritage.
Plates are designed for sharing, from reimagined street snacks to Indonesian-inspired mains and desserts, all given a contemporary edge. Drinks get the same treatment, with artisanal cocktails infused with local spices and a thoughtful list of handpicked wines to match.
Must-try dishes: Braised Beef Cheek Rendang, Duck Rawon, Pepes Ikan.
Good to know: It’s the more casual and affordable, Indonesian-forward version of Mozaic, with a fully a la carte menu.
Local tip: Spice by Blake is one of the newest restaurants in Bali, so you’ll need to book ahead.
Price: Mains start from IDR 120,000++
Address: Jl Monkey Forest, Ubud.
Opening hours: Daily, from 4pm.
Book Spice by Blake Spice by Blake Menu
The Best Indonesian Restaurants in NUSA DUA
13. Art Cafe by Bumbu Bali
Authentic Balinese cuisine in a traditional setting, with one of Bali’s only Rijsttafel feasts.
The Bumbu Bali name carries serious weight in Bali – it’s one of the island’s most respected Indonesian restaurants with its own acclaimed cooking school. Art Cafe is the next generation’s project: run by the son of the original, and just as devoted to authentic Balinese food.
The restaurant walls are covered with his own photography of Balinese culture, surf and landscapes. But the main event here is the Rijsttafel – one of rew restaurants in Bali that serves this iconic dish. Plate after plate of different dishes arrives around a steaming bowl of rice, to be shared and swapped generously (you’ll need to order this a day in advance).
The Nasi Campur is another highlight: an enormous, beautifully presented plate of classic Balinese sides around steaming rice. And don’t skip the Bali Sangria either, mixed with cinnamon and warm spices.
Must-try dishes: The Rijsttafel, Nasi Campur, Babi Guling.
Good to know: The Bumbu Bali cooking school is located just 10 minutes away in Benoa.
Local tip: Order the Rijsttafel one day in advance.
Price: Large plates start from IDR 135,000++
Address: Jl Pintas Siligita No. 101, Nusa Dua.
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm.
📌 Balinese food is known for being spicy (this is your warning!). If you’re no good with spice, be sure to ask for mild or no sambal. Want more? Check out all the local Balinese food you have to try, and our favourite warung that serve them.
Need more places to eat? Check out these restaurant guides:
- The best Asian restaurants in Bali
- All of the best restaurants in Bali right now
- The hottest new tables in Bali of 2026
FAQs on Indonesian Restaurants in Bali
Where can I find the best Indonesian restaurants in Bali?
The best Indonesian restaurants in Bali are spread across Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Denpasar. You’ll find everything from traditional warungs (local eateries) to upscale restaurants serving refined Indonesian cuisine. For authentic flavours, look for places specialising in regional dishes like Balinese, Javanese, and Sumatran food.
What traditional Indonesian dishes should I try in Bali?
Must-try Indonesian dishes in Bali include nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), satay (grilled skewers), rendang (slow-cooked beef curry), and babi guling (Balinese roast pork). These dishes showcase Indonesia’s rich spices and culinary diversity.
Are Indonesian restaurants in Bali authentic?
Yes — many Indonesian restaurants in Bali are highly authentic, especially those run by local families or long-standing establishments. Traditional cooking methods, fresh local ingredients, and regional recipes ensure a genuine dining experience.
What is a warung and should I eat there?
A warung is a small, family-run local restaurant serving affordable Indonesian food. Eating at a warung is one of the best ways to experience authentic Indonesian cuisine in Bali, often at very reasonable prices.
Are Indonesian restaurants in Bali expensive?
Prices vary widely. Warungs and casual Indonesian eateries are very affordable, with meals starting from IDR 30,000 – 70,000, while upscale Indonesian restaurants may charge IDR 150,000 – 300,000+ per dish. Bali offers excellent value for high-quality local food.
Is Indonesian food in Bali spicy?
Indonesian food can be spicy, but not all dishes are. Many restaurants adjust spice levels to suit international travellers. You can always request less spicy (“tidak pedas”) if you prefer milder flavours.
Are Indonesian restaurants in Bali halal-friendly?
Many Indonesian restaurants in Bali offer halal-friendly options, especially those serving chicken, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. However, some Balinese dishes (like babi guling) contain pork, so it’s best to check menus or ask staff.
Can vegetarians eat at Indonesian restaurants in Bali?
Yes - vegetarian-friendly Indonesian food is widely available. Popular dishes include gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), tempeh dishes, tofu curries, and stir-fried vegetables.
Is eating at Indonesian restaurants in Bali safe for tourists?
Yes - eating at reputable Indonesian restaurants in Bali is generally safe. Choose busy, well-reviewed places, ensure food is freshly cooked, and drink bottled or filtered water. Following basic food safety tips helps ensure a smooth dining experience.
Do I need to book Indonesian restaurants in Bali in advance?
For most warungs and casual eateries, reservations are not required. However, for popular or upscale Indonesian restaurants, especially in Seminyak or Ubud, booking ahead is recommended for dinner and peak seasons.