On the hunt for the best new restaurants in Bali? Bookmark this page, because here we bring you the hottest new openings of 2024...
From epic breakfasts and never-ending brunches to cool cafes and ultra-fine dining degustations – you could say we’re a little obsessed with food here at Honeycombers. And when it comes to the best new restaurants in Bali? We’re all over it. From Seminyak and Canggu to Ubud, Uluwatu and Sanur, each month we bring you the best new restaurants, cafes and bars in Bali, keeping you in the loop with all the hottest places to eat across the island.
We don’t often blow our own trumpets. But if we’re talking food, we can always tell you the best place for a local Balinese feast, a drool-inducing burger, and even where to eat vegan across the island. And as for all the brand new, hot-off-the-press restaurants you absolutely need to try? Well, this is everything you need: our Hot New Tables 2024 roundup.
And psst- if you’re still hungry for more, check out all of the best meals we ate in Bali in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 too… Happy munching, Honeys!
ALL THE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS IN BALI
Hot New Tables: September 2024
Tacos Aqui – Uluwatu
From the outskirts of Canggu to the breezy Uluwatu, Tacos Aqui brings splashes of colour and spicy food to Bali’s Mexican food aficionados. At this homey Mexican cantina, sharing is definitely caring – a menu designed to be swapped and sampled in great company. Think tostadas and fajitas, and a looong list of tacos, shared nachos and even party-size churros. You’ll also find classic recipes like carne asada, carnitas and al pastor, as well as battered mahi-mahi, crispy cauliflower, and vegetarian toppings, served up in homemade corn or flour tortillas – all best enjoyed with margaritas, of course!
Babaghanoush – Seminyak
Looking for a new foodie spot in Seminyak? Babaghanoush is here to spice things up! Chef Bjorn Shen (yep, the judge from MasterChef Singapore) blends warm-and-comforting Middle-Eastern flavours with Bali’s fresh local produce, sneaking a few surprise herbs and spices into each dish. We say let them plan your meal for a taste of the kitchen’s best, with the sharing-style omakase menu! Think sesame donuts with cod roe dip and golden prawn nuggets to start. Then, move on to the crave-worthy mains, like the roasted Sumba oysters topped with sago pearls, the king prawns in harissa and Indonesian kedondong fruit marinade, and the crispy fried chicken coated with stingless bee honey from Bali’s Payangan village. You’ll want to save room for desserts too – try the refreshing passion fruit granita with milk jelly, or go all out with the indulgent hot cookie pie with melted Ubud dark chocolate in the centre… We’ll take three spicy margaritas and toast to that!
Casa Mezcal – Pererenan
After a night of feasting at Origen (below), what better way to end the evening than with a sip of the finest mezcal at its upstairs sister, Casa Mezcal. This intimate, cool hideaway offers the perfect spot to sip artisanal mezcal cocktails while enjoying tropical breezes. With its laid-back, Mexican-inspired décor and curated selection of mezcals (with devilishly good bar snacks to match!), it’s the ultimate place to unwind after a day of surfing or exploring. Whether you’re a mezcal aficionado or just curious to try something new, Casa Mezcal is where the magic happens – the vibes are chilled, the drinks are strong, and the company is always fabulous!
Longtime – Berawa
The latest venture from everyone’s favourite cafe (AKA Milk & Madu), Longtime is shaking up the ever-growing dining scene in Canggu. This modern Asian restaurant brings a playful blend of mid-century glamour and Asian flavours that’ll keep your taste buds guessing. From the shiitake potstickers with truffle mirin and the cheesy Curious Burrata with house-made roti, to the spicy chilled Szechuan noodles with “Strange Flavor” sauce. And let’s not forget the equally adventurous cocktails, like the swanky Love You Later Martini with green mango and the Saints of Sanchez with a hidden kick from the Korean gochujang… It’s a chic night out like no other.
ULU Fish Market – Uluwatu
For a more laid-back yet equally sophisticated experience, ULU Fish Market offers a refined take on Bali’s coastal seafood traditions. From Hawaii to the surf mecca of Uluwatu, this seafood restaurant focuses on simplicity done exceptionally well, with a hint of Japanese and Peruvian influences. Think blackened tuna sashimi, simply grilled or cajun-spiced daily catches, or even scallops topped with salted egg cream, not to mention the selections of tacos and pokè bowls. The setting is always vibrant, welcoming each hungry diner for a leisurely meal, whether you’re enjoying a relaxed lunch between surf sesh, or a sunset dinner with the crew!
Alma Tapas Bar – Uluwatu
Canggu’s beloved neighbourhood tapas bar is now welcoming the Uluwatu crowds into its laid-back yet chic dining spot – yep, Alma Tapas Bar is bringing its Spanish flavours to the breezy Bingin! Picture this: sunset views, a cosy Mediterranean vibe, and mouth-watering Spanish tapas that are perfect for sharing (or not, no judgement here…). We’d start with the classics, Jamon Iberico and Queso Manchego, before filling up the table with the steak tartare topped with a quail egg yolk, the octopus with potatoes and the tomato and beetroot salad. Whether you’re sipping on a refreshing sangria or indulging in artisan cocktails, the atmosphere is always buzzing but chilled. It’s the ideal place to savour a leisurely evening with mates while you let the island vibes take over. This is a must-visit gem!
Buzo – Seminyak
The first of its kind in Bali, Buzo is Seminyak’s brand new Izakaya e Birra that pushes the boundaries of contrasting cuisines and flavours. Locally-grown Indonesian ingredients meet Italian-inspired recipes in this Japanese-style establishment, where small bar bites and shared mains are best enjoyed over Bali-crafted pints. Must-try bar bites include the fresh Trevally sashimi, the aged lamb with smoked oyster umeboshi, and the miso mozzarella arancini. Then, move on to the larger plates, like the succulent Koji-marinated striploin or the tempura fritto misto. And with such a creative team behind the bar, you’ll want to make it a boozy dinner date with a round of signature cocktails – the Buzo Negroni, Tea Daiquiri and Dio Madre are our top picks. Ikou Buzo!
Aunty Ji’s – Canggu
Stepping into Aunty Ji’s is like being wrapped in a warm hug from your favourite aunty – only with a lot more spice! This new Indian restaurant in Canggu is an ode to the cherished recipes from our Indian aunties, where everything is homemade, and always cooked with love. Think classic Paneer Tikka Masala, Papdi Chaat Nachos and the slow-cooked Kashmiri rogan josh made with Australian lamb, tender enough to cut with a spoon. And don’t even get us started on the garlic naan – fluffy, buttery, and with just the right amount of char. FYI – all of this pairs perfectly with a few rounds of Lassi Gin Smash…
The Jungle Club – Ubud
Aptly named, The Jungle Club is a boho-chic jungle oasis in Ubud, blending natural beauty with refined luxury. The pool club is like an adult’s playground, with chilled tunes and lagoon-like infinity pools overlooking canopies of greenery. But of course, spending a day here wouldn’t be complete without exceptional food and craft cocktails, so they’ve got that covered too. Think cassava nachos, scallop tacos and yellowtail carpaccio. In between cocktails, load up on the prosciutto pizza to swap and share, or the charcoal-grilled Black Angus tenderloin, all before taking to the jungle-hugged dance floor…
Tsune – Sanur
Brought to us by Bali’s hospitality gurus, The Wonderspace, Tsune is a brand new Japanese restaurant in Sanur infused with Balinese warmth. Home to Indonesia’s first-and-only floating sushi boat, you’ll want to book a hot-seat at the bar to watch colourful sushi and sashimi float by. We love the flame-kissed salmon skewer with miso caramel, and the grilled prawns slathered in fermented chilli butter and Shio kombu. Orm go all-out with a Saba Shioyaki Set, with grilled mackerel as the star. As for dessert? Try the lemon-infused crème brûlée with small chunks of sweet jackfruit, and finish off with the wasabi-spiked Wasa Bae cocktail.
Begawan Biji Restaurant – Ubud
Picture this: a stunning backdrop of lush, regenerative rice fields, centred by an indoor-outdoor space where the flavours of Indonesia merge with the elegance of fine dining. Yes, Begawan Biji isn’t “just” a restaurant, it’s an immersive dining experience that takes you to the heart of Bali’s rich heritage in Bayad Village, 20 minutes away from Ubud. The menu at this farm-to-table restaurant is created by Chef Andrew Fahludza, celebrating local ingredients at their best, with breathtaking views to boot. Start with crispy spring rolls and a selection of satay, then move on to the duck breast red curry, the heritage black pig pork chop and the charred tofu and toasted broccoli. And as you soak in the all-natural horizon, you’ll definitely want to try the turmeric-spiced Golden Hour cocktail.
Brick Lane Bali – Canggu
Brick Lane Bali fuses the edginess of East London with the vibrancy of Sydney’s dining scene. Sitting right in the heart of Canggu on Batu Bolong, this new restaurant offers a sleek, minimalist setting where modern Australian and Mediterranean cuisines come together. Hand-rolled pasta, wood-fired pizza, and the freshest seafood – everything on the menu is crafted with the finest local ingredients. The cocktail menu is just as impressive, featuring inventive drinks like the Milo Martini, AKA an Aussie-inspired chocolate espresso martini with a hint of coconut. Swing by in the afternoon to hang on the open-air terrace, or make it an intimate evening dinner indoors, complete with captivating DJ sets.
Bokashi – Pererenan
Following its success in Berawa, Bokashi has made its second home in Pererenan – this time with a few extra specialities. Bokashi Pererenan blends refined Japanese flavours with the vibrant soul of Indonesian cuisine. But it’s not just about the food – Bokashi is a love letter to sustainability, committed to repurposing waste and championing eco-friendly practices. Expect dishes crafted with fresh produce from their own LYD Organic farm, a menu that changes with the seasons, and a stunning setting complete with a Robatayaki bar, garden and pool. Don’t miss their organic grocery store, either – it’s where you can stock up on Bokashi’s own brand of sustainable goodies.
Ina Ré at Desa Kitsuné – Canggu
Freshly opened at Desa Kitsuné (Canggu’s lifestyle village that celebrates art de vivre and Balinese culture), Ina Ré is an impressive collaboration between Maison Kitsuné and Savaya Group, bringing contemporary cuisine with Mediterranean inspiration and Latin flavours to Bali. You’ll want to get dressed in your best, because this elevated dining experience is helmed by Chilean chef Cristian Encina, paying homage to the rich flavours of Latin street food, topped off with unwavering service. Everything here is designed to share, with standouts including the sea bass ceviche, cajun prawn tacos, wood-fired wagyu and the local seafood paella. And with a fully-stocked wine cave, Ina Ré has quickly secured a top spot on our must-try hitlist.
Waatu – Uluwatu
Taking residence atop Uluwatu’s rugged cliffs, Waatu is the latest creation from the internationally-acclaimed Australian Chef James Viles, which celebrates local produce, culture and primitive cooking. Low, slow and perfectly charred, fire is at the heart of Waatu’s menu, with produce-driven dishes and fire-kissed recipes designed to swap and share. Fill your table with folded flatbreads, still-warm hummus, Wagyu yakitori skewers and whole-roasted fish, and save room for dessert to try the the whipped chocolate and salted caramel mousse, theatrically served inside a whole cacao. Wash it all down with Waatu’s whimsical cocktails, which are worth a trip to Uluwatu alone.
MORI – Ubud
Balance, simplicity and seasonality is what shapes MORI – a sanctuary of Japanese cuisine that honours nature with sustainable practices. Think fresh ingredients from its immediate surroundings, on-site pickling and fermentation, and only a handful of imported ingredients from Japan. Try the exclusive Teppanyaki experience, and the meticulously curated seasonal tasting menu – both limited to just ten lucky diners per seating. This transformative dining experience showcases the finest bounty from land and sea, topped off with an innovative bar program that combines culture and creativity, as well as omotenashi-style hospitality.
KALA – Uluwatu
A neighbourhood grillery and modern Greek restaurant with gorgeous, earthy interiors, KALA is a minimalistic and stylish dining experience in Uluwatu, just minutes from Padang Padang. Start with speakeasy-grade cocktails and rounds of classic and natural wines, while grazing on oven-fresh flatbread, scooping up mezze dips, fire-kissed olives and colourful tuna carpaccio. Slowly move onto the larger plates: feta tempura, spanakopita and lamb kofta. As the mains arrive, expect perfectly-charred octopus, chicken souvlaki and paccheri pasta with creamy goat cheese. Finish with the Baklava Cheesecake – you won’t regret it.
Blossom Steakhouse – Sanur
Brought to us by the same team behind Viceroy Bali, Apéritif and CasCades, Blossom Steakhouse brings a touch of elegance to Sanur’s beach side. With a burning passion for sizzling the highest quality meats from around the world, the grill-masters dry-age all of the premium steads in-house, alongside a bounty of the finest seafood. Surf-and-turf is the name of the game here, so kick off with some freshly-shucked oysters, before selecting your wood-fired steak – we say, go all out with the 30-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye, or the jaw-dropping Tokusen Wagyu Tomahawk. Top it all off with a Sommelier-recommended wine, or try one of the bar’s signature cocktails.
Golden Monkey – Sanur
By very popular demand, Golden Monkey has swung open the doors to another Bali address, this time bringing its Cantonese and Szechuan delicacies to Sanur’s bustling beachside. Wrapped up in oriental aesthetics that capture the essence of China, gather around the round table for a taste of fresh ingredients and piping hot premium broths to dip into. Swap and share soft pork char siu buns, deep-fried pork and prawn wontons, and steamed chicken and prawn siu mai, and complete this Chinese feast with a hot pot of Oolong tea.
Fu House – Seminyak
From the same people who gave us SKOOL, Numero Quattro and The Lawn, Fu House is an edgy, modernised Thai restaurant in Seminyak that has forged a daring mix of tradition and innovation. A melting pot of both ancient and new-age Thai flavours, these hospitality maestros have done it again, taking age-old Thai recipes and giving them complex new flavours and modern flair. Think dry beef curry doughnuts, a roast mutton Panang curry, and a chocolate fondant with tamarind and coconut. Knock it all back with a unique or classic cocktail, featuring authentic produce like snake fruit, Earl Grey tea, sticky rice and palm nectar.
SALTLICK – Seminyak
The latest creation from the KU DE TA trailblazers, SALTLICK is a sleek and refined steakhouse perched above this OG Bali beach club. Chef Jeremy Hunt sources the finest meats and farm-to-table ingredients, house-drying, ageing and adding a smokey, chargrilled touch to every dish. It’s an immersive dining experience, where culinary excellence takes centre stage, complemented by top-notch drinks and an intimate ambiance. Start your evening with the crispy, smoky beef tongue fritters and wood-fired scallops, then get a taste of the kitchen’s specialties, like the 21-day dry-aged porterhouse Black Angus, best paired with the fire-roasted veggie skewers and sweet corn brulée. Wash it all down with a glass (or bottle!) of fine wine, or a signature cocktail. Our top pick is the Saltlick Smoky Margarita… We’ll take three please!
Jade by Todd English – Canggu
Brought to us by the multi-award-winning chef Todd English, Jade by Todd English is Berawa’s hottest new dining destination that should be on every foodie’s radar. This opulent restaurant takes you on an extraordinary culinary expedition through the ancient Silk Road, through timeless recipes given experimental twists which transform your dinner table into a treasure map of flavour and culinary tales. As for the menu, expect bold and innovate fusion cuisine served to the highest standards – think pan-seared sea scallop crudo with kaffir lime, pomelo and coconut, or Korean-style Wagyu beef short ribs served with wasabi potatoes. Whatever you choose, each gastronomic dish redefines modern fusion cooking, and we can’t get enough.
Arriba and Chupacabras – Ubud
A place to drink, dine and catch a jaw-dropping sunset, Arriba and Chupacabras is a two-in-one destination in the heart of breathtaking Sayan. Surrounded by misty jungles, this dynamic duo offers a complete gastronomy and mixology experience showcasing the old-world flavours of South America. Start your evening upstairs at Arriba – a quintessential cocktail bar that spotlights Latin-American spirits and local Indonesian ingredients. It’s the perfect place to catch the sunset with a lineup of light bites (try the ceviche or the charcoal-grilled arepas!). Then, make your way downstairs to Chupacabras, decked out in rugged natural stone and a flickering fire. Taking centre stage is the lively open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs grill juicy steaks, tender lamb chops and every other South American specialty you can imagine…
Manggar Restaurant & Bar – Canggu
Just footsteps from Echo Beach is Manggar – a fusion of southeast Asian flavours helmed by the renowned Balinese chef, Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa. Fusing the richness of southeast Asian flavours with a few contemporary Western touches and the best locally sourced ingredients, the kitchen slings a variety of wood-fired specialities, from freshly caught fish to a barley risotto topped with roasted shimeji mushroom, tempeh, herb purée and a dash of chilli oil, plus a range of local drinks to wash it all down with.
Teja – Uluwatu
Welcome to Teja, where fiery skies meet open-flame dining. Just footsteps away from Uluwatu’s cliffs, it’s a top spot for a golden sunset followed by a feast kissed by flames. Arrive early for an aperitif by the bar (try the citrusy Garibaldi with lime aperitivo, yuzu and orange) then make your way to the open-air table and get a taste of the grill-masters’ best. Start with the seared scallops and BBQ Wagyu beef skewer, before swapping and sharing the kitchen’s specialties. We love the dry-aged Pink Snapper with kombu chilli kosho butter and togarashi, and the Aussie Black Angus Picanha with vibrant sides from the garden.
Analog – Uluwatu
Travel back in time to the retro 70s at Analog – Bingin’s newest surfer cafe brewing the best coffee in the neighbourhood alongside wholesome bites and smoothies. Take in the care-free vibes inspired by simple times, and kick back in the beach shack-chic interiors lined with vintage surf boards and local art. Or, nab a seat outside and catch the breeze. We come here before a Pilates class at Fondue next door, then we come back again to refuel on wholesome Scandinavian brekkies.
Honzen – Jimbaran
Surrounded by zen gardens reminiscent of a serene Japanese home, Honzen is set within the sweeping grounds of AYANA Bali, honouring the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. Sit at the sushi counter for meticulously crafted sushi and sashimi prepared right in front of you, or make it a fiery dinner within in of the teppanyaki rooms. There’s also the vibrant main dining hall, and private dining rooms for a more intimate ambiance. As for us, we loved the multi-course Sushi Luncheon Omakase, and the Sushi Kimura Omakase that’s personally crafted by Chef Kimura. And if you want to experience a Japanese yakiniku restaurant instead, head next door to the sister restauran, Sumizen.
ARTE – Ubud
Born in Pererenan and now open in Ubud too, ARTE is where we swing by in the early evening with a group of friends to feast on authentic Italian dishes and some of the best pizza in Bali. Filled with an international book collection, cosy corners and an inviting ambiance of chilled tunes and convivial vibes, ARTE has become a community space that regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops and Bali’s creative crowds. As for the menu, you’ll find Italy’s best loved recipes, from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pastas. Try the Venetian Bigoli or the vegetarian Sicilia pizza, and whatever you do, don’t miss the Italian aperitivo Happy Hour, featuring spritz, classic cocktails and antipasti pairings.
Enya at Le Bajo – Pererenan
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Sagamihara in Japan, Enya AKA “Flame House”, brings the smokey flavours of a yakitori bar to Pererenan. Hidden beneath Le Bajo – a stylish and oh-so tropical pool club – you’ll want to prop up the bar at this subterranean restaurant and tuck into a parade of yakitori skewers and grilled specialties, all set ablaze right in front of your eyes. To really get a taste of it all, we say go for the Omakase menu, curated by Japanese Chef Taichi Nomoto and Bali’s own Chef Nyoman Sugiana. This multi-course Omakase presents up to 16 courses of seasonal dishes and kushiyaki, best paired with Enya’s signature cocktails and chu-hai, shaken and stirred by the bar’s expert mixologists.
Okuzono Japanese Dining – Seminyak
From Kyoto to Jakarta and now Bali, Okuzono has finally brought its authentic Izakaya experience to Seminyak. Set within uber Instagrammable, modern-Japanese interiors, graze your way through the authentic Japanese cuisine, all given contemporary and elevated twists. Think crispy soft shell crab tempura, classic onigiri filled with sea urchin and topped with gooey egg yolk, or the delicate lobster sashimi. Psst… everything here is best paired with a Japanese-inspired cocktail, like the citrusy Wabi Sabi with white rum, yuzu and lime, or the Sakura Negroni.
Sala Bistro – Ubud
Bringing its much-loved menu from Sanur to Ubud, Sala Bistro has swung open the doors to a brand new two-storey space in the heart of Ubud. This cosy cafe and restaurant is where you can settle in for a taste of Sala’s signatures made with fine local ingredients by day, and by nightfall, sip on sunset cocktails inspired by Bali (hellooo Tipsy Jamu!). Start your morning with a freshly-brewed Seniman coffee, and munch on smashed avo or French toast drizzled in maple syrup. You’ll want to browse the home-baked goodies too, and as lunchtime swings around, tuck into salad bowls and the oh-so famous Sala Fried Rice. Better yet, stay until late for a taste of the elevated dinner menu, with weekly deals on pasta, wine and fresh-outta-the-oven pizzas!
Galle Club – Ubud
Paying homage to the periodic charm of Sri Lanka, Galle Club is Bali’s first Sri Lankan and coastal-Indian restaurant in the heart of Ubud. Here, it’s all about classic Thalis and Tiffin lunches by day, and Sri Lankan bites and family-style hearty curries by night. Our fave? Try the braised lamb rolls, the hot butter halloumi and prawn pepper fry, and continue on with the roast pumpkin curry and spicy grilled cabbage. And since it’s backed by Bacari, Ubud’s favourite wine and tapas bar, you’ll want to sip your way through the 12 spectacular wines by the glass, or the Sri Lankan- and Indian-inspired cocktails, too!
Origen – Pererenan
A tribute to the essence of Mexican cuisine, Origen brings a taste of Mexico to the heart of Pererenan. Everything here is made with love and packed full of the nation’s authentic spices, topped off with Bali’s freshest ingredients. We love the handmade corn tortillas, which you’ll find in the tacos stuffed with slow-cooked beef birria and melted mozzarella, the tostadas topped with seared tuna, and the classic cheese quesadillas. Our fave is the snapper ceviche and the fresh-fried churros, and it goes without saying that a Mexican fiesta wouldn’t be complete without a round or three of margaritas and mezcal…
Fuego – Pererenan
True to its name, Fuego in Pererenan is firing up the neighbourhood with a wood-fired grill to ignite bold and smoky flavours in each Argentinian-inspired dish. Honouring the age-old cooking technique of grilling over an open fire, you’ll be transported to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, where you can share signature plates from the sea, the grill or the farm. From succulent grilled meats to flavourful seafood, each dish is crafted with care and precision. Try the Argentinian pork belly served with spiced potato, the black cod with lemon butter, and finish off with the sweet and tangy pineapple tart.
Dome – Seminyak
Inspired by celebrated futurist Buckminster Fuller (AKA the Godfather of the green movement), the Dome at Desa Potato Head is a boundary-pushing restaurant, natural wine bar and a lifestyle hub where food and creativity collide. It’s a place to mix and mingle over a shared appreciation of sustainability and culture, and of course, natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small bites. Chef Diego Recarte’s carefully curated menu features the best locally sourced ingredients with minimal intervention – think beef and oyster tartare, fish terrine, cuttlefish noodles, and a premium selection of local cold cuts. Pair each round with a natural wine or Asian liquor, personally recommended by the resident sommelier, Minyoung Ryu.
Kilo Kitchen – Pererenan
By popular demand, the Seminyak-born Kilo Kitchen is now dishing up its Latin-Asian specialty cuisine in Pererenan. Creative and always-progressivr, the unique fusion menu is filled with elevated comfort food, packed with vibrant flavours from different corners of the world. You’ll want to bring your crew, because the food here is best shared – try a few of the small plates, like the truffled tai yuzu roll, the corn furikake, the beef tongue tacos and the spicy duck and pomelo salad. For meat lovers, the jerk lamb shank isn’t to be missed. You can’t go wrong with the refreshing Textures of Red Berries to finish, made complete with a Kilo cocktail too… Cheers!
Mozza Sanur – Sanur
Sittong along Sanur’s hottest tables, Mozza Sanur is a leisurely dining destination for families to gather and graze on Asian and Western specialties. Start your day right with the pretty-as-a-pic Mozza scrambled eggs and an avocado espresso. Then, make it a lunch date and taste your way through the fresh salads and healthy drinks. End the day with a wholesome dinner with the fam – swap and share the sautéed portobello mushrooms and oyster sashimi, before tucking in to the Tasmanian salmon steak in lemon butter. Or, go for the crowd favourite ribeye steak drizzled with chimichurri. Finish off with a classic tiramisu.
Kalos Bali – Ubud
Nestled atop a canopy of lush greenery, Kalos Bali in Ubud is where great food comes with an awe-inspiring scenery. Inside is a glass-house-esque dining room where you can sip on a hot matcha latte and graze on light bites all day. Outside, a simple garden space makes for the most romantic date spot, fringed with vibrant vines and tropical plants. Munch on our favourite beer-battered Barramundi tacos and pumpkin ginger soup by day, and stay back for a wholesome dinner of pasta and pizza…
SHUN Omakase Counter – Berawa
Bringing the art of omakase to breezy Berawa, SHUN Omakase Counter showcases the seasonality and true innovation of Japanese cuisine. At this exclusive 18-seater restaurant, time-honoured traditions meet modern gastronomy, carefully curated into an elevated dining experience unlike any other. As you take your coveted seat at the counter, you’ll soon learn what SHUN (AKA “I leave it up to you”) is all about. Chef Mark Jeremie Oliver takes the reins for an unforgettable feast using only the finest seasonal ingredients. You’ll taste chawan mushi with snow crab and salmon roe, sashimi-grade oysters with ikura dashi ponzu, and homemade truffle ice cream too, topped off with a stellar selection of signature cocktails that are just as theatrical as the multi-course menu.
Satoshi – Umalas
Gastronomy meets art at Satoshi – a boundary-pushing restaurant in Umalas that’s redefining Itameshi cuisine, AKA a fusion of Italian and Japanese flavours. Inside, the sleek and stylish interiors nod to Japanese-minimalism, framed by a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a towering library of hand-collected vinyl, and a lustrous open kitchen, helmed by the revered Chef Igor Grishechkin. Start with a selection of raw and curated appetisers, like the seared salmon with truffle ponzu, the tuna tartare loaded onto crispy nori, and the ultra-fresh Hokkaido scallop crudo, drizzled in sweet passion fruit. Move on to the homemade crab ravioli, or the Japanese curry risotto with tender Wagyu, and pair it all with superb Japanese-inspired cocktails. Trust us when we say, you’ll want to save space for the Godzilla matcha cheesecake, best enjoyed on the low-slung sofas at the Music Library, fronted by four tonnes of local Javanese limestone…
Sayan Valley – Ubud
For the ultimate sundown experience in the verdant jungles of Ubud, swing by Sayan Valley, an intimate sunset bar cocooned in a canopy of trees, overlooking the sacred Ayung river. With the candy-coloured sky as the backdrop and sweeping views of the verdant valley below, it’s the perfect pre-dinner perch to ruminate while the sun illuminates. Toast to the sunset with a hand-crafted classic cocktail, a fine wine, or a Japanese-inspired signature (like the Kaizen Spritz or the Tokyo Banana), and pair it all with a selection of small tapas designed for grazing, like the grilled octopus with charred romaine, or the trio of arancini, sprinkled with parmesan.
Malverde – Seminyak
For refined flavours and a fiesta-style night out, head to Malverde in Seminyak – a brand new tequileria where a curated selection of tequilas are carefully paired with gourmet tapas. Capturing the essence and vibrance of Mexico, this lively nightlife destination is where you can join exclusive tequila tastings, make moves on the dance-floor and graze on delectable tapas, like prawn tostadas, crispy taquitos, tacos and churros. Try the tropi-cool mango-pineapple margarita or the Spicy Mexican Mule, then go-big with the food tower featuring the very best bites from the menu. And psst – everyday from 8pm-11pm, it’s three hours of all-you-can-eat tacos and tapas, plus bottomless margaritas and daiquiris!
Numero Quattro – Canggu
From the same creators as Bali’s hottest dining destinations, (think The Lawn, Times Beach Warung and Skool Kitchen), Numero Quattro is the newest neighbourhood Italian nestled in the heart of Echo Beach, slinging Italian staples that are hand-crafted and cooked to perfection. Look out for the kitchen’s grilled specialties, like the barbecued coral trout with yuzu koshu and parsley butter. Or try Chef Joel Bennetts’ take on Sunday gravy, combining maltagliati pasta tossed in rich, meaty gravy with the finest cuts of slow-cooked tender meat. And don’t leave before trying the classic cocktails with Numero Quattro twists, like the Pisco Ginger Sour or the Aperol Citrus Margarita…
Herbivore by Locavore – Ubud
Located at the birthplace of the legendary Locavore in Ubud (AKA one of Asia’s very best restaurants), Herbivore has opened its doors for a wildly different plant-based dining experience. This vegetarian takeover is brought to us by Chef Arnaud, with a strictly local ingredients-only culinary philosophy. The five- (available at lunch) and seven-course seasonal menus highlight the best of Bali’s local vegetation – think cassava pancakes served with preserved lemon and sweet carrots, alongside native tropical ingredients like soursop, candlenut and pandan, to name a few. And while you can’t go wrong with the menu alone, we say go all out with the rice-based cocktail pairing to really get a taste of what Herbivore is all about…
Cannelé – Nusa Dua
Is it a French Pâtisserie in the heart of Paris? Nope, it’s Cannelé, the latest sweet addition to Mulia Bali’s lineup of legendary dining destinations. Combining luxury, elegant interiors and the fine art of perfectly baked pastries, just one step through the doors and it’s a chocolate-covered panorama of delectable desserts, artisan cakes, buttery croissants and freshly baked breads. You’ll find a perfect fusion of French pastry craftsmanship alongside a variety of Indonesian ingredients, from fragrant Kintamani oranges to locally sourced cocoa. All of this, topped off with sweeping views from the terrace overlooking the resort’s famous pool and the glittering ocean, complete with a refined selection of coffee, tea, and a carefully curated wine list…
Lulu Bistrot – Canggu
Just one step inside Lulu Bistrot and you’re transported straight to the streets of Paris, where the sounds of soft live jazz serenade the evening, and fine French wines line the walls of a well-stocked cellar. You’ll want to arrive early for apéritifs on the sun-soaked terrace, before stepping through to the sophisticated dining room for an evening of French-inspired cuisine par excellence. Everything on the menu is best shared in great company, using local seasonal ingredients, top-notch global produce and recipes that honour French cooking. Start with the onion tarte tatin or the local clams in a herbed vinaigrette, followed by the hearty lamb neck that’s been braised in a rich, red wine gravy. Finish it all off with a fresh tropical fruit sorbet, and of course, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Bon appétit!
A La Folie – Canggu
A sun-soaked addition to Bali’s pool club scene, A La Folie is a sleek rooftop venue with a glittering pool, chic daybeds and cosy cabanas, flocked by Canggu’s cool crowds basking in the sun. True to its mission, A La Folie combines fun and refinement in its boho-sophisticated design and menu of French-Mediterranean favourities. The staples here are the salt and pepper squid served with lime chilli sauce, and the truffle Croque Monsieur with a creamy centre. We also love the crisp La Salade Niçoise with seared tuna, and the Le Steak-Frites featuring a 300g Black Angus ribeye steak and hand-cut chips. Finish off with a French classic – Le Grand 1000 Feuille – and wash it all down with a glass of rosé or an inventive cocktail.
Looking for more of the best new restaurants in Bali? Check out our Hot New Tables roundups for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018 too!
