Coastal restaurants, breezy beach clubs and cute neighbourhood cafes - here’s where to eat in Bali’s east, beside the beautiful Sanur seaside
Ahh Sanur – a quaint seaside neighbourhood on Bali’s south-eastern coastline. It’s a place where salty sea air cascades through pretty side streets, and where excited holidaymakers flock to the buzzing harbour en route to Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida. It’s where you can dip your toes in crystal-clear ocean and bright white sands, before having them primped and polished at one of Sanur’s best spas.
But Sanur is so much more than ‘just’ a stunning beach town with vacay vibes aplenty. It’s also where you’ll find cool urban cafes, happening beach clubs and some of the best restaurants in Bali at Sanur’s fanciest five-star hotels.
Yep, Sanur has officially outgrown its reputation as a sleepy seaside village. So we grazed our way through this charming Balinese neighbourhood to bring you the very best restaurants in Sanur. From breakfast and lunch to dreamy beachside dinners, you’ll want to bring an appetite… and don’t forget your bikini!
WHERE TO EAT IN SANUR: THE BEST RESTAURANTS, BARS & CAFES
1. Fisherman’s Club
An upscale take on Jimbaran’s iconic toes-in-the-sand seafood barbecues, Fisherman’s Club is where you can soak up vast sea views, finger-licking food, and live entertainment – right on Sanur’s beachfront. It’s a premium dining destination at Andaz Bali, with fresh-from-the-net ocean delicacies on display over the weekend for you to pick your own and have it cooked your way. Think buttery soft BBQ octopus (we’ll take a side of miso eggplant, please!), enormous seafood platters to share, and seaside favourites like The Fisherman’s Burger, raw tuna salad, and of course, fish and chips. Not into seafood? There’s also red meat, chicken, and veggie options, too – all given a Japanese, Korean or Latin touch. Out top tip? Come early and enjoy the laid-back beach club ambiance – cocktails aren’t mandatory, but highly recommended.
2. Shotgun Social
A breezy brewhouse and beer garden that pairs top-notch imported craft and draft beer with local brews, Shotgun Social in Sanur is where you’ll also find great wines and a solid food menu to boot. Prop up the bar and sample your way through the selection of 16 craft beers on tap, or settle in for a long and leisurely lunch within the spectacular domed interiors. As for the menu? Think gastropub classics like big burgers, Caesar salads, NYC-inspired pizzas and our fave: the rustic Australian Wagyu and pork meatballs. The kicker? The restaurant and garden is dog- and family-friendly… yup, Fido’s invited, too!
3. Jalapeño
A hopping Tex-Mex restaurant with serious style and flavour, Jalapeño is a spicy little number when it comes to eating out in Sanur. It’s most famous for its tasty tacos (and yes, free-flow Taco Tuesday is a thing here) which are made from homemade tortillas, loaded with fresh salsa (made in-house daily) and scrummy fillings like Baja Fish, Jackfruit Carnitas and slow-braised brisket. It goes without saying that the margaritas are top notch, too.
4. Pescado Bali
Seafood, paella, tapas and Sangria… Pescado Bali is where you can feast on Spain’s best bits, right in the heart of Sanur. The menu brings a “sharing is caring” vibe, with generous portions of specialty paella, share platters and jugs of sangria – wrapped up in upscale interiors. Keep your eyes on the Pescado Bali calendar too, because throughout the week, you’ll find special deals and social events too.
5. Soul in a Bowl
Is Soul in a Bowl the coolest urban restaurant in Sanur? We think so. It sits in the heart of Sanur’s ‘eat street’, with laid-back cafe vibes by day, and a vibrant tapas and bar menu by night. We can’t resist a morning coffee, juice and smoothie alongside its hearty breakfast menu. And don’t be surprised if you catch us grazing through to lunchtime too, tucking into sandwiches, burgers and freshly made cakes served all day. As evening swings around, head upstairs to the candlelit cocktail lounge and sample through the fab wine list.
6. Soul on the Beach
Located on the bright whites sands of Sanur’s Sindhu Beach, Soul on the Beach is the family-friendly little sister to Soul in a Bowl (above). It’s perfect for kids that need to run and play in close proximity to the restaurant’s casual and relaxed dining vibes. And just like its urban cafe counterpart, the menu here is creative and wholesome, constantly evolving and complimented by a variety of daily specials. We love this spot for its menu of small plates, perfect to swap and share with friends or family.
7. Pizzaria
Sitting right on Sanur’s beachfront within the luscious grounds of Hyatt Regency Bali, Pizzaria is the only seaside Italian restaurant in Sanur, located right beside the coastal promenade. The restaurant’s totally al fresco bar and dining area soaks up ocean views all around, making for a stunning lunch and dinner spot that’s open to everyone, not just resort guests. You’ll want to try Pizzaria’s ocean-fresh and locally-sourced tuna carpaccio, which comes delicately topped with a sprinkling of capers, parsley, dill and rucola. Or the thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas (they’re made from traditional sourdough) before finishing off with the chocolatey Mocha Tart with silky yogurt gelato. Our top tip? Swing by on a Sunday for Pizzaria’s family-friendly Sunday brunch – you won’t be disappointed!
8. Patio Coffee and Comfort Food
This beach-chic spot is a real foodie gem in Sanur. Lesser known to the tourist crowds, the highlight at Patio Coffee and Comfort Food is the traditional Indonesian comfort food at a super affordable price. The menu also features hearty pastas and burgers, and for the digital nomads out there, the selection of coffee and indoor seating makes for a great work space during quiet times…
9. Naga Eight Restaurant
At the heart of Sanur stands a majestic, castle-like building with coral walls, wooden floors and towering columns. We’re talking about Naga Eight; a Cantonese fine dining restaurant with open-air seating. The word “naga” is the Indonesian word for “dragon”, since the land where the restaurant stands is said to have been guarded by a dragon. As for the number eight? That’s a lucky number in Chinese culture. The result is a fine blend of Balinese and Chinese cultures, centred by authentic Cantonese cuisine that uses locally sourced produce.
10. Artotel Beach Club
As one of the hottest beach clubs on the island, it’s not surprising that Artotel Beach Club is a great place to eat in Sanur, too. You’ll get to dine within its nifty, internationally-acclaimed interiors (the work of the superstar architects behind Nihiwatu in Sumba, no less!), beside a hundred year-old Banyan Tree and absolute beachfront views. Lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand from one of four fabulous bars, and graze the day away on ABC’s seaside staples, like a crunchy salad, fresh pappardelle pasta, or the crispy pork belly bowl. Don’t leave without a dip in the ocean, too!
11. Massimo
A list of Sanur’s best restaurants simply wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Massimo. This is Sanur’s OG Italian restaurant, where queues of hungry foodies would often be found lining the streets, waiting for a highly sought-after table or for a scoop of the famous gelato. In fact, you’ve probably spotted the gelato counter on Instagram feeds around the world. The flavours on offer seem truly endless, crowned with whole fresh fruits in a rainbow of colour and creamy deliciousness! After all, what better way to complete a feast of authentic Italian pizzas, pasta and homemade burrata?
12. Taqisa
¡Viva México! With recipes handed down from generation to generation, Taqisa is dedicated to dishing up the best homemade Mexican food using the freshest ingredients. Everything is made by hand in the Taqisa kitchen, and all dishes are brought to Bali from Mexican family recipes. Choose your faves from the a la carte menu, or build your own tacos, burritos or bowls. And while you sip on top-shelf margaritas, the kids can tuck into the delish little amigos menu…
13. The Glass House
It’s hard to miss The Glass House, with its white plantation shutters, high glass walls and ceilings, and lovely tranquil vibes. Choose to sit in the outside ‘glass house’ or inside in air-conditioned comfort. Coffee and homemade cakes change on the daily and throughout the day, the kitchen slings great Aussie breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Only the freshest ingredients are used, delivered daily from the markets of Bedugul. Think wholesome halloumi wraps filled with mountain greens, or the Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes that are almost too good to eat (almost). After all that goodness? You definitely deserve the famous tropical fruit pavlova…
14. The Fire Station
An oldie but a goodie – The Fire Station is where you’ll want to go for some real pub grub or a cold beer (or both!). Serving gastropub-style food all day, with an extensive drinks menu (think craft beers, great wines and classic cocktails), it’s another go-to for Sanur’s expat crowds. Graze on pub favourites like fish and chips, slow-cooked beef pies and Ploughman’s sandwiches. An all-time fave? The braised beef & red wine pie with the most perfect puff pastry crust.
Love the look of these restaurants and cafes in Sanur? Check out these restaurants in Ubud, too!
