It's another day in Bali, and we all need uber-good caffeine in our life. Our list of the hipster cafes across the island all share great great coffee (hurrah!), healthy juices, delicious dishes and fabulous, open-air interiors
We’ve come a long way in the hip cafe in Bali stakes since the opening of Grocer & Grind, Revolver, and the likes of designer cafe restaurants Corner House and Petitenget in Seminyak, or Canggu’s Betelnut and Crate. But there’s life beyond cafe society at these original, good faves, with a new generation of designer caffeine houses opening island-wide to leisurely lounge your mornings, noon or afternoons away.
Sisterfields – Seminyak
This cool café near Seminyak Square has fast become THE place to be and be seen. People flock in droves to this light filled hang-out for its buzzy, friendly atmosphere and delicious food. This is a great brunch spot, with its winning eggs benedict and pancakes with berry compote and ice cream. Do order the colourful tropical fruit salad if only to see how pretty it looks. But lunch and afternoon menus are also a big winner. It can be very busy here so arrive early to grab a good table. If you’re wanting Seminyak’s best burger, they also have BO$$ MAN Burgers next door.
Sisterfields, Jalan Kayu Cendana No. 7, Seminyak, Bali.
Shelter – Seminyak
With its breezy rooftop garden situated on the quiet part of Jalan Drupadi (just off Raya Seminyak), Shelter attracts the young cool creative crowd. By day they serve up superfood salads, vegetable wraps and eggy breakfasts along with smoothies and fresh juices. Come evening, they are known to put on parties with live music and fashion pop-ups. You cal also make a visit to Nalu Bowls, Bali’s first smoothie bowl shack below the café.
Shelter, Jalan Drupadi 1, 2A, Seminyak, Bali.
3Three Café – Kerobokan
This gem of a café is great for a healthy breakfast – just try their pink raw super bowl! As well as serving exceptionally good food, they also pride themselves on serving the best coffee using a blend of local and imported beans. They also provide dairy free and gluten free options so there is something for everyone.
3Three Cafe, Jalan Petitenget No 7, Seminyak Bali.
Cashew Tree – Bingin
Cashew Tree is a lovely café set in a relaxed garden in the surfer’s village of Bingin. This open-air spot serves up healthy but filling meals such as vegetable curries and fish tacos – great for some post-surf fuel. The corners of the garden provide quiet chill out areas for you to read a book or catch up with friends. Don’t miss their rowdy Thursday night live music sessions where the place really comes alive.
Cashew Tree, Jalan Pantai Bingin No.9, Bingin, Bali.
Pomegranate – Ubud
You start your journey to this unique tented café by walking through the beautiful rice fields from central Ubud. The main attraction of Pomegranate has to be it’s spectacular view, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic site of Ubud which looks especially magical come sunset. The menu strives to be a bit different, serving an international mix of pizza, noodles, Indian curry and Chinese dumplings.
Pomegranate, Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali.
Alchemy – Ubud
Not simply just a café, Alchemy is a holistic center for health and wellbeing. Located in the village of Penestanan in Ubud, this space serves as a raw vegan restaurant, café, organic shop as well as a colonic clinic in a relaxing setting. With the motto ‘Your body is a temple’, Alchemy believes that heathy food doesn’t have to be boring. Just try out their raw pad thai, zucchini pasta or coconut noodles.
Alchemy, Jalan Penestanan Klod No.75, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali.
Clear – Ubud
This Ubud favourite has had to move location after a disastrous fire in 2014, but that hasn’t dampened Clear Café’s spirits. Now at a new temporary location on a hill, the venue has beautiful views to a temple nearby. You can come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner and feast on their dishes made with all natural ingredients from local Balinese farmers. Try the raw sprouted vegan granola for breakfast or the nasi campur vegan set for dinner.
Clear, Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali 80581.
Milk & Madu – Canggu
If you’re wanting to try a place that’s away from the hustle and bustle, take a trip to Milk & Madu, located at Berawa. An open aired space set next to a colourful flower filled garden, this café is both relaxing as it is delicious. Try their dukkah poached eggs or skillet shakshuka eggs for breakfast along with Revolver coffee. For lunch they have a good selection of brioche burgers and tasty gourmet pizzas. Definitely the local expats fave, this one – for good reason.
Milk & Madu, Jalan Pantai Berawa #52, Canggu, Bali.
Avocado – Canggu
Catering to Canggu’s fitness crowd, Avocado is a café as well as a delivery service, which provides a Paleo menu straight to your door. The café serves up a range of healthy dishes for both vegans and meat lovers. Start the day with their avocado eggs and chia seed coconut pudding. For more hearty options, you can get proper beef burgers and chicken curries.
Avocado, Jalan Raya Batu Bolong 69B, Canggu.
Dusk Blue Café – Sanur
A laid-back lunch spot in Sanur, Dusk Blue serves tasty organic food and great coffee. Lounge around on the big comfy sofas outside and choose from staples such as quesadillas, or more out-there options like a beetroot and wasabi open sandwich. They also serve some of the best coffee in Sanur, as well as a fine choice of teas.
Dusk Blue Cafe, Jalan Duyung No. 3, Sanur, Bali.
Anna Chittenden, Travel Writer, is the founder and explorer behind travel website Lost Guides. When not in a beach hut, you’ll find her sipping flat whites in her ‘hood Tiong Bahru in Singapore.
Photos: Pinterest
