Stuck for date night ideas? Book a hot-seat at these helplessly romantic restaurants in Bali, where love is always in the air…
Lovebirds, this one’s for you! Whether you’re on your honeymoon or just holidaying with your other half, Bali is a top destination when it comes to romantic vacations. And it’s easy to see why. This magical island is oh-so dreamy, with its lush jungles, enchanting nature, paradisal beaches and breathtaking sunsets. Not to mention, allll the couples spa treatments, and of course, the finest wining and dining destinations around. Add to that some sunset cocktails by the sea and an intimate candlelit dinner on the beach, and you’ve got yourself one helluva dreamy date night.
So, whether Valentine’s Day is around the corner or you’re simply planning a special date, we’ve got you covered. From Ubud and Seminyak, to Canggu and Uluwatu, here are our favourite romantic restaurants in Bali.
The most romantic restaurants in Bali: EDITOR’S PICKS
1. Uma Garden – Umalas
With the starry sky above and a magical, candle-lit gardens all around, we can’t think of a more romantic setting than a date at Uma Garden. This fire-based restaurant is nestled on the outskirts of Seminyak in the charming Umalas neighbourhood, with rice field views and a stylish, rustic ambiance. In fact, it’s such a dreamy setting, you’ll want to arrive before the sun sets for a pre-dinner aperitivo. Then, make your way to the garden dining area, past the theatrical open-flame grill, to graze on flame-kissed recipes. Try the wood-fired Black Angus Tomahawk, or the juicy jumbo prawns, ember-grilled to perfection. While Uma Garden is our top pick for a romantic date night, it’s also a great place to bring a group of friends to swap and share the wood-fired flavours.
Uma Garden, Jl Umalas 1 No. 8, Umalas, p. +62 821 4736 9323, e. [email protected]; Open daily from 1pm.
2. SHUN – Berawa
For a dreamy date night in Bali, sweep your honey off their feet by booking a table at SHUN. This exclusive Japanese restaurant in Berawa is one of the most refined and romantic omakase experiences in Bali. You can expect a carefully crafted menu of 14 to 19 spectacular courses, using fine seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. Think fresh sashimi, Miyasaki Wagyu beef and buttery-smooth uni. It’s an exclusive and intimate chef’s counter experience, so it’s guaranteed to be a date night hit.
SHUN, Jl Pantai Berawa No.99, Berawa.
3. Embers – Ubud
Hidden amidst blooming gardens within Bisma Eight Villas, Embers is Ubud’s oh-so romantic Mediterranean restaurant with an earth-to-table concept. Inspired by the rustic flavours of the Mediterranean, the kitchen draws on home-grown, farm-fresh produce – all of which is hand-picked from Embers’ very own organic garden, and perfectly paired with locally-sourced meat and seafood. For date night, book the romantic garden dinner beneath the stars, where you and your honey can tuck into a four-course meal crafted from fresh, sustainable ingredients. You’ll start with the red snapper crudo, followed by a choice of mains. Our favourite is the lightly seared duck breast with sweet, pineapple chutney. The dessert is the cherry on top of your candlelit dinner (literally!), as is the wine pairing that perfectly complements each dreamy course.
Embers, Jl Bisma No. 97, Ubud, p. +62 361 908 6513 / +62 812 3973 6247, e. [email protected]
4. Brie – Ubud
As Bali’s first restaurant with its very own cheesery, we can’t think of a better place for date night. Brie in Ubud is where ooey-gooey burrata, melty brie burgers, signature pizzas and cheesy pastas steal the show, with an open kitchen for a front-row seat to the magic. You can catch a glimpse of the cheese-making in action, or join a cheese-making masterclass with your honey. Then, settle into the two-storey space to graze on the casual-fine dining menu of Mediterranean favourites. We can’t get enough of Brie’s special French Wellington Pie. It’s generously filled with steak, spinach, mushroom and truffle, and it’s unlike anything we’ve tried anywhere. And to really up the romance, swing by for the candle light dinner every Wednesday, where live music and hundreds of candles set the stage for a twinkling night out…
Brie, Jl Penestanan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 813 5399 7009, [email protected]
5. Satoshi – Umalas
Gastronomy meets art at Satoshi – a sleek and intimate restaurant in Umalas that’s loved for its fusion of Italian and Japanese flavours, AKA Itameshi cuisine. Think risotto, ravioli and fritto misto, but with a Japanese twist. Inside, the stylish, modern interiors nod to Tokyo’s urban city charm, centred by a Tsubo-Niwa garden for a kiss from nature. The menu is crafted by award-winning Chef Igor Grishechkin, featuring fine bites, curated raw appetisers and shared platters. Our favourite was the Japanese curry risotto and the eggplant katsu alla Parmigiano, best paired with a bottle of wine from one of the most impressive wine lists we’ve seen. After dinner, meander over to the library of hand-collected vinyls, and settle into a cosy lounge for a Japanese cocktail, the miso-infused tiramisu, and smooth tunes from an immersive nanotechnology sound system.
Satoshi, Jl Bumbak No. 55, Umalas, p. +62 811 3811 988; Open daily from 5pm.
Romantic restaurants in SEMINYAK
6. The Restaurant
At this multi-award-winning dining destination at The Legian Seminyak, expect fine dining cuisine, seamless service and the most gorgeous ocean views. Helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, the menu at The Restaurant features Asian influences, French cooking techniques and local ingredients. For a truly exquisite dining experience, try the Indonesian-inspired tasting menu that showcases The Restaurant’s very best dishes of the moment. It comes perfectly paired with a glass of wine and views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Our fave? The slow-cooked duck breast with orange jus, served with beetroot, asparagus and purple potato. It’s the perfect pairing to a full-bodied Chilean Cabernet…
The Restaurant at The Legian Seminyak, Bali, Jl Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach, p. +62 361 730 622 / +62 811 3821 8771; Open daily 7am – 10pm.
7. Merah Putih
There are so many reasons to dine at Merah Putih. This iconic fine dining restaurant showcases the true flavours of Indonesia, with recipes that are handed down through generations. It’s also that stunning cathedral-like restaurant you’ve probably seen on Instagram. Try the fried pumpkin and mushroom dumplings, or the Lombok-style chargrilled ribeye for two. And since it’s date night, impress your date with Merah Putih’s tasting menu to get a taste of it all. Our top tip: for an uber romantic dinner, snag a seat in one of the teak pods to score an elevated view of the breathtaking interiors.
Merah Putih, JI Petitenget No. 100x, Seminyak, p. +62 361 846 5950 / +62 813 3857 8815, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
Romantic restaurants in UBUD
8. The Sayan House
A foodie gem just ten minutes from downtown Ubud, The Sayan House is where you can treat your date to a breathtaking feast with gorgeous views. Overlooking the jungle and the dramatic Sayan valley, expect casual fine dining and a fantastic fusion of Latin-Japanese cuisine. We’re talking tacos stuffed with Teriyaki chicken, and grilled Japanese Kagoshima Wagyu beef served with wasabi-chimichurri. To up the romance, begin at the bar for an exceptional sunset and pre-dinner cocktail, teetering on the edge of the gorge.
The Sayan House, Jl Raya Sayan No. 70, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 361 4792 592, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 10pm.
9. Apéritif
Dress your best and take your date to Apéritif. This 1920s-inspired fine dining restaurant is where modern gastronomy meets native Indonesian ingredients and colonial elegance. I’ve recently reviewed this Ubud fine diner, and I can confirm: it delivers on the food, wine and romance.
I recommend the signature “Romantic Candlelight” degustation menu to really get to know the kitchen’s Michelin-level expertise, thanks to Chef Nic Vanderbeeken’s guidance. Think oysters, caviar, cured seafood, and of course, the chef’s signature Venison Wellington, which is a loving nod to his wife’s roots! And with a Vatel-trained sommelier, you’ll want to pair it all with the finest wine they have in their wine cellar.
Want to truly impress your date? Book a helicopter pick-up (yes, they have their own helipad!), and don’t leave without wandering next door to the intimate Pinstripe Bar, for 1930s-inspired after-dinner cocktails…
Apéritif at Viceroy Bali, Jl Lanyahan, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, p. +62 361 908 2777, e. [email protected]
10. Kubu
Head to the Ubud jungle for an intimate dining experience at Kubu. This romantic destination at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, serves up Mediterranean-European fine dining inspired by its natural surroundings. Nestled right by the enchanting Ayung River, settle into one of the nine private bamboo cocoons and get a taste of the culinary genius. Go all-out with the multi-award winning chef’s gourmet degustation menu, which includes 10 courses of the most luxurious ingredients. We’re talking lobster, scallops and Wagyu beef – all with flawless wine pairing.
Kubu at Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Jl Kedewatan, Ubud, p. +62 361 479 2777, e. [email protected]; Open daily 5.30pm – 11pm.
11. Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant
For a date night par excellence, book a hot-seat at Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant – an iconic fine-dining destination in Ubud. The scene is set with soft lighting, lush greenery, and elegant decor, while the award-winning chefs (Chris Salans and Blake Thornley) work their magic by fusing Balinese flavours with modern French techniques. Each dish is a work of art, but the real charm lies in the intimate, candlelit setting. And for something truly special, book a private dining experience at The Chef’s Table. Or better yet, the eight-course Romantic Gazebo with premium wines. The chef’s special tasting menu features luxurious ingredients like foie gras, black truffle and sturgeon caviar for a date night you’ll definitely remember…
Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant, Jl Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, p. +62 361 975 768 / +62 821 4723 5550, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
Romantic restaurants in ULUWATU
12. The Cave
Dining inside a cave should be on every couple’s bucket list. And where better to tick it off than within Bali’s very own thousand-year-old cave in Uluwatu? A meticulous concept by Chef Ryan Clift, this 22-seater, subterranean restaurant serves up modern gastronomy within age-old rock formations. The caves even become the backdrop for a show of visual projections in-between courses. This theatrical dining experience is shaped by a seven- or ten-course menu with optional wine or cocktail pairing. During the half-way intermission, you can even don a hard-hat to explore the cave’s wonders. And psst – the chef regularly reinvents his menu, so you’ll definitely want to come back for more.
The Cave at The edge, Jl Pura Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Pecatu, Uluwatu, p. +62 361 847 0700, e. [email protected]
13. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
With its soft lighting, reflecting pools and breathtaking views over the cliffs of Uluwatu, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito sets the stage for the most romantic and luxurious date night. Following in the footsteps of its Michelin-starred predecessor in Tokyo, this fine dining restaurant has made its way to the six-star Bvlgari Resort Bali. An intimate restaurant of just 24 seats, Chef Niko Romito brings his award-winning classic Italian cuisine to Bali. Select from the four- or seven-course degustation menu, and add-on a carefully curated wine pairing. You’ll taste the finest grapes from the vineyards of Italy and beyond.
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at Bvlgari Resort Bali, Jl Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, p. +62 815 5800 1969
Romantic restaurants in NUSA DUA
14. Koral
If an underwater dinner sounds like your kind of hot date, then you’ll want to take your honey to the aquatic signature restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali in Nusa Dua. The iconic Koral Restaurant is the first aquarium restaurant on the island, giving you a fine dining experience surrounded by tropical fish and even reef sharks. As for the menu, expect skilfully prepared artisanal dishes throughout the signature degustation menu, inspired by Indonesia’s coastlines. Our top tip: you’ll need to reserve the iconic ‘tunnel table’ well in advance.
Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, p. +62 361 209 2288, e. [email protected]; Open daily.
Romantic restaurants in CANGGU
15. Skool Kitchen
Sitting above Canggu’s hottest beach club (AKA The Lawn), Skool Kitchen honours primal cooking styles, where every dish is touched by fire. The honest and modern menu is powered by natural wood and charcoal embers. Start early with a sunset cocktail overlooking Canggu’s famous waves, before tucking in to grilled Murotsu Bay oysters with yuzu and smoked soy, or the wood-fired gnocchi with brown butter. Even the desserts get a taste of the flames, like the charred apple crumble with custard and whiskey ice cream. It’s the perfect fiery finale to your smoking-hot dinner date…
Skool Kitchen, Jl Pura Dalem, Canggu, p. +62 361 620 0603 / +62 811 3800 4952; Open daily from 5pm.
16. Luma
A Mediterranean showstopper, Luma is the collaborative work of two award-winning chefs. The menu itself combines rustic flavours with classic elements of Southern Europe’s dining traditions, topped off with indigenous ingredients from Bali and beyond. And the jewel in the crown here is the charcoal grill and the custom-made, see-through wood fire oven, taking centre stage in the dazzling Luma kitchen. Unsurprisingly so, the carefully curated wine list is second-to-none, while the cocktail list follows the menu’s lead by using local ingredients for a tropical twist on the classics.
Luma, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 91, Canggu, p. +62 811 3941 4999, e. [email protected]; Open daily 12pm – 11pm.
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