After living in Bali for so long, eating fresh seafood here has become a daily habit. We’re super lucky to have the abundant Indian Ocean nudging our shores, with fresh tuna, snapper, mahi-mahi, barramundi and lobster delivered to the fish markets every morning, courtesy of the hard-working local fishermen.<\/p>\n
By the time the day’s catch reaches Bali\u2019s best restaurants<\/a>, these ocean delicacies are cured, smoked, ceviched, charred and cooked over coals. Gone are the days when the only option was the Jimbaran fish BBQ experience (though it’s still there, and still worth it!). We now have zero-waste seafood in Seminyak, Hawaiian-Peruvian fusion in Uluwatu, raw bars in Umalas, and Mediterranean ocean-to-table cooking to Ubud. So, if you’re hooked on seafood, these are the best places to eat fresh fish in Bali, from chefs who truly know their snapper from their scallop. I’ve broken them down based on area so you’ll know where to eat the best seafood near you.<\/p>\n I’m Louise, and I’ve lived in Bali for more than 14 years. I’ve been pescatarian for as long as I can remember, and my husband spearfishes almost daily, which means I have very<\/em> high standards when it comes to eating seafood and fish in Bali. He’s trained me well. I can spot when the fish isn’t fresh, hasn’t been prepared properly, or worse \u2013 when the chef has served a bad cut. So, every place on this list has passed this test. These are best seafood restaurants in Bali that even my picky hubby approves of.<\/p>\n Bali’s fish markets receive fresh catch daily, and most good restaurants work directly with local fishermen. Here’s what you’ll find on menus across the island:<\/p>\n The traditional approach is grilling whole fish over coconut husks, seasoned with a paste of turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and chilli. This is what you get at Jimbaran’s beachfront cafes and local warungs<\/em>, and it’s hard to beat for simplicity. Balinese sambal (chilli sauce) is served on the side, along with steamed rice and water spinach.<\/p>\n \u2013 Jimbaran<\/strong> is the classic answer. It’s where you’ll find the famous beachfront warungs<\/em> on the beach, where you pick your fish and eat it grilled at sunset. It’s the most famous seafood experience in Bali and still worth it after all these years. Local market vibes:<\/strong> Ulu Fish Market<\/a>, Kedonganan Fish Market<\/a>Why trust this guide<\/h3>\n
What fish and seafood is available in Bali?<\/h3>\n
\n
How seafood is cooked in Bali:<\/h3>\n
Which area of Bali is best for seafood?<\/h3>\n
\n\u2013 Seminyak<\/strong> has the highest concentration of upscale seafood restaurants in Bali, with Seasalt and Ijen leading the way.
\n\u2013 Canggu<\/strong> is more casual and coastal, with spots like Moana and Cocomo doing fresh seafood in a relaxed setting.
\n\u2013 Uluwatu<\/strong> has Ulu Fish Market, which brings poke bowls and fish BBQ vibes to a more laid-back surf crowd.
\n\u2013 Ubud<\/strong> is inland but just as impressive, with Liap Liap and Nautilus serving wood-fired and Mediterranean seafood respectively.<\/p>\nSeafood restaurants in Bali at a glance<\/h3>\n
\nBeachfront settings:<\/strong> Ijen<\/a>, Seasalt<\/a>, Starfish Bloo<\/a>, Fisherman’s Club<\/a>
\nSunset & romantic dining:<\/strong> Gente Bali<\/a>, Nautilus Seafood Restaurant & Bar<\/a>
\nCasual group dinners:<\/strong> Moana Fish Eatery<\/a>, Cocomo<\/a>, Bonito Fish Bar<\/a>, Liap Liap<\/a><\/p>\n