A Luxury Escapes Insider’s Guide To Bali’s Best Restaurants

Want to discover these incredible eateries for yourself? Check out our exclusive offer for a combination stay at Alila Manggis and Alila Seminyak here.

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Luxury Escapes Partnerships and Contracting Manager for Bali and South East Asia, Jason Fong has been going to Bali for over twenty years. He’s so well known amongst Bali’s top hoteliers, they affectionately refer to him as ‘The Boss Of Bali’ and he’s the perfect person to ask for a list of Bali’s best restaurants.

With so many trips to the Island Of The Gods, Jason has tried out close to every restaurant from Seminyak to Uluwatu and everywhere in between. Here’s his definitive list to the best restaurants in Bali so you’ll never go hungry on your next Luxury Escape!

Image: Salazonbali.com

Salazon

Salazón is the latest trendy dining haunt to pop up in Bali’s Seminyak and we’re sure that the eatery’s industrial-chic styling coupled with its mind-blowing dishes is going to draw in the cool carnivorous crowds. The food at Salazón looks (and tastes) nothing less than unbelievable. With an emphasis on wood-fired, cured, smoked and grilled meats and fish, Salazón is a carnivore’s haven. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! “When it comes to cooking I am a bit of a traditionalist,” says Aussie ex-pat Executive Chef Paul Lewis. “I look for honesty in cooking, like with really great barbeque, where the ingredients speak for themselves. For me here at Salazón it’s all about genuine, old-school cooking, using traditional ageing, smoking and pickling processes. It’s back to basics, but delivered with passion.”

Favourite Dish: Baked Burrata cheese and tomato tart, pancetta, honey and basil.

Image: Barbacoa-bali.com

Barbacoa

One of my favourites and Bali’s finest. Barbacoa is dedicated to BBQ, wood fire, charcoal and loads of smoke. These combined fire methods have been influenced by Latin American style flavours to create rustic local dishes in a large warehouse space with high ceilings, recycled wood, mosaic tiled floors, sandstone walls, vintage leather banquettes which is totally unique and warm in every way.

Favourite Dish: 8-hour wood-fired Asado pork. And favourite cocktail – Lemon Meringue Signature cocktail.

Image: Sardinebali.com

Sardine

Fine dining in sprawling bamboo structures with amazing rice paddie views, Sardine is ideal for just a cocktail or dinner.

Favourite Dish: Seared duck breast and leg confit.

Image: Merahputihbali.com

Merah Putih

Named after the two bold and vibrant colours of the national flag, Merah Putih is an Indonesian dining experience like no other. The stunning indoor gardens create intimacy amid the majesty, meaning you can enjoy a discreet dinner for two or a large social event with family and friends.

Favourite Cocktail: Coconut Espresso Martini.

Image: Mamasanbali.com

Mamasan

Step into colonial Britain in Shanghai during the 1920s, with marble top mah-jong tables and oversized tan leather chesterﬁelds, in a purpose-designed industrial high ceiling warehouse. Expect Speakeasy chic with tasty treats at Mamasan.

Favourite Dish: Crispy lemongrass chicken with green mango papaya som tum and sweet chili sauce.

Image: Metisbali.com

Metis

With an excellent interpretation of classic French cuisines with a Mediterranean twist, the award-winning Metis combines a classical fine dining concept with lush tropical beauty in an elegant establishment located in the heart of Seminyak.

Favourite Dish: 14-hour crispy skin pork belly.

Ginger Moon

Eat Street is the hub of Bali’s renowned dining scene and this Modern Asian canteen is at its heart. An air-conditioned oasis on an otherwise bustling street, Ginger Moon is a warm and welcoming restaurant which excels in Balinese hospitality and fresh flavours.

Favourite Dish: Peking duck pancakes with spring onions, cucumber and plum hoi sin sauce.

Sarong

Award-winning Sarong is one of the most sought after Asian fine dining establishments in Bali. Further afield, Sarong’s reputation for innovation and authenticity has created its prestigious standing upon Southeast Asian’s epicurean stage. Sarong shines out as one of the genuinely exciting restaurants in the region. Ideal for that romantic dinner or evening group of friends.

Favourite Dish: ‘Kampung Snickers’ (peanut butter ice cream, butterscotch caramel and dark Balinese chocolate praline).

Saigon St

Situated in the heart of Bali’s thriving dining and entertaining precincts of Petitenget and newly-opened in Canggu, Saigon Street Bali pays homage to classic and regional Vietnamese dishes with an exciting spin.

The menu created by award-winning executive Chef Geoff Lindsay features light, fresh and healthy dishes to be savoured and dishes to be shared. The bar is open until late and offers a list of bespoke cocktails inspired by the flavours of Vietnam and a varied wine list.

Favourite Dish: Peking duck rice paper rolls. And favourite cocktail, toffee apple mojito.

La Luciola

One of Seminyak’s original beachfront restaurants with a Mediterranean theme and Asian spice influences. Stunning sunset views from the upstairs balcony. La Luciola is a Bali favourite.

Favourite Dish: The pan seared fillet of coral trout with pancetta, marinated artichokes, wild rocket, and preserved lemon dressing.

Image: Damariabali.com

Da Maria

Da Maria is a modern Italian restaurant in the Osteria style and is the brainchild of Australian restaurateur, Maurice Terzini. With stunning interiors by Roman architects Lazzarini Pickering, Da Maria highlights the diversity of Italian food, wine, music, fashion, art and friends, with more than a little Capri in the heart of Seminyak.

Favourite Dish: So many delicious pizzas to choose from. Da Maria pizzas are naturally fermented for 24 hours, inspired by the Neapolitan way and cooked in local lava ovens.

You Look Hot in Bikini

Fun name for a fun restaurant – You Look Hot in Bikini is one of Seminyak’s most sought-after eateries. It’s all about the inventive cocktail list here, from elderflower Bellinis to the ‘Bloodless Mary’, a spicy drink made with a clear Bloody Mary mix rather than the usual tomato juice. Our top pick is the Kyoto Rainforest, made with Earl Grey gin, Yuzu juice and white chocolate syrup. The menu is designed to share, with a sociable mix of tapas-style small plates and larger dishes for big groups. It’s the kind of vibey place you visit with friends before hitting the bars.

Favourite Dish: Bikini’s take on chicken satay is not to be missed, crispy and packed with flavour. But the true highlight is the white chocolate Yuzu bomb dessert, which is a citrus-y sweet taste explosion.

Want to discover these incredible eateries for yourself? Check out our exclusive offer for a combination stay at Alila Manggis and Alila Seminyak here.