IMPORTANT

Traditional Balinese Food

 

Bali is a lively island that attracts visitors from near and far for its gorgeous landscape and relaxed lifestyle. With a boom in tourism, more restaurants are open on the island than ever before. No matter why you are visiting, take a look at our list of the best eats in Bali to ensure your holiday is a delicious excursion.

Fair Warung Bale

Located in Ubud, Fair Warung Bale is a lively establishment with a beachy atmosphere. You’ll love the combination of an open-air environment with candlelit tables and plush floor cushions. This fan favourite is popular for its delicious food and friendly staff. We recommend the mahi mahi filet or the red chicken curry.

When you visit, ask about donating to the Fair Future Foundation, an organization started by the restaurant that provides medical attention to people of all ages.

Dulang Kafe

This homey, relaxed atmosphere serves up authentic and delicious Indonesian food that as well as classic dishes. Grab a seat at the Dulan Kafe under the awning and have a bite while looking out at the stunning scenery. After your meal you can do some shopping at the surrounding Kuta Square. We recommend trying the nasi campur Bali for a classic, local taste. If you have picky eaters in your party, the golden nuggets and chips are always a safe choice.

Sardine

This exclusive fine-dining experience brings you closer than ever to the traditional Balinese experience. Sardine’s bamboo structure is stuffed with comfortable couches overlooking rice paddies and a koi fish pond. The restaurant serves local seafood, aptly featuring sardines, a Balinese favourite. The restaurant sources vegetables from its own organic garden and much of the cuisine comes directly from the working rice paddies themselves.

Ultimo

If you’ve had your fill of Indonesian food, you can still find delicious options on the island. Head to Ultimo, the Italian restaurant that receives rave reviews from tourists that know authentic Italian. Ultimo offers a fine-dining experience with quaint garden seating. You can expect authentic dishes, quality service and affordable prices here. We recommend you try the spaghetti aglio olio e pepperoncino or the risotto di mare.

Mozaic Beach Club

Dine along the shoreline, enjoying the gorgeous Bali sunset and indulging in sensational flavours when you visit Mozaic Beach Club. Located in the stylish Seminyak region, this restaurant offers offers three different venues. Venue one, the lounge, is a great place to grab tapas and a drink and unwind, while relaxing on a plush daybed. Venue two, the dining room, is a great place to experience western cuisine mixed with Southeast Asian spices. A house DJ keeps the beats flowing while you try a la carte options or sublimely complex dishes. Venue three, the terrace, is where you will find the panoramic views of the Bali coastline for a perfectly-romantic dining experience.

Enjoy all of the flavours Bali has to offer at establishments around the island, but be sure to do your research first. If not prepared properly, some food can be quite jarring to locals. Bali belly is a common stomach ailment that often affects visitors. Before you leave for this culinary excursion, consider booking travel insurance to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Image courtesy of Flickr user amrufm; cropped from original

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