Bali fine dining restaurants
Besides being home to iconic rice paddies, famous temples, and world-famous beach clubs, Bali is also known for its thriving culinary scene that boasts numerous award-winning restaurants. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to feel fancy for a night, these nine fine dining restaurants in Bali are sure to impress both you and your guests.
1. Nusantara (by Locavore)
Nusantara (by Locavore) tops this list as my favourite spot for high-end Balinese food at affordable prices. The atas experience begins the moment you step into the restaurant’s premises: the staff enthusiastically greets you before ushering you to your table, pulling out your chair, and laying a napkin on your lap.
The restaurant’s interior is dimly lit, even during lunchtime. Wooden tables and chairs fill up the space, coupled with towering potted plants for a touch of grandeur. There’s also an open kitchen where you can watch the skilled chefs cook up a storm.
The restaurant is popular for their Nusantara Set Menu, priced at IDR450K (~$40.56) per guest. This special menu is only available for the whole table, so every customer in attendance must order a set for themselves. This set meal offers 10 of Nusantara’s most popular ala carte items in individual portions, such as the Sambal Gami (red onion sambal) and Gulai Bebek (curry duck).
We enjoyed the Kepiting Ramos, starring deep-fried soft shell crabs cooked with young papaya, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, leek, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh coconut milk. Another memorable dish was the Jakut Keylor Mesanten, a specialty dish from South Bali which sees a heady curry with moringa leaves and torched ginger served in a young coconut.
Address: Jalan Dewisita Nombor 09C, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening hours: Mon 6pm to 9:30pm, Tue-Wed 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 9:30pm, Thurs 12pm to 9:30pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 9:30pm
Website
Nusantara (by Locavore) is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Mama San
Image credit: @mamasanbali
Here at Mama San, diners are whisked back to Shanghai’s colonial Britain times, with opulent dining rooms decked out in marble tables, mahjong tables, and tan leather sofas. A mural of Mama San in all her glory stares down at patrons, alongside displays of old-style photographs, vintage clocks, and oriental-patterned mirrors.
The restaurant adopts a smart casual dress code policy after 5pm, so be sure to leave your singlets, bikinis, and slippers at home!
Image credit: @mamasanbali
Start your meal with the Soft Shell Crab Pad Thai Egg (IDR150K++/~S$13.53++), a lunch special featuring rice noodles topped with dried shrimp, pickled turnips, and bean sprouts. We also recommend the Dendeng Balado (IDR200K++/~S$18.04++)––caramelised Wagyu beef cheek with lemongrass and kaffir lime, served with green mango salad on the side.
Mama San also has unique desserts from IDR60K++ (~S$5.41++), including the popular Deep-fried Ice Cream with Nutella and Creme Brulee With Espresso Affogato that’ll be sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
Address: Jalan Raya Kerobokan Nombor 135, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 5:30pm to 12pm
Tel: +62 818 0612 6700
Website
Mamasan Bali is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. La Luciola
Image credit: @benjizucco
Affectionately referred to as “La Looch” by locals, La Luciola is a long-standing favourite in Seminyak, famous for their classic Mediterranean fare with a touch of Asian. There’s only one way to get to the restaurant––through the parking lot of the famous Petitinget Temple that’s located right next door.
The two-storey eatery also offers a gorgeous view of the golden hour at Seminyak Beach, especially from the building’s open-air terrace.
Image credit: @benjizucco
Go for the Slow Braised Lamb Ragu (IDR230K++/~S$20.75++), one of La Luciola’s most popular dishes served with roasted pepper, black olives, and soft parmesan polenta, or the Ligurian Seafood Stew (IDR195K++/~S$17.59++), featuring a hearty bowl of fregola, clams, king prawns, calamari, and trout.
Then, wash everything down with one of the restaurant’s refreshing granitas, an Italian ice-shaven dessert that’s similar to sorbet. For something zesty, try the Mango And Tangerine (IDR48K++/~S$4.33++) or Passionfruit And Banana (IDR48K++/~S$4.33++).
Address: Pantai Petitenget Jalan Kayu Aya Kerobokan, Seminyak, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Mom-Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat-Sun 9am to 12am
Tel: +62 361 730838
Website
La Luciola is not a halal-certified eatery.
4. Merah Putih
Image credit: @merahputihbali
After an extended closure of 2.5 years over the Covid-19 pandemic, Merah Putih has finally reopened its doors. Named after the colours of the Indonesian flag, the haute cuisine restaurant is believed to be one of the most stunning dining spots in Bali, boasting full-length glass walls, cathedral-style vaulted ceilings and an indoor garden with sky-high palm trees.
Image credit: @merahputihbali
If you’d like to sample a curated selection of Merah Putih’s most famous dishes, we recommend their tasting menu, priced at IDR650K++ (~S$58.72++) per person. This will get you eight dishes: coral trout, Balinese crispy duck, soya-glazed pork belly, fried soft shell crab, soto ayam, Jimbaran fish fillet, squid ink noodles, and braised beef cheek, along with two desserts.
Then, wash everything down with a glass or two of their signature cocktails from IDR115++ (~S$10.39++). The Kaffir Lime Crush with vodka and passionfruit, and the rum-infused Coconut Espresso Martini, are popular choices.
Address: Jalan Petitenget Nombor 100X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 5:30pm to 12am
Tel: +62 361 8465950
Website
Merah Putih is not a halal-certified eatery, but uses no pork or lard.
5. Kilo Kitchen Bali
Image credit: @kilobali
This is Singapore brand Kilo’s first overseas endeavour, situated on the shores of Bali in the vibrant Seminyak district. Here at Kilo Kitchen Bali, you’ll find Kilo’s signature dishes alongside menu specials that are created using local ingredients and produce. Also, if you and your dining companion are heading here in shorts and slippers after visiting the beach, you’ll be glad to know that the restaurant does not practice a strict dress code.
Image credit: @kilobali
The Crispy Soft Shell Crab (IDR150K++/~S$13.56++) with compressed watermelon and Thai curry sauce comes highly recommended, as well as the Squid Ink Rice (IDR195K++/~S$17.63++), featuring crispy baby squid topped with garlic aioli and salmon roe.
Red and white wine are also available from IDR550K++ (~S$49.74++) per bottle, along with creative cocktails from IDR90K++ (~S$8.14++). Whiskey lovers can try the Pumpkin & Mango Sour, consisting of house-made pumpkin-infused whiskey and mango, or the citrusy O.J. Simpson, which blends orange-infused rum with lemon and vanilla syrup.
Address: Jl. Drupadi Nombor 22, Seminyak, Kecamatan Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 11pm
Tel: +62 812 4616 7618
Website
Kilo Kitchen Bali is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. LUMA
Even if you’ve been to LUMA before, you’ll most likely get to savour something new since their menu changes every few days. The restaurant looks spectacular enough from the outside, but the interior is what sets them apart from the hundreds of other pretty eateries in Canggu.
LUMA’s interior is largely inspired by the post-modernist style of Milan, which is reflected in the restaurant’s arched doorways, amphitheatre-style sunken lounge, and marble mosaic floors. While the main dining area is spacious enough to accommodate 140 people, there’s also a cosy private dining area for groups of up to 20 people.
On our visit, we had the Pork Belly, Cauliflower, Shallots & Raisins (IDR210K/~S$18.84), and the savoury Potato Ravioli (IDR200K/~S$17.94). The former features a juicy slab of pork belly with a thick layer of fat running across the top.
We ended our meal with one of their strong cocktails, our favourite being the Raspberry Mojito (IDR55K++/~S$4.97++), made with citrusy blood orange, raspberry, and elderflower cordial.
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong Nombor 91, Canggu, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Website
Luma Bali is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Tamarind Mediterranean Restaurant
Image credit: Nusa Dua Restaurant
West meets East at Tamarind Mediterranean Restaurant, a halal-certified rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Nusa Dua Beach. The menu features a selection of Western favourites and contemporary Asian dishes inspired by tamarind, one of Bali’s most revered traditional fruits.
Image credit: Nusa Dua Restaurant
A crowd-favourite is the Grilled Tuna Steak (IDR140K++/~S$12.67++) that’s served on a bed of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, dill, and yoghurt salad. It also comes with sautéed potatoes on the side. For something extra hearty, order the Australian Lamb Short Loin (IDR335K/~S$30.31++). This comes with crispy fried lamb croquettes, cauliflower florets, and a meat reduction sauce.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available upon request.
Address: Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua North 4, Benoa, Kecamatan Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Tel: +62 361 771210
Website
Tamarind Mediterranean Restaurant is a halal-certified eatery.
8. Raja Bali Nusa Dua
Image credit: Nusa Dua Restaurant
Located at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, this elegant restaurant is known for their halal Balinese buffet. Priced at IDR550K++ (~S$49.76++) for two people, you’ll get a lavish spread of local dishes featuring gado gado, Indonesian sauteed vegetables, Balinese spiced chicken, curries, traditional pastries, tropical fruits and more.
Image credit: Mi Mi
A la carte options are also available, with the Braised Beef Rendang (IDR150K++/~S$13.58++) being one of the restaurant’s most raved-about dishes. The beef is cooked in a mix of aromatic spices and served with local vegetables.
If you’d like to join one of their cooking classes, you may also do so by securing a booking on their website. Priced at IDR415K++ (~S$37.56++) per person, Raja’s cooking classes are held every day between 11am to 2pm, and include lunch too!
Address: Jalan Nusa Dua Nombor 62, Benoa, Kecamatan Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Tel: +62 812 3864 4766
Website
Raja Bali Nusa Dua is a halal-certified eatery.
9. Tanaman
Image credit: @tanamanrestaurant
Vegans and vegetarians, this one’s for you: Tanaman is a plant-based fine dining restaurant located at Desa Potato Head. Everything here is powered by plants, from mains to desserts, and even mocktails and cocktails.
As you walk into Tanaman, you’re first struck by its impressive interior that looks like a cross between a spaceship and a post-apocalyptic bunker. The dome-shaped space is adorned with neon lighting and reflective floors, and even houses a central bar and open kitchen.
Image credit: @vinnymathildavisuals
Kick off your meal with the Acar (IDR50K++/~S$4.53++), which comprises a seasonal selection of pickled fruits and vegetables that are fermented in-house, or the Capsicum Dip (IDR85K++/~S$7.69++): capsicum puree topped with roasted nuts and crackers. Then, get a serving of Yuba (IDR140K++/~S$12.67++), which sees a battered seaweed soya protein served with remoulade, cucumber pickles, and lemon.
If you’re looking to splurge, opt for the Chef’s Table (IDR1.5M++/~S$135.75++) instead, which features a guided “omakase” journey held at the kitchen counter.
Address: Jalan Petitenget Nombor 51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening hours: Daily 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: +62 361 6207979
Website
Tanaman is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Best fine dining restaurants in Bali
In Bali, not all fine dining restaurants have to be expensive. Depending on your occasion and diet preferences, you’ll be sure to find something that satiates your appetite without breaking the bank. For more plant-based food, check out these vegan and vegetarian food places in Bali. Alternatively, read our list of best Bali beach clubs for affordable cocktails and aesthetic sunset views.
8 Best Vegan And Vegetarian Food Places In Bali For Plant-Based Travellers
Feature image adapted from @kilobali, @tanamanrestaurant, and Nusa Dua Restaurant.
The post 9 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Bali For Special Occasions appeared first on EatBook.sg – Local Singapore Food Guide And Review Site.