WARUNG - local eateries
I had to start this foodie map with the best warungs on the island.
''Warung'' is an Indonesian word that literally means restaurant. They are the soul of culinary heritage, often managed by families, with recipes that have been passed down through generations. They are scattered all around, but here is the top list - enjoy!
Toko Buibu
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Managed by the wonderful Estelle, this authentic warung is undoubtedly a hidden gem. Located away from the city center, this lunch spot offers an authentic Indonesian food. Estelle and her team decide each morning's what they will serve based on the market and season. Make sure to arrive early because they are often sold out by 3 pm. Also look at their Instagram to see today's specials: https://www.instagram.com/tokobuibu/
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Warung Cahaya
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Such a simple yet charming warung – here, there is no fuss, menus are printed on A4 white paper and taped to the wall. Many locals working around come for lunch and recommended the following: Babi sambal matah with nasi putih (pork) or the ayam version (chicken). It might not be a bad idea for you to try their custard pudding – make sure to reserve it when you order, as they seem to disappear quite fast. By the way, this is a good place to stop at a local spot on your way to Uluwatu.
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Kopi Shop
Coffee beans are plentiful on the island and throughout Indonesia. Indonesia ranks as the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer, with beans cultivated across the country, particularly on the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Therefore, it's unsurprising that Indonesians are gaining increasing attention in the worldwide barista competition circuit.In Bali, coffee production is concentrated in the Kintamani highlands, nestled between two of the island’s most sacred volcanoes. The area's cooler climate and ample rainfall result in sweet, soft flavors accented by citrus notes. As a long-time coffee enthusiast who previously ran a coffee company, I've explored numerous coffee shops. Here, I've curated only the best
Corals Coffee Roastery
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Indonesian roasters with locally sourced beans, Corals are clearly passionate about what they do. The space is a covered outdoor area with a charming garden at the back, featuring some seating and an open kitchen. I appreciate their dedication to coffee, but I was a bit surprised that they started a business with capsules. We all know that this goes against the third-wave coffee trend of grinding the coffee per order to limit coffee oxidation and prevent the beans from losing their beautiful aromas and taste. Nevertheless, when you visit, the baristas will make your coffee without using the capsules, as they have state-of-the-art equipment (a Marzocco machine and a Mahlkönig grinder). They also serve food, and I have to say that, for me, their best items are the lavender butter-infused pancakes and the dark bread with pumpkin spread. Next door, you'll find a nice ceramic studio called ClayClub Nusa, which offers lessons twice a day, and they are great.
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uncle martin's
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Hidden Gem ALERT ! This place has everything you could want : a serene location surrounded by rice fields, nestled inside a wood traditional Indonesian farmhouse. Here, Donny (Uncle Martin's nephew, who inherited the farm) has created his "coffee slow bar" with a selection of filtered coffee available, either iced or hot. Donny is always on the lookout for new blends and beans from around Indonesia and frequently changes the roastery. The farmhouse exudes a unique atmosphere, with a guitar in one corner, beautiful Balinese fabrics swaying in the breeze, Uncle Martin's painting, cozy sofa-beds, views of the Batur volcano on clear days, and a selection of coffee table books to lose yourself in. Yes, I know it might sound too good to be true, but it really is, so don't overthink it—pay Donny a visit.
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Restaurants
Since my first visit to Bali 10 years ago, I've been amazed by its food culture, the richness in diversity, flavors, and the year-round abundance of produce. It's now clear to me why they call it the island of the gods. Over the past few years, a substantial expat community has settled in Bali, many choosing to make it their permanent home. This influx has brought about a growing trend of restaurants showcasing diverse cuisines and cultures from around the world.To cut the suspense, yes, we dine exceptionally well in Bali. Here's a list of the best-hidden gems across the island, ensuring you never waste a bite !
Numero Quattro
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The ex Electric-Eel, they've finally re-conceptualized this place, previously boasting the best location but serving the worst food at a very high price. They've done it right this time. Unpretentious and delicious Italian cuisine always hits the mark. What's even more remarkable is the ocean view from the restaurant's rooftop. Make sure to try their housemade focaccia, tuna crudo with orange, gnocco frito, lamb arrosticini, and charred squid.
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HOME by Chef Wayan
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This place is dear to my heart, and its chef even more so. I met Wayan last year, freshly landed in Bali, and he introduced me to a refined version of Indonesian cuisine that is both traditional and comforting, using the freshest ingredients. What makes it truly unique is that Wayan and his team master the cooking methods, the seasoning, and the plating, elevating it to what I consider elevated local cuisine.
Beyond being one of the nicest and most genuine chefs I've ever met, Wayan's food is truly delicious. Every time I come to Home, I have to get the ledok Nusa, a sweet corn and potato stew with grilled squid, sambal goreng, kemangi oil, and fresh basil. Another showstopper is the Bebek Se’i (hay-smoked duck breast), perfectly cooked, medium rare in its jus - a fusion of French technique and Indonesian flavors done just right. The charred eggplant (terong bakar) is also a must.
Now that I know the menu by heart, I usually just sit and let Chef Wayan do his magic. He even sometimes surprises me with off-menu beauties, like his prawn laksa noodle that we had the chance to try last time. And yes, you will have understood that HOME by Chef Wayan is part of my top 5 restaurants in Bali - go and thank me later.
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XiaHouse Restaurant
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Definitely one of my food crushes in Canggu – I've been there at least 10 times over the last two years and have never been disappointed.
For a first visit, try the rice clay pot; the pork is the best, but the duck is good as well. For starters, you can't miss the mikenuggest or the cucumber spicy salad. The drunken sesame oil chicken is also a showstopper. I like to pair Xia House dishes with an iced jasmine tea or ask Mike if he has his special arak in stock.
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Times Beach Warung
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This is a new beach spot that opened during the summer of 2023 and has already become a local favorite. Let’s make something clear: it is not a warung, but a nice spot to enjoy the beach and have a drink with a bite. Open all day, I would recommend to stick with the brunch offerings, the morning bakery goods and the fresh juices. For brunch, you can try the Fruit bowl, French toast, Açai berry bowl, or the Turkish egg.
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FED
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Foodie Alert - FED has undeniably secured a spot in my top 5. What more can I say? I adore everything about it—from the staff and the design to the vibe, and, of course, the food. I even had the pleasure of meeting one of its founders, Made, an incredibly young and talented chef with a soul as flavorful as his dishes. At FED, the delight extends beyond the delicious food to the cocktails; be sure to give them a try (my personal favorite was their version with pomelo, grapefruit, and gin).
Every season, Chef Made and his team revamp the menu, and during our visit, we indulged in smoked jicama, bread with miso butter, raw fish, a pork chop (one of the best I've had in years), baby potatoes with garlic and kale (sometimes the simplest things are the tastiest), finishing with a refreshing dessert featuring mango, lime, and coconut. Everything was on point; my only regret was not purchasing a branded FED t-shirt to proudly wear during my foodie adventures.
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Cuca Restaurant
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If your flight is delayed or if you're seeking the ultimate foodie experience before your departure, head to CUCA. I adore this restaurant, firstly for its use of exceptional ingredients, secondly for its light-hearted approach despite being a big deal, and lastly for its incredible plating. While many dishes are exceptional, if I were to pick my favorites, they would be the honey-baked pumpkin salad, broccoli Caesar, roasted pork buns, chili satay, beef bone & marrow, lobster roll, and spicy crab.
You can also choose the chef's tasting menu and let the kitchen surprise you, but keep in mind that the entire table needs to agree—highly recommended for a first visit. Don't skip dessert; try the Bali breakfast or caramel apple with the surprisingly delightful Javanese black pepper ice cream. If you are alone or a party of two, book the counter facing the kitchen.
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Sangkar Restaurant
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This spot in Uluwatu offers a fine setting to experience Indonesian cuisine. It's important to note that the food here isn't gastronomic; rather, it presents Indonesian flavors with better plating and higher prices due to the location and to the use of quality ingredients. If you visit for lunch, besides enjoying the food, you'll also have a stunning sea view. I recommend trying the seaweed spring roll, pomelo salad, and the satay set.
One curious aspect about Sangkar is the fusion with Italian dishes on the menu. To be honest, I haven't tried them, but they seem decent if you're in the mood for more Italian fare than Indonesian.
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Naga Eight Restaurant
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Finding excellent Chinese cuisine on the island isn't too common, and NAGA is often bustling with Chinese visitors and expats, which is always a positive indicator. The portions are quite generous, so it's advisable to share everything and avoid over-ordering; typically, two dishes per person suffice in my experience.
Personally, I adore the Mapo Tofu, the Kombinasi BBQ set (ideal for sampling all their meat offerings), pork rib soup, marinated cucumber salad, and the duck noodle soup. Surprisingly, the cocktails here are quite refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the Stormy 'n' Lager, made with rum, lime, angostura, and pilsner beer, as a prelude to the meal.
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Sweet Tooth
I must confess, I have a sweet tooth, especially in places where there's a rich culture in pastries and bakeries. While Bali's cuisine doesn't generally showcase a wide variety of desserts, I do have an obsession with Dar Dar Gulung—pandan fine crepes filled with coconut shreds and palm sugar. And then, there's the guilty pleasure, Martabak Manis. It's a thick, sweet, and chewy pancake with a honeycomb texture, generously filled with flavors like chocolate or others. It's absolutely irresistible (often enjoyed on the streets).With a sizable community of expats and tourists, there are other sweet shops available as well; here are some top picks :
Dang! Cookies - Batu Mejan
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This cookie shop stands as one of Bali's success stories. It began as a tiny shop, but its fame grew so rapidly that it almost sells out daily. Consequently, the owner decided to expand, and now there are around 4 or 5 outlets. Moreover, it's become quite popular to use delivery apps like Grab to get your hands on their delectable cookies. Despite not being a cookie fan myself, my personal favorites are Germaine (the walnut chubby) and Lorraine (the vegan fudge cookie).
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Kafe sri soca
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This spot is a hidden gem—a delightful and soothing break from reality. The moment you step into this café, something special happens; it just feels right. The magnificent view of palm trees adds to the ambiance, but what truly elevates the experience are the sponge cakes—so delightfully light and delicious. My advice: opt for the fruity options made with local ingredients.
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Bakery
While Bali might not boast a rich pastry culture, it takes its bakeries seriously, and you can find some excellent bread around the island. Here are the ones that offer the tastiest crust:
Barō Bakery
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Baro was undoubtedly a hidden gem when I first arrived in Bali in 2022. Now, it's a local favorite and has gained popularity. Their bread is simply fantastic, especially the porridge sourdough and sweet potato bread. You can also enjoy a meal at the bakery. Having tried all the dishes on the menu, only three really caught my attention: the salad & grains, ham & cheese, and bread pudding. Every Sunday, they make pizzas that are by far the best on the island—Baro's pizza has become so popular that they're opening a dedicated pizza shop in 2024.
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GigiSusu
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This tiny shop, situated on a busy street, gained immense popularity on Instagram, so I had to check if the hype was justified... and, I hate to admit it, but the influencers were not entirely wrong about this one. However, I personally prefer ACME for viennoiseries, but GigiSusu is still a solid choice. There's no indoor seating, just two benches outside the shop.
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Breakfast spots
There is definitely a significant culture of all-day breakfast, likely influenced by Australian tourists and expats. You will notice an abundance of breakfast places, and some Indonesian f&b entrepreneurs seem to believe this is the only thing visitors want to eat while in Bali. It's disheartening to see more avocado than sambal on toast.However, I understand that for some of you, a bowl of noodles and fish cake balls (bakso) every morning might not be what you're looking for. I get it, but promise me to try it at least once ;) For the rest of the days, here is the list of the best breakfast spots in Bali (comments are coming soon):
The Living Room
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IT’S AN ABSOLUTE MUST! One day, while driving in the north of Canggu, my eyes were captivated by a beautiful door adorned with colorful glass, almost like a scene from a Ghibli movie. I decided to visit the next day and ended up going there every day for ten days.
This is where I encountered the creative crowd of the island, a genuine community, a place that makes you feel connected—like being at a lively party in your own living room. Tole skillfully operates the espresso machine, while Agung works his magic in the kitchen. Watching them, I couldn't help but think of great duos like Wham!, Troy and Abed from the TV show Community, or Frodo and Sam—unwavering companions who always wear a smile and ensure you get the best. When it comes to the food, any dish with eggs will never disappoint, thanks to Agung's former boss, who instilled in him the art of making the perfect omelette. He would surely pass the Cordon Bleu eegs challenge with flying colors!
Last but not least, I genuinely hope you'll have the opportunity to meet the guru behind this place, Keenan. I consider him one of the most beautiful souls and sharpest minds I've ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. Well I have said it all now it's your turn to experience it.
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Baked.
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Baked is on everyone's list, and it’s easy to understand why—everything seems to work seamlessly in any of their locations (I personally prefer Pererenan). The bread is fantastic, the dishes are simple but made with good-quality ingredients, the design is very welcoming, and they roast their coffee in-house. For a first visit, try the salmon bagel or the benny with gochujang hollandaise, or the tomato toast. On the sweet side, I find it a bit too sugary, so I don't usually opt for their desserts or viennoiserie, except for the vanilla flan, which is worth a try.
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Bars
The mixology scene in Bali is growing stronger with each passing year. Tourism definitely plays a role, but locals are also embracing the culture of alcohol, viewing the figure of a bartender as more than someone simply jingling with a shaker and giving winks and smiles. Exceptional mixologists are offering incredible twists on local flavors, utilizing native fruits, spices, and fermentation processes. Although obtaining a license to distill alcohol is nearly impossible, lovers of liqueurs infuse and ferment to make their mark on bottles (comments are coming soon) :
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Co-Working
Many have asked me about coming to Bali while still working ... I only have one thing to say "welcome to the co-working paradise" ! Most of the expat community in Bali stays for a few months each year to work from the island, so there are plenty of co-working choices, but here are the best spots (comments are coming soon) :
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Lighthouse - Cafe, Bar & Lounge - Event Spaces - Podcast & Video Studios
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International Street-Food
For many, the term "street food" might evoke thoughts of greasy and unhealthy options. For me, it represents comfort, convenience, and the roots of various modern food styles. Thankfully, Bali has incredible street food—both local and international. Here are my favorite ones (comments are coming soon) :
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Thank you for your support !
I have personally visited all the places mentioned in this map and purchased all of my meals. The information is based solely on merits, and no one has paid or sponsored me to be on this map. I frequently revisit Bali to stay updated on new places, and updates monthly this map ;)The comments and content of this guide map are confidential and protected by copyright under POINCARÉ STUDIO FZ-LLC ©2024 and should not be shared freely with anyone.
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