La Lucciola -- This is the most elegant beachside dining experience in Bali. Accessed over a charming footbridge and sitting on one of the prettiest stretches of Seminyak Beach, this is a wonderful place for a leisurely meal at any time of the day. Mellow, magical, and memorable.
Nutmegs -- Picturesque Nutmegs overlooks a spacious garden filled with frangipani trees and hundreds of candles that twinkle under the stars. The open kitchen remains wondrously calm given the level and variety of cooking on offer.
Sardine -- Quite possibly Bali's most charming restaurant. Built entirely of bamboo with a stunning rice paddy view in the posh Petitenget area of Seminyak, the design is as innovative as the daily changing menu. Fresh sardines feature high on the menu.
Sarong -- Running the gamut of Asian cuisine, this buzzing Seminyak eatery draws crowds like bees to honey. What makes it great? Superbly decadent decor of chandeliers, soft lighting, plenty of mirrors, and an expansive bar -- people-watching nirvana.
Sip -- A better French bistro outside of France would be hard to find and with over 100 wines and champagnes on offer, it is a crowd-puller for the GM's and restaurateurs that run the competition.
Private Dining at Tugu Hotel -- One of Bali's grandest treasures is the Tugu, and if you book ahead you can enjoy two magnificent dining experiences. For the flamboyant, you can dine like an imperial king and have a dinner in the 300-year-old Kang XI period temple that is set up in the red Chinese dining room. For the more traditional, and dare we say humble, have authentic Balinese and Javanese cuisine in their warung with its open kitchen and wood-burning stoves. Both are charming.
Echo Beach, Canggu -- Sunday nights on the beach here are famous for their seafood barbecue with picnic tables and stools by the waterfront, lots of gregarious groups of friends and families and live rock and roll. The scene would suit the '60s but it is family friendly.
Jimbaran Bay -- A visit to Bali will not be complete without a trip to Jimbaran for seafood. Come at sunset, dip your toes in the sea, watch the local families splashing in the waves, have a beer, and settle down to seriously delicious seafood barbecue by candlelight.
Kayuputi at St. Regis -- Grab a private cabana overlooking the white sand beach, settle into the white overstuffed cushions, and choose from the seasonal selection of Sturia and Prunier caviar and oysters. Enjoy the ocean breeze and ask the award-winning sommelier for his recommendation while you peruse the menu. Make lunch hour a day out and in the end hope the breeze blows your bill away.
Mozaic -- Chris Salan's restaurant in the heart of Ubud has become the most coveted fine-dining experience on the island. His six-course tasting menus, with optional wine pairing, should be on everyone's Ubud itinerary. Crayfish sourced from Java cooked with curry butter and passion fruit cream is the kind of consistent innovation that makes it a shining star and gets three from us.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
