Fancy dining underwater with schools after schools of fishes swimming around you while you enjoy fine seafood cuisine? Then you have to check out Koral Restaurant.

Koral Restaurant is Bali’s first underwater restaurant within an aquarium and it sits within the one-year-old The Apurva Kempinski Bali. The multisensory restaurant has been super popular among both locals and visitors since it was introduced and reservations are most definitely recommended.

Our recent visit sure didn’t leave us disappointed.

Helmed by Executive Chef Eric Cocollos and Executive Sous Chef Ho Weng Kit, Koral Restaurant’s menu is concise and straightforward. Expect a selection of refined seafood dishes and fine desserts crafted using locally sourced ingredients; think a gastronomic adventure with nuances of Indonesian influences.

Dining at Koral Restaurant is quite unlike any other experiences. Whether you are seated within the glass-roofed tunnel or by the “windows”, a fine evening awaits. The aquarium is made up of more than 80 species of marine life, including your usual sea anemone, blue starfishes, sea urchins and a single Nemo. Yes, there is just one clownfish. Try to spot it.

One appetizer that you have to try is the Blue Crab (RP360,000). Presented theatrically in a sphere and dry ice, this luxurious salad features lumps of fresh blue crab, Granny Smith’s apple, crispy jicama and caviar.

On the mains, go for the signature Prawn & Lime (RP420,000)—a true oceanic delight of deep-fried stuffed prawns and Indonesian salsa.

The Red Snapper (RP420,000) was also memorable. Steeped in a broth infused in Balinese herbs glazed vegetables, this fish dish was an instant hit for us with its fresh and subtly complex flavour notes.

You have to try the desserts at Koral Restaurant, because Executive Sous Chef Ho Weng Kit has spent 18 years in France and is a renowned chef who has won numerous pastry competitions.

One to mention is the Strawberry Crème Brûlée. The classic French dessert is prepared with a twist—served in a strawberry, this is one of Chef Ho’s proudest creations and also one that made his name in France.

Do note that the dishes are tasting portions from the degustation menu and the prices stated are for the a la carte dishes.

Koral Restaurant is only open for dinner, and there is a dress code to observe. Reservations are also highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Tip: The tables within the glass-roofed tunnel are better for photos as the area is brighter but the tables next by the “windows” in the tank are better to admire the fishes in the aquarium.

Koral Restaurant
Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6pm – 12am

Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region, and if you are bringing your special half there to celebrate a important occasion, one great place that we highly recommend is Metis Restaurant in Jalan Petitenget, widely regarded as the culinary epicentre in Bali.

Metis Restaurant specialises in French cuisine, and it has a spectacular view overlooking the paddy fields. It is a venue that is suitable for all-day dining and any occasion.

It is the kind of place where you bring your date to impress, and a sure way to sweep her off her feet. The best part of it all? It is not expensive to dine at Metis. The 2-course set lunch is only Rp 90,000++, while most of the main courses on the lunch menu are between Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000.

The extensive lunch menu is divided into several categories – starter, soup, sandwich, pasta, main course and dessert – and it satisfies all tastes. Start with the appetising Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare (Rp 58,000) and Les Escargots (Rp 52,000).

Or if you feel like giving yourself a treat, Metis has a special Foie Gras menu which features the best of goose liver – Foie Gras Terrine, Crispy Foie Gras and Yellow Fin Tuna Sushi Roll, Pan Seared Foie Gras; this is a heaven for fans of this well-known French delicacy.

For main course, the Metis Wagyu Cheese Burger (Rp 90,000) is very good. So is the Black Pepper Steak (Rp 110,000), which is a signature dish on the menu. It comes with very addictive skin-on homemade French fries. Other dishes that we sampled include Fish of the Day (Rp 75,000), Grilled Tasmanian Salmon (Rp 80,000), Traditional Beef Stroganoff (Rp 110,000), and Pepper Pork Chop from the daily set lunch menu.

With a beautiful setting and reliable French food, there is always a reason to visit Metis when you are in Bali.

Metis Restaurant
Jalan Petitenget No. 6
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 4737 888
Mon to Sat: 11am – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 1am

For more recommendations, read our guide on Where to eat in Bali.

When you are tired from work and need a short escape from the hectic life, go to The Stones Hotel Bali – the first autograph collection hotel in Asia managed by Marriott.

Tucked away at the Legian strip is a simple and unpretentious resort in Bali that has just opened its doors last October; compact yet spacious within, with a pool that is tiled with blue gradients and near rooms overlooking either the pool or the garden.

One of the reasons why we love the hotel is because it is very versatile. In the day, the Stones is a beach resort where families, couples and friends hang out to have a great time At night, it transforms into a party animal with dim and romantic lighting, accompanied by sexy lounge music.

The Stones Hotel has 3 restaurants housed in a big space differentiated by dividers. The Long Rice Table serves rijsttel — the Dutch-Indonesian tradition of sharing side dishes.

We had breakfast everyday in The Stones Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Besides a sumptuous breakfast buffet, it also dishes out a selection of western dishes throughout the day. We also enjoyed a seafood feast at Big Fish Bar & Grill, a casual poolside grill which serves a variety of fresh fish, seafood and grilled meat.

The hotel has different daily promotions for guests. On Monday, you can indulge in the Black Angus beef night at Big Fish Bar & Grill. On Tuesday, try the signature Indonesian Rijsstafel at a special rate. Local market seafood barbeque is available on Wednesday, while you can treat yourself to a complimentary dessert on Thursday. From Friday to Sunday, party at the pool bar and enjoy free flow of sangria for 2 hours at 400k.

The Stones is a hotel that combines a super convenient location (3 minutes away from the Kuta beach, and 10 minutes walk from Beachwalk), chic and modern design with a sexy vibe, good F&B establishments to provide a complete experience. It is the perfect place for travellers to retreat after surfing at the beach, or after a night of partying.

The Stones Hotel, Autograph Collection
Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta
Banjar Legian Kelod, Indonesia
Tel: + 62 361 300 5888
Note: This was an invited media stay

For more recommendations, read our guide on Where to eat in Bali

Bali is an ideal island for holidays of all sorts – partying at the most happening beach clubs and bars, dining at some of the top tables in Bali, enjoying a whole range of water sports like jet-skiing, diving or parasailing, or simply to have a nice and quiet spot to escape from the world.

If you are looking for a getaway in Bali to recharge yourself, the luxurious and spacious oceanfront villas at Four Seasons Resort in Jimbaran Bay is the top choice. Tucked at the end of Jimbaran Bay, it is one of Bali’s most exclusive hideaway resorts. Blessed with a spectacular view of the ocean, it s the kind of resort that would stop you in your tracks and take your breath away. Believe me when I say that it feels like a heaven. The word that describes the resort for me – apart from gorgeous and beautiful – is idyllic.

Few things could be more relaxing than having a drink by a sexy beachfront restaurant, watching the beautiful sunset from the comforts of the private plunge pool in the villa, and taking long strolls on a quiet beach.

It is somewhere you won’t feel guilty about not doing anything, because the beauty of the place is to relax and forget about everything else. But if you are the sort who cannot bum around for long, there are plenty of daily activities lined up by the resort. From joining morning yoga classes to partaking in a Balinese-style cooking class organised by the hotel’s chefs, and enjoying a selection of world-class spa treatments in an open-air bale at the edge of the ocean – you need not worry about being bored.

Not to mention that the coolest beachfront restaurant in Jimbaran can be found at Sundara, which combines exquisite cuisine with a relaxed beach-club vibe. It offers an unobstructed view of the sunset while enjoying their signature passionfruit mojito.

Another hidden gem is Baan Bua – a small and cosy Thai restaurant. When you are dining here, it feels like you are eating at a Thai neighbour’s courtyard. Admittedly, prices are slightly steep for a casual eatery, but it is a good option, especially if you are lazy to go out of the resort.

Service is one of the main factors that differentiates a good hotel from a great one. And the hospitality at Four Seasons Resort Bali is what makes the resort stands out. All the staff we met are polite but not overly formal; attentive yet not intrusive; and most importantly, they are down-to-earth and they serve all guests earnestly.

As Four Seasons is a very big property, there are porters to fetch the guests to the different locations within the compound. Initially, we wondered if there would be enough porters to cater to all the guests. We later found out that the hotel plans their schedules ahead to make the work easier, smarter and safer for the porters. As the porters are well informed of the profile of the guests and their itineraries, they can plan and foresee the needs of the guests in advance. The hotel ensures additional porters on duty during peak periods such as meal times, so that they will not be pressurised to rush through their work and compromise on the speed of their driving, especially when negotiating bends and slopes.

The security staff we met unexpectedly exuded a sense of confidence and job satisfaction. We learnt that Four Seasons values their security staff by giving them opportunities for career growth and salary increases according to their capabilities. This is a stark contrast to the status quo of Singapore security officers who have been denied a chance at better pay and better jobs by some security firms who refuse to improve staff welfare, and security service buyers who continue to outsource their social responsibility.

We also noticed that there are a lot of older workers in all areas, including front-desk, porters, and housekeeping. We had the chance to speak with quite a few of them throughout our stay, and the general feeling that we got was that they are very fulfilled and happy with their work.

Many of them have been working at Four Seasons Jimbaran since its opening in 1993, and the main reason they stay on till today is because the resort values every worker by giving consideration to their capabilities, instead of discriminating based on age/gender etc (if only some local companies would listen to their unions and be enlightened too). With their welfare and personal growth taken care of, plus the opportunities for job rotation and self-developments, Four Seasons Jimbaran ensures every worker feels a sense of job satisfaction in their positions.

There are plenty of luxurious hotels around, but it is difficult to find one that treats their staff like family, and this sense of belonging is in turn, passed on to the guests. If money is not an issue, and you are looking for an unforgettable experience, Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay is undoubtedly one of the finest in the region.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010
Note: This was an invited media stay

This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.

Chef Will Meyrick, affectionally known as the Street Food Chef, is one of the most well-known chefs in Bali. After successful stints with two of Sydney’s top tables – Longrain and Jimmy Liks – he started his flagship restaurant Sarong in Jalan Petitenget. Besides Sarong, he also runs Mama San and E&O. We had a chat with him to find out more about his restaurants, his take on street food, as well as his opinion on Bali’s dining scene.

What is your take on street food?

The best way to get a feel for a new destination, an unexplored city, is to get out there and get amongst the street food scene. It’s a great way of discovering a place’s culture, habits, attitudes, religious history and beliefs, the kind of stories that you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Street food is woven into the daily fabric of a culture, what the people eat, where they eat it, is who they are. It’s also a way of communicating, of connecting. People catch up on the day’s news over bowls of noodles in Asia, or with humble street-side enchiladas in Mexico, or crammed on tiny stools on the side of the road to share some samosa chaat in India.

It’s the living, breathing, eating heartbeat of every city, village and island in the world.

Tell us more about the concepts behind Mama San, Sarong and E&O.

While all three of the restaurants are about South East Asian eating, they are all very different, from the regions the dishes are from, the style of food, how it’s served, the style and décor.

Sarong, my flagship restaurant, opened its doors in 2008. It focuses more on Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Indonesian flavours. There are lots of curries, done with freshly-made coconut milk and fresh leaves, to keep them light and easy to polish off, rather than heavy and oily.

Mama San gives me a chance to explore the stories and recipes of other South East Asian regions, in a more informal and relaxed way. The menu gravitates towards Vietnamese, Cambodian, Burmese and Chinese recipes, with some dashes of Indian and Balinese. The street food are prepared using authentic recipes with traditional techniques, but polished up by using the best quality ingredients and served in a fairly chic, fun room.

E&O in Jakarta is my newest gastro gig. Here I’m focusing on regional Thai food, mostly from Northern and central Thailand, near the borders where the hilltribes live. It’s a big, buzzy dining room, and not surprisingly, much more urban than my other two island restaurants.

Bali has many good restaurants, and the dining scene is really exciting. Can you recommend us some of the places that you like?

Yes, you’re right, Bali does have a world-class dining scene that is dynamic and growing at a faster pace than I even like to think about!

New faces aside, I tend to visit my old friends. SIP is a small little French restaurant which serves up simple, well executed food. Metis is nice for a special night out, it really has all the ingredients: Chef Doudou turns out fantastic foie gras, it’s a beautiful room and the outlook is relaxing at the end of a busy Bali day.

My favourite places to eat are always warungs, though. Humble shacks in Denpasar that serve up the best plates of babi guling outside Ubud, no-frills roadside set-ups in the seaside area of Sanur, to kaki limas (street carts) that do late-night.

Photo credit: Willmeyrick.com

How is it like to be on the roads filming? What can we expect from Street Food Chef?

You’ll really get me, on the road across the archipelago hunting down the best street food, often finding it and sometimes not … it’s real, which is what makes it great.

I head into regional areas of Indonesia that most tourists never venture into – from Aceh to Padang, Garut to Makassar. Tasting, trying, experiencing, asking questions, getting a sneak peek into people’s lives, how they cook, what they eat, the ingredients, all of it. It’s a hell of a lot of fun.

Hopefully we’ll be able to do something for South East Asia next, so Street Food Chef will be everywhere, from Singapore to Hong Kong to India. Considering I’m cooking up food from all of these countries in my restaurants, it’s definitely where I’m looking next.

We know that you were in Singapore recently. What do you think about the local food in Singapore, and which is your favourite?

Let’s face it, street food in Singapore is always good. One new place I discovered last week was a small little gastrobar in Geylang called Immigrants. Short menu, grandmother’s Nonya-style cooking given a modern spin. Hot as hell sambals, brave offerings, done their own way. Not exactly a warung, but with street food soul.

Any plans to open a restaurant in Singapore in the near future?

Singapore is definitely somewhere I have my eye on. Why, are you offering? Ha ha ha.

This guide to Bali’s best restaurants was last updated on 19 Mar 2015. 

Bali is Indonesia’s favourite poster boy for tourism; it is the most popular tourist spot in the country and it is understandable why visitors flock there every so often for the beaches, clubbing, and cultural sights. And now, it is safe to say that Bali is also one of Asia’s most vibrant dining destinations where you can get not just good local Indonesian food, but also fine dining restaurants that are of international standards.

Besides staying at chic and swanky resorts, we also checked out many amazing dining concepts which include restaurants like Mama San, Petitenget and Merah Putih at Jalan Petitenget. Perennial favourites such as Ku De Ta and Potato Head remain at the forefront of the local F&B scene. There are so many good restaurants and bars that it is impossible to visit all of them.

Here is our Bali Food Guide of 34 of the best restaurants, eateries, cafes & bars that you have to visit on the Island of Gods.

#1 Angelita Patisserie

Bali’s very own Ladurée, Angelita Patisserie might just be our newfound favourite in Seminyak. It is every bit Parisian, in the softest pastel hues and candy-coloured chinaware. A stunning display of in-house bakes and sweet creations, Angelita is an elegant tea salon-cum-patisserie that serves French sweets.

Think eclairs in assorted flavours like oreo and passionfruit, chocolate tarts and raspberry mousse cakes, and a very delectable banana and nutella tart with a chocolate biscuit base. Fine and exquisite, everything here is so reasonably priced between RP30,000 to RP50,000.

Jalan Raya Kerobokan no. 10A
Banjar Taman, Kerobokan, Kuta, Bali
Tel: +62 361 7473138
Area: Seminyak

#2 Babi Guling Ibu Oka

Babi Guling, or suckling pig, is one of the most famous food in Bali. Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka is an institution in Bali, and it is known to serve one of the best, if not the best Babi Guling. Rice topped with suckling pig skin, grilled sausage, grilled pork, and deep-fried pork, this dish is good for the soul but bad for the arteries.

Babi Guling Ibu Oka is listed in our guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

Jalan Suewta
Tel: +62 361 2077 490

Jalan Raya Teges
Peliatan, Ubud

Tegal Sari No 2
Tel: +62 361 976435

#3 Balique

Located near Intercontinental Hotel at Jimbaran, Balique is a beautiful vintage restaurant which serves a good balance of Indonesian food and western food. It is by the same owners as The Bistrot, another of our favourite restaurant in Seminyak.

Jalan Uluwatu no. 39
Jimbaran, Bali
Tel: +62 361 704 945

#4 Bebek Bengil

Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) is another famous restaurant that you have to try. It rose to fame with its crispy dirty duck, and it is now a dining destination in Ubud. The crispy duck is indeed very very good – tender, succulent and flavourful, with a crackly-crisp skin. It is the benchmark for how a good duck should taste like. In a word, heavenly.

Bebek Bengil is listed in our guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

Jalan Hanoman
Padang Tegal, Ubud
Tel: +62 361 975489

#5 Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant

Another place that you must try in Ubud is Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant, which is also famous for its duck dishes. It is a huge outdoor restaurant with many pavilions surrounding paddy fields. It is difficult to decide between between Bebek Bengil and Bebek Tepi Sawah, but if we had to choose, the latter edges out for its beautiful paddy fields backdrop.

Bebek Tepi Sawah is listed in our guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

Jalan Raya Goa Gajah
Br. Teges Peliatan, Ubud
Tel: +62 361 975656
Daily: 10am – 10pm

#6 Biku

Everyone knows Biku. It is a spot that everyone goes to, and tells their friends who are visiting Bali. It is quite simply, one of the best places to have afternoon tea. They have a fantastic afternoon tea set at Rp 95,000 (S$12), which comes with scones, finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats, and tea.

Jalan Raya Petitenget 888
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 8570888
Daily: 8am – 11pm

#7 Cuca Restaurant

Cuca Restaurant in Jimbaran is one of the most popular new restaurants in Bali right now, and after having a meal there, I can understand why. Delicious and playful cocktails, bold and refreshing tapas using locally-sourced ingredients, and a really chill out vibe, Cuca is worth a try if you are staying in the Jimbaran area. Even if you are not, I would highly recommend making a stop here. My favourite dishes are the BBQ octopus with gazpacho, and Crispy Chicken which is done in a Japanese Karaage style.

Jalan Yoga Perkanthi
Jimbaran, Bali
Tel: +62 361 708066
Daily: 12pm – 12 Midnight

#8 Edogin

Few Japanese restaurants in bali do it better than Edogin at The Mulia Bali. On Friday and Saturday nights, this exquisite Japanese restaurant offers a teppanyanki buffet. Sashimi, sushi, tempura, udon, oysters, desserts, and of course – a heavenly selection of prawn, scallop, chicken, vegetable, and steak, all cooked ala minute by the chefs so that you can enjoy a piping hot teppanyaki meal.

Jalan Nusa Dua
Kuta Selatan, Badung
The Mulia Bali
Tel: + 62 361 3017777

#9 Eight Degrees South

Sitting along the coast of Nusa Dua, Conrad Bali has a series of rooms and suites that cater to various preferences. Soak up in the gigantic pool that is surrounded with lush palm trees, or suntan on the sandy beach – just at the foot of the property – that spans across 350 metres.

Our favourite restaurant in the property has to be Eight Degrees South – a beachfront al fresco dining outlet that serves a contemporary menu. Chef Taurik helms the team of culinary talents, and every dish that they whip up is exhilarating in flavours and aesthetics.

It also offers a private romantic dinner by night, where you and your lover get a pavilion to yourselves, and an exquisite multi-course dinner is prepared specially for you in a candlelit setting.

Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
Jalan Pratama 168
Tanjung Benoa, Bali 80363
Tel: +62 361 778788

#10 Fire

Fire at W Retreat & Spa Bali is a stunning restaurant. It is somewhere you would go to for a special occasion, or to impress your date. Not only do they have a very good breakfast buffet spread, they also serve very good steaks from the wood-fired grill during lunch and dinner.

W Retreat & Spa
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 4738106

#11 Gardin Bistro

A standalone glasshouse nestled in the quieter part of Jalan Petitenget, Gardin Bistro is a stunning restaurant that took our breath away. A trail through the garden led us to the mysterious and big wooden door, and we stepped in to an elegant space that is warmed by the sun rays. Gardin is romantic and every bit sexy, and so is their menu. Slightly on the pricier side, but we trust that your date would be impressed. The main courses were sadly nothing much to hype about, but their desserts left us lingering for more.

Jalan Petitenget No.106
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 8499799
Daily: 11am – 1am
Area: Seminyak

#12 Ku De Ta

Probably the most well-known beach club/restaurant, Ku De Ta is the see and be seen place in Bali. You won’t need any motivation to check it out. Chances are, you already have it down on your list of must-go places in Bali.

Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 736969

#13 Made’s Warung

Made’s Warung is an institution in Bali for traditional Balinese food. While it mainly caters to tourists and travellers, many locals agree that it serves authentic and tasty Indonesian food.

Br. Seminyak
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 732130

#14 MAMA San

Opened by Chef Will Meyrick — who is also behind the famous Sarong Restaurant (read below) at Petitenget — MAMA San is an uber-trendy restaurant which serves Asian-inspired dishes. It is one of the most hyped about restaurants in Bali, and rightfully so. MAMA San reinterprets and serves polished and modern Asian street food in an upmarket environment.

Jalan Raya
Kerobokan, Bali
Daily: 12pm – 5pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Tel: +62 361 730436

#15 Menega Cafe

For the best seafood in Jimbaran Bay, go to Menega Cafe. Indonesians and tourists go there for a seafood feast while watching the sunset. But there is always a long wait, and the whole area tends to be very smoky and smelly during dinner. What I would recommend instead is to go there during the day when it is less crowded. If you want to watch the sunset in Jimbaran Bay, go to Sundara at Four Seasons or Smoqee Sky Bar at Le Meridien.

Jalan Four Seasons Hotel
Muaya beach
Jimbaran, Bali
Tel: +62 361 705888

#16 Merah Putih

Merah Putih, a classy restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian cuisine for the purists, and at the same time, dedicating another column in the menu to providing options for Indonesian food with a modern interpretation.

They have done a fantastic job at pushing the boundaries of Indonesian cuisine. Judging by the crowd during dinner, Merah Putih is already very popular even though it has only been around for a few months. It has the potential to become one of the best restaurants in Bali.

Jalan Petitenget No 100x
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 8465950
Daily: 5.30pm – 11.30pm

#17 Motel Mexicola

Another place in Seminyak that I like is Motel Mexicola, a fun and energetic Mexican taqueria that has great drinks, quesadillas and tacos.

Jalan Kayujati 9X Petitenget
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 736688

#18 Mozaic Restaurant

Mozaic Restaurant, Bali’s fine dining temple, is the destination for any hard core food lover. Having won many accolades, it is the most famous restaurant in Bali, if not Indonesia. Mozaic offers two menus for dinner – the Discovery Menu (Rp 700,000++) which combines classic French cooking techniques with local Indonesian flavours and ingredients, and the Chef’s Tasting Menu (Rp 900,000++).

Mozaic Restaurant is listed in our guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

Jalan Raya Sanggingan
Tel: +62 361 975768

#19 Metis

Another highly rated restaurant in Seminyak is Metis. If you are celebrating a special occasion in Bali, this modern and stylish restaurant overlooking rice paddies is the place to head to.

Jalan Petitenget No.6
kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 4737 888

#20 Naughty Nuri’s Warung

The ‘best pork ribs in Bali’ award goes to Naughty Nuri’s Warung. There are many restaurants serving pork ribs, but they have the best pork ribs in Bali. You must not leave Bali without trying it.

Naughty Nuri’s is listed in our guide to Ubud’s Best Places to Eat.

Jalan Batubelig 41, Kerobokan
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 8476722
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm

#21 Petitenget

There are plenty of good restaurants along Jalan Petitenget, and one of our favourite places is Petitenget, a casual and chic French bistro. It is the kind of place where you can go for breakfast and coffee, and grab a magazine to spend the rest of the day. It is equally charming at night, and it is easy to understand why the bistro is so well-liked by expats and travellers.

Jalan Petitenget No.40X
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 473 3054

#22 Potato Head Beach Club

Regulars to Bali always go back to Potato Head. Much has been said about this popular beach club – the awesome location, the superb vibe, the cool crowd – but really, it is a place that you must drop by and experience it on your own.

Jalan Petitenget 51B
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 473 7979
Daily: 11am – 2am

#23 Revolver Espresso

Revolver Espresso is one of the coolest coffee joints in Seminyak, Bali. If you love coffee, and enjoy cafe-hopping, you have to drop by Revolver for a cuppa when you are exploring Jalan Laksmana.

One will be hard-pressed to find Revolver Espresso unless they are in the know, or stumble on it entirely by accident. The easiest way is to look out for Bali Clinic as they are tucked in a lane opposite the clinic. Alternatively, you can enter from the back of Home Store or This is a Love Song store.

Jalan Kayu Aya No 3, Oberoi
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 788 4968
Daily: 8am – 5pm

#24 Rock Bar

Rock Bar at AYANA Resort is often known as one of the best bars in Bali to watch sunsets. The legendary bar sits on a rock at the base of the cliffs, and it offers an amazing view of the horizon. Go to Rock Bar during the evening to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset. The bar is extremely popular, so get there early by 4pm to get a table.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera
Jimbaran, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 702222
Daily: 4pm – 1am

#25 Sarong

Sarong Restaurant by Chef Will Meyrick is one of the most established, and talked-about restaurants in Bali. It is currently ranked No 13. on the Miele Guide’s ‘Top 20 Restaurants in Asia’, and there is a reason why regulars go back to Sarong again and again. It promises an epicurean experience that lives up to its name.

Jalan Petitenget No. 19X
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 737809

#26 Sardine

Sardine is one of those restaurants that will stop you in your track and make you “oh-my-god”. It is a stunning restaurant with rice fields as the backdrop. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and homegrown organic vegetables. While there are fewer options during lunch, I would recommend going there in the day as it is more affordable (Rp 90,000 for main course), and you can walk around the rice fields to take some photos.

Jalan Petitenget No. 21
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 738202

#27 Sea Circus

A bright and cheerful restaurant that serves awesome coffee and brunch – most of the items on the menu are priced below Rp 80,000 (S$10). Besides brunch, it is also a great place for a quick lunch, cocktails during the evening and dinner with a group of pals. It is only a stone’s throw away from the famous Ku De Ta, so you will be able to find it easily.

22 Jalan Kayu Aya, Oberoi Road
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 738667
Daily: 7am – 1am

#28 Sundara

The newest and hippest addition to Jimbaran Bay, Sundara at Four Seasons Bali is a sexy restaurant and beach club that marries a fantastic location (on the edge of the bay, with stylish cocktails (try the passionfruit mojito, it is so damn good), and fine dining experience.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran, Bali
Tel: +62 361 708333
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

#29 Soleil

This beachfront dining restaurant at The Mulia Bali has an extensive spread of Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisines, but what you must not miss is its Sunday champagne brunch. Indulge in a mouthwatering spread, with endless champagne, wines, and cocktails.

Jalan Nusa Dua
Kuta Selatan, Badung
The Mulia Bali
Tel: +62 361 3017777

#30 The Bistrot

This is easily one of the prettiest restaurants in Seminyak, if not Bali. Well-executed food at reasonable prices for brunch, served in a fabulous space. Its full-day menu means that you can come here for breakfast , lunch, tea or dinner.

Jalan Kayu Aya 117
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: + 62 361 738308

#31 The Cafe at Mulia

The Cafe at The Mulia Bali has quite possibly one of the best international buffets in Bali. The breakfast buffet is renowned for its amazing spread, while lunch and dinner buffets are equally enticing. You must try the BBQ char siew and roast pork from the impressive cantonese roast station. Also, you must save room for sweets. The dessert room is the dream for every dessert lover.

Jalan Nusa Dua
Kuta Selatan, Badung
The Mulia Bali
Tel: +62 361 3017777

#32 The Fat Turtle

Very new to the cafe scene in Seminyak, The Fat Turtle is fast becoming a favourite among holiday-goers with their impressive menu at even more amazing prices. We did a double take when we first saw the menu, but not kidding – Green Tea Churros (RP27,000), Red Velvet Pancakes (RP45,000) and Brekky Sandwich (RP40,000).

But what took our breath away was the Kaffir Lime Leaf Sweet Corn Fritters (RP50,000) – a beautiful dish that includes crispy bacon, tomato jam, poached eggs and avocado Hollandaise. Definitely a must-go at Seminyak, we’d say!

Jalan Raya Petitenget 886A
Tel: +62 813 37374766
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Area: Seminyak

#33 Ultimo Italian Restaurant

This Italian restaurant is my “go to” place whenever I am in Bali. Ultimo serves good Italian pastas at very affordable prices – all the pastas are priced below Rp 80,000 (S$10) – and it never fails to satisfy. Let’s just put it this way: I can eat here everyday.

Jalan Kayu Aya 104X
Oberoi-Seminyak
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 361 738721

#34 Warung Pak Malen

There are several popular Babi Guling (Balinese suckling pig) eateries around – with Oba in Ubud being the most famous. But if you are not travelling to Ubud, you should check out Warung Pak Malen – Jalan Sunset in Seminyak – which is also well known for its Babi Guling.

5 Jalan Sunset Road
Seminyak, Bali

#35 Woo Bar

Woo Bar at W Retreat & Spa, undisputedly one of the hippest bars in Bali, is the place to party. They organise the best parties, enough said!

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Bali
Tel: +62 361 4738 106
Sun to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am

Flights to Bali from Singapore Bali is only slightly less than 3 hours away from Singapore, and besides budget airlines such as Tiger, Jetstar and AirAsia, full-fledged carriers like Singapore Airlines, KLM and Qatar also offer good promotional flights under S$300.

Best time to visit Bali Bali is generally a fantastic place to visit year round, but July and August are usually the busiest periods. If you don’t mind the wet season (from November to April), it is less crowded and everything is cheaper.

Tips for travelling in Bali There are plenty of things to do in Bali, but really, the best thing you can do for yourself is to read a book, take long strolls along the beautiful beaches, and enjoy good food.

Where to stay in Bali There are many nice hotels, resorts and villas in Bali, but we have sussed out four fabulous hotels and resorts that are perfect for a romantic retreat in Bali. You can read more details on our guide on where to stay in Bali.

Where to party and drink in Bali From chic beach clubs to swanky bars, there is no lack of trendy drinking spots in Bali. The places that we have included in this list boast an address that any nightspot will covet. Here’s a guide on Bali’s best beach clubs and bars.

It has often been said that one must stay at W Retreat & Spa when in Bali. We had the immense pleasure of staying there during our recent trip and we wholeheartedly agree. W Bali has that “X-factor” that cannot be replicated and this is why everyone goes to W Hotel when they are in Seminyak.

When I choose a hotel, one of the critical factors is the presence of good F&B establishments. At W Retreat & Spa, the restaurants and bars in the property are effortlessly chic and complete the true W experience.

Starfish Bloo is a gorgeous restaurant and seaside beach club, which delivers Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting. Highlights include Asian signatures with a twist such as the Roast Pork Belly Steamed Buns and Crispy Fried Salt and Pepper Lobster, and Western main courses infused with Asian flavours like Penang Curry of Slow Braised Wagyu Beef and Grilled Baby Chicken Balinese style.

There is also Fire, a stunning casual grill restaurant that is known for its carnivorous menu, and the star is undoubtedly the steaks from the wood-fired grill. We sampled a number of dishes prepared by Director of Cuisine, Richard Miller, including his foie gras chawanmushi and 48 Hour Beef Oyster Blade Steak.

WooBar, widely accepted as Bali’s premier party spot, is where the cool crowd hangs out and parties like that is no tomorrow. Ice and W Lounge are also equally popular for a well-made cocktail and some light bites.

Also, no one leaves W without a pampering session at their iconic and world-famous AWAY Spa. There is a reason why it has continuously been awarded with so many best spa awards. While there are no doubt cheaper options on the island, AWAY Spa is one of the best and definitely worth the splurge.

Of course, W Retreat & Spa is not just about restaurants and bars. What sets them apart is the culture of the workplace and the attitude of the talents. Service is not only attentive and intuitive, but it is also sincere and genuine. All the talents are very fluent and speak good English, and they take pride in everything they do.

The impression that we received is that the talents truly believe in the W brand, and they are there not just to work, but also to deliver the W experience to the guests. As we all know, wages in a country like Indonesia are not exactly the highest. Yet, at W Retreat & Spa, the talents are very motivated in delivering the best customer service and experience.

We found out that W practises a “Hire for attitude and train for skill” mantra. It values each talent’s unique abilities and empowers them to make independent decisions to solve customer issues. As every talent knows his/her work very well, not only can they ensure that everything goes smoothly, but they can also give a hand in any unforeseen situations.

One particular experience that left a huge impression on us was that when we went to the ocean-facing “sofa-tents”, the pool attendant offered to lay a huge towel on the seat for us, but we refused because we did not want to trouble him. However, he told us that it is for our safety in case there were any insects or sand particles on the seat, and that by having the towel, it would make his job easier and smarter as cleaning up after we leave would be more efficient for him.

Everything that we have experienced in the resort sets new benchmarks for us. Once you have stayed at W, your perception of luxury hotel will never be the same again.

W, you are indeed the talk of the town.

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4738106
Note: This was an invited media stay.

This post is in conjunction with ladyironchef x the union.

From chic beach clubs to swanky bars, there are no lack of trendy drinking spots in Bali. The places that we have included in this list boast an address that any nightspot will covet.

Here is a guide to Bali’s best Beach Clubs & Bars.

#1 KU DE TA

The nightlife scene in Bali is vibrant and there are plenty of new and exciting bars opening all the time, but it is Ku De Ta’s x-factor that has been keeping it at the forefront. The prices may be steep, but the quality food and drinks, awesome vibe, and spectacular view of the ocean, concludes Ku De Ta as one of the must-go destinations in Bali.

Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9
Seminyak Bali
Tel: +62 361 736969

#2 MOZAIC BEACH CLUB

Whether you are going for food or drink, you are sure to be impressed by Mozaic Beach Club, the sister restaurant of the famous Mozaic restaurant in Ubud – which is rated as the best restaurant in Bali by The Miele Guide 2013. Mozaic Beach Club offers good food, delicious drinks in a laid-back environment.

Jalan Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan
Tel: +62 361 4735796
Daily: 10am – 1am

#3 POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB

When you ask locals and visitors to name their favourite beach club, most people would suggest Potato Head in Seminyak. With a gorgeous and unobstructed view of the beach, a whole list of drinks, sexy music and an even sexier crowd, it is not difficult to understand why Potato Head Beach Club is one of the most popular bars in Bali.

Jalan Petitenget 51B
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 473 7979
Daily: 11am – 2am

#4 ROCK BAR AT AYANA RESORT BALI

Voted ‘Best Sunset Venue in Bali’ by many publications, Rock Bar sits on the rock 14 meters above the ocean at the base of the cliffs at Ayana Resort. With a location like that, you won’t need much convincing to go to Rock Bar for a sundown cocktail. Get there early by 4pm, or be prepared to wait in line.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran
Tel: +62 361 702222
Daily: 4pm – 1am

#5 SOLEIL AT THE MULIA RESORT BALI

The Mulia Resort redefines stunning on a whole new level, much more than what you would think of from the Island of Gods. The sheer space, the grandeur of the Greek architecture, every single fine detail, the unrivalled luxury and unparalleled beauty; all these are but mere words until you set foot on this paradise – to believe, and to see for yourself what The Mulia Bali has to offer.

If you are staying there, check out Soleil – a stunning beach front restaurant that serves an extensive spread of authentic Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisines.

The Mulia Bali
Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali 80361

#6 SUNDARA AT FOUR SEASONS JIMBARAN

Jimbaran Bay, mostly known for its top quality seafood in casual settings by the beach, is hardly a place which you would associate with chichi F&B establishments. All that changed with the arrival of Sundara at Four Seasons Jimbaran. Boasting a top-notch view of the beach with the most spectacular sunset, Sundara combines a restaurant, bar and patio with an infinity pool, and it offers sophisticated modern cuisine in a relaxed beach-club vibe.

Four Seasons Jimbaran
Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan
Tel: +62 361 701010
Daily: 11.30am – 1am

#7 WOOBAR AT W RETREAT & SPA BALI

Widely accepted as Bali’s premier party spot, WooBar at W Retreat & Spa is where the cool crowd hang out and party. Even if you are not staying at W Resort & Spa Bali, you should swing by for a drink. There is always something exciting going on at W’s signature bar.

W Resort & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Tel: +62 361 4738 106
Sun to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am

Since closing down Sage Restaurant at Mohamed Sultan Road, Chef Jusman So has moved to Dava Restaurant in the beautiful Ayana Resort in Bali. I have been a big fan of Chef Jusman since his days at Sage, so I made a point to visit Dava when I was staying in Jimbaran.

It was only when we were there for dinner then we found out that Chef Jusman So has recently stepped down from his position at Dava to oversee the development of the F&B establishments at the neighbouring new Hotel Rinba, which is Ayana’s sister property.

However, that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. Right now you can still sample Chef Jusman So’s degustation menu (4-course for Rp 490,000/S$63, 6-course for Rp 620,000/S$80) as the resort has yet to appoint a new executive chef for Dava restaurant.

The first course of our meal was a Baby Calamari stuffed with spiced fish mousse, and served with a refreshing cucumber gazpacho. It was followed by a Pink Snapper Ceviche.

On paper, the Pink Snapper Ceviche – with lime and coriander, coconut jelly, giner sorbet and crystallised chili – did not sound particularly impressive. But it was anything but simple with complex layers of rich flavour and texture.

The choice of ginger sorbet was intriguing, but it could be an acquired taste for some. Nonetheless, it was a good palate cleanser and prepared us for the rest of the dishes to come.

Clam chowder is a household soup and is well loved by many. But corn chowder has got to be something fresh. We loved Dava’s take on this hearty chowder that was rich in flavour and jam-packed with bits of corn and cashew nuts. Also in the chowder were chunks of clayfish, and its fresh sweetness gave the chowder just the right touch of punch.

Our first main course was a Fillet of Grouper. Prepared with ginger flower, lemongrass and relish, the fresh fish was smooth to a fault and the rhythm of seasoning and spices was a tangling sensation to say the least. And the highlight of this dish was its marriage to the unexpected turmeric broth, which tasted anything but French. It was so brilliant to add a hint of Indonesia, which would probably be a hit among locals.

The star of the menu was the Tamarind Pork Belly, which was perfectly roasted and had the right proportions of fats to lean meat. Though this was really a simple dish and the pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth good, what elevated it to something special was the combination of the pineapple compote, spicy-sweet chilli glaze, roasted peanuts and crispy bean cake with the pork belly.

The last item on the degustation menu is the Black Rice Pudding. I am not a big fan of sticky black rice pudding, but the pairing homemade ricotta mousse, mangosteen sorbet and candied orange was unique and refreshing.

To sum things up, the food at Dava is complex and sophiscated, with multi layers of flavour and texture. If you are in Bali, do make a trip to Dava in Ayana Resort. Meanwhile, I look forward to visiting Chef Jusman’s new restaurants at Hotel Rinba.

Dava Restaurant
Ayana Resort & Spa
Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera
Jimbaran, Bali
Daily: 6.30pm – 11pm

Opened by Chef Will Meyrick — who is also behind the famous Sarong Restaurant at Petitenget — MAMA San is an uber-trendy restaurant which serves Asian-inspired dishes. It is one of the most hyped about restaurants in Bali, and rightfully so.

Generally, most people are not receptive to the idea of spending so much on “fine dining” for Asian cuisine, yet at MAMA San, you do not feel that you are overpaying for street food as Meryick has managed to come up with a concept which provides the complete dining experience. It reinterprets and serves polished and modern Asian street food in an upmarket environment. Not an easy feat, that is for sure.

MAMA San has two concepts: Upstairs – a chic lounge where the cool crowd goes for drinks and food, and Downstairs – an intimate and sexy dining room.

The brick walls, the black furniture, tall pots of plants, yellow lights and a stunning painting of an ancient Chinese woman; the menu of Asian bites such as Char Sui Pork with five spiced sauce, Roasted Peking Duck with red bean sauce, and Vietnamese Grilled Minced Pork Belly – what a brilliant marriage of contrast. There are also a variety of curries and soups such as Thai Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Sichuan Slow Braised Short Rib Beef and Vietnamese Pho.

The dishes sound simple, but they are anything but simple as the restaurant only uses top quality local ingredients sourced from around the country.

It was an eye-opening experience to see how well-blended the modern architecture is with the conventional Asia food options.

Restauranteurs who are planning to open an Asian cuisine restaurant should take a leaf out of Meryick’s book. MAMA San is already very popular, and it deserves all the recognition. I have no doubt that the restaurant will continue to shine as one of the best restaurants in Bali.

MAMA San Restaurant
Jalan Raya Kerobokan Badung, Bali
Daily: 12pm – 5pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Tel: +62 361 730436

One of the best meals that I had in Bali during my recent trip was at Merah Putih, a classy restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian cuisine for the purists, and at the same time, dedicating another column in the menu to providing options for Indonesian food with a modern interpretation.

Indonesian cuisine is a communal affair, and this is reflected in Merah Putih’s offerings of dishes in small and large plates. The dining concept is actually inspired by the local nasi padang, where you have an array of dishes to choose form – hence the small plates to share. The owner told us that he created the restaurant because whenever someone asked him where they could go for Indonesian food in a nice setting, he did not have an answer as there was not many options. So he created the answer by conceptualising and building Merah Putih where you can enjoy the classic dishes and also discover something new.

The dining space is gorgeous, with a high ceiling and solar filtered glass walls which allow light to shine in and fill the restaurant.

The menu, as mentioned, is divided into two sections – traditional and modern, and further segmented by portion – small plates and large plates. Prices range from Rp 55,000 to 90,000 (S$7 to S$11.50) for a small plate, while you can get a large plate from Rp 145,000 (S$18) – which I believe to be fair given the quality of the food and the ambience of the restaurant.

One of the traditional small plates that we had was the Jangkang (Rp 75,000/S$10) – fried soft shell crab with salted egg, chilli and leek. It was good, but nothing to write home about. What made us sit up and take notice was the Bebek Goreng Sambal Manga (Rp 80,000/S$10.40). The crispy boneless duck with mango sambal was flawless. Every bite was so good and savoured to the last morsel.

Also good was the Balinese Yellowfin Tuna (Rp 80,000/S$10.40) – with wing beans, chilli and sambal kluwak and lemon grass – from the modern small plates menu. Every chunk of the flesh was a medley of flavours, and every bite was a mixture of invigorating spices so sensational for the taste buds.

For something more substantial, go for the large plates such as the Ayam Taliwang (Rp 145,000/S$18.80), a chargrilled Lombok spring chicken, or the Ikan Bakar, a whole chargrilled Jimbaran fish with green tomato and ginger flower. The Sumatran Duck Leg (Rp 160,000/S$20.70) and the Chargrilled Angus Beef Short Rib (Rp 160,000/S$20.70) are also tempting options on the menu.

The highlight for us was the Babli Guling (Rp 170,000/S$22). Merah Putih does a modern intrepretation of the famous Balinese suckling pig. Served with long bean kalasan, and crackling by the side, it was utterly delicious.

The humble Nasi Goreng (Rp 75,000/S$10) – with baby corn, wild mushroom, local greens, egg and fried egg – was also surprisingly good.

The folks at Merah Putih Restoran have done a fantastic job at pushing the boundaries of Indonesian cuisine. Judging by the crowd during dinner, Merah Putih is already very popular even though it has only been around for a few months. It has the potential to become one of the best restaurants in Bali.

Merah Putih Restoran
Jalan Petitenget No 100x
Kerobokan, Badung, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 8465950
Daily: 5.30pm – 11.30pm