Having cut his teeth at Sydney’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and The Dolphin Hotel, chef Daniel Medcalf recently jumped ship to tropical shores, making the move to Bali. Now heating up the kitchen at Motel Mexicola, we got Dan’s inside scoop on where to eat, drink and relax like a Bali local.

Where to find good coffee

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsmWBaCAWm8/

Coffee cartel
Just a bloody good coffee shop in Seminyak, owned by a former Wollongong, Sydney, crew.

Expat. Roasters
Not the cheapest coffee in town, but it’s top quality. Think Melbourne vibes.

Where to find a decent breakfast

La Lucciola
An old Seminyak pioneer with amazing views and a whole lot of class. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner – and all are great, but my choice is breaky. Stromboli scrambled eggs with a fresh juice and ocean views cures anything.

Where to get a great lunch

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2N0ckAp6f/

Atlas Kitchen
Simple and unassuming, this little eatery makes amazing roti and Hainanese chicken at a great price.

Where to go for dinner

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo6GnDDBAX4/

Da Maria
Classic handmade pasta and Bali’s best Neapolitan pizza in one place. Da Maria also has a great selection of wines. What more do you want for a night out?

Sangsaka
A small and intimate 40-seater venue in Kerobokan, along Pangkung Sari. Sangsaka is all about traditional flavours from across Indonesia.

Ijen
This is a sustainable seafood restaurant situated in one of Seminyak’s busiest beach clubs. Fish cooked in a traditional Balinese way over coals is a must-have, then you can kick on with the party goers.

Where to go for party vibes (plus good food!)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkhf7uIhw9q/

Mexicola
Banging modern Mexican food with an anything-goes attitude and a hell of a good time to boot.

Where to go for post-dinner drinks

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrUQ4DXADha/

El Nacional
Purveyor of fine rums and cigars. With more than 150 bottles of rums and counting, El Nacional Bali houses the largest collection of rum in Indonesia.

40 Thieves
A New-York-style speakeasy with a serious drinks list.