Among the most complete experiences of Balinese cuisine that you will get anywhere, Double Ikat is a triumph. Eat local seasonal produce and herbs and vegetables foraged on site, on in-house crafted plates, while the waitstaff grind your welcome sambal at a table adorned with conversation starting canang sari. For head chef Wisnu Adiyatma, who has committed his life to reimagining his family’s generations-old recipes, cooking together “is like a musical instrument”. It shows. From the transformed cumi bakar squid to the elevated babi guling, each dish sings. Jl. Pantai Balangan I No.1, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; doubleikatrestaurant.com

Combine Roman hospitality and Lower East Side cool, but with relaxed Uluwatu sensibility, and you get Il Salotto. This stylish burgundy-lit bar, owned by four Italian friends alongside their more established La Baracca, has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Uluwatu—well into the night, every night of the week. After a twist on robust cacio e pepe with locally caught fish, drink away the night heat with a house negroni to a DJ spinning deep house. Jl. Labuansait No.10 B, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; ilsalottobali.com

In Uluwatu as well as Canggu, Ben Cross’ Masonry (formerly Mason) symbolises the contribution of multicultural Australia to global cuisine. The restaurant embraces Mediterranean flavours, wood fire, citrus, and breaking codes. Long aromas of sesame and beurre noisette burst from the open kitchen and are palpable – without being overpowering—even from the street. Expect famously soft flatbread, folds of zucchini on silky stracciatella, and Marcus Boyle structured arrangement of wines. And if you’re in the mood for steak, go first to Masonry. Jl. Labuansait No.10, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; masonbali.com/uluwatu

A tour of regional Indonesian cuisines could take you months, or to The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu—which boasts one of the best views on the island. Echoing the indoor-outdoor feeling of family-owned street and beach stalls, The Warung is noteworthy for its Balinese megibung banquet for two, paired with sauvignon blanc or merlot. Equally impressive is the bebek goreng fried cured duck from Ubud, the West Sumatran red bean rendang, and the addictive Javanese dadar gulung palm sugared coconut crepe. Alila Villas Uluwatu Restaurant Jl. Belimbing Sari Banjar, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; alilahotels.com/uluwatu/dining/the-warung/

The sensory dynamism of this izakaya restaurant should be no surprise given the who’s who behind it. Between restauranteur Agung Rai, Pulau Projects founder Dewa Wahyu Bingara and head chef Yudha Permana, and veteran vegan chef Dom Hammond, Yuki delivers bang, pow, and punch. Come for Friday dinner discos or bottomless Sunday brunches, featuring highly fusional cocktails (but don’t go past the highballs). Stay for the charcoal grill, the clear and popping theme of umami, and the Kōsame-designed minimalist interiors. 53MV+5H5, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; yuki-bali.com/uluwatu

If the worldly surfer magnetism of Uluwatu could be conveyed by a single venue, it is Ulu Garden. Conceived and run by Belgian food entrepreneur Virginie and Balinese artist Armi, the space celebrates “togetherness” by defying categorisation: a tropical garden, a gallery, a pillowed deck, a stage for local reggae and traditional dance, and a monthly market. Drink small-farmed botanicals, eat bowls of balanced vibrancy (think green papaya, tempeh, daikon, barramundi, kemangi lemon basil), and finish with homely sweets like their devilish cinnamon roll. Jl. Pantai Padang-Padang, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; ulu.garden

Across Uluwatu is a plethora of casual eating spots that serve morning to night. The Cashew Tree is one of the greats, with an authentic atmosphere of family owing to Made Erdiyasa and the focus of his staff on good conversation. On live music Thursday nights, the central courtyard becomes an all-ages dance floor, catered by an organic kitchen that enables exciting combinations at any time. Enjoy the house speciality Indo beef curry or a fresh tahini-dressed pumpkin salad with a wholesome hot cacao. Jl. Cashew Tree No.9, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; thecashewtree.collective

The twin Australian obsessions with indulgent brunches and high-end pub feeds are, in Uluwatu, found most strongly in the breakfast and dinner menus at Suka. This Melbourne-esque favourite is always busy and for good reason. Many swear by its coffee being the best in the region, though its fruity cocktails, sangria, and frozen rum are also regular drawcards. In the morning, order the house cured salmon scramble, or the trademark katsu sando for a day’s worth of fuel and flavour. At night, any burger. Jl. Labuansait No.10, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; sukaespresso.com

Laptop workers are known to stay at Alchemy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all prepared with regenerative practices in mind. The yoga and meditation centre sprawls around curvilinear gardens, with a drinks bar on one side and salad bar on the other (with vegan ice cream). Much of the food here is plant-based and served raw, after being rinsed in filtered water and grapefruit seed extract. The chaga reishi chickory blends often sell out and make for perfect afternoon tea with an artful truffle or two. Jl. Pantai Bingin No.8, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; alchemybali.com

A top spot for families, Roosterfish Beach Club is perched on Pandawa Beach and incorporates a pool with swim-up bar, cabanas, and sloping lawns where children can enjoy a foam party, coral planting, and reptile conservation program every Sunday. On the bold menu—uniquely over 80% seafood—are the signature platters of chilled Lombok oysters, garlicky tiger prawns, grilled calamari, and smoked octopus salsa. Pair with any of twenty sambals on offer, and, from whiskey to soju, take your pick at the full bar. Jl. Pantai Pandawa, Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; roosterfishbeachclub.com

While many Uluwatu dining options come with extensive menus, the focus of sleek European bistro and bar Bartolo is on a careful selection of share plates. Craft a pleasantly surprising table with friends of crispy polenta, Toulouse sausage, Wagyu shepherd’s pie, and vincotto-rich Caprese. No where in the region does aperitivo better, or for that matter, the joy of digestifs. In both food and drink, Bartolo accomplishes range and depth with confidence and efficiency. Uluwatu, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; bartolobali.com

Lebanese flavours dominate at ZALI, the suavely styled ode to Beirut which proudly offers an all day dining experience. Plates are designed to be shared at this family-focused offering, no surprise considering the restaurant was inspired by the owner’s Lebanese grandmother Liza. Ingredients are sourced fresh and local, with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes merges on the menu, with vegan and halal options alongside. Don’t miss out on the signature dish; samke harra (spicy fish). Jalan Pantai Labuan Sait, Suluban, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; zalirestaurant.com

If fine dining takes more of your fancy, there’s The cave, a unique new addition to Uluwatu’s restaurant scene. The 22-seat restaurant is (as its name suggests) subterranean, sitting in a natural cave that was discovered during villa constructions back in 2013. Now diners can take a seat among a cluster of stalactites while they sample Chef Ryan Clift’s seven or ten course degustation menu, with optional wine and cocktail pairings. An immersive seating is to be expected; dining experiences are at fixed timed with projections on the cave’s walls occurring throughout the meal. Jalan Pura Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; thecavebali.com

Iconic is an understatement when it comes to this eatery perched on the cliffs above one of Uluwatu’s most famed surf breaks at Blue Point. Sunset here is a popular affair – you’re best arriving early to nab a seat (and drink) before the crowds. While Single Fin caters to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s bar snacks which are the real specialty; nibble on pizza, tacos, sliders and the like all day long. Uluwatu, Jl. Pantai Suluban Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung; singlefinbali.com

Nestled among the expansive grounds of Uluwatu Surf Villas is where you’ll find the homely Mana. Hosted within a relaxed villa, with views out over the surrounding ocean, the casual restaurant is a popular one with hotel guests and visitors alike. Sustainably sourced, local produce is celebrated for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this menu. Market fish and pastas join more traditional dishes like beef rendang and nasi goreng. Pantai Suluban St, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency; uluwatusurfvillas.com