A hive of activity at all hours, it’s not hard to see why Bali’s Canggu tempts Australians in their droves. This surfside village just north of Seminyak is densely populated with places to eat, and drink – many of these options a cut above those you’d find on the surrounding island. When it comes to where to eat in Bali, keep an eye out for these venues, the 15 best restaurants in Canggu.
Crowd-pleaser is an apt description of this long-time neighbourhood favourite manned by Aussie Chef Ben Cross. Simple, Australian-style plates that favour woodfire are on the menu here, with many dishes that haven’t changed with time (and don’t need to). There’s wood-fired flat bread, charcoal chicken, salted snapper croquettes and creamed corn among more. Just don’t forget the bread and butter pudding. masonrybali.com
Less restaurant, more lounge, The Lawn is a must-visit nonetheless. A Canggu institution these days, the beachfront venture run by Project Black Hospitality regularly host a rotating line-up of international music guests (Anderson Paak and Fisher have made an appearance in the past). Live music is accompanied by a hefty array of specialty drinks and fare to keep hunger pangs at bay; grazing boards, oysters, and chicken wings are on call alongside frozen margaritas, jugs of daiquiri, and Bali’s best beers. thelawncanggu.com
You may be familiar with the Seminyak original, a loud and proud Mexican haunt famed for its parties. A second Canggu-based outpost arrived last year, with the same (much loved) offerings. Tuck into tacos like the baja (tempura fish, pico de gallo, cabbage) or chicharron (braised pork shoulder and rinds in salsa verde), washed down with an ice cold margarita (or two). motelmexicola.info
The latest creation of the Milk & Madu group (behind Ulekan and its siblings) is Longtime. A self-described modern Asian diner is proudly bold in both look and flavour. Mid-Century design heavily inspired the interiors of this Berawa haunt, where bottomless Yum Cha lunches, and late night DJ sessions are a regular occurrence. But there’s not just style, but substance, especially when it comes to the menu; try the Beef Rendang Prawn Roll and Scallop Fried Rice. longtimebali.com
Tucked under the suave Further Hotel is Bar Vera, another of the 10 best restaurants in Canggu. This sophisticated lair is again from the Masonry Group, a small plates and fine wine favouring establishment similar to a Parisian wine bar. It’s as easy on the eyes as it is the tastebuds – savour a large Euro wine collection (unusual for Indonesia), with plates like don bocarte anchovy, with pissaladière, and green olive. barverabali.com
When it comes to views, little can compare to Skool Kitchen which sits right on Batu Bolong beach. But aside from this unrivalled access to sunset, the food is reason enough to visit. With a self-described ‘open fire kitchen where everything is touched by fire’ – think Flores octopus with salsa verde, or grilled iberico pork collar, petit shiitake, chestnut served with grilled baby gem lettuce, buttermilk, and cured egg yolk. skoolkitchen.co
Within a traditional Balinese joglo is where you’ll find Yuki’s Canggu outpost, a premise passionate about modern Japanese. Izakaya dominates, with the charcoal grill the preferred method of cooking a collection of locally sourced ingredients, including line caught fish. But the menu is extensive and ranges from yakitori grill to fresh sushi, with daily specials in between; the Tuna Truffle Roll and Bento Box lunch offerings are among some of Yuki’s more popular dishes. yuki-bali.com
Nearby sits Mosto, Bali’s first natural wine-devoted haunt. The dimly lit Italian-inspired eatery is a self- apointed ‘neo bistro’ – picture small plates like pate and salumis, more than a few pastas (including Indonesian twist tagliolini, with sambal arrabbiata, and coriander). To drink there’s plenty of wine, with a healthy array of skin contact, joining spirits, cocktails, and digestifs. mostobali.com
Batu Bolong resident Billy Ho unveiled a new direction last year – it’s now a late night Asian boteco. Small and large plates, all designed to share, are available well into the early hours. Feast on plates of specialty dim sum, fresh sushi or heartier dishes like the Korean kimchi fried rice, or the dry aged tuna san choy bow. Pair it with one of the venue’s creative cocktails – tiramisu martini anyone? billyho.co
Chop House Bali Masonry has extended its influence over the Canggu dining scene with another eatery – tucked in just behind its flagship restaurant. Chop House is a dedicated steak house, a celebration of premium cuts of beef in a more refined setting. It sits within the space the once hosted Masonry’s after-hours bar Back Room, just off the main drag of Batu Bolong. Tipple is still firmly on the menu, but it is elevated cocktails that dominate these days, inspired by the bars of London and New York. masonrybali.com/canggu
Craft beer is gaining momentum in Bali, with far more options than Bintang infiltrating the market. You can taste the wares of an independent local brewery at Black Sand, the product of a group of Italian friends. There’s a gathering of different ice cold beers to enoy, but that’s not the only thing on the menu. Casual fare is in ample supply; juicy burgers like the Green Chile Cheeseburger, join a curated collection of pastas (naturally), and pizzettas to help line your stomach pre-session. blacksandbrewery.com
Housed in a greenhouse complete with a rooftop bar, Santanera is arguably one of Canggu’s most eye-catching restaurants. The three-storey glass space serves up Latin American fare, dreamt up by a duo of former Melbourne-based chef (from Movida and Tetto di Carolina respectively). They’ve merged Latin flavours with European-style techniques; tuck into the likes of Duck and Wild Mushroom Empanadas, Yellowfin Tuna and Salmon Roe Tartelette, and Wood-fired Chicken. santanerabali.com
If you like the flavours of the Middle East you’ll love Shelter, the creation of Brit Chef (and former KuDeTa star) Stephen Moore. A breezy restaurant shrouded in plant life, there’s no shortage of greenery at this venue, nor is there a lack of delicious food – the menu is largely wood-fired, from ash-roasted pumpkin sides to wood-roasted salmon mains. shelterbali.com
It’s Indonesian cuisine (and plenty of it) that you’ll find on the menu at Ulekan, the open-air restaurant sitting in Berawa. While the lunchtime nasi campur is well worth discussing, it’s the dinner menu which really cements this simple eatery as one of the best restaurants in Canggu. Tuck into traditionally cooked sate (grilled over coffee plantation wood), and curries like rendang sapi, and not forgetting the 4 different sambals on offer. ulekanbali.com
All day eatery Neighbourhood Food is a favourite expat haunt tucked into Canggu’s neighbouring Berawa. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s as good at coffee as it is at booze, and busy at all hours thanks to its much loved casual fare. Grab one of the popular burgers with a glass of natty wine on the side, or take the healthier road with a caesar salad or harvest bowl. neighbourhoodfood.co
