Restaurants and Bars

Dining in Bali often kindles a desire for cultural immersion. Food aside, one should consider the crowd, setting and atmosphere for a truly exotic experience. Furthermore, the variety of spices and different methods of food preparation reflect the richness of Balinese culinary heritage.

Among the island's traditional delights, the roast suckling pig ranks as the most celebrated. Known as guling celeng or babi guling, this delicacy is prepared by stuffing a young pig with chopped herbs and ground spices before putting it on a spit. Betutu bebek, another signature dish, also proves popular with foreign taste buds. The locals, however, generally reserve this spicy broiled duck for ritual feasts.

Kuta, Leg ian and Seminyak

Kuta and the surrounding areas provide plenteous opportunities to graze the world via a bold palate. Sample Japanese fare at Ryoshi or Take, excellent vegetarian food in lush surroundings at Aromas, authentic Indian flavors at Gateway of India, top-notch Thai cuisine at Kin Khao, and Chinese kitchen at Bale-Bali. The menu at TJ's leans toward California-style Mexican food, while Mamma Lucia Ristorante whips up good Italian meals in an old-world atmosphere.

Ku De Ta for their diverse selections from around the world or Bali Qui for a less upscale alternative. The classy Kori Restaurant features a fusion of Western and Balinese cuisine. For Indonesian fare, few in the area can hold a candle to Made's Warung. Alternatively, venture into the smaller eateries to sample everyday options at affordable prices. One can easily recognize Padang food by the prepared dishes displayed in the window fronts. For light snacks over a good cup of coffee, drop by Moka Patisserie Francais, Krakatau or Kopi Pot in Kuta.

The Seminyak/Legian area has made itself a name in Bali's night life scene, sporting a more fashionable and vibrant flair than South Kuta. Teeming with flashy expatriates, Goa 2001 is a case in point. Cafe Luna and Cafe Del Mar, a psychedelic groove bar with a Latin accent, are among the highly-acclaimed drinking spots. Q Bar and Cafe, the island's alternative bar, are two of many watering holes concentrated along Jalan Double Six and Jalan Dhyana Pura (better known as Jalan Gado Gado). In Kuta, Macaroni Club or the classy nearby Nero make for some good wine-sipping and people-watching.

The Beat, published biweekly and distributed free in bars and restaurants across South Bali, contains a treasure trove of information on dining and nightlife entertainment.

The kaleidoscope of haute cuisine in Sanur extends to independent restaurants, providing nourishment for tourists and affluent Bali residents alike. Mezzanine Restaurant & Bar and Spago Restaurant & Bar specialize in Mediterranean cuisine, while Village Ristorante Italiano serves up Italian meals. Another branch of Mamma Lucia Ristorante sits along Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Long-surviving favorite Cafe Batujimbar presents a hearty international menu with some local specialties, as does Balimoon. Beachside options include Bonsai Cafe and Mango Bar & Restaurant, which provides nightly live music.

For some budget repast, try Ketut's Warung on Jalan Danau Poso and neighboring Warung Blanjong, which serve up classic Indonesian dishes with a smattering of international flavors.

Jimbaran

Holding one of Bali's oldest fishing villages, the Jimbaran area at the southern tip of the island enthralls even the most persnickety of seafood connoisseurs. Slip into comfortable clothing and footwear, then step into the sand-floored traditional food stalls. Fukutaro 4, Kafe Bagus, Cenggiling Cafe and Kafe Menega on Muaya Beach, and Cafe Roma and Ramayana Cafe on Kedonganan Beach all carry a menu of grilled fish, prawns, squid, clams and lobsters, complemented by spicy sauteed water spinach called plecing kangkung. Be there early for dinner to catch the exhilarating sunset!

Ubud

Restaurants in Ubud tend to function also as hangouts for regulars. There is no rush to order, to pay, or to serve. Casa Luna imparts a casual ambiance, enabling patrons to appreciate Balinese artworks and the eclectic menu it offers. Doubling also as an art gallery, the Three Monkeys features a good mix of international and local cuisine.

Other establishments provide a feast along with enchanting natural views as visual desserts. Indus slants toward spicy Asian dishes and is sought for its magnificent views, whereas Tepi Sawah in Peliatan and the secluded Kampung Cafe in Tegalalang watch over spectacular rice fields.

Plenty of other established names in the area gratify discriminating diners. Sink your teeth into fusion delights at the elegant Ary's Warung, or dine in a picturesque setting with gamelan music at Cafe Lotus, just opposite. Then head on to Jazz Cafe farther up the road for some cocktails, billiards and live music.

A delectable selection of Balinese home cooking awaits at Batan Waru. Betutu bebek and other good finds can be relished at Dirty Duck Diner or Murni's Warung. The latter, in particular, with its lush view of the Campuhan Gorge and scrumptious food, has received great commendation since its inauguration in the mid-1970s.

Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa

Many esteemed restaurants in Nusa Dua are housed within hotels, the area being one of Bali's most exclusive tourist enclaves. Salsa Verde at Grand Hyatt scores for Mediterranean cuisine and Sorrento at Melia Bali for Italian. Matsuri, at the Galeria Nusa Dua shopping complex, makes brisk business with offerings of sushi, noodles and sashimi. Get away from the hotels by savoring tasty Mexican food in festive surroundings at Poco Loco.

On Jalan Pratama in Tanjung Benoa, Bumbu Bali showcases a refreshing approach to dining: guests get to shop for raw materials at the local-produce and fish market and try their hand at native cooking. Renowned chef Heinz von Holzen leads these interesting classes, taking participants behind the restaurant scene into the Balinese kitchen.