Category: Bali

Canggu is the place to go in Bali now – it’s an increasingly popular and hip stretch of beaches that provides an alternative to Kuta yet is just a 20-minute drive from Seminyak. It’s comprised of almost 8 km of coastal attractions, biking options, rice fields, restaurants, and a plethora of surfing spots. There are four fantastic beaches to surf in Canggu: Berawa, Echo, Pererenan, and Batu Bolong. From beginner to expert level options, anyone looking to ride the crystal clear waters of Bali can find the right place at a Canggu beach.

For learning how to surf like a pro, we recommend either The Chill House, an all-in-one lifestyle retreat that’s exclusively affiliated with Bali Local Surf School Canggu, or In Da Surf, which offers the choice of private surf lessons or the very tempting ‘Surf and Stay’ packages that include accommodation.

That being said, surfing is going to require some serious nutritional support. Within the past few years there has been a huge influx of restaurants and cafes cropping up all over Canggu, so don’t deprive yourself of the quality eats it has to offer. Here are the 10 best restaurants around the Canggu area perfect for refueling after a surf workout.

Dining in Canggu

Milk and Madu 

Craving a solid flat white to fuel up for a day of Bali adventures? Milk and Madu is a popular all-day dining restaurant that not only makes a mean cup of joe but also serves up anything your wave-ravished body is craving. Admittedly a rather expat-heavy hangout, you can be sure they don’t just flock here for the fanfare – Milk and Madu serves up some truly delicious food, with a focus on high quality ingredients, attentive service, and we’ll say it again: really great coffee. Must-tries include The Madu, a combo of poached eggs with smashed avocado, bacon, onion jam, & hollandaise, and the Super Breakfast Bowl, which includes yogurt, berries, banana, chia seeds, bee pollen, quinoa granola, and a whole laundry list of other healthy ingredients. Burgers and salads are also quite a hit – basically you really can’t go wrong with their extensive menus. 

Find it at Jalan Pantai Berawa No.52, Canggu
Book a table at Milk and Madu.

Betelnut Cafe

Don’t worry, you won’t find betel nuts here – on the contrary, the nosh at Betelnut Cafe is overwhelmingly healthy and fresh. It’s a great choice for nourishment after a morning battling it out with the waves. This laid back all-day dining joint serves up a variety of Western and Indonesian dishes with standout salads, fresh smoothies, house-made desserts, and classic burgers & sandwiches. They’ve definitely taken the ‘hipster-cafe’ vibe that’s been consuming Canggu to heart, but when the food tastes this good and comes at affordable prices we’re not gonna complain. The upstairs has a great view of the surrounding fields and there’s free wifi in the whole space, so tuck in and rejoice.

Find it at Jalan Batu Bolong 60, Canggu
Click here for more info on Betelnut Cafe.

Trattoria Canggu

A reputable name when it comes to dining in Bali, Trattoria delivers dependable Italian fare at reasonable prices. This particular outlet is also perfectly nestled in The Canggu Club, a gigantic sporting and entertainment venue complete with a water park, trampoline center, spa, and plenty more. So whether you’re surfing nearby or spending a day with the family exploring the Canggu Club’s various attractions, come together at a Trattoria table over staples like the Diavola Pizza, Scaloppina di Pollo al Limon (lemon chicken with broccoli and mashed potatoes), and Spaghetti alla Carbonara. We promise even the pickiest of eaters will leave satisfied.

Find it at Jalan Taman Wisata Tibubeneng, Canggu
Book a table at Trattoria Canggu.

Ithaka Warung

This unassuming roadside ‘warung’ (a small & casual food joint in Indonesia) might not look like much on the outside, but it has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the top Indonesian cuisine focused restaurants in an otherwise Western/hipster packed Canggu. From Nasi Goreng to Fried Eggplant Balls, Veggie Curry and more, this place knows how to please a crowd. Be sure to try their famous take on ‘Gado-gado’, a classic Indonesian salad that marries an assortment of boiled veggies, eggs, tofu, shrimp crackers, and peanut sauce into one scrumptious dish. Inexpensive, generous portions, cozy atmosphere, and all-day dining fare right beside Echo Beach – we know where we’re going for local grub.

Find it at Jalan Raya Batu Bolong, Canggu
Click here for more info on Ithaka Warung.

Lacalita Bar y Cocina

Let us not judge a cantina solely on its Margarita, but let’s also just say that Lacalita knows how to make a killer margarita. Their modern Mexican cuisine brings a breath of (spicy?) fresh air to the Batu Bolong beach area, with a fun, group-friendly ambience perfect for a night of bites and drinks after a long day riding waves. Their Ahi Poke Ceviche is to-die-for, while other highlights like the Wild Mushroom Tacos and Short Rib Beef Burger more than stack up.

Find it at Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No. 68, Canggu
Book a table at Lacalita Bar y Cocina.

The Savage Kitchen

Don’t let the name fool you – if you’re looking for a more refined dining experience, The Savage Kitchen is where you want to go in Canggu. Their philosophy is simple: fresh, locally sourced food that looks great and tastes even better. Expect exquisite but filling dishes like the Black Rice Risotto with roasted pepper jus, or the Savage Pork Belly Ramen with wild mushrooms, quail eggs, and tempura bok choy. Seafood is the real star here though. From Roasted Lobster Tail with sweet potato puree, burnt shallot and citrus cream to the wildly yummy Smoked Butterfish with avocado, citrus caramel, and lotus chips, you’ll be spoilt for options. The team considers themselves ‘savages’ in the food industry because of their focus on regional ingredients and obsession with simple food done well. We say bring on the savagery!

Find it at Jalan Taman Wisata Tibubeneng, Canggu
Book a table at The Savage Kitchen.

Dandelion

Another ‘warung’ style dining option, Dandelion dishes out some sensational local cuisine and a surprisingly fantastic cocktail menu in a charmingly rustic garden setting. From the moment you step through the charming wooden doors to when you’re feasting on Satay Chicken Dumplings and Nasi Goreng overlooking the Canggu rice paddies (perhaps catching a glimpse of children playing with the rabbits in the backyard garden area), it’s truly a one-of-a-kind Bali experience. The team and staff are also among some of the most lovely and friendly you’ll find on the island, and you can’t beat the downright affordable prices for quality wines by the glass.

Find it at Jalan Batu Bolong 10, Canggu
Click here for more info on Dandelion.

Little Flinders

Cozy Australian style all-day breakfast right by the beach in Bali? Yes, please! Indonesian chef-owner Fany Hermawan brings Melbourne food culture to Canggu, but don’t worry – he’s spent over 20 years in the F&B industry and led teams in several renowned restaurants in Melbourne, so you can eat assured that this is authentic and quality contemporary nosh. Some of our favourites are the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with saffron hollandaise, Ox Tongue Teriyaki, Green Tea Truffle Fries, and the badass Barbecued Jack’d Ribs that are slathered in a whisky & orange BBQ marinade. It may sound fancy (and taste superb), but the prices are still reflective of a small and humble beachside cafe.

Find it at Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No. 78, Canggu
Book a table at Little Flinders.

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Old Man’s Cafe

Dubbed by some as ‘the Tinder of real life’, this youthful seaside cafe and bar is definitely a laid back/good vibes kind of space (though we can’t promise you’ll find love). Old Man’s Cafe is mostly outdoors and boasts varied seating from bean bags, to couches, counters, tables, and more. Situated right along Batu Bolong beach, it’s also perfect for burgers and Bintang after an afternoon surf lesson, as they even have an outdoor shower, changing rooms, and a board rack. Try the Fish & Chips and various local dishes, but more importantly go for their daily happy hour (5pm – 6pm) and catch a beautiful sunset with a cold beer in hand.

Find it at Jalan Batu Bolong Beach, Canggu
Click here for more info on Old Man’s Cafe.

10. Ji Restaurant

Located right across from Old Man’s is Ji, which provides a decidedly different type of dining experience than it’s neighbor. The setting and ambience are essentially unmatched, as Ji sits in an ancient Kang Xi period temple built in 1706. So in addition to enjoying the boutique wines, East-Asian-inspired cocktails, extensive sake collection, and of course fabulous Japanese fusion cuisine, guests can also browse ancient Chinese and Balinese artifacts in the museum section of the restaurant. Ji also have an upstairs. You could also choose to dine al fresco with a great view of Batu Bolong, just be sure to try the ‘Dragon of Ji’ maki roll that’s stuffed with avocado, shrimp tempura, tobiko, and spicy mayo.

Find it at Tugu Hotel, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu
Book a table at Ji Restaurant.

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