Bali’s well-known for its stunning beaches and exotic cuisine, Indo dishes, and believe it or not, there are countless places to splurge on a hearty feast without shelling out a small fortune. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling a quick guide to 10 restaurants, so you can eat your way across this beach paradise on a budget. It includes a variety of cuisines, from authentic Indonesian to Western fusion—whatever your pick, we guarantee both your appetite and your wallet will leave satisfied.
If you’re looking for solid, unpretentious Indonesian food in a hip setting, Spice is the place to go. This gastro-bar, helmed by acclaimed chef Chris Salans, has three classy but comfortable locations spread across three destinations: Ubud, Sanur, and Seminyak. The menu is divvied up into sections like “Seafood”, “Raw”, and “Sliders”, and standouts include the indulgent Crispy Pork Belly given an update with turmeric dressing and dukkah spice or Tuna Tataki with sambal kecicang and tempe crackers. The cuisine here is infused with Western influences, so it’s no surprise that the affordable sliders (with ingredients like papaya, sambal hijau, and wakame bread) are absolutely scrumptious. Wash it all down with a milkshake or signature cocktail—Salans’ tipples only use fresh fruits and local spices. Pro-tip: give the Jackfruit Bourbon Cocktail a spin!
Find it at Jalan Raya Ubud No. 23, Ubud, Bali 80571; Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 140, Sanur, Bali 80228; or Jalan Batu Belig No.7, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Book a table at Spice by Chris Salans and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Grain’s affordable menu belies the effort put into it: from locally-sourced produce, pies baked in-house, to a unique blend of 100% Arabica beans. You can find classic Indo dishes here too, but the All Day Breakfast and Western dishes are where it’s at. Go for a Bali Benedict or the luxurious Breakfast Board, which offers an assortment of components like marinated feta and sourdough rosti for a steal. For something heartier, you can’t go wrong with a Pulled Pork Burger showcasing slow-roasted pork with homemade apple sauce. Pair it with a cup of coffee and while away a lazy afternoon in Seminyak. The art-adorned walls, matching cushions, and industrial vibe make for a beautifully Instagrammable interior, too.
Find it at Jalan Raya Seminyak No. 16B, Bali 80361
Book a table at Grain and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
When an entire section of a restaurant’s menu is dedicated to comfort food, you know they’re serious about it. This casual eatery, with its homely interior and downright good food, is hidden away near Oberoi and Kerobokan streets. Scratch is devoted to serving up rustic pasta and meaty mains that are easy on the wallet—most dishes are priced below IDR 120,000! Each plate is an explosion of flavours, and we love the Scratchatouille, a roasted crispy skin chicken on a ratatouille comprising ten vegetables and five herbs, garnished with gorgonzola and toasted almond olive oil. Other favourites are the Philly Cheese Steak Poutine and slow-cooked Baby Back Pork Ribs in two styles, whether you’re craving eastern or western flavours. Salivating yet? There’s even an outdoor patio, so gather your friends and toast to their happy hour specials.
Find it at Jalan Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan, Bali 80361
Book a table at Scratch and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Impress your date with a romantic evening that won’t break the bank. In Zibiru’s charming garden setting, treat yourself to well-executed Italian specials as you retreat from the buzz of Seminyak. Their pasta dishes truly shine, and no wonder, since it’s all freshly handmade in their kitchen daily. Try the Ravioli di Carne Al Midollo, with a luxuriant bone marrow sauce and refreshing citrusy garnish, or the Gnocchi di Zucca con Cime di Rapa, pumpkin gnocchi served with sautéed kale, anchovies, and ricotta. If you’re feeling peckish before dinner, get an early seating and sample all of the chef’s picks. Diners get a free degustation with every glass of wine or cocktail purchased between 4-6pm, so that’s more bang for your buck!
Find it at Jalan Drupadi No.7, Seminyak, Bali 80361.
Book a table at Zibiru and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Hop up to Canggu for this new, delicious concept from The Good Food Brotherhood. Ulekan Bali prides itself in bringing people together for a communal meal of traditional Indonesian food. Of course, they’re not just limited to the ulekan—enjoy dishes from the grill and wok too while you lounge around in the open-concept space, which reflects the authentic cuisine in vibrantly patterned décor. Besides sate and stir-fries, they offer sharing plates for dinner and a dizzying selection of sambals for the true Indonesian foodie! Opt for the Nasi Campur Plate for lunch (available daily), or their Special Ulekan Rijsttafel, a traditional local meal which lets you sample a broad array of small bites and flavourful sauces over rice. Cocktails go for just IDR 50,000 all night on Saturdays, in case you needed any more reason to visit.
Find it at 34 Jalan Tegel Sari, Pantai Berawa, Canggu 80361
Book a table at Ulekan Bali and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Pop by Nostimo, a Greek grill in Seminyak. It’s only been open slightly over a year but Nostimo’s already established itself as the destination for delicacies from the Grecian coast. You can opt to dine alfresco, or in the blue-and-white themed interior, styled to look like an airy pavilion. Come with a group, and mix-and-match from a staggering selection of mezze platters, gyros and souvlaki. The star of the show is the tender, toothsome soutzoukaki, a type of spiced kebab—wrap it inside a thick fluffy pita with a crisp salad on the side, and find your little piece of Grecian heaven in Bali!
Find it at Jl. Petitenget No. 17B Seminyak Kerobokan, Badung, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Nostimo.
For some light Indian cuisine, get yourself over to Tiffin in Seminyak. At this casual eatery opened by Indians, you can be sure everything’s authentic, from their recipe for garam masala to their piping hot naans. The restaurant’s reinventing the wheel of heavy Indian dishes with their specialty tapas and small plates—all the better for sampling a greater variety of their mouthwatering cooking. Some must-tries are the moreish Kheema Samosas, appetizing chaat and heavily spiced Prawns Tadka—the plates may be small, but they’re big on flavour! They’re also open for an Indian-inspired breakfast/brunch so you can fulfill your spice craving first thing in the morning.
Find it at Jalan Petitenget 17C, Denpasar, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Tiffin.
Tucked away inside a quaint teak joglo, this home-wares and bookstore also houses a tea lounge and restaurant, marrying Indonesian cooking with international influences and flavours. The lounge serves up cake specials paired with an exotic selection of teas (over 50 varieties!) and alcoholic tipples. Besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we recommend their delightful high tea menu, split into either Traditional Afternoon Tea or Asian High Tea for Two—the latter runs the gamut of Asian cuisine, from Ayam Sisit with Sambal Matah Tart to Middle Eastern Orange Cake with rose tea syrup, all at the pocket-friendly price of IDR 250,000 for two. Enjoy sipping your tea off fine-bone china as you bask in the 150-year-old history of the Javanese joglo around you!
Find it at Jl. Petitenget No.888, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Biku.
If you’re looking for a break from Indo cuisine and Thai’s what you’re after instead, May’s Urban Thai Dine offers delectable street food in a casual indoor setting. The beautifully-decorated space is bedecked with industrial-style lighting and hanging potted plants for a cozy dining experience. Start with a plump and fresh Spicy Mussel Salad, then move on to the crowd favourite Tom Kha Gai. There’s also a comprehensive list of Thai curries heady with spices—you won’t have to travel out of the country for a taste of the Land of Smiles! Head down soon to take advantage of their Pad Thai festival, where variations of the classic dish go for a bargain.
Find it at Jalan Petitenget no 200, Seminyak, Bali 81361
Book a table at May’s Urban Thai Dine and earn 2X-Chope Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
Warung Eropa is a popular eatery, serving up cheap and cheerful Indonesian food for every occasion, whether it’s a family outing or a casual dinner with friends. In a rustic, fuss-free setting, tuck into traditional soul-warming soups like Surabaya Soto Ayam and Oxtail Soup. They’re also known for the finest Crispy Duck in Bali, so be sure not to miss that! Each bite of tender meat and fragrant crackling skin truly pops with a piquant touch of sambal. Get it in one of their seven convenient Special Packages with an assortment of accompanying sides for a proper feast on a dime.
Find it at Jl. Petitenget No. 9D, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Click here for more info on Warung Eropa.
