Best Restaurants in Bali Right Now: 5 Spots Food-Lovers Are Obsessing Over
From beachfront icons to hidden valley kitchens, these Bali restaurants are trending before the crowds fully catch on.
This guide spotlights Bali restaurants that locals, expats, and in-the-know travelers are buzzing about right now. Expect big flavors, design-forward spaces, and that sweet spot where the energy is high but the scene still feels discoverable.
Best Restaurants in Bali Right Now: 5 Spots Food-Lovers Are Obsessing Over
Bali keeps reinventing itself as a food destination, blending local warung soul with world-class kitchens and beach clubs. This MapsBuddy guide focuses on restaurants with serious review momentum, strong ratings, and a vibe that feels current rather than overexposed.
Use it to plan a focused food crawl across Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, and Kuta, or cherry-pick one standout dinner for your trip.
Potato Head Beach Club - Sunset icon with serious food cred
Potato Head Beach Club has long been a Bali sunset staple, but it is trending again thanks to its evolving culinary program and consistently strong reviews (4.6 from over 22,000 guests). What used to be “just” a stylish place for cocktails is now a full-spectrum food destination.
Why it is trending now
- The kitchen keeps refining menus that highlight local produce with global techniques.
- The beachfront setting and iconic coliseum facade still photograph beautifully, keeping it all over social feeds.
- A high volume of recent positive reviews signals that service and quality are holding strong despite the crowds.
What to order
- Modern Indonesian small plates to share, especially seafood dishes that change with the catch.
- Craft cocktails built around tropical fruits and local herbs.
- Plant forward options if you are traveling with vegans or vegetarians.
Vibe and tips
- Best for golden hour into night, when DJs and the sky both start warming up.
- Book ahead for front-row sunset tables or arrive early and be flexible.
- Dress smart casual. It is beachy but stylish, and you will likely be photographed.
Asri Dining by Samanvaya - Romantic valley escape in Sidemen
Asri Dining by Samanvaya is one of those places that makes you feel like you have discovered a secret valley restaurant. With a near-perfect rating of 4.9 from almost 3,000 reviews, it is quietly becoming a must-visit for travelers heading east to Sidemen.
Why it is trending now
- Sidemen itself is rising as a slower, greener alternative to Ubud, and Asri is the area’s standout dining room.
- Recent reviews praise the balance of fine dining plating with genuinely warm, personal service.
- Social posts of the rice terrace views at sunset are driving more people to seek it out.
What to order
- Tasting style menus that reinterpret Indonesian flavors with modern techniques.
- Seasonal dishes built around local rice, vegetables, and herbs grown nearby.
- Cocktails and mocktails that lean into local spices and flowers.
Vibe and tips
- Ideal for couples, special occasions, or a quiet celebratory dinner mid-trip.
- Reserve around sunset for the best light over the valley.
- Build it into a day trip around Sidemen so you are not rushing back to the south.
Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Sanur - Smoky ribs and upbeat warung energy
Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Sanur brings classic Bali rib culture to a more relaxed, family-friendly part of the island. With a 4.8 rating and more than 4,000 reviews, this branch is trending among both Sanur regulars and day-trippers chasing comfort food.
Why it is trending now
- Word-of-mouth and repeat visits keep the review count climbing steadily.
- Travelers staying in quieter Sanur love having a lively, dependable spot close by.
- Social media loves the messy rib shots and casual, party-leaning vibe.
What to order
- Signature pork ribs, smoky and sticky, still the main reason people come.
- Indonesian comfort dishes like nasi goreng to round out the table.
- Their famous cocktails if you want something fun and strong.
Vibe and tips
- Loud, casual, and social. Great for groups or families who want a fun night without dress codes.
- Expect a bit of a wait during peak dinner hours, but table turnover is fairly quick.
- Come hungry and do not wear white if you plan to dive into the ribs.
Locavore NXT - Next chapter of Bali’s most talked-about kitchen
Locavore NXT is the evolution of the island’s pioneering locavore restaurant, now reimagined as an even more experimental playground. With a 4.7 rating and a fast-growing base of reviews, it is drawing food travelers who plan trips around destination dining.
Why it is trending now
- Food enthusiasts have followed the Locavore team into this new concept, driving early buzz.
- The focus on hyper-local ingredients and inventive techniques keeps it in global foodie conversations.
- Recent reviews highlight both creativity and a more relaxed, playful atmosphere compared to old-school fine dining.
What to order
- Multi-course tasting experiences that change frequently. Expect surprises, not comfort classics.
- Fermented elements, wild herbs, and lesser-known Indonesian ingredients used in smart ways.
- Thoughtfully paired drinks, often featuring local fruits and house ferments.
Vibe and tips
- Best suited to adventurous eaters who enjoy storytelling with their food.
- Reservations are essential. Plan it as your “big night out” in Ubud.
- Allow a few hours and come ready to focus on the experience, not just a quick meal.
Warung Damar - Polished Indonesian flavors near the beach
Warung Damar blends the soul of a traditional warung with a more polished setting, right in the Kuta and Tuban beach zone. With a 4.8 rating from over 3,000 reviews, it is becoming a go-to for travelers who want authentic flavors without sacrificing comfort.
Why it is trending now
- Consistently strong recent reviews highlight both taste and value in an otherwise touristy area.
- People love that it feels local yet welcoming for first-time visitors.
- Its location near major hotels and the mall area makes it an easy, repeatable choice.
What to order
- Classic Indonesian dishes like ayam betutu, sate, and gado-gado.
- Shared plates so you can sample a range of regional flavors in one sitting.
- Fresh juices and local desserts to cool down after a hot day at the beach.
Vibe and tips
- Relaxed and family friendly, with enough polish for a nice dinner that is still casual.
- Great first-night-in-Bali restaurant if you are staying in Kuta or Tuban.
- Ask staff for spice level guidance if you are new to Indonesian food.
Planning your Bali restaurant route
- South Bali base: Combine Potato Head Beach Club with Warung Damar and Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Sanur for a mix of beach club energy and comfort food.
- Ubud and beyond: Center a food day around Locavore NXT, then add cafes and warungs in town.
- Slow Bali escape: Make Asri Dining by Samanvaya the anchor of a Sidemen stay or day trip.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep checking MapsBuddy for live review trends, new openings, and rising neighborhood spots so you can find the next wave of Bali restaurants before they hit every guidebook.
Places featured in this guide
1. Potato Head Beach Club
Petitenget St No.51B, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
2. Asri Dining by Samanvaya
Banjar Tabola, Telaga Tawang, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80864, Indonesia
3. Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Sanur
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.77, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
4. Locavore NXT
Jl. A.A. Gede Rai Gang Pura Panti Bija, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
5. Warung Damar
Jalan Kartika Plaza, Bali Garden Beach Resort, Kec. Kuta, Bali 80361, Indonesia