The best restaurants in Bali right now

What is it? A boundary-pushing dining experience in the quiet village of Lodtunduh, just outside Ubud. Locavore NXT is the evolution of Bali’s legendary Locavore, with a focus on hyper-local, often-foraged ingredients transformed into a stunning 20-course tasting menu. 

Why we love it: The space is warm and refined, full of rich woods and soft lighting, but the real magic happens on the plate. Led by culinary power duo Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah, Locavore NXT makes you rethink what food can be. Each course builds on the last, telling a story of Indonesia’s biodiversity with serious flair.

Time Out tip: Book well in advance because this spot is no secret. And if you’re into fermentation, ask for a peek at their on-site lab – it’s wild (and wonderfully geeky).

What is it? A low-key stunner hidden down a quiet street in Kerobokan, Sangsaka takes Indonesian flavours and gives them a modern, fire-kissed twist. The vibe? 40 seats, dim lighting and a front-row view of the action in the open kitchen.

Why we love it: Sangsaka is a masterclass in subtle brilliance. Chef Kieran Morland plays with traditional ingredients and cooking methods to craft plates that are equal parts nostalgic and totally unexpected. The cocktail menu’s just as thoughtful, inspired by different Indonesian regions and local ingredients. Upstairs, the rooftop bar Diatas is the ideal spot to decompress post-dinner.

Time Out tip: The tasting menu is the best way to experience the breadth of what Sangsaka has to offer, but always ask the staff if there are any off-menu gems available that day.

What is it? A Seminyak icon where Southeast Asian street food gets a high-glam makeover. Bold flavours, luxe surroundings and a menu that bounces from Bangkok to Penang. The space is retro-cool, featuring vintage mirrors, exposed brick, dark wood, and a splash of Shanghai speakeasy style.

Why we love it: Because it nails the balance between casual and chic, and every single dish slaps. From the crispy pork belly with tamarind chilli sauce to the spicy, sweet, crunchy Peking duck salad (don’t skip it), Mama San hits all the right notes. 

Time Out tip: Save room for dessert: the coconut sorbet with sesame brittle is creamy, nutty perfection. Pro tip: the upstairs bar is a bit of a local secret for pre-dinner drinks or a cheeky nightcap.

What is it? A soulful celebration of Indonesia’s culinary heritage, brought to life by the team behind the acclaimed Locavore. While Locavore NXT leans towards experimentation, Nusantara stays grounded in comfort food, but executed with surgical precision and a chef’s obsessive love for local produce. The name means “archipelago,” and the menu reads like a love letter to the country’s regional cuisines.

Why we love it: Because it reminds you just how rich and diverse Indonesian food really is. Executive chef Eelke Plasmeijer brings the same ethos from Locavore – sustainability, seasonality, and zero waste – but filters it through dishes that feel more intimate and familiar.

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the sambals: there’s a whole line-up, each one complex, fiery and addictive. Ask your server to guide you through them – it’s half the fun.

What is it? A modern Indian bistro tucked into the breezy backstreets of Pererenan. The space is warm and intimate – all moody lighting, deep red tones and sleek design – but it’s the food that really steals the show. Chef Gaurav crafts a menu that pulls from India’s diverse regions.

Why we love it: Red Gunpowder is the kind of place where you’ll want to order one of everything, and then come back to do it again. Highlights include the smoked octopus in ginger masala (tender, charred, unforgettable), fluffy garlic naan straight from the tandoor, and the Kashmiri lamb shank that falls off the bone.

Time Out tip: If you’re coming with a group, go family-style so you can sample more of the menu. It gets busy, so book ahead.

What is it? A moody, music-fuelled hideout in Canggu where European comfort food meets underground club energy. Ghost Kitchen isn’t your average dinner spot – it’s part restaurant, part record bar, with an industrial vibe, rotating DJ sets and a menu that keeps things elevated without trying too hard.

Why we love it: One minute you’re twirling forkfuls of silky truffle pasta, the next you’re nodding along to a vinyl-only set with a negroni in hand. The wood-fired pizzas are next level – the truffle mushroom is a standout. It’s effortlessly vibey and always a good time.

Time Out tip: Go late: the party gets going as the night rolls in, and it’s one of the best spots in town for a dinner-into-drinks kind of night.

What is it? A vibrant, no-filter-needed cantina that brings the bold flavours of Mexico to Bali’s laid-back southern coast. Lola’s is loud in the best way, with neon signs, bright tiles, painted skulls and a playlist that’ll have you dancing between tacos.

Why we love it: Because it doesn’t try to be fancy – it’s just seriously good. The Baja fish tacos are crisp, fresh and perfectly messy. The margaritas are stars in their own right, especially the cucumber jalapeño. It’s casual, colourful and wildly fun – exactly what you want post-surf or pre-night-out.

Time Out tip: Hit up happy hour for a two-for-one margarita deal that’ll sneak up on you in the best way. And don’t leave without ordering the churros: golden, crunchy, cinnamon-dusted perfection.