The best places to eat and drink in Canggu

Will Meyrick's back with modern Asian plates? Say less.

The reopening of this sexy modern Asian restaurant by Scottish celebrity chef Will Meyrick has got everyone swarming to their doors in Batu Bolong. Decked out with sleek bamboo ornaments, the dimly lit space is effortlessly stylish. And the food only takes it up a notch. Think inventive Asian plates such as Nduja-spiced dry-aged tuna tartare on squid ink sago crackers, smoked ponzo eggplant, and nori anchovy grilled pork chops. For those looking to lubricate their evening, liquid libations come in the form of fine wines or quirky but tasty cocktail infusions such as chilli margaritas and beeswax negronis. What was also unforgettable was the impeccable service by the knowledgeable English-speaking crew that run the floor. Whether an intimate date or a night out with your pals, this is definitely the spot to hit for a proper night out.

Artisanal French bakery with cosy loft space 

One of the Canggu's hottest new bakeries is nestled inside this eye-catching jade green tiled building. As you enter, the wafting scent of fresh bakes is set to overwhelm your senses. Here, chef Maxime Chené presents a mouth-watering spread of the freshest bakes each day. Take your pick from classic French pastries such as buttery croissants and caneles, to signature bread like baguettes and sourdough loaves. There are also heartier eats like stacked sandwiches and toothsome treats of homemade gelato to beat the heat. Once you got what your heart desires, head upstairs to the cosy loft space overlooking the bustling stretch of Berawa. Whether breakfast or brunch, it doesn't get any better than this.

Futuristic retro cocktail bar with experimental cocktails

The people behind the award-winning Ubud restaurant, Locavore, have shown up once again. Freshly opened in June, the enclave is decked with custom-built speakers and a vinyl booth to go with seriously innovative cocktails. Grab a seat at the beautiful wooden bar where a myriad of ferments illuminates from the back facade. Helming the bar is the affable Raka Ambarawan (formerly of the famed Golden Rooster) and his highly experimentative cocktails honouring local ingredients.

Have a go at the fermented banana sparkling cocktail, a refreshing rice sake tipple, or the explosive fruited spiked seltzers made in-house. Small plates here are Asian and Japanese influenced expressed in cold, hot and kushiyaki variations to pair. Definitely indulge in the crunchy katsu sando, steamed clams in a rich ramen stock or the surprisingly tasty morsels of grilled watermelon wrapped in miso leaves.

Communal dining with modern Mediterranean flavours

Ask around and you’ll often hear rave reviews about this rustic communal restaurant that whips up a comforting medley of contemporary Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is notoriously packed with a hungry crowd so be sure to make your reservations to avoid waiting in line. Gather a few mates as plates here are made for sharing. Start with freshly baked bread that goes along with silky smooth hummus and labneh while the mains showcase flame-kissed meats and seafood that is packed with flavour. Don’t leave without ordering the succulent roasted moon scallops with lemon butter and sumac – so good we shamelessly slurped down an entire portion each to ourselves.

Cosy hole in a wall with innovative tipples

A literal cave of a bar is where the cool kids hang out till the early morning hours. The earthy tones and textures lean toward comfort and cosy. Juxtaposed with plush furnishings, it oozes the vibes of the Golden Gai of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Cocktails here are well-engineered creations with a play on infusing local herbs and tinctures to tease the mind and treat the body. Think roasted sesame-washed tequila, earl grey sous vide vodka and peanut butter bourbon as a base for the innovative tipples. There are also trendy natural wines and sakes found in a wine list curated by Noma-alumni, Sophia Burger. But whatever you do, try not to get hooked on the housemade black pepper roasted peanuts – between us, I unconsciously polished off four servings of the nuts before the hour mark.

The Burnt Ends of Canggu – yes, we're calling it

If you’re a fan of the one-Michelin star Burnt Ends in Singapore, you will have to visit this modern restaurant with an open-fire kitchen. The food here is produce-driven, all touched by fire and kissed by smoke. Slurp on smoky briny grilled oysters and melt-in-your-mouth meats – our favourite dish happened to be a slow-roasted lamb leg immaculately spiced with earthy and herbaceous undertones. Coupled with a world-class wine list, sharply executed cocktails, and a scintillating sunset on the horizon of the Indian Ocean as your backdrop, an evening here is perfect if you’re looking to splurge a little more to eat well on a night of island romance. Looking to lounge and listen to the crashing waves? Head downstairs to the newly refurbished Lawn – one of the cosiest beach clubs in Canggu.

Espionage-themed speakeasy above a ramen stall

Hidden above a popular ramen stall, this espionage-themed speakeasy is all about remaining out of sight with its strict no-walk-in policy – just slide into their DMs to secure an appointment with the detective. Once you enter the intentionally weathered hideout, you’ll find murder mystery boards pinned with pictures of suspects, res strings and tape, crime scene samples to grotesque heads and foetuses preserved in glass jars. The creative menu reads like a profile card of real-life serial killers tied to cocktails varying from different strengths. Just like No.5 in Emerald Hill, cocktail peanuts are served for you to crack, eat and toss on the ground while you sip on stiff martinis or refreshing highballs.

Local gem with proper artisanal sourdough to treat

Sweet dreams are made of yeast at this cosy bakery as owner Emerson Manibo brings the yeast whispering expertise he honed from New York’s three Michelin-starred Per Se to the trendy neighbourhood of Canggu. The local gem is headlined by a world-class range of artisanal sourdoughs – think of perfectly scored loaves boasting dark crackly crust and airy insides with a slight tang from the natural acids. There is also a rotating range of bread and pastries baked fresh daily such as the snake fruit galette, babka (Jewish sweet bread) and bomboloni (Italian doughnut) to pair with darn delicious coffees – the perfect sidebar as you work on finishing your novel.

Fancy cocktail bar hidden away from plain sight

Newly opened in June, it is perhaps one of the fanciest speakeasies that ever graced Batu Bolong. Opened by Japanese master bartender Yukata Nakashima – known best for bespoke bar Koda in Jakarta – the kingsmen-esque interiors scream regality and opulence. An evening out here can be a tad pricey but it does come with red-carpet treatment. Think warm towelettes to freshen up when you first enter, buttery leather armchairs and dapper staff to attend to your every need. Though what really matters is the courtside experience of the bar and if you’re into precision and craft cocktails, you’re almost guaranteed to find them here. Food comes from the kitchen of Luma (right below) serving up Southern European flavours – though if you’re looking to eat proper, we'd suggest having dinner at Luma before heading up to the speakeasy.

Delicious donuts and perfect sunsets

This artisanal doughnut specialist’s third branch in Bali happens to be the most eye-catching of all. Spanning three storeys high, the red-brick building makes for aesthetic Instagram shots steeped in modern design and sophistication. Inside, the first two levels house the bakery and work-friendly spaces but if you make the effort to climb up to the top floor, you’ll be treated to a glasshouse area where you can watch the unobstructed sunset in the comforts of air-conditioning – a clear win for ones who are searching for respite from the mid-afternoon heat. With over 25 whimsical variations of doughnuts, a quirky food menu, coffees and juices available at each time, this cult spot is perfect for a quick snack run.

Hearty food in a Gin library near the beach

Just a five-minute stroll from popular surfing spot Berawa Beach, you won’t miss this 70-seater Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with the warmest hospitality and quirky Picasso-styled murals on every inch of its walls. The food here is all about comfort so expect generous portions and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Highlights include fresh zesty slices of tuna carpaccio for starters to fat tangy slabs of chicken parm and fork tender lamb shanks for mains – though the hearty breakfast menu is worth rising up early for. Also infamously known for its wide selection of Gins – stocking up a bar filled with bottles from local to European distilleries – it’s no wonder it’s the gathering spot for gin-lovers on the island for endless gin and tonics.

Bali's first craft beer brewery

While it isn’t news, Bali’s first craft brewery is without a doubt one of the hottest places to eat and drink in Canggu. Overlooking lush green rice fields, it is a hotbed for an all-around good time – think fresh craft beers, tasty grub, fine music, and most importantly, friendly faces. On weekends, it is where it truly slams. That’s where the chefs fire up the barbie and rig the smokers to serve up juicy smoked meats while you accompany those fine pints with slick tunes from the vinyl DJ. Going light? Have the crisp and light Kolsch. But if you’re interested in some hop character, take a chance with the seasonals like a big juicy double IPA.