Seminyak Bali – Best Places to Eat

Much like the astounding resorts that cater to the finest of tastes and the highest of expectations, the cuisine scene is yet another reason to enter the utopian realms of Seminyak.

Local restaurants

Whenever we go somewhere new, we crave an uninhibited and real interaction with the local food scene. People are different, but we find that this gives you such a remarkably quick appreciation of the place you’re in. Maybe we’re just foodies and get high on endorphins when we taste things we haven’t. Maybe we all feel this way. Assuming that it’s the latter of the options, then you should definitely check out Warung Eny. It is a pretty popular local spot around town, but has not ever changed its look, prices, or ideals. You can get one of the best nasi gorengs that we have ever had here. You can also get some tasty satay, nasi campur and ayam betutu. We advise heading here before your last night as you’re destined to want to return – if not for the food, then for the atmosphere. The prices are, of course, very low. Expect to pay around 50, 000 IDR per head.

There are dozens of good warungs in the area. If you’re looking for a taste of something simple, then head out from your hotel and hit the streets – you’ll find something within a matter of minutes.

Cafe and coffee shops

Coffee shops are fast becoming an important part of modern day culture. Gone are the days where barbershops and diners dotted the dignified streets with horse-drawn carts and men with top hats. It is now trendy, grungy, and interesting coffee shops that are the setting for meet-ups, hangouts, and moments of rejuvenation.

Revolver Espresso could probably be credited with bringing the world’s newfound fascination of the bean to Bali. Their coffee is aromatic and punchy and is bettered only by the 1980’s New York themed interior. Also, their banana cake – get some!

Expat Roasters have an international award winning barista that takes you on a cup by cup journey through the Expat Roasters’ blend, which, if you’re looking for something to do, is well worth a visit.

The latte art at Moose Espresso Bar is simply mind-blowing. Go here simply for a picture of Buddha on your cuppa. Feel the reluctance in drinking it, slide into the leather couches and sink into bliss.

Okay, the last one. Motel Mexicola. You have to go. The interior has been done so well that after a couple of cups of coffee and an engrossing conversation, you’ll be shocked to remember that you’re in Bali when you leave. The food was pretty good, but the churros were even better. Bring your camera along for this spot – and a good hat!

Western and international food

In the mood for Italian? If you don’t want to be, don’t keep reading. Fair warning! The Zibiru Restaurant does Italian properly. The space is a perfect combination of chic and cosy, of intimate and upper-class. The rooftop was the highlight of the spot for us. A starlight dinner for two on a subtly-lit rooftop sounds pretty darn fantastic right? Slow jazz floated in from the live band in the corner and a plate of homemade pasta sat before us. We had a glass of red wine. Maybe two. Should you make it here, you’ll find yourself coming back at your earliest convenience because you feel like you just spent the night in a movie. The restaurant serves up some perfect pizzas with the thinnest bases and the freshest ingredients. The prices are extremely reasonable, too. Price per head should sit around the 180, 000 IDR mark, which is an absolute steal for a night like this.

There are plenty of other Western options around, too. You can get your hands on a pretty fantastic burger at Wacko Burger for anything between 50,000 IDR and 75,000 IDR. You could also snack on some tapas while you sink back a few tall ones at Sea Circus. Health nuts can get excited about Shelter – a spot with items like quinoa porridge on the menu.

We’re sure this list of brilliant dining spots is rapidly becoming boring, but bear with us. La Lucciola Restaurant Bali – do remember the name! It is a large thatch-roofed building that sits behind a line of palm trees that are nestled in the soft white sand of the beach before it. Ah, the views. There are few better spots in the whole of Seminyak where you can grab an affordably priced meal with views like this. Whether it be brunch, lunch, or dinner, the kitchen has pockets deep full of recipes to keep you entertained. Whether you’re after local, international, fusion, or even Mediterranean cuisine, you can find it here. While the views are never poor, they are never better than they are come sunset time. Book your table in advance.

Fine dining

Food has, of course, come a long way since the days of diners and Sloppy Joes. These days, food preparation ranges from being artistic to scientific – much like fashion, really. At the highest end of things, where meticulous craftsmanship is combined with scientific knowledge of our brain’s receptors and our tongues taste buds, MejeKawi by Ku De Ta is leaving guests forever changed after set degustation meals. The experience is extremely memorable. It is also extremely expensive.

More toward the classically fine dining side of things, The Plantation Grill will export you to times so long ago that your parents will struggle to remember it. Comfortable circular booths, leather wingback chairs, elaborate lamps and warm lighting create an ambience fit for a king. Or you know, just about anyone in the 1920’s. The food in sensational. The restaurant specialises in grilled meats and seafood. They also serve up some pretty inventive desserts, so you’re going to want to save space for that.

On the beach

If you weren’t already packing your bags and cracking open your laptop to book them tickets, the fine what sand beaches of Seminyak should do the trick. Further reason still - the spots from which to enjoy these beaches rival the beauty of the beaches themselves. Places like the Potato Head Beach Club is exactly what we are talking about. I mean sure it’s expensive. But it’s also superb. It has a long list of cocktails that you can order from as you swim up to the in-pool bar, an infinity pool that looks out onto the beach, and plenty of beach chairs and bean bags that you can witness the sunset from. Spend the money! In fairness, Frangipani Bar provides good competition to this for prices that are a dash lower.

Because money is money and we all have different amounts of it, places like this may not be worth what you need to pay to be there. However, that doesn’t mean a beach sunset is off the cards. You’ll easily be able to rent a couple of deck chairs and grab a few drinks from some of the local businesses near the beach. Less frills, more authenticity. Bring your small speaker, and maybe your own bar snacks. Is it just us, or is this sounding rather good?

...

Overall, the Seminyak cuisine and entertainment scene is just another reason to head to the beautiful beaches of Bali. Save the extra month or two, work extra hard and get a bonus. Do whatever you need to do. It’s pretty great over on this side.