Bali’s reputation as a sun-drenched, utterly relaxing travel destination is indisputable. And the dining scene is just as cool, especially with hip cafes and eateries like the ones we’ve listed here. Isabel Ong shows you the places to eat, drink and be merry.
The Australian cafe boasts a chic, homey setting: geometric floor tiles, plush booth seats and outdoor bar counter made of marble. On the menu: healthy breakfast foods that make taking food shots mandatory (think an acai berry bowl topped with edible flowers and smashed avocado toast that comes beautifully plated). Open 7am-10pm daily, Jalan Kayu Cendana No. 7 Seminyak, Kerobokan
Just about everyone heads here for their red velvet pancakes and red velvet lattes. But some (read: die-hard Instagrammers) will head here for the best seats in the house: Against the brick wall mural, of course. Open 8am-6pm daily, Jalan Petitenget No. 886A, Seminyak
Want a place that dishes out heaps of feel-good vibes? This is the #1 spot to head to. Colourful clashing prints, drawings and paintings adorn the walls and floors, and there’s a great outdoor terrace to enjoy drinks at from sundown. Fans of Mexican nosh won’t be disappointed, too: the extensive menu covers everything from nibbles (chorizo with melted cheese quesadillas anyone?) to more substantial mains like grilled pork ribs. Open 11am-1am daily, Jalan Kayu Jati No. 9X Petitenget
Its bright and airy interior makes this bakery-cafe a cheery mid-afternoon pit stop. Everything here, from the pastries to the greens, are made in-house. And while the breakfast menu comprises standard cafe fare – poached eggs, salads and bircher muesli – we like the lunch and dinner menus for more hearty offerings, from pad thai to rib eye steaks. Open 7am-10pm daily, Jalan Kayu Jati No. 3X, Petitenget
What sets Souq apart from the crowd is that it’s part cafe, part hip lifestyle store. There are a slew of organic plates to partake of, and coffee beans come from notable Australian coffee roasters Toby’s Estate, so expect to get a good shot of caffeine here. Post-meal, pick up beachwear, homewares and other useful knick knacks (no cheap souvenirs or trinkets here). Open 7:30am-8pm (Mon-Sat) and 9am-6pm (Sun), Jalan Basangkasa No. 10, Seminyak
The four-year-old establishment takes its food and decor seriously. You see it in their “farm to fork” philosophy, where whatever you consume is produced at their organic farm in Kintamani, Bali. It’s also evident from the Parisian chic vibe they’ve constructed, from the raw concrete tables to the monochrome flooring and cosy alfresco dining area. Open 7am-11pm daily, Jalan Petitenget No. 40, Seminyak
Like this? Check out the 10 most stylish cafes in Bangkok to visit.