From brunch and lunch to date night must-dos, these are the best restaurants, cafes and coffee spots in the hip 'hood of Seminyak.
One of our all-time favourite neighbourhoods in Bali, Seminyak is positively spilling with uber-cool cafes, hip restaurants, cool beach clubs and late night haunts. From Petitenget & Oberoi to Kayu Aya and beyond, this hedonistic ‘hood deserves a good gourmet gander during your Bali holiday.
You’ll want to devote at least an entire day (or week!) eating your way through the best restaurants in Seminyak, so we’ve put together this list of must-trys to help you on your tasting tour. From the very best Seminyak cafes to the hottest date night spots, here’s where to eat in stylish Seminyak for breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond… Happy munching, Honeys!
Coffee Cartel – best boutique coffee house
Coffee Cartel is Seminyak’s boutique cafe and coffee house that means serious business. These top dogs have dominated Petitenget’s feasting scene, with a mean cafe menu of poke bowls, burgers, loaded fries and even vegan smak hotcakes that come with candy floss, mixed berries and pink strawberry coco over custard (yes, you read that right!). Their signature pink hues and cute potted cacti can be seen on almost every Instagram feed, laid out alongside top quality cappuccinos, subtle Mexican aesthetics and adorbs golden cutlery. In fact, Coffee Cartel has become such a cult cafe, they’ve just opened up a second location in Legian…
Coffee Cartel, Jl Lebak Sari No.8 Petitenget, p. +62 8214 525 1005. Open daily 7am – 6pm
Lacalaca Cantina Mexicana – best for a Mexican feast
Like the salt to your tequila or the beans to your burrito, Lacalaca is the heart and soul of Seminyak’s Mexican scene. Arguably the original Mexican cantina that kickstarted the island’s love of loaded tacos and mega margaritas, Lacalaca is a buzzing joint that comes with kick-ass and unpretentious vibes, dishing up modern Mexican food with a twist. Think generous servings of locally sourced fresh ingredients, traditional spices direct from Mexico and home-mad tortillas. The kicker? Awesome and friendly staff who’ll get your Mexican juices flowing, like maître d’, Putu Carlos with his contagious smile and rocking outfit. Yup, Lacalaca is where it’s at for a true Mexican feast.
Lacalaca Cantina Mexicana, Jl Drupadi No.1, Seminyak, p. +62 822 4731 2218. Open daily 9am – midnight.
Starfish Bloo – best for beach vibes
Starfish Bloo is the glamorous yet casual, open-air beachfront spot at W Bali – Seminyak, and without doubt one of Bali’s very best restaurants for a foodie sesh beside the seaside. As you sit overlooking the ocean and the designer pool areas of one of Seminyak’s swankiest resorts, you’re beyond spoilt for choice at this five-star address. As you’d expect, the quality here is unparalleled, featuring Pan Asian flavours with Western essences, from sizzling seafood to regionally-inspired recipes. Sample your way though the chef-curated tasting menus and la carte sharing platters, or drop in for their Seafood Market on Friday evenings, and the legendary brunch by the beach every Sunday.
Starfish Bloo at W Bali – Seminyak, Jl Petitenget, Seminyak Bali, p. +62 361 3000 106.
KYND Community – best for vegan bites
SO much more than just a vegan café, KYND is a community of earth-conscious foodies serving up plant-based creations that will knock your sandy socks off. Veggies and vegans will love their inventive menu that’s full of both sweet and savoury knockouts, while carnivores will get some serious education on just how good plant-based food can be. For brekkie and brunch, it’s all about big bowls, gourmet toasts and some of the best smoothies and waffles in town, while for lunch and dinner, it’s vegan fish tacos, “chicken” schnitzels, Balinese Big Macs and the most colourful cocktails around – finished off with a vegan ice-cream from the technicolored creamery next door. Now, who says vegan food is boring….?
KYND Community, Jl Raya Petitenget No12x, p. +62 859 3112 0209, e. kyndcommunity@gmail.com. Open daily 6am – 5pm.
Sarong – best for a fancy night out
Sarong is Seminyak’s ultimate date night destination that pleases the most sophisticated of gourmands, every damn time. Celeb chef Will Meyrick (the Street Food Chef who also gave us Mama San, Hujan Locale and Som Chai) has shaped Sarong into a melting-pot of eastern cuisines, actively using traditional Asian cooking techniques (like Indian tandoors and Balinese coconut grills) to create his flavourful, elaborate dishes. The chilli-miso glazed black cod with Yunnan pickles is iconic, and the butter chicken is the best around. Top tip: be sure to book well in advance, or you’ll be very disappointed.
Sarong, Jl Petitenget No 19, Kerobokan, p. +62 361 4737 809. Open daily 6.30pm – midnight.
