As I’m currently sitting at home in Montreal watching the snowstorm outside, sipping tea with my leg elevated, (in case you missed it on Instagram, I broke my ankle slipping on black ice) many of my friends are out adventuring in my favorite place, Bali. Trust me the FOMO is really setting in, especially because I was supposed to be there right now.
Since I’ve got Bali on my mind, I thought I’d sit down and write a much-anticipated blog post. Some of the questions I get asked the most on Instagram are where to stay in Bali, what to eat in Bali and where to find the best cafes in Bali. Sensing a theme here?
If you’re active on Instagram I’m sure you’ve experienced the endless scrolling through you’re feed seeing one dreamy cafe over another, only to see the geo-tag is once again Bali.
After revisiting Bali 4 years in a row, I’ve managed to eat my way through this magical island. Bali is home to some of the best and healthiest cafes I have ever tasted, and it seems like a new one opens every week! So here is my list of the very best cafes and restaurants in Bali – trust me, they are drool-worthy. If I miss one shoot me an email, I’d love to add it to the list!
The selection of these cafes and restos was based on the quality of food and overall Insta-ambience. If you need a hotel in Bali while you eat your way around the island, don’t miss my post on the Best Hotels in Bali.
Table of Contents
BEST CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN SEMINYAK
Personally, I try not to spend too much time right in the heart of the city, but you can’t deny that Seminyak has some pretty incredible must-eat spots!
Kynd Community
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY VEGAN! 🙂
Kynd Community is another day in paradise – it even says so on the wall! This Bali cafe really knows how to kill it with insta-worthy food and decor. From the gorgeous acai bowls, to over the top milkshakes and even down to the spoons, Kynd knows what’s up!
The cafe gets super crowded quickly, so if you’re looking to snag a picture in front of their signature wall get there early! (Tip: when I visited, I got to the cafe by 7:30am.)
Cassava
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
This cafe is connected to The Chillhouse. During my stay there I ate my way through the menu…seriously, I ate it all. Everything on the Cassava menu is so fresh, but then again you’re in Bali where everything is fresh!
This is the cafe that got me addicted to turmeric tofu scramble. I swear I made it for 3 weeks straight after returning home, and it’s still in my morning rotation!
Sea Circus
FOOD: ★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
Sea Circus is known for the fun graphics on the outside of the restaurant. My favorite part about this place is the staff all dressed in the latest Mister Zimi’s collection. The food isn’t the best you’ll find, but I love the fish tacos and the spiced banana fritters!
Shelter
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
This was one of the first places I visited on my first trip to Bali 5 years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite places to eat and work from. Shelter is not just a restaurant but a hangout spot for digital nomads and creatives to come together over delicious food to brainstorm. It’s a great place to call your office for the day!
Nalu Bowls
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY-VEGAN! 🙂
Just below Shelter, Nalu Bowls occupies the ground level (and has several locations on the island). They serve up the yummiest smoothie bowls in Bali. When my mom visited Bali she was obsessing over the J-Bay. If you love peanut butter, you’ll love this bowl!
Coffee Cartel
FOOD: No rating because I haven’t eaten here…yet!
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
In all fairness, I have never been to this cafe, but I have seen it numerous times on Instagram. It looks so yummy, and it’s an insta girls dream of pink and marble. This Instagrammable cafe in Bali had to make the list, and I plan to visit next time.
The most unique things about Coffee Cartel is their one of a kind coffee designs. By downloading their app you can actually send any photo to be printed onto your latte. How cool!!
Balibola
FOOD: No rating because I haven’t eaten here…yet!
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY-VEGETARIAN!
This cafe opened in July 2018 and already made itself known all over social media. It labels its menu as “flexitarian” which means there’s something for everyone! Balibola offers an array of excitingly colorful walls with signs saying “Balifornia Dreaming” and “not another insta-wall”.
Motel Mexicola
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY (CAN BE MADE VEGAN)
Get ready to party at Motel Mexicola. It’s the perfect place to go for a night out filled with live music and great margaritas!
One of my most memorable nights in Bali was spent dancing on tables to Spice Girls. If you aren’t vegan might I suggest the Taco Baja (fish tacos), I’m drooling just writing about them! While Motel Mexicola doesn’t offer many vegan options it’s an easy fix to just ask for the veggie dishes without cheese.
Bossman
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN-FRIENDLY: VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY (CAN ME MADE VEGAN)
The only burger to seriously tempt me to eat meat again. The first time I tried Bossman was back in 2016 before I became mainly plant-based. It was so good we went back 2 days in a row! The Original Gangster is by far the best beef burger I had ever tasted, if you are a meat eater this place NEEDS to be on your list.
If you are vegetarian the Gandhi burger (minus the tzatziki for vegans) is a really yummy alternative! Treat yourself and don’t forget to order some fries!
They also deliver so if you aren’t in the mood to leave your hotel/ villa why not order in?
BEST CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN CANGGU
Canggu is the mecca of incredible cafes in Bali and restaurants that will tickle every taste bud! Walk a couple of feet in any direction and you’ll find a slew of fresh and delicious eats.
Cafe Organic
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY-VEGETARIAN!
One of the OG cafes responsible for creating insta-worthy food, Cafe Organic has 2 locations. The original Garden Gangstas located in Seminyak but the one more known on Instagram is the Canggu location.
This cafe is the only cafe that seems to do Taro lattes. I became OBSESSED with them 2 years ago, and I find myself going back for more every trip. Taro is a purple potato, but a coconut milk taro latte tastes like marshmallows. Take my word for it, it’s delicious!
If you ever find yourself in Bali, do yourself a favor, order one and think of me. Or better yet, send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think! In the meantime, I’m working on how I can introduce Taro to my local cafes.
Peloton Supershop
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY VEGAN! 🙂
The only thing you need to know about Peloton Supershop – two words, Jackfruit tacos… GAME CHANGER!!!!! Jackfruit has a texture of pulled pork but is completely vegan. I became obsessed with these tacos. I came home and was determined to make them.
After finding an Asian grocery store, I picked up a few cans and learnt that they are so easy to make! Jackfruit will change even the biggest carnivore (tested and true, I’m speaking from experience here).
That’s just one of the many yummy dishes at Peloton. I remember being so torn on what to order off the menu. Just look at all these options!
Shady Shack
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY
Shady Shack is a space where good people meet over good music, good food, good coffee and create good vibes. The menu offers a little something for every taste bud.
I think the interior recently underwent a revamp because I don’t remember it looking so darn cute!!
Nude
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
Nude features a rice field view with healthy food options. They celebrate healthy bodies but also understand that sometimes you want to indulge a little. I’ve been dreaming of the zucchini spaghetti with mushroom sauce and nut parmesan since 2017!
BEST CAFES AND RESTAURANTS IN UBUD
Milk & Madu
FOOD: ★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES
The OG location is in Canggu, but it is worth a visit in Ubud too. With fresh croissants, you know that Milk & Madu had to make my list of the best cafes in Bali. With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, you can’t go wrong at Milk & Madu any time of the day.
Sayuri
FOOD: ★★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY VEGAN! 🙂
Looking for something to really blow your mind? Order the Raw Aged-Nut-Cheese Taster. Seriously you won’t believe it isn’t real cheese!
For the real vegan foodie, Sayuri‘s also offers a different raw food cooking class. The place isn’t the most photogenic but the cheese alone will leave you speechless.
Seeds of Life
FOOD: ★★★★
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY VEGAN! 🙂
Seeds of Life is a raw and plant-based cafe in the heart of Ubud. I ordered the Walnut Pesto Gnocchi and was shook! The gnocchi was made out of cauliflower and topped with “raw”nesan cheese. Are you drooling yet? I know I am! It’s too bad the place isn’t more photogenic because the food deserves more praise!
Alchemy
FOOD: No rating because I haven’t eaten here…yet!
INSTAGRAMABLE: ★★
VEGAN FRIENDLY: YES, FULLY VEGAN! 🙂
Alchemy is the first 100% raw vegan cafe in Bali is best known for its desserts! I’ve never gotten around to actually trying them because as you can see there is never a shortage of options in Bali. However, reliable sources have told me to try the Snickers pie!
Next Time You’re in Bali…
One last thing, if you are in Bali, do yourself a favor and walk into any grocery store or Mini Mart and stock up on East Bali Cashews Granola!!! Their coconut banana is the best granola I’ve ever tasted. Last time I came home with 6 bags, next time I’ll pack an entire carry-on full!!!
If you wind up trying any of these places because of this post, please let me know. Drop a comment or tag me in your stories on Instagram! It honestly makes my day to hear that my posts help you when mapping out your trip!
I hope you’re hungry because you won’t want to skip a meal with so many amazing cafes in Bali! If you find any cafes you think would be worthy to add to this post, please email me at homsylisa@gmail.com with the subject: Best Cafes in Bali, your review and a few photos! I’d be happy to add it in!
If you’re looking for more Bali travel inspo, check out my list of the best hotels in Bali (plus, they make for great Instagram photos!).
Happy eating! xx
Lisa
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We’re going to Bali soon!! Will definitely check out some of these, they look amazing! Are there any places we shouldn’t go to?
Author
Not that I can think of. Honestly everything in Bali is so good!
I am planning a trip to Bali. I absolutely loved your post. I will try most of these places if not ALL 🙂
What camera do you use btw? Your pics are GORGEOUS.
Author
Thank you so much for loving the post! I miss Bali so much it’s definitely on the top of my list for when quarantine is over. I now shoot with a Canon Mark IV but back then I had a Nikon D750 and loved it!! Both are great my Nikon was just stollen so I had to upgrade