Kuta is an area known for its clubs and bars. But besides that there are some of the best and delicious restaurants that you can enjoy here
As Bali’s OG neighbourhood that first put the island on the international map, Kuta was the one-and-only holiday destination before the rise of Canggu and Seminyak. Known for its looooong golden beach, the countless activities for kids, the buzzing bars and nightlife, and all the value-for-money hotels and resorts, it’s no surprise that this southern ‘hood is still packed full of from all over the world to this day. As a melting pot of cultures, that’s exactly what you can expect from Kuta’s food scene too: everything from Japanese izakayas and Indian restaurants to epic pizza places and cute cafes too… this ‘hood has it all!
So, we munched our way through the very best restaurants and cafes in Kuta to bring you a shortlist of the very best. From beachfront breakfasts and casual family lunches to fancy dinner restaurants and bustling cocktails bars – here’s where to eat in Kuta and Legian.
17 BEST RESTAURANTS IN KUTA & LEGIAN
1. Spice Mantraa
Whether we’re hanging out on Kuta Beach or we’re on the other side of the island, we always make time to visit Spice Mantraa Kuta – yes, it’s that good. This casual yet gastronomic Indian restaurant is arguably the best around, with Indian chefs helming the kitchen to ensure every dish is as authentic as they come. We love how each recipe comes with a contemporary and nouveau twist, with playful nods to molecular gastronomy and avant-garde cuisine. You can’t go wrong with any of the dosas, or the Delhi-style samosas. Then if you dare, try the fiery Tandoori delicacies, like the chef’s special Chicken Bhuna and Lamb Rogan Josh. Not into too much spice? Go for the paneers and butter chicken – or even the creamy kormas – and pair them with a signature in-house cocktail. We’ve tried it all, and we can’t get enough.
Spice Mantraa Kuta, Jl Kartika Plaza, No.20, Kuta, p. +62 361 750158 / +62 87862278144, e. reservations@spicemantraa.com. Open daily, 1pm – 11pm.
2. Crumb & Coaster
We thought we’d accidentally transported to Canggu when we first saw Crumb & Coaster – one of the most stylish cafes in Kuta where you can sip on signature cold brews and specialty hot coffee the whole day long. Browse through the breakfast and brunch menus ‘til 6pm, and stick around for a delish lunch or dinner. The menu caters to everyone: from The Yoga Breakfast and The Big Surfer Breakfast, to classic sandwiches, burgers, salads and wraps. The kitchen offers vegetarian and gluten free options too!
Crumb & Coaster, Jl Benesari No. 2E, p. +62 819 9959 6319; Open daily 7.30am – 11pm.
3. Azul Beach Club
Overlooking the bright white sands of Padma Beach, this sprawling bamboo tree-house sits on Legian’s seafront with cosy yet breezy nooks across three floors. The mid-level al fresco bar is the epitome of tropical cool, with its balcony seating bays, eye-catching bar motifs and comfy furnishings. For daytime hangs, graze on specialities from the land and sea, then head out the back to grab a lounger and soak up the sun around the pool. Then as dinner swings around, head down to the ground floor to the crown jewel: Azul’s casually chic restaurant with Bali’s first Tiki Bar. Cheers!
Azul Beach Club, Jl Padma No.2, Legian, Kuta, p. +62 361 765 759, e. info@azulbali.com; Open daily 7am – 11pm.
4. Fat Chow
Described as the “quirky, adopted Chinese cousin” to the surrounding restaurants in Kuta (their words not ours!), Fat Chow isn’t your average eatery. For starters, almost everything in the restaurant is recycled, from the decor to the wallpaper. As for the menu, expect not-so-typical pan-Asian creations from age-old family recipes, sprinkled with modern twists. Start with the Chow Pao (BBQ pork slices in Chinese Pao), and feel right at home with one of Chow’s Comfort Foods, like Mama’s chicken noodles or the Thai Tamarind Stir-Fry.
Fat Chow, Poppies Lane II No. 7C, Kuta Beach, p. +62 877 6133 0661, e. fatgroupbali@gmail.com; Open daily 8am – 10pm.
5. Brunch Club
If like us you take brunching oh-so seriously, you’ll want to check out Brunch Club – AKA the place to eat for a mid-morning or late afternoon feast – or any time in between. Everything here is made from scratch, from the creamy eggs benny, loaded salads, huge burgers and gourmet pizzas, to the waffles, French toast and the club’s Insta-famous Porncakes, AKA the ooey-gooey soufflé pancakes. Spend a whole day here brunching within the brick walled, two-storey cafe with modern, Melbourne cafe vibes. In fact, Brunch Club is such a popular institution, that it called for other locations in Canggu and Pererenan too!
Brunch Club, Jl Raya Legian No. 457, p. +62 819 5247 4063, e. info@brunchclubbali.com; Open daily 8am – 6pm.
6. Coffee Cartel
Coffee Cartel is Bali’s boutique cafe and coffee house that means serious business. These top dogs have dominated the ‘hood’s breakfast and brunch scene, with a mean cafe menu of poke bowls, burgers and even vegan hotcakes that come with candy floss, mixed berries and pink strawberry cocoa 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. Hungry in Seminyak? You can stop by Coffee Cartel in this trendy ‘hood too!
Coffee Cartel, Jl Werkudara No. 8, Legian, p. +62 812 3899 7101; Open daily 7.30am – 6pm.
7. The Dusty Cafe
On the outskirts of Legian bordering Seminyak is Dusty Cafe – a coffee, breakfast and brunch spot by day, and a charming bistro by night. Here you’ll find sweet brekkies like the Bubble Waffle and fluffy pancakes, best paired with one of the lattes from the Latte Lab (our fave is the pink beetroot latte). As for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the classics like sandwiches, burgers and healthy bowls – there’s even a vegetarian pasta for the kiddos!
The Dusty Cafe, Jl Camplung Tanduk No. 4, p. +62 821 4645 2051; Open daily 8.30am – 10pm.
8. Made’s Warung
If it’s authentic Indonesian food you’re after, you simply cannot miss Made’s Warung. What started out as a roadside local food stall (AKA warung) back in 1969, this family-run business has grown into a modern and iconic restaurant serving a variety of local staples. Our favourites have to be the Nasi Campur (rice served with a number of Indonesian dishes) and the Ayam Goreng Bumbu Bali (fried chicken with Balinese spices and sauces). Made’s Warung has reached legendary status with multiple restaurants in Bali, Jakarta and all the way to Amsterdam. It’s no wonder that even Indonesia’s president – Jokowi himself – has tasted the magic at Made’s Warung…
Made’s Warung, Jl Pantai Kuta, Kuta Beach, p. +62 361 755 297; Open daily 10am – 9pm.
9. Sushimi
Sitting on the outskirts of Legian is Sushimi – a colourful and buzzing restaurants that’s taken Japan’s iconic sushi train concept and turn it into something cool and quirky. We’re talking sushi, sushi and more sushi – the chefs whip up the classic sas well as signature rolls from the freshest ingredients, delivered via the rotating carousel. Choose from the a la carte menu, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try Sushimi’s own creations like the sushi burritos and sushi donuts. Or, let your creativity go wild and customise your own rolls, complete with vegan and vegetarian options too.
Sushimi, Jl Camplung Tanduk No. 4X, p. +62 361 737 816, e. info@sushimibali.com; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
10. Kuta Social Club
A rooftop bar and restaurant beside a glittering infinity pool, cabanas and daybeds – Kuta Social Club is where it’s at for hip poolside cocktails and fresh seafood, sitting high up above the buzz of Kuta beach. With the bar’s long list of signature cocktails and refreshing juices, there’s always something to sip on as you kick back and wait for the sky to turn golden. All of this, best paired with Mediterranean signatures, like charcoal-grilled king prawns, seafood platters and the showstopper: the dry-aged and chunky Tomahawk steak.
Kuta Social Club at Mamaka by Ovolo, Jl Pantai Kuta No. 32, Legian, p. +62 361 849 6500, e. kutasocialclub@ovolohotels.com; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
11. Take Japanese Restaurant
Bali’s first and most authentic Japanese restaurant, Take is committed to shining a light on the freshness of the produce they serve. Expect only the very best ingredients here, since chef Kiyomi Okamoto takes it upon himself to visit the fish market each morning to hand-pick his ocean delicacies and fine meats. With over 500 items on the menu, from sashimi and sushi to live seafood, there really is something for every palate here. Psst – “Take” is Japanese for “bamboo”, and so it’s used in the cooking philosophy as well as in the restaurant’s island-style furniture and decor. Love!
Take Japanese Restaurant, Jl Patih Jelantik, Legian, p. +62 361 759 745 / +62 896 0267 3570; Open daily 12pm – 10pm.
12. Romeo’s Bar & Grillery
Perhaps Kuta’s most popular steak and grill bar, Romeo’s is where meat lovers can get their carnivorous fix. First choose your meat – from chicken to beef – then add on your sides (hello baked potatoes and creamy sweet corn!) before lathering on one of the many sauces, like the classic béarnaise or the apple cider BBQ sauce. If you’re up for sharing, try the Romeo’s Mix Grill: a combo platter of rib eye, pork ribs, chicken wings, lamb chops and pork sausages. Not in the mood for meat? You can also graze on salads, pastas, pizzas and more.
Romeo’s Bar & Grillery at Ossotel, Jl Padma Utara, Legian, p. +62 813 3758 6586; Open daily 7am – 11pm.
13. Tenkai
A firm favourite for Bali’s Teppan fans, the chefs at Tenkai Japanese Restaurant whip up a performance as engrossing as the feast they lay in front of you. There are flips, tricks and explosive stunts, and that’s before we even mention the food. The tuna medallion alone is worth making the trip into town, as is the Bamboo lobster that’s as big as it is juicy. Wrap it all up with stunning interiors and an uber romantic setting and you’ll see exactly why Tenkai has hit this list.
Tenkai at Padma Resort Legian, Jl Padma No. 1, Legian, p. +62 361 752 111, e. dining.legian@padmahotels.com; Open daily 6pm – 11pm.
14. Fat Bowl
Big bowls, small bowls, healthy bowls and gourmet bowls – Fat Bowl is a delicious fusion of East meets West, serving Asian specialities in a classic sports pub setting. The menu itself is just as diverse too, with steaks, pastas, pizzas and burgers, alongside sushi, satay and nasi goreng. And once you’ve filled up on international signatures, head upstairs to the sports bar where you’ll find expats and locals streaming live matches with ice cold beers and cocktails in hand.
Fat Bowl, Jl Padma No. 2, Legian, p. +62 361 766 247; Open daily 11am – 11pm.
15. Poppies Restaurant
Perhaps Kuta’s most iconic and longstanding restaurant (it’s been around since 1973!), Poppies is where you can dine on fresh seafood, Indonesian classics and international cuisine beneath a canopy of flowers. This bucket-list restaurant has garnered cult status over the years, welcoming visitors from around the world who come back year after year. You’ll want to go all out with a complete Rijsttafel and the restaurant’s famous Poppies Pina Colada (pictured above), with light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice – served in a hand-carved Bali-style coconut. Even if you don’t fancy it, you simply have to order one!
Poppies Restaurant, Jl Legian Poppies Lane 1, p. +62 361 751 059; Open daily 8am – 11pm.
16. Big Fish Grill
This resident signature restaurant at The Stones Hotel – Legian is all about smoke and fire. Led by an award-winning Executive Chef, Big Fish Grill fires up high-quality premium ingredients in a 2,000ºC grill, giving you perfectly charred meats whilst keeping them juicy. Start with a fire-roasted octopus served with tomato jam, garlic aioli, and chimichurri. Then, make it a surf-and-turf feast with grilled Australian grain-fed Black Angus Ribeye with potato confit, smoked pepper jam, and roasted shallots, topped with your choice of sauce from bearnaise, black peppercorn, chimichurri, or Port-wine mushroom. Don’t worry herbivores, you’re not forgotten! Try the roasted broccoli with seaweed butter and chili. And whatever you do, don’t leave before trying the delectable sweets, like the Pear Almond Tart with hazelnut crumble, honeycomb tuile, and vanilla gelato on the side. The menu is designed to be shared, so you’ll want to come hungry, and bring your best mates too!
Big Fish Grill at The Stones Hotel – Legian, Bali, Autograph Collection, Jl Raya Pantai Kuta, Legian, p. +62 361 300 5888; Open daily 5pm – 11pm.
17. Hard Rock Cafe
This internationally-renowned destination is where great food, drinks and music merge for a rock ‘n rolling dining experience. Since 1993, this iconic cafe (home to a double-neck giant guitar) treats music lovers to a hearty menu of Hard Rock’s Legendary Steak Burgers, specialty entrees (hellooo twisted mac, chicken and cheese), and a variety of Balinese-inspired dishes, alongside carefully crafted cocktails. With its convenient location (right across the street from Kuta Beach), you’ll never far from an after-surf recharge.
Hard Rock Cafe, Jl Pantai Kuta, Kuta Beach, p. +62 361 755 661 / +62 821 4737 8845, e. customer.care@hardrockcafe-bali.com; Open daily from 12pm.
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