Cuca’s Picks: BALI
Over the years we have shared countless times with Cuca’s customers our favourite restaurants from every city we know. The truth is that people in search of the tastiest food from around the world seem to trust chefs’ picks when choosing food, and since everyone asks our humble opinion, we have decided to start a proper “Our Picks” section where we give you our recommendations on where and what to eat. Go ahead, try for yourself and share these lists as you please, but just because we may help you find a new favourite, please don’t forget about your first love, Cuca!
The Bali food scene has changed a lot over the last 10 years with numerous great restaurants popping up using the bounty of amazing local produce. As crazy as it sounds, delicious traditional Balinese food is still very difficult to find in Bali. So, with that said, these are Cuca’s picks for the Island.
Jimbaran
Cuca
You have probably already been to Cuca and that’s why you are reading our recommendations on where to eat in Bali, but if you haven’t tried our food yet, trust our word or that of the wise friend who sent you this link… A trip to Bali without a meal in Cuca is like going to the movies and not having popcorn, you will forever feel like something was missing.
Created entirely by us, Kevin & Virginia, a husband-and-wife team, Cuca serves-up a radically different, casual meets fine-dining experience of Tapas, Cocktails and Desserts where absolutely everything is home-made with only what’s available in Indonesia. While Virginia gives the restaurant its personality and direction, Kevin, who spent years throughout some of the world’s best kitchens, serves intensely flavor focus creative dishes.
So remember, just because we may help you find a new favorite, don’t forget about visiting us at Cuca!
Price: $$$$
What to order: Tasting menu.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Originally opened in Singapore more than 80 years ago, this franchised coffee shop has now arrived in Bali serving their classic toast, soft boiled eggs and coffee, all with unique unmistakable personality. Absolutely adored by Singaporeans and now also by us, we just can’t seem to get enough of their classic home-made Kaya jam (caramelized coconut and pandan custard) and strong hand strained rustic coffee. Expect a limited breakfast and snack style menu that has incredibly stood the test of time and not changed at all since 1944.
Price: $
What to order: Kaya toast with butter, iced milk coffee.
Lia Cafe
This place serves Jimbaran’s best seafood BBQ period. Sitting with your feet in the sand and chomping on fire grilled fresh seafood right on the beach…need we say more?
Price: $$$
What to order: 2 large prawns per person, a fresh red snapper and fried squid.
Scones Bali
Perfect breakfast and brunch spot with shockingly good bakery and a made-from-scratch mentality with cinnamon buns, scones and croissants. Don’t leave without one of the best cups of coffee in Bali. Not to be missed are their just pressed juices, fruit bowls and egg dishes cooked to perfection. This is breakfast as good as it gets!
Price: $$
What to order: Cheesy omelette or classic Benedict.
Imadoki
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Watermark hotel, this restaurant is an absolute gem serving seriously delicious classic Japanese cooking. Their Japanese chef specializes in buckwheat soba noodles and also stocks a hefty menu of well executed and meticulously prepared dishes. We love it!
Price: $$$$
What to order: Soba with Tempura or for lunch try the hefty bento set.
Nusa dua
Soleil
Hotel dining is normally boring, uninspiring and forgetful merely ticking the box of must have dishes prepared without passion or enthusiasm but not here. Soleil is brilliant cooking that rivals not the good restaurants of Bali but the best anywhere on the planet. Dishes are prepared masterfully using the best ingredients available with incredibly precise cooking with absolutely no shortcuts. Here classic grandma dishes are re-visited and perfected. Our favourite place to eat in Bali period!
Price: $$$
What to order: Pasta.
Art Café Bumbu Bali
This place is Cuca’s favorite on the island for delicious authentic Balinese food in a classic tranquil setting. Great value, hearty, super tasty well executed food.
Price: $$$
What to order: Sate Lilit.
Kayuputi Restaurant at St. Regis Hotel
Copied by many but created and mastered by Kayuputi, this place serves the best luxury brunch in Bali hands down, and has been doing it perfectly for years. This elegant beachfront restaurant has a stellar culinary team and brilliant service to gently guide you through the endless table side offerings. The price of IDR 1,100,000 is a steal for what you get!
Price: $$$$$
What to order: Saturday Brunch 11am – 3pm.
Seminyak
Mauri
One of Bali’s stand out restaurants, Mauri has earned its reputation through hard work and great cooking. Extremely elegant dining space with a well-trained service team and timeless cooking have quickly bumped them to the short list of Bali’s best. Chef Mauritzio is extremely dedicated to anyone who walks through his doors.
Price: $$$$$
What to order: Tasting menu.
Queen’s Tandoor
Indian food is delicious and Queen’s Tandoor takes their food seriously. Freshly prepared and wonderfully spiced dishes are served as they should be, with many staples being quite possible the best you’ve had. As authentic as can be with a team of Indian chefs cooking masterfully to order.
Price: $$$
What to order: Harra Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, Cheese Naan.
Habitual
Being Rated number 29 on the list of 50 best burgers in the world ain’t a joke, and this place delivers. From the bun to the beef, every ingredient means business and the entire menu sounds delicious. Fries are home cut, cooked fresh and the whole package is tough to beat anywhere.
Price: $$
What to order: Big Mac.
Sangsaka
This place serves clever and very tasty Indonesian fusion cooking. This is their sister restaurant to Merah Putih and is much smaller but more intimate. Say hello to chef Kieran and tell him Cuca sent you.
Price: $$$
What to order: try some small plates like Opor Bebek.
Ubud
Pande Egi
A destination for Bali’s most iconic dish (babi guling), Pande Egi has earned a solid reputation serving quite possible the best version. Their menu is simple, with one option of food served in either a normal or larger portion with everything assembled fresh. Coconuts are cleverly served ice-cold from the freezer and not to be missed.
Price: $
What to order: Babi Guling, whole coconut.
Siboghana Waroeng
Traditional Balinese house with simple home-style cooking spanning back 3 generations. A memorable experience of daily Balinese life and the way food and family’s eat and live.
Price: $$
What to order: Nasi campur.
Reina Jungla
This is an exceptional artisanal bakery and deli producing what just may be the absolute best baked goods the Island has to offer. Lovingly tucked away deep in Ubud’s tropical jungle, the unique combination of absolute serenity and perfect pastry with killer coffee is magic. The menu is small but packs a punch focusing on simple yet extremely well executed delicious dishes you will want to eat daily. A gem!
Price: $$
What to order: Grana Padano and Ricotta Omelette/Chicken Wings.
Gabriel French Bistro
Now, you may be thinking why would I be looking for delicious traditional French cooking on a Bali holiday, but I can assure you that after many days of rice and spice you will be dreaming of some comfort-driven timeless excellence, and this is the place. Expect well executed French classics at great value paired with solid caring service and an unassuming but romantic setting.
Price: $$$
What to order: Croque Monsieur/Escargot.
