The Sunday Six: Great Restaurants in Ubud, Bali

This post is now out of date. Please head on over to my other site for 21 of Ubud’s best restaurants, current as of March 2017. You might also want to check this post: “Where Should I Stay in Ubud?“

The Ubud dining scene has more diversity than you’d think.From vegan to Italian via street food, here are six of our favourite restaurants in Ubud, Bali.

1: Café Des Artistes

Some of the best steaks in Indonesia and, arguably, South-East Asia, plus a pretty inside-outside garden setting make Des Artistes a great place for a (relative) splurge. Oenophiles will appreciate the extensive wine list, while decent local fizz is available at very sensible prices. The salads, seafood and smoked salmon are fantastic, as are the breads, but the Café de Paris steaks with garlic butter are to die for.
Café des Artistes, Jalan Bisma, +62 (0)361 972 706

2: Kafe

If you ever thought raw food was what Hollywood stars ate to mask their anorexia, Kafe’s raw food offer will make you think again. Because the dishes these guys can create, using temperatures no higher than 118 degrees, can be outstanding. A hit with the yoga crew, veggie and vegan options feature heavily, alongside some succulent smoothies, though carnivores will survive quite happily. Kafe’s raw, vegan ravioli with sunflower seed “cheese” will make you look at raw food in a new light.
44B Jalan Hanoman +62 361 7803802

3: Café Lotus

Bang next door to the Temple of Saraswati, this Balinese-style outdoor restaurant enables you to watch the nightly dances while you eat. The menu features a range of Balinese classics alongside Western favourites, and if you want to try the gorgeous ayam betutu (duck roasted with spices for 24 hours) without ordering in advance, this is one of few places in town to do so. Choose between low cushions and high seating: you’ll find dance schedules at the tourist office.
Café Lotus, Jalan Raya Ubud, by Museum Puri Lukisan, +62 (0)361 975 660

4: Pizza Bagus

Genuinely good Italian cooking and perfectly formed thin crust pizzas dominate the menu at this unfussy Western place. Spaghetti Puttanesca is excellent, while you can create your own pizza, choose from their extensive menu or create a sandwich to your taste from the attached deli. If you’re hankering after squid ink risotto, Saltimbocca Romana, real prosciutto or just a really good pizza, head here. And play some table footie afterwards.
Pizza Bagus, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, before ARMA museum, +62 (0)361 978 520

5: The Warung With No Name

Want to eat good food for a dollar or less? Head to this little place, opposite Pizza Bagus on Jalan Pengosekan, and create your own nasi campur from the dishes in the glass case. Expect spicy eggs, your choice of green things, pork stewed with kaffir lime leaves, turmeric and ginger, Balinese chicken curry and perhaps some noodles. Outstanding value, whether to take away in a paper cone or to eat at the simple tables inside the store.
Jalan Raya Pengosekan, opposite Pizza Bagus, by the hammock shop

6: Tutmak Café

By the football field, next door to the library, this slick, stepped environment is a spectacular place for breakfast, though their changing lunch and dinner specials can also deliver. The menu’s a combination of Western and Indonesian, with succulent lattes, flawless Eggs Benedict, delicious fresh juices and the full range of European and Indo delights on offer all day long. Some of the best wifi in town plus low tables with cushions make this a great place to settle in for the day.
Jl Dewi Sita, +62 (0)361 975 754

And For Afters?

Ubud has some amazing gelato spots. Our favourite? Gelato Secrets, where gelato and sorbet span the gamut from chilli and chocolate to green tea via blueberries, passionfruit and latte macchiato.
Gelato Secrets, Jalan Monkey Forest