A Foodie’s Guide to Canggu, Bali
Over the past 15 years or so, Canggu has undergone a massive transformation and has become Bali’s most happening neighborhood. With more and more expats moving there and tourists choosing to stay in the area, Canggu’s once-quiet streets, rice paddies, and beaches have become a magnet for restauranteurs. Having visited Bali regularly over the years, we can say with certainty that some of the new restaurants in Canggu are raising the bar for Bali’s F&B industry writ large. New establishments pop up every few months but these are our current favorites:
The Hula
$$
Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.64, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Anybody who has been a long-time visitor of Canggu knows that Pererernan has been a sleepier part of the neighborhood until very recently. The Hula is without a doubt the vibiest spot in the Pererenan area and has quickly become our go-to spot for breakfast. The first time we stopped in was by total chance- we drove past on a scooter and couldn’t help but notice the tropical-modern interior decor. Like a moth to a flame, we were immediately drawn to the colorful Batik. To our delight, the food turned out to be just as good as the vibes. We highly recommend the Cubano and Hula Scramble with their own house-cured bacon.
Mosto
$$$
Jl. Pantai Berawa No. 99 Kecamatan Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
As Indonesia’s first Natural wine bar, many people might initially be drawn to Mosto for the wine list. However, as soon as you walk into the curb-side bistro you’ll be inundated with the smell of fresh bread and other umami-packed dishes by chef Lorenzo De Petris. Soon enough your “one drink” at Mosto will turn into a full-blown meal because it will be too hard to resist that rosemary lamb dish and ravioli. Mosto is perfect for a date night or for groups- order a variety of dishes and share them around to try as much as possible.
Skool Kitchen
$$$
Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Perched above The Lawn and overlooking the beach, Skool kitchen is the perfect spot for a sunset meal. Skool Kitchen calls its food “primitive cooking”, with many of its dishes being cooked on an open flame. The food is modern but not over-prepared, giving the ingredients a chance to speak for themselves.
The Woods
$$$
Jl. Dalem Lingsir No.8, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Dining at The Woods is like dining in a hip grown-up treehouse (the restaurant is quite literally built around a tree). Being located farther away from the beaches makes The Woods a peaceful place to sit and catch up on some work or do some reading during the day. The food is also impeccably prepared, with delicious all-day dining options. In the evenings, there are often live jazz nights hosted here so be sure to check social media to see the latest happenings at The Woods.
Baked
$$
Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.118, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Jl. Raya Semat Gg. Kupu kupu No.1, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Baked has a number of locations, even within the Canggu area. For anyone who had a big night and is craving a big breakfast, Baked is never too far away. This is a restaurant chain that doesn’t feel like a restaurant chain. The food always has that “made with love” taste that you get from classic Aussie brunch spots.
The Lawn
$$$
Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Thoughtfully designed with a tropical modern flare, The Lawn gives Seminyak’s beach clubs a run for their money. The beachfront pool makes it easy to wander down to the beach and even hop in the ocean to catch some waves. You’ll easily lose track of time sitting at the bar, enjoying one of the various creative cocktails. The Lawn frequently hosts guest DJs so be sure to check their social media to see what the latest happenings are.
Crate
$$
Jl. Canggu Padang Linjong No.49F, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Crate’s motto of “keeping it simple” can be felt as soon as you arrive at this hip breakfast spot. The menu is huge so there’s plenty to choose from but the smoothies are not to be missed. Step out to the back of the restaurant to get a glimpse of the rice terrac
Yuki
$$$
84RH+RM2, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Yuki brings a touch of Japan to the Canggu. The dishes are creative and span across sushi, sandos, and yakitori, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Don’t come here expecting a classic Japanese meal. The food is good and the atmosphere is a nice break from the bustle of the rest of the beachfront area.
Santanera
$$$
Jl. Tanah Barak No.55-57, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Santanera and its rooftop bar, La Terraza, are the perfect spot for a date night excursion. The Spanish restaurant occupies a three-story building and perfectly blends influences from Europe and Bali. The food similarly puts a spotlight on local ingredients but through the preparation of each dish, you can taste the distinctly Spanish spin.
Acme Bakehouse and Coffee Roasters
$$
Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.81A, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Acme is The Hula’s friendly neighbor across the way (the coffee served at The Hula is from Acme). Acme’s focaccia and pastries are the perfect buy-now, eat-later treats. Stop by on your way back from the beach.
Where to stay in Canggu
Villa Ashoka
$$$$
Jl. Dalem Gede No.29, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Villa Ashoka is the perfect holiday home to rent for a slice of tranquility and privacy in Canggu. The four-bedroom modern house looks like it’s straight out of mid-century Palm Springs. It’s conveniently located in Pererenan, close to all of the restaurants featured in our list above. The property is owned by a French-Chinese couple who built the home back in 2010 when Canggu was still flying under the radar. Once they noticed more and more holiday homes being built in the neighborhood, they decided to buy the plot of land directly in front of the house so that they could ensure nothing would be built on the rice paddy, preserving the classic view of lush Canggu greenery for guests to experience.