Kuta restaurant and dining guide

There is no fear of going hungry during a stay in Kuta. As a bustling cosmopolitan resort, it serves up a feast of flavours from every corner of the globe. Whether you are an adventurous foodie with a penchant for the hot stuff or just prefer the familiar tastes of home, dining out in Kuta knows no bounds. You can easily eat for under a dollar in an atmospheric roadside food stall or perhaps push the boat out with some five star decadent dining. Kuta has the most eclectic restaurant scene in Bali and the variety is staggering.

For cheap eats the Poppies Lane district is the place to be and boasts wall to wall cafes, trendy bistros and local restaurants where you can eat heartily for next to nothing. There is also several fast food outlets here too. More refined dining can be had along the entire length of Kuta beach where trendy lounges and elegant hotel restaurants line the beachfront offering a little romance and top notch gourmet cuisine. Early evening is the time to visit for the much lauded ocean sunsets.

In addition to a high number of Italian, Thai and Japanese eateries, you will also chance upon more obscure cuisines such as Russian, Brazilian and Lebanese. Simply stroll around and see what takes your fancy, wherever you wander you are no more than a few paces away from the next tempting restaurant. However to save you a little shoe leather we have come up with our top picks for dining out in Kuta, from the very finest budget cafes to the most alluring five star luxury.

Price guide
$ dishes rp15,000 – rp30,000; quart of beer rp25,000; whiskey shot rp25,000; cocktails rp30,000
$$ dishes rp30,000 – rp75,000; quart of beer rp35,000; whiskey shot rp40,000; cocktails rp45,000
$$$ dishes rp75,000 – rp100,000; quart of beer rp40,000; whiskey shot rp50,000 cocktails rp50,000
$$$$ dishes rp100,000+ quart of beer rp50,000; whiskey rp60,000; cocktails rp70,000        

Cafe Sendok (International)
Open 24 hours a day, this German owned eatery offers vast portions of Pan Asian stir fries, German sausages and authentic pasta. A good selection of indulgent desserts and pastries and full English breakfast available anytime. $$
Jalan Legian no139 tel: +62 90)361 752450

Bamboo Corner (Indonesian)
This is the number one budget restaurant in Kuta bar none. Exceedingly busy, this unassuming restaurant serves up wholesome Indonesian fare to a devoted crowd of expats and locals and by 7pm they are usually queuing out of the door. Tuck into a huge basket of baby lobster for just rp50,000 but get there early to avoid disappointment. $
Poppies Lane 1 tel: +62 (0)361 716644 Open daily 08:00 to midnight

Stadium Cafe (American)
A cavernous all American sports bar with a fun loving lively ambience, it serves up huge burgers, ribs and steaks until late. Big TV screens, pool tables and a wealth of exotic, well priced cocktails ensure good times for all. $$
Kuta Sidewalk, Jalan Kartika Plaza tel: +62 (0)361 763100 open daily 09:00 to 01:00

Kori (International)
Tucked away in the backpacker village, this is a beautiful open air garden restaurant deservedly popular with expats and tourists. It serves up well executed seafood, Mexican tapas and authentic pasta. For a romantic experience dine in one of the intimate private cabanas. Also has its own cigar lounge. $$$
Poppies Lane 2 tel: +62 (0)361 758605 Open daily 17:00 to 23:00 Booking recommended

Balcony (Mediterranean)
A lively Euro style cafe highly popular with the surfing fraternity. The menu is Mediterranean in influence and presented with imagination and flair. It boasts an excellent selection of Spanish tapas. It is a convivial spot for early evening sundowners or stay awhile and watch new Hollywood releases on the big screen. $$
Jalan Benesari no15 tel: +62 (0)361 757409 Open daily 11:00 to midnight

Ma Joly (French)
A spectacular ocean front location sets the scene for a memorable fine dining experience. Exquisite French cooking and exceptional service marks this out as one of Kuta’s finest. By no means cheap but is well worth the splurge. Located in the extreme south of Tuban beach. $$$$
Jalan Wana Segara Tuban tel: (0)361 753780 Open daily 18:00 to 23:00 booking recommended 

Ketupat (Indonesian)
One of Kuta’s hidden gems, Ketupat is not the easiest place to find but well worth the effort. Set in a lovely shaded courtyard it offers classy Indonesian seafood specialities
in private cabanas by a pool. One of central Kuta’s best places for a romantic evening. Located behind Jonathon Gallery $$
Jalan Legian no109 tel: +62 (0)361 754091 Open daily 17:00 to 23:00 Booking recommended

Rosso Vivo (Italian)
Front row seats to a glorious Kuta sunset is what you get at Rosso Vivo, a romantic restaurant and lounge that is popular with young trendies. It serves exquisite Italian seafood and also boasts a lush courtyard and open air swimming pool. Make a night of it with late lounging and dancing until the early hours. $$$ 
Jalan Pantai Kuta tel: +62 (0)361 751961 Open daily 11:00 to 02:00

Havana (Mexican/Indonesian)
Fun loving Havana is a great casual spot for drinking or dining Latin style. There is good value hearty Tex-Mex and Cajun dishes and lots of succulent seafood options which are all laid out before you on ice. All you can eat buffets are a weekly highlight and deservedly popular with the budget travellers who frequent this area. They also claim to make the best martinis in town. A perfect spot for large groups. $$
Poppies Lane 1 tel: +62 (0)361 752611 Open daily 10:00 to 01:00

Aroma’s (Vegetarian International)
This long standing Legian Street favourite is still the best bet for vegetarians in Kuta. There are imaginative Indian, Italian and Lebanese dishes, irresistible cakes, pastries and plenty of gourmet sandwich fillings. It has an elegant, unhurried ambience and set in an oasis of greenery. $$
Jalan Legian tel: +62 (0)361 751003 Open daily 10:00 to 22:00

Warung Indonesia (Indonesian)
No frills wholesome home cooking is what Warung Indonesia does best and it has been a confirmed travellers’ favourite for more than a decade. It is a regular pit stop for the surfing community and always seems to have a lively atmosphere day and night. Offers some of the best value Indonesian fare in Kuta and the beer is ice cold and cheap. $
Gang Ronta, Poppies Lane 2 tel: +62 (0)361 759817 Open daily 10:00 to midnight

Kunyit Bali (Indonesian)
If you want to sample the very finest Balinese cuisine then head to this classy open air restaurant, situated in the grounds of the plush Santika Hotel. Slow roasted pork and duck are the highlights and there is a fine choice of exquisite seafood. It features attentive service and understated luxury in an oasis of quietude. Dine by the pool or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance. $$$
Jalan Kartika Plaza tel: +62 (0)361 751267 Open daily 17:00 to 22:00

Roma Amor (Italian)
This bright and sassy pizzeria and lounge serves up great pizza and risotto dishes with lots of flair and enthusiasm. There is also a fair selection of local cuisine and filling sandwiches. Pool tables and mellow DJ sounds offer a great casual lounging and dining experience. $$
Jalan Benesari tel: +62 819 33019854 open 11:00 to 01:00

Kuta nightlife and bars
Kuta attractions
Kuta spas

Singapore restaurants
Phnom Penh restaurants