Seminyak restaurant and dining guide
Enjoy a sundowner at an oceanview restaurant
The standard and variety of dining in Seminyak is outstanding with every possible taste catered for. This is the largest expat community in Bali and the town has a distinctive European flavour with many continental style pavement cafes, delis and patisseries.
There is a very limited number of budget cafes and Seminyak is best known for elegant fine dining and gastro lounges. Just north of the centre lies Jalan Laksmana, a long winding road known as ‘Eat Street’ and home to countless trendy diners and cafe bars serving up exquisite and often expensive global cuisine.
You can dine out on South American tapas, Moroccan, Greek and Korean dishes along with more familiar French, Italian and Thai.
The beachfront is also filled with lively cafes offering delectable seafood in romantic surroundings. Most of the larger hotels and villa resorts also boast first class dining facilities. Wherever you dine you are likely to be paying as much for the location and ambience as the food itself and prices can vary widely. Having said this, the standard of food is generally excellent everywhere. See our recommended list below of Seminyak’s finest eateries.
Recommended Seminyak restaurants and dining
The Queen's Tandoor is extremely popular
Queens Tandoor: With a broad moderately-priced menu, this multi-award winning family run restaurant offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu. There is a wide selection of hot dishes from the tandoor, together with chicken specialties, succulent lamb and fresh seafood. But vegetarian dishes such as Navratan Jalfrazi comprised of nine garden vegetables in a saffron sauce, and Malai Kofta vegetable balls in a creamy sauce, are arguably the jewel in the crown. Plus lunchtime thalis, masala dosas and lots more. Jalan Raya, Seminyak No. 73, Tel: +62 (0)361 732770, open: 11:00-23:30. $$
Antique: Located right in the heart of the bar and club district, this perennial favourite serves up delicious modern Asian fare in hearty portions. It is a stylish place offering lounge style dining for trendy night owls and prices are pretty reasonable considering the high quality food and presentation. Expect dishes such as Vietnamese spicy crab, Indonesian murtabak and few obscure choices such as water eel and yam yam. Jalan Dhyana Pura, Abimanju Arcade No.7, Seminyak, tel: +62 (0)361 730907, open Tues-Sun: 18:00-24:00, Fri & Sat: 18:00 – 02:00 $$$
Rio Bar and Grill: This lively place guarantees good times and sizzling South American barbecues. Set in a secluded courtyard garden, guests can enjoy sociable stand up dining around the barbecue or an intimate table for two in one of the private gazebos. Prime cuts of meat and seafood are cooked to order and drenched in a choice of rich Brazilian spices or fiery hot Indonesian sambal sauce. There is a surprising range of veggie options too. A great spot for a lively group celebration. 31 Jalan Raya, Seminyak, tel: +62 (0)361 732685, open daily 10:00 – 23:00. $$
Panterei: The global gastronomic journey continues, this time stopping off in Greece. This funky modern restaurant is one of Bali’s best for traditional Greek meze and moussaka. It is a lively place with an elaborate cocktail bar that is always busy after dark.
A fairly varied menu also includes beef stifado and kefte and a good choice of platters for two. Expect lots of authentic atmosphere as this place also serves as the main social centre for Bali’s small Greek expat community. 17 Jalan Raya, Seminyak, tel: +62 (0)361 732567, admin@panterei-restaurant-bali.net, Open: 11:00-01:00. $$$
Khaima: Located on Seminyak’s famous ‘Eat Street’ this is an exotic Moroccan eatery offering an unique night out. The decor is suitably exotic with flowing drapes and floor cushions and Islamic art adorning its walls. The casbah experience is further enhanced by belly dancers and sheesha pipes. The menu consists of North African and Persian specialties as set meals or a la carte and most are moderately priced. A dining experience with a difference and bookings advised. 334 Kerobokan, Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak, tel: +62 (0)361 7423925, open: 11:00-23:00. $$$
Price guide
$ dishes rp15,000 – rp30,000; quart of beer rp25,000; whiskey shot rp25,000; cocktails rp30,000
$$ dishes rp30,000 – rp75,000; quart of beer rp35,000; whiskey shot rp40,000; cocktails rp45,000
$$$ dishes rp75,000 – rp100,000; quart of beer rp40,000; whiskey shot rp50,000 cocktails rp50,000
$$$$ dishes rp100,000+ quart of beer rp50,000; whiskey rp60,000; cocktails rp70,000
Gado Gado: This is one of Bali’s most famous restaurants and certainly is one of the most romantic spots for a meal in Seminyak. It features a huge indoor dining area and breezy terrace right on the sand complete with twinkling fairy lights.
The views across the water are fabulous. It has a classy menu of seafood and Mediterranean dishes and service cannot be faulted. An extensive wine list and evening bookings essential. Jalan Dhyana Pura no99, Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, tel: +62 (0)361 736966. email: info@gadogadorestaurant.com, open: 10:00-23:00. $$$$
Metis: This refined restaurant is strictly for diners with deep pockets or for impressing a date. It is a rather formal affair with elegant colonial decor and a hushed, romantic ambience. The menu is a colourful blend of top notch French and modern Asian cuisine and the wine list is huge and expensive. A true gastronomic experience and definately worth a one time splurge. No.6, Kerobokan Kelod, Seminyak, Tel: +62 361 737888, reservations@metisbali.com, open: lunch from 11:00, dinner from 17:00 the bar and lounge open until 02:00. $$$$
