Dining in Bali is never a boring affair. From roadside nasi campurs to upscale Seminyak eateries, we’re pretty spoilt with choices when it comes to food options.
But it’s not only the diversity of food that Bali provides. When there’s so much competition it becomes all about the dining experience as well as the sensation that hits our palates.
Explore these places in Bali when you want to spice it up and you’re looking for more than your ordinary dining or drinking experience.
1. Frankensteins Laboratory
Haunted house fans will enjoy tucking into the “monster bites” and “creepy concoctions” on offer at this freak show laboratory themed bar and restaurant. This place really goes all out in terms of getting into the Frankenstein spirit, including full-on costumes, makeup, and even a regular cabaret show called the “Dancing Dead.”
The food is pretty standard Western fare (i.e. different types of burgers and wood-oven pizzas, and some choices of “fresh salads”), but the uniqueness lies in the cocktails menu. You can even get them served in an IV Bag (don’t worry, no needles required), or if shots are more your thing, they can be delivered in a syringe. Definitely makes for an interesting night out.
Frankensteins Laboratory
Jl. Dhyana Pura No 6, Seminyak
2. Motel Mexicola
It’s a colorful affair at this trendy and quirky Mexican hotspot at Petitenget.
A few bloggers have commented to the surroundings being similar to a Quentin Tarantino movie. The decor combines every bright color imaginable, and all of the different chairs definitely make you feel like you are in a genuine Cantina. At night the atmosphere turns pretty festive and encourages you to move from tapas and churros to tequila (according to a TripAdvisor review, from time to time the owner/manager will run around the restaurant tipping tequila to any willing recipient). It’s an awesome place for some loud fun, but probably not the place to go if you’re looking for a laid-back and low-key affair.
Motel Mexicola
Jl. Kayu Jati No 9X Seminyak, Bali
3. Man Shed Cafe
If eating and drinking in a grungy garage surrounded by antique cars and motorbikes appeals to you, we suggest that you check out Man Shed Cafe.
Many of the decorations, apart from the real thing itself, are repurposed from bits of old motorcycles (including supposedly the table). Vehicle lovers keep coming back because the collection supposedly changes all the time. The food itself is a mixture of typical Indonesian and Western fare and reviews are mixed in terms of quality, though visitors agree that it is an awesome place to enjoy an ice-cold beer.
Man Shed Cafe
Jl. Tirtanadi II no.9 Banjar Blanjong, Sanur
4. The Bamboo Bar & Lounge
Understated chic and tropical eco-friendly might not be two descriptions that immediately go hand in hand, but they’re exactly the words that best describe Bamboo Bar & Lounge.
As the name suggests, the place is built completely from Bamboo, which makes for an interesting marvel in itself. But the real unique experience is at the bar, where you get to sit on these bamboo-swing-cradle things as you sip your cocktail.
Bamboo Bar & Lounge
Prama Sanur Beach, Jl. Danau Tamblingan
5. The Pirates Bay
This Nusa Dua spot is guaranteed to be a favorite amongst the pirate-loving kids.
There are treehouses, swings, and even a pirate ship in this open-air cafe. There are also various random “piratesque” set-ups such as beach huts, bonfires and tents scattered all around the place. There are also flying foxes and swinging bridges, though if the kids are going to attempt this, probably best that they do it before they eat (just saying)!
You can even go all out and rent pirate costumes and arrange for the staff to organize a little treasure hunt activity. The food, a mix of Western and Eastern, appears to be pretty so-so judging from reviews, though most families that come here probably base their satisfaction level on whether their kids got to feel like Captain Jack Sparrow for the day rather than culinary factors.
Pirates Bay Bali
The Bay Bali, BTDC Area, Lot C-0, Nusa Dua
6. Bali Tower Restaurant
Definitely a bit out of the typical tourist trail, Bali Tower Restaurant is situated above a tree line overlooking the West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat).
Guests who have dined here recommend the breakfast. We can see why —it would be enjoyable to start your day overlooking a forest and the ocean while you hear birds chirping and deers running around. Also its location definitely makes you feel in touch with nature and proves to be a nice break from the bustling tourist centers.
Bali Tower Resto
The Menjangan, Jl. Raya Gilimanuk-Singaraja, Desa Pejarakan, Buleleng
7. Bale Puputan
Bali was once an island of many kingdoms. And when royalties dine it’s a pretty amazing affair. At Bale Puputan dining chamber you can experience what this may have been like back in the day. The dining chamber is complete with Balinese antique and artwork dating back from the 19th century as well as the Puputan wars. The menu is a combination of classic Balinese dishes (including bebek betutu, yummmm) and is presented in an appropriately royal-like, lavish affair. An awesome place for a special occasion. Must book one day ahead.
Bale Puputan
Hotel Tugu Bali, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong
Photo at the top: Facebook Page of Motel Mexicola
