Housed in a beautiful loft-style space, Barbacoa in Seminyak has quickly established itself as the place to “see and be seen” in Bali.

Biku is located in a joglo, a traditional Javanese house, made of teakwood and with a steeped roof. The setting is matched by the excellent traditional dishes, like homemade beef redang, a spicy curry. Save plenty of room for dessert, which might be a Mexican chocolate confection or a luscious carrot cake. All is made according to the Balinese royal owner’s family recipes. Don't miss the adjacent bookshop, Ganesha.

Bypass your resort’s copious Sunday breakfast buffet for the far better people-watching at this legendary Bali gathering spot. Linger over delectable caramelized apple or banana pancakes and fresh fruit shakes at the prime outdoor tables or in the air-conditioned dining room, or consider a quesadilla made to order from the outdoor grill. You can also shop for indigenous spices from Bali celebrity chef and food writer Diana von Cranach.

Specializing in vegetarian and shareable, tapas-style dishes, Cuca prides itself on being a place where “casual meets fine dining”.

The enlightened Balinese team of chefs at this restaurant at COMO Shambhala turn nuts, seeds, fruits and leafy greens into raw cuisine rich in nutrients. Try the pad Thai salad, sweetened with Balinese raw honey and with sliced coconut ‘noodles’ or the strawberry agar-agar with cashew nut ice cream. Glow also offers the option to stick with cooked, healthy dishes, like char-grilled, grass-fed beef and king prawns.

With its idyllic ocean views, this restaurant and beach club is Seminyak’s official jet-set headquarters. Stylish families and couples make a day of it here, ordering a cappuccino and fruit salad in the morning, claiming oversized lounge chairs by the beach for the day then sipping tropical cocktails at sunset. Inside, New Zealander chef Phillip Davenport is in charge of a menu that may include seared baby lobster and Wagyu short ribs in bordelaise sauce. If you can forget about your bikini, the double Valhrona chocolate tart with gold leaf and cinnamon ice cream is worth the indulgence. After dark (sometimes until sunrise), the dance floor gets busy, especially during August when each weekend welcomes a theme party of epic proportions.

This enchanting riverfront restaurant at Mandapa is housed under a large thatched-roof villa held up by tall bamboo stalks. In the dining room lit by hanging orbs, guests of the hotel and visitors dine on spectacular continental cuisine to the sounds of the rushing river. On the edges of the open-air restaurant, nine onion-shaped cocoons dangle in front of the river and offer the ultimate in private-dining luxury. Reserve the intimate cocoons in advance for a magical night that is elevated by the sophisticated cuisine. The restaurant features chef’s tasting menus as well as á la carte options like squid ink gnocchi, Wagyu beef rib eye and black cod with smoked clam foam.

Elephant ear palm fronds sway all day over this open-air, thatched balé directly on Kayu Aya Beach in Seminyak. The menu focuses on a range of modern Italian specialties and the staff is professional and friendly. La Lucciola is a beloved spot for weekend brunch (try the ricotta hot cakes), sunset cocktails, made with just picked fruits and romantic dinners.

Dining in the open-air, tented room at Capella Ubud’s Mads Lange is a culinary treat. The “camp casual” vibe is elevated with dark wood beams and colorful murals. Unobstructed views of palm trees and untouched Balinese jungle make it a beautiful setting for meals at any time of day. Indonesian specialty dishes are served, in addition to more international healthy fare from the farm, sea and land. Meals are prepared with the freshest locally-sourced ingredients (including some from the on-property gardens and nearby farms and waters).

Housed in a cathedral-like space that looks like it was plucked out of a design magazine, this elegant restaurant in Seminyak has become one of Bali’s most innovative eateries. The menu is divided into traditional and modern, a showcase of classic and more experimental dishes that provide a single sitting education in Indonesian cuisine. Perkedel Kepiting (soft shell crab, salted egg, corn samba) for example is served to illustrate an old-school approach, while Lamb Shank ‘Popia’ with star anise, soy, radish and pancakes testify to the chef’s tinkering with Balinese ingredients. Meat eaters won’t want to miss the suckling pig. The setting gives one a further sense of a more refined vision while respecting a local ethos: a temple to Indonesian cuisine indeed.

This hip new wine bar serves up excellent blends paired with elevated bar food sure to satisfy any craving.

Locally sourced and unpretentious yet exquisite plates are Mozaic's specialty and are likely to please any palette.

A star of Ubud’s burgeoning food scene, Pica offers artfully presented South American dishes and specializes in flavorful ceviche. The open kitchen and small dining space combine to create a vibrant, lively ambiance that draws crowds, so be sure to reserve a table in advance.

The crescent-shape of this design-minded beach club makes for spectacular views of the Indian Ocean at any angle. The stylish club boasts three restaurants, two bars and an infinity-edge pool flanked by daybeds all overlooking the wide stretch of beach. Come for tropical cocktails while the sun sets and enjoy light bites or dinner from the global fusion menu.

This Seminyak eatery has generated island-wide buzz for simple yet sublime seafood dishes, like grilled mahi-mahi topped with capsicum and roasted walnut salsa. Look for the colorful, circus-inspired exterior.

Uma Cucina serves family-style Italian cuisine, including antipasto dishes, handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Located near central Ubud, it’s a casual restaurant and lounge at COMO Uma Ubud, that's popular among hotel guests and locals looking for a neighborhood feel in the midst of buzzy surroundings. This is classic Bali casual-chic vibes with open air seating and a dining terrace.

Located in the heart of trendy Canggu, Uni is the new neighborhood favorite that is fancy enough for a big night out, yet can be simple.

Architect Made Wijaya’s colorful sensibility sets the scene at this restaurant in Ubud: antique posters advertising traditional Indonesian herbal cures decorate the walls and old Dutch wrought-iron lamps with brightly hued glass shades hang above turquoise tables. The menu offers an exciting mix of dishes from all over Indonesia—pangek sapi from Sumatra, a spicy beef dish served over rice and crunchy wing beans, vegetables and tofu on a nest of fried egg noodles.