Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Bali

Crispy Pata is a delightful Asian eatery surrounded by a lush tropical garden boasting picturesque views of terraced rice paddies. It is bright and airy, yet the décor is decidely rustic with heavy oak furniture and wooden flooring. It bills itself as an "Asian warung," but the food quality and service puts it firmly in the fine dining category. The menu consists of Thai, Filipino and mainly Indonesian food such as Balinese pork, seafood sate and grilled fish. All are executed with plenty of flair utilizing everything from Italian herbs to Asian sauces. There are some delightful savory entrees such as potato perkedel and chili prawns, and there is also a commendable selection of calorific Indonesian desserts. It is a busy spot during dinner, and reservations are highly recommended. -Raymond Montgomery

Set along the banks of the picturesque Ayung River, Swept Away Restaurant Ubud is rightly named since it succeeds in sweeping away guests with its delectable cuisine. The restaurant features a subtle yet charming ambiance, and it is the perfect spot for reunions and romantic dinner dates. Guests can pick from an assortment of food items on the menu ranging from local to international, each tinged with a touch of originality and ingenuity. Located on the premises of the stunning Samaya Hotel, Swept Away caters to the taste buds of all those who venture into its comforting space where cool breezes drift through the outdoor restaurant. A kids menu is also available.

Gajah Biru offers an unforgettable setting along a winding path beautifully illuminated by candlelight. It passes serene ponds and fountains with a dining area set in traditional Balinese pagodas filled with flowers. The menu consists of classy Indian cuisine such as spicy thali, tandoori chicken and plenty of international dishes from Australia, Mexico, Europe and China. There is a wealth of calorific desserts from the subcontinent and more familiar treats such as cheesecake and ice creams. A fine selection of nightly barbecued seafood and vegetarian options should ensure enough variety for every diner. Gajah Biru offers off-street parking for diners. - Ray Montgomery

Kebun Zibiru Cucina Italiana is an authentic Italian restaurant which offers a range of traditional dishes in a romantic setting. You can opt to dine in their garden among the tropical plants with colorful lanterns and rustic, handmade furniture giving the place a fairy tale vibe, their cozy interior which emulates the Old Bali charm or their rooftop lounge. Between lunch and dinner timings, the restaurant's bottega offers a range of sandwiches and snacks which come in vegan and vegetarian varieties along with a number of non-vegetarian options. Using homemade bread and pasta and produce whcih is organically grown in the restaurant's own garden, the restaurant promises an authentic farm-to-table experience. Soul and jazz music nights are also organized here on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Dog Dragon Grill is a vibrant bar and restaurant with its own unique and distinctive style. It features dramatic terracotta statuettes at its entrance and vivid flowing drapes. It has a distinctly bohemian atmosphere and has become a popular watering hole for resident expats. It has an open fronted aspect overlooking busy Jalan Benesari with a large open plan kitchen and circular bar. The menu at Dog Dragon Grill is as inventive as its decor. There are early morning full English breakfasts, a range of gourmet burgers, steak and fresh pastries. Standout main courses include rare butterfish, Thai curry and swordfish. Other choices are spicy Balinese pork and duck and Indian tandoori chicken. Dog Dragon Grill is open until midnight daily. -Ray Montgomery

While the décor is simple and a little uninspired, the location of Kubu Lalang on Pantai Happy Beachfront is superb, matched by the quality of the food and its presentation. These features combine to make it one of Lovina's best, low-cost restaurants. Owned and operated by an experienced Austrian chef, the menu comprises a whistlestop tour of the globe and focuses much of its most imaginative dishes on the Mediterranean. There are many enticing choices such as poached fish filets in pepper and lime butter, Viennese paprika chicken and even spicy Muligatawny soup. Kubu Lalang has an extensive breakfast menu that even includes an Indian variety of chickpea curry, naan and pineapple chutney. Despite using many unique ingredients by Balinese standards, the meals are a great value, and you will be hard pressed to find such artistry and imagination in any other restaurant at these prices. -Ray Montgomery