PUBLISHED February 7th, 2017 07:00 am | UPDATED July 28th, 2024 01:38 am
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, romance is definitely in the air in Bali. The paradisiacal island already draws lovers and honeymooners alike with its relaxed vibes, postcard-perfect land and seascapes, and mesmerising sunsets. We’re upping the ante with 10 romantic restaurants that tick all the right boxes (sumptuous food, great ambience, and panoramic views).
Sarong
Ornate and glamorous, Sarong is the place to go if your ideal venue is chic, stylish, and atmospheric. Eat at the ultra-luxe dining room furnished with chandeliers and plush sofas, or dine under the stars in the picturesque garden. Sarong’s menu boasts a wonderful mix of Asian flavours and the majority of the dishes are spicy – so it might not be the best if you can’t much heat in your food. However, attention to detail is what rounds out the excellent dining experience, from the immaculately set tables and fresh flower decorations, to the flawless service from the staff.
Sarong is located at Jl. Petitenget No.19X, Kerobokan, Bali, p. +62 812 3634 3386. Open 6:30pm-12am daily.
Merah Putih
With soaring ceilings, expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and elegant ornamental columns, the gorgeous Merah Putih is more than Instagram-worthy. Just like the setting, each and every dish is beautifully presented – be it mains like the char-grilled Angus beef short ribs or tasty sides such as sliced trout with char-grilled octopus, as well as lawar bebek (a dish containing crispy slices of fried duck, green beans and pumpkin salad).
Merah Putih is located at Jalan Petitenget No. 100x, Kerobokan, Kuta, Bali, p. +62 361 8465950. Open 10am-11pm daily.
Bambu Restaurant
Featuring grand dining pavilions set above turquoise waters, this restaurant has been exceedingly well-received by diners for the setting, the excellent service, and the range of Indonesian fare dished out from the kitchen. Crowd favourites include chicken and prawn satay, tender ribs, and the bebek betutu (roasted duck). Even if you don’t have time to spare for dinner, head down earlier in the evening for a cocktail or two at the generously proportioned bar area.
Bambu Restaurant is located at Jl. Petitenget No. 198, Kerobokan Kelod, Bali, p. +62 361 846 9797. Open 6pm-12am daily.
Samabe
A perfect evening at Samabe starts off with sundowners and a magical sunset show, followed by a decadent five course dinner served to your table by your personal butler – in a cave located on a secluded beach. Soak in the romantic vibes of the venue while you enjoy the sonorous sounds of the ocean, beautifully illuminated cave setting and the salty sea breeze.
Samabe Bali Suites & Villas is located at Jl. Pura Barong-barong Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali, p. +62 361 846 8633.
RIMBA Jimbaran Bali
Planning an extraordinary night out with your significant other? You can’t go wrong with Rimba’s private dining experiences. Choose from one of the three dreamy set-ups: the Garden of Eden lets you wine and dine on a lawn adorned with pretty tea lights and traditional Balinese decorations while Love Shack will have the both of you enjoying a candlelit dinner in a private gazebo. Perhaps the most romantic is Floataway Romance, which features a dinner for two upon a pontoon, set in the centre of a scenic pond.
RIMBA Jimbaran Bali is located at Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, p. +62 361 8468468. Open 6pm-11pm daily.
La Laguna Bali Restaurant & Beach Bar
Soak up the rustic vibes at La Laguna. Individuals with a bohemian flair will feel right at home in the restaurant’s vintage-styled grounds scattered with vibrantly coloured cushions, beautiful wooden caravans, and seating areas. Peppered with tropical foliage, La Laguna’s beachfront setting makes also makes this a great venue for enjoying a round of sundowner cocktails. Pair your drinks with nibbles like the farmer’s’ style pork meatballs or skewered meats.
Do note that the restaurant imposes a minimum spending of Rp.150, 000 Rp per person.
La Laguna Bali Restaurant & Beach Bar is located at Jalan Pantai Kayu Putih, Canggu, Bali, p. +62 812-3638-2272. Open 11am-12am daily.
The Garden
Set within the grounds of the Hanging Gardens of Bali, The Restaurant’s prime location affords an excellent vantage point for unobstructed vistas of the surrounding valleys, temple and gorges (the compound is terraced into the hillside). Gourmet meals dished out from the kitchen are inspired by French and Asian cuisines; service is attentive yet discreet. Some of the unique experiences including dining at the Secret Dalem Segara Temple or the above one of the world’s best swimming pools, beautifully illuminated by candles.
The Restaurant is located at Desa Buahan, Payangan, Bali, p. +62 361 982700.
Wantilan Agung
A meal at Wantilan Agung has it all – spectacular sunset views, ocean breezes, and delicious food. The restaurant’s extensive menu throws out plenty of options: international dishes, traditional Balinese, Javanese plates, and Chinese items. Take a seat in a grand candle-lit hall, dine alfresco in the tropical garden, or indulge in an ultra-romantic meal upon an 18th century antique bed that looks out to the sea. Diners with an eye for design will appreciate the collection of Indonesian antiques and cultural relics adorning the interiors.
Wantilan Agung is located at Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Beach, Bali, p. +62 361 4731 702.
The Sayan House
Located just a short ride away from Ubud central, but The Sayan House’s serene environs will push the madding crowd out of your mind. Enveloped by lush greenery, the picturesque landscape comes complete with views of the mystical Ayung river. More casual and unfussy, it’s a great bet for a relaxed lunch, or an intimate sunset-cocktails-and-dinner date.
The Sayan House is located at Jl. Raya Sayan No.70, Sayan, Ubud, Bali, p. +62 361 4792592. Open 12pm-10pm daily.
La View Restaurant
As its name suggests, La View offers stunning views and three private dining experiences. The first is a private infinity pool dining experience with a floating dining platform adorned with candles and perfumed flower blossoms. Called Bird Nest, the second experience will have you lovebirds set up in a bird nest-like enclave with views of the surrounding greenery and Ayung river valley. Another treetop experience can be found in the Eagle Nest, a private nook enveloped by flickering candle lights and blossoms, looking out to the woodland greenery and river valley.
Whichever you choose, your experience will come complete with a five-course gourmet menu and excellent service.
La View Restaurant is located at Jl. Raya Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, p. +62 361 975 478. Open 10am-10pm daily.
Top Image: The Garden