Canggu, Bali's liveliest district, is not only famous for its surfer-friendly beaches, but also for its vibrant food scene. Canggu's rapid growth into a must-visit destination for tourists and digital nomads has also led to a thriving culinary scene in the area. In fact, Canggu is home to some of Bali's greatest restaurants. As if there aren't enough epic restaurants to go around, new ones pop up almost every month on the outskirts of everyone's favorite surf town. In this article, we will take a look at the best places to eat in Canggu for an unforgettable dining experience! Without further ado, let's get down to it.
Penny Lane
If you’re wondering where to eat in Canggu boasts jaw-dropping architecture, this is it. With breezy interiors filled with alternative art, indoor palms, and vintage chandeliers, it's no surprise that travelers in Canggu flock here at the Penny Lane every day. In a nutshell, Penny Lane is a cross between the jungle of Ubud (by the way here you can find one of the best seafood restaurant in Ubud), a Souk in Morocco, and a museum in Paris, yes – it’s that pretty!
Food-wise, they serve a combination of local dishes like nasi goreng, chicken satay, and western brunch staples like smashed avo on sourdough. Oh, and their poutine burger is not to be missed either. Just like other Canggu restaurants, they also serve vegan and vegetarian menus! You can choose a delicious plant-based burger with a mushroom patty, sliced avo, wild rocket, beetroot, pumpkin, and pickled red onion.
Avocado Factory
Oh, this one is an avocado lover’s paradise! Avocado toast, avocado smoothie bowl, avocado in the burger, dipping sauce, and so many more! Avocado Factory is Bali’s first avocado bar, where all dishes, both sweet and savory, center around avo — it’s always used as the star rather than just the garnish. Fun fact: Avocado Factory moves as much as 100 kgs of avo every single day.
The Avocado Factory is not just about tasty food. They also emphasize sustainability and eco-friendly practices by partnering with local avocado farmers (yes, they sourced the avo locally). By also choosing eco-friendly furnishings, the restaurant aims to minimize environmental impact.
Skool Kitchen
Nestled between a line of fire and the Indian Ocean and perched above The Lawn, Skool Kitchen welcomes you to the heart of Batu Bolong beach with a mix of primitive and modern culinary experiences. Here at a flaming-hot Skool Kitchen, every dish is touched by fire. The open-flame kitchen uses natural wood and charcoal to cook dishes, providing a distinct, smoky flavor.
Their food is simple, focusing on three fundamentals: produce, skill, and fire. They have plenty of tapas-size dishes, so you still can try quite a few even if you’re coming alone. The best seat in the house is at the kitchen-side counter, where you can watch Chef Gunawan and his team sizzling your wagyu tomahawk steak or other specialty. Highlights include the slow-roasted lamb and the seven-hour charcoal-roasted pineapple. If you’re into seafood, be sure not to miss the smoked octopus escabeche with pickled cucumber.
Shichirin Canggu
Are you in the mood for some Japanese food? Then Shichirin, the must-try Japanese restaurant in Canggu is where you need to be. Shichirin, which means traditional Japanese charcoal grill, offers its guests a unique dining experience where they can enjoy the art of skewering meat and vegetables. This cozy Izakaya-style restaurant offers a warm atmosphere, with a seating capacity of 23 people indoors and additional bar spots. Shichirin served three experiences of enjoying food only one door: Teppanyaki, Gyukatsu, and Izakaya.
All the food served is eye-catching and appetizing. You can see the ingredients used are fresh right from the very first plate. The food plating is sure to have you taking snaps for Instagram stories. Highlights include the Grilled Norway Salmon, Sext Lady Pink Sushi Roll, and Mixed Lava Package featuring assorted lava nigiri. If you're a spicy eater, don't miss their Tori Spicy Teriyaki, served with Balinese sambal matah for a local twist.
Yuki
Welcoming the guests with an ocean breeze from its prime location in front of the Batu Bolong Beach, Yuki presents a modern Japanese-inspired izakaya in Canggu's dining scene. Their interior showcases a blend of tropical beach houses with a sleek Japanese aesthetic by using bamboo as the dominant base.
Embracing Balinese heritage, founder Rai Sutama blends traditional Japanese cuisine with local ingredients to offer an exquisite dining experience. Tuna truffle sushi torched salmon maki, and oyster mushroom yakitori are all designed for sharing. If you're craving meat, make sure to order their wood-fired grill menu. The vegan options at Yuki are equally diverse, with veggie sushi, mushroom yakitori, and coconut ice cream being best sellers among vegans. All the ingredients used are of the highest quality and are mostly locally and sustainably sourced from Bali's abundant farmers and fishermen.
Conclusion
Apart from the well-known traffic jams, Canggu has a myriad of diverse restaurants! After a long day of surfing under the heat and being stuck in Canggu's traffic, you may feel a little out of mood, and getting the food you crave will fix that, don't you agree? Whether you're in the mood for Japanese, Mexican, Western, Italian, and local, finding the best restaurant in Canggu won't be a challenge.
The food scene in Canggu is as diverse as its diners, offering a range of dining experiences that cater to every taste and preference. Clearly, so many more are popping up and ready to be explored when you're in the area. Whether you're a local or a traveler, restaurants in Canggu promise both delicious food and unforgettable moments. Bon appétit!
