Canggu offers a wonderfully diverse food scene that is inspired by its eclectic international community, tropical abundance and unique focus on health and wellbeing. Here, traditional Balinese warungs sit alongside award-winning fine dining restaurants, and the options span from everything else in between. While many meals are included in your Bali retreat, if you are looking to sample some of Canggu’s best eateries, here are a selection of our favourites.
The Shady Shack
The Shady Shack is not only one of the best places to eat in Canggu, it may just be one of the best places to eat in Bali! Every single dish here is a vibrant masterpiece- as Instagrammable as it is delicious and good for you. All meals are vegetarian, but don’t let that sway you if you’re not primarily plant-based. The cooks utilise creative substitutions, such as coconut sour cream on the lavish vegan burrito, and marinated jackfruit sandwiched between their homemade burger buns. Huge abundant fresh salad bowls steal the show here also, and if you’re around for breakfast, the smoothie bowls are a must. The staff are always friendly and the atmosphere is always laid back with Jack Johnson tunes serenading you in the tropical garden setting. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and enjoy a guilt-free raw chocolate cake or raw vegan mint slice!
Give
Give is an Indonesian Warang with a twist. All dishes are traditional Balinese dishes but are vegetarian. You can order off the menu or pick and choose your own plate from the abundant options at the counter. This little colourful cafe is always bopping with smiles, music and an eclectic mix of customers. Huge glasses of vibrant kombucha and iced teas are the perfect cool-me-down to go alongside your meal. One the best parts of this cafe is that every single meal helps to support a local charity. When you order, you are given the chance to choose one of three local charities that you wish to donate towards. The meals are big here and incredibly flavoursome – some of the best Balinese food you will try in Canggu. Yet again, you simply must save room for dessert; Give make incredible (not at all Indonesian-inspired!) vegan snickers magnums which are out of this world.
Clear
Clear Cafe is new on the Canggu scene and has been eagerly awaited by anyone who has visited the original cafe location in Ubud. Clear serves delicious healthy meals that are full of flavour and feature dishes from all over the world. They offer a vibrant twist on traditional Balinese dishes, Mexican favourites, Japanese options, and fun Western flair. The menu is primarily plant-based but there are also seafood and meat options to choose from. The restaurant itself is worth checking out alone- it is an incredible 2 story building with ample seating and very unique inspired architecture. This shoe- free paradise is somewhere you may find yourself going back to again and again.
Motion
Motion Cafe is one the best cafe in Canggu for the paleo, keto crowd, and as such, this small cafe is jam-packed with health fanatics and gym lovers from dawn to dusk! Of course, everyone is welcome and the friendly staff do a remarkable job remembering every single order to perfection, no matter how many substitutions you make to the dish you order (it’s that kind of place!) Paleo waffles are their biggest hit and most likely to feature on the Instagram stories! Huge salads, protein smoothies, keto chia puddings, paleo brownies plus plenty of huge all-day breakfast options are what keeps this cafe buzzing. You can build your own plate from the menu items too which is always a winner for those who have dietary requirements or know what they like! If you’re feeling under the weather, Motion also has plenty of hydrating tonics to take away such as coconut water with lime, turmeric tonics and also healthy soups.
Cafe Vida
For the real health enthusiasts, this is another cafe you must try. It is situated on one of Canggu’s busier roads, yet as soon as you wander through the doors you are in a little nook of paradise. The menu here is immense, especially when it comes to drinks. Choose from a range of superfood smoothies, health tonics, kombucha brews, a huge tea menu, fresh juices and local coffee. They even have a whole latte section that offers turmeric lattes, beetroot lattes and even charcoal lattes! The presentation here really sets them apart- especially with their smoothie bowls (follow their Instagram to check them out!) Again, Cafe Vida isn’t only vegetarian, yet there is a real focus on good quality ingredients and also lots of superfoods. Healthy treats in the cake cabinet are great to take away for later snacking.
Crate
Crate Cafe is a Canggu institution. This cafe isn’t much to look at – a huge open concrete building down a quieter road surrounded by rice fields. Alas, the food here speaks for itself, or perhaps, yells for itself! Portions are huge and epic in presentation. Breakfast is the most popular time of the day here and the friendly waiters serve up colourful smoothie bowls, enormous egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, chia cups and more. Prices are incredibly reasonable for what you get and service is fast. It’s a popular post-surf location or to fuel up after a workout! It is most likely the most hipster place to be in Canggu – don’t miss it!
Ji
Ji is an award-winning Japanese restaurant right on the beach at Batu Balong offering one of the best sunset positions on the island. The food here is top notch and prepared by exceptional chefs who master the delicate flavours and artful presentation of Japanese cuisine. Book ahead for this one as they do tend to fill up each evening. They have an extensive drinks list to go along with their delicious meals too. While sushi may not be your idea of a Bali holiday feast, if you’re craving good quality Japanese with an epic view and exceptional service, you really can’t go past Ji.
Samadi
Samadi is a beautiful eco-friendly cafe, yoga studio and community space that offers Sunday markets and plenty of special events such as ecstatic dance, mediations, conscious movie nights and yoga workshops. The cafe offers beautiful healthy cuisine that ranges from traditional Indian style thali plates, to tasty falafel bowls, to Indonesian favourites also. Meals are incredibly fresh, utilising mostly organic local produce. Delicious drinks including homemade kefir and chai tea are on the menu, and plenty of superfoods are available to boost your drinks and help you to thrive. Take away options include homemade jams, krauts, kale chips, bliss balls, healthy cakes, jamu, and more. Don’t miss popping in on Sundays for the farmers market- there are some wonderful local businesses and terrific food to enjoy.
Lacalita
If Mexican is your thing, don’t think you need to miss out when in Bali. Lacalita serves up the tastiest Mexican fare this side of… Asia! All your favourites grace the extensive menu with delicious tacos, burritos and fresh tasty salads. An amazing cocktail list also features here, and two for one margarita nights happen on select nights through the week. The service is terrific and the interior assures you of some great social media snaps with authentic Mexican wares with a Canggu hipster twist! A great place to go to with new and old friends alike.
The Slow
Eat & Drink at The Slow is a contemporary restaurant known for its stunning interiors, clean minimalist style and ingredient-driven menu. The chef draws upon his prestigious career in world-renowned kitchens and has created an ever-changing menu of revamped classics injected with bold, exotic flavours. Contemporary European cuisine is served with a distinct island-style twist. One of the best things about The Slow is their keen emphasis on seasonality and sustainability with a menu focused on seafood, local vegetables, farm greens, wood-grilled meats and field grains. A carefully selected wine list and a small collection of local craft beer is also on offer. The restaurant connects to The Slow’s gallery space, which features a barista station and rotating art collection
