World travelers have long been coming to Bali for the big waves, the unique culture and well-regarded spiritual retreats. Now, noted chefs are packing up shop in cities like New York and Amsterdam and moving to the island that has recently become a culinary destination to find balance in both life and fresh, local flavors.
Chief among Bali’s gastronomical highlights is chef Will Goldfarb’s Room 4 Dessert, the dessert-only restaurant recently showcased on the Netflix docuseries Chef's Table. Patrons of this sweet spot often wait months to secure a seat on the nine-course culinary adventure.
Ten years ago, Goldfarb, along with his family, left his whirlwind life in New York and re-established himself and his craft in Bali. Ever the entrepreneur, he bootstrapped his Balinese establishments along with the help of his wife, leasing out what Goldfarb describes as, at the time, the "worst nightclub in Ubud" and transforming it into a warm, hipster-chic space.
He is typically found delivering dishes to the table himself, moving between the kitchen, to plate his dishes, and tables, to casually chat with each guest. If you don’t catch Goldfarb at Room 4 Dessert, the next time you decide to dine in this slice of Indonesian paradise, you may find the chef at one of his favorite restaurants.
Ubud
The landlocked town isn’t just the yoga and fresh juice hub of Bali – it’s also the island’s creative and cultural heart. According to Goldfarb, it also "tends to be the best for food," filled with farm-fresh local fare infused with cultural influences from around the globe.
Pica
You might stop and question why you should try South American-inspired cuisine all the way in Asia, but Goldfarb says Pica is his "first choice for dinner' and recommends the ceviche, which is refreshing after a sunny day spent walking the labyrinthine streets of Ubud.
Hujan Locale
If want to eat like a local, then Hujan Locale should be your first stop in Bali. Goldfarb describes the menu at one of his favorite lunch spots as "sort of upscale street food" – it’s basically a fusion of Southeast Asian fine dining with the heart and soul of a home-cooked meal. Goldfarb recommends trying one of the curries.
Seniman Coffee
After lunch at Hujan Locale, stop by its neighbor Seniman Coffee, which boasts the "best coffee in all of Bali," according to Goldfarb. A low-key spot in the north of town, the roasts at Seniman will delight coffee snobs and weary travelers alike with rich, flavorful brews. Pick up a bag for home while you're there.
Locavore
This Michelin-starred restaurant "anchors fine dining" on the island, Goldfarb says, and reservations for dinner or lunch need to be made weeks in advance. If you can’t find an open table at Locavore, head across the street to Locavore to Go, which stays close to the sister restaurant’s savory fare.
Seminyak
The island’s most sophisticated town, Seminyak boasts some of Bali’s best shopping and restaurants. It’s also where Goldfarb first stepped into his craft at the famed Ku De Ta.
Mejekawi by Ku De Ta
With tables overlooking the Indian Ocean, Mejekawi’s fine dining experience is worth the splurge for sophisticated foodies.
Kaum at Potato Head
Set at one of Bali’s most prolific beach clubs, Kaum’s menu is designed to highlight local Indonesian fare using both traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Of the restaurant, Goldfarb says simply, "It’s excellent."
Canggu
If you’re looking for the island’s best cafe culture, look no further than bohemian Canggu. Winding streets leading directly to black sandy beaches are lined with eateries filled with hip tourists and surfers.
Parachute
More than just a restaurant, Parachute is a destination. The restaurant has been known to host farmers markets with workshops like 'Gardening for Kids' and 'How to Dye Clothes.' Goldfarb recommends that you, "tour the veggie garden with Fiona and don’t miss the baked goods." Check the website for the latest events calendar.
Mason
"New kid on the now crowded block, Mason stands out with its low-key cool and solid no-frills cooking," according to Goldfarb. Boasting a wood-fired oven and open grill, Mason is the perfect spot for those looking for a savory meal. Mediterranean-inspired dishes include a slow-cooked lamb shoulder and dips like baba ganoush and hummus.
Jimbaran
Boasting the calmest waters on the south side of the island, the town of Jimbaran is also well known for its fish market. After taking your first surf lesson here, be sure to stick around for dinner.
Cuca
With products sourced exclusively from Indonesia, Cuca’s food will give you a real taste of Southeast Asian cuisine while directly supporting local farmers and businesses. Goldfarb notes that "everything chef Kevin Cherkas does is so perfectly organized and set up." Cuca’s menu is largely made up of small plates that are meant to be shared.
