Situated on the western coast of Bali, stretching to its centre and along the beach, Tabanan is one of the most undervalued areas on the island. While sophisticated Seminyak and stunning Bukit attract most of the visitors, Tabanan remains relatively uncrowded, despite housing the stunning Tanah Lot Temple.
When it comes to dining, Tabanan features plenty of laid-back dining venues offering an ample selection of cuisines to sample. Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Tabanan for those longing for a break from everyday hustle-and-bustle while enjoying a romantic meal in one of the most beautiful corners of Bali.
1. Sizzle Wraps
Centrally located on Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Sizzle Wraps is a tiny eatery that serves the best vegetarian and vegan wraps you might find anywhere in Bali. Fresh, high-quality and scrumptious, Andy’s (the Chef) creations are nothing short of a culinary masterpiece.
2. Warung Disini
Simple yet cosy, Warung Disini is a local eatery that caters to western tastes, offering a wide range of international fares to sample. The must-try here is the grilled seafood platte which comes with a side of fresh salad and steamed rice.
3. Sushi Surf
Sushi Surf is a midrange Japanese restaurant located right on the beach, providing magnificent views of Balian beach. The restaurant serves delicious sushi, soups, salads and other Japanese favourites. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Sushi Surf around sunset, and indulge in some mesmerising view, ice cold beer and of course, fantastic sushi rolls.
4. Warung Tepi Sawah
Warung Tepi Sawah is a local restaurant that follows the principle “from farm to spoon”, and provides fresh and high-quality local food. The restaurant attracts visitors from far and wide thanks to its unique setting. “Tepi Sawah” means the edge of the rice field in Indonesian an accordingly, the restaurant is hugged by verdant rice paddies, offering quintessentially Balinese views while dining.
5. Strawberry Shop
Treat yourself to an amazing strawberry dessert at the one-of-a-kind Strawberry Shop restaurant. Unique and exotic for Bali, where strawberries are a rare treat, the venue features its own strawberry farm, which supplies the shop and the eatery with succulent, fresh and organic berries which are used to cook heavenly desserts. Out of all the restaurants in Tabanan, this one is definitely the sweetest!
6. Warung Subak Pekendungan
Housed in a traditional Javanese Joglo pavilion, Warung Subak Pekendungan offers guests a choice of seating. You can grab a seat in the open-sided dining area, or opt for the more secluded bamboo pavilions, which are ideal for families and larger groups of travellers.
As soon as you enter the venue, you will be offered a welcome drink and some fish food to give to koi fish swishing around the pools surrounding the dining platforms. The menu is a mix of local and Western favourites, including Balinese ayam betutu and classic pork ribs.
7. Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge
Offering dramatic views of cascading rice paddies, Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge serves genuine Balinese food and delightful Italian cuisine, offering a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds. Savour their authentic nasi goreng or go for the crispy, thin crust Italian pizza – there is something for everyone here.
Under the radar and magnificently beautiful, Tabanan deserves a place of any and every Bali bucket list. And as you can see here, there are also some fabulous restaurants in Tabanan – as if the rice paddies and gorgeous temples weren’t enough!
