Food Guide: 10 Hipster cafes in Bali for the perfect weekend hideout

Lim Han 03 May 2017

1/10
Watercress Cafe
Living by the mantra of “Eat fresh live well”, this Australian-born cafe brings to the table incredible superfood creations lovingly made from carefully chosen ingredients. Despite the focus on wholesome foods and great nutrition, these phenomenal dishes brag of anything but mere healthiness. With an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s a dish for everyone. You’ll be blown away by the sheer deliciousness of their Crispy Sweet Corn Fritters topped with sour cream and organic poached eggs, and their hearty quinoa breakfast bowl. If you’re looking to really slay the health game, their Acai Superfood Smoothie Bowl and Almond & Poached Pear Bircher Muesli should be at the top of your list.

Jalan Batu Belig No.21 A, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: @lexa_risjad
2/10
Elgin Avenue Cafe
Aesthetically alluring black and white brick walls greet you as you enter, while the suspended geometric ornaments and plant-infused decorations welcome you with open arms. Their al fresco dining area doesn’t lose out to its inner counterpart either as the incongruous harmony of gaudy ceilings and minimalistic furniture create the most pleasing dining environment. You can expect the impeccable ambience to bear accurate testament to the quality of their dishes here. Reward your tastebuds with their Avocado and Ham Crispy Eggs Benedict, where the poached eggs are infused with a fried breaded twist for that extra crisp, or their hearty Big Breakfast comprising of hash browns, eggs, bacons, sautéed mushrooms and more.

Jalan Mertanadi No.82, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: @mariarahajeng
3/10
Sisterfields Cafe
A name that’s bound to pop up in every conversation revolving around the cafes in Bali, Sisterfields has got to be one of the big names in the local cafe scene. Embodying the Australian cafe culture, this place aims to serve as a venue of congregation for coffee and food lovers alike. You’ll be absolutely drawn to the minimalistic interior of the place coupled with subdued flashes of colour. And, you can expect to fall head over heels with the grub they dish out. Their all-day breakfast entails a mix of buttery toasts, pancakes and velvety eggs (amongst others), while their lunch menu promises a Pulled Pork Charcoal Burger and a Chilled Poached Squid Salad.

Jalan Kayu Cendana No.7, Seminyak, Kuta, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: Sisterfields Cafe Facebook
4/10
The Bistrot
With traditional chandeliers and old sofas against a dimly-lit space of rustic wooden furniture, The Bistrot absolutely screams of a vintage feel. Any opposing parties can simply take a look at the array of Indonesian antiques and artefacts adorning the place and remain silent. Whichever level you dine in, a visit to the gorgeous bar upstairs is absolutely mandatory. Hipster interior aside, their menu is one to brag about as well. Dig into their Scallops Carpaccio with your choice of dressing and The Bistrot Gourmet Burger oozing their signature cognac sauce for a meal that will enthrone you in utter contentment.

Jl. Kayu Aya No.117, Seminyak, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: The Bistrot Facebook
5/10
Living Stone Bakery
If you’re expecting the usual home bakery with modest interior and humdrum bakes, you’re about to be completely swept off your feet. At Living Stone Bakery, we’re talking top-notch interior aesthetics with no lack of golden natural light and dainty dangling bulbs against a backdrop of rustic fishnets adorning the ceiling. Offering a wide range of dishes and beverages, this cafe is set on impressing you. And, impressed you shall be, by their hearty Sirloin Steak and quirky watermelon bread. So, grab a good book and settle in – with the intoxicating atmosphere and alluring interior, you’ll be spending your entire day here.

Jl. Petitenget No.88X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: Living Stone Bakery Facebook
6/10
NOOK
A tranquil botanical-infused dining experience awaits you at Nook, which brags of an al fresco dining area, replete with shade from trees and against a backdrop of vibrant lush fields. The rustic white furniture and amber lamps complement the botanical theme to a tee, providing patrons with a stellar environment for a romantic evening meal. Serving up a vivacious blend of authentic Indonesian fare and Western grub, Nook is set on spoiling your tastebuds and invoking a gastronomical dilemma. For a taste of their local cuisine, don’t hesitate to order their sumptuous Beef Rendang or Ayam Goreng Kecap. Or, if you want a respite from the usual Balinese fare, seek comfort in their Grilled Cheese & Bacon on rustic bread or Australian Tenderloin whisked straight from the fiery grill.

Jl. Umalas 1, Gang Nook No. 1, Kuta Utara, Badung, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: NOOK Bali Facebook
7/10
Grocer & Grind
Flaunting several outlets across the nation, Grocer & Grind prides themselves on their amazing coffee brews, made from a premium organic six-bean, hand-mixed blend. Borrowing culinary flavours from all across the world, this place will overwhelm you with its stunning multi-culturalism. From Thai to Italian cuisine, their menu displays a myriad of dishes, ensuring that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from the wide selection of wholesome salad creations that are anything but dull, such as the Superfood Salad and the classic Chicken Caesar salad. For starving gourmands, relish in the heartiness of their Rotisserie Chicken or Super G Burger. If your sweet tooth is yelling for attention, put it at ease with their sinfully pleasurable desserts, from Apple Crumble Tarts to Mars Bar Cakes.

Jalan Kayu Jati No. 3X, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Photo: @jamjar_app
8/10
Kebun Bistro
Melding French-inspired interior with Mediterranean cuisine, Kebun Bistro offers you the best of both worlds. Take one step into Kebun Bistro and you’ll be transported into old Provence, with the uneven stone walls and quaint appearance of its traditional furnishings. Thought the interior was all this place had to offer? Just wait till take a peek at the menu! With an extensive selection as vast as the sky, you’ll be pining for a return visit before you even leave! For lunch, you can tuck into their delicious Arancini Balls for starters and a main of luscious Duck Confit Penne. If you’re hitting the place up for a delightful dinner, don’t miss out on their decadent Herb Roasted Lamb Chops, accompanied with a smashing dessert of Moelleaux au Chocolat.

Jl. Hanoman No.44, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Photo: Kebun Bistro Facebook
9/10
Revolver Espresso
Tucked away in a secluded alley, it doesn’t get more hipster than Revolver Espresso. Snuggle up in the cosy shadowy nook of this charming cafe, replete with brown brick walls and dark wooden furniture illuminated by the rays of natural sunlight streaming in. Specialising in phenomenal coffee brews, they source their coffee beans from top-notch farmers all over the world. Whether it’s their espresso or flat white, you’ll be tasting quality of the highest order in every sip. And, of course, what’s a coffee break without some lip-smacking nibbles? Lavish your tastebuds with their Double Barrel for a light egg-y brunch or Pistol Whip for an indulgent tiramisu treat.

Jl. Kayu Aya, Gang 51, Kuta Utara, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Photo: @patrickyokohama
10/10
La Favela
With a name that literally translates to “slum”, the interior of this cafe is far from that, although it does retain a rustic feel and homely ambience. The shadowy amber lighting dominating the atmosphere paves the way for a vintage atmosphere, which is solidified by the golden chandeliers and old-fashioned leather cushion chairs. Doubling up as a cafe and bar, La Favela’s grub involves a curated mix of Asian, Western and European flavours. Feast on their Criratowr which entails marinated baby pork ribs in tamarind miso and vegetables yasaitame or their Pirate of the Carribean, promising marinated barramundi served with Peruvian creole sauce and oyster mushrooms.

Jalan Laksamana Oboroi No.177X, Seminyak, Kuta, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80561, Indonesia

Photo: @iemmwacko

Why not cross borders for your next cafe hopping exploration?

Wow, we’ve never seen a bandwagon travel for as long as the cafe hopping one has. Impressively, it’s still making its ascent to its peak, the summit yet to be seen. Well, we’re all for it! Dispersing its influence across the globe, cafes of all sorts are sprouting up like wild mushrooms everywhere. This time, we’re setting our sights on the gorgeous island of Bali. Think scenic beaches and luxurious resorts are all this place has to offer? You might want to think again.

Bali is absolutely bursting at the seams with its steady stream of hipster cafes flooding its quaint streets and secluded alleys. From rustic coffee houses to bakery parlours, Bali has got it all. Whether you’re looking for a comfy nook to snuggle up in or a minimalistic vintage cranny to while your time away with a good book, their kaleidoscope of cafes will cater to all your desires (and stomach).

We’ve scoured the island and curated the top 10 hipster cafes in Bali you have to visit! After a scroll through our gallery, you’re bound to be sprinting to these cafes at full speed. Just be careful – some of them have squeaky clean floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Lim Han

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