Uluwatu’s Best Restaurants: World-class dining near world-class surf

While once an empty cliffside with only a dirt path and a rickety ladder down to the surf, the Uluwatu area has grown up nicely. No-frills warungs and budget surfer accommodation have evolved to match the quality of the waves out front and the people that call this place home. There is something for every taste and budget in Uluwatu, with many restaurants popping up in the growing hamlet of Padang Padang. Let us review some of the finest flavours in the Uluwatu area to complement Bali’s Premier Surf & Yoga Resort. From the captivating ambience of Tabu, to the mouthwatering dishes at La Baraccca, and the laid-back charm of Drifter, get ready to savour a delectable fusion of global cuisines after a day of surfing perfect waves.

Bortolo

Bortolo offers an exceptional experience for those seeking the refined flavors of European cuisine. This stylish restaurant features a selection of exquisite French and Italian dishes, meticulously crafted to perfection. Despite its small menu, every dish is a culinary masterpiece.

Bortolo’s chic black-and-white theme exudes style and class, making it the ideal setting for a celebration meal. Since its opening in 2022, the restaurant has quickly established itself as the go-to spot for special occasions. Among its many delights, the lamb keftas stand out as a must-try dish, offering exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

Whether you’re planning a celebration or simply looking to indulge in sophisticated European flavors, Bortolo is the place to be.

This is the first restaurant you see when walking from Padang Padang Surf Camp, and is literally only 200 metres away.

Tabu

Blending the vibrant flavours of Mexico with Japanese cuisine, Tabu delivers a unique upmarket dining experience on the bottom floor, with island beats fueling a dance party just upstairs. Here you will find sophisticatedly created Mexican and Japanese dishes beautifully paired with stylish decor and great music. The guacamole is prepared and served at your table and is highly recommended. Tabu is under the same ownership as Ours and is, in our opinion, the better of the two restaurants.

Ours

This stylish restaurant is located next door to Bartolo and is an excellent option for expertly crafted Mediterranean dishes and much more. From authentic pasta and seafood to burgers, this well-run establishment is a surf camp favourite for its high-quality menu. This is a very popular restaurant, and reservations are recommended. Service of food is always incredibly fast. Our recommendation is chilli garlic prawns. Wednesday is Steak night and it is always tender and succulent.

La Baraccca

For a true taste of Italy in the heart of Uluwatu, La Baraccca is a must-visit. This charming restaurant takes you on a culinary journey through the diverse regions of Italy, presenting authentic flavours crafted with love and passion. From their wood-fired pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts to homemade pasta prepared with the freshest ingredients, each dish tells a story of traditional Italian gastronomy. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience surrounded by warm hospitality, and be sure to save room for their delightful homemade desserts. Make your own salad by choosing from an incredibly wide range of ingredients – absolutely yummy if you choose the right combinations.

Pok Pok

Pok Pok is a locally styled, no-frills Thai restaurant. Its simplicity reminds you of the Bali of many years ago, with plastic tables and chairs squeezed into a small space. Despite the plastic chairs, the dishes are packed full of authentic Thai flavours and will leave you wanting to come back. Legendary surfer Kelly Slater was seen here enjoying a fragrant Thai dish. Thai fish cakes are highly recommended.

Mana

Mana restaurant in Uluwatu Surf Villas is a culinary gem in Uluwatu. With its stunning ocean views and laid-back ambience, Mana offers a delightful dining experience. Their menu features a fusion of international and Indonesian flavours, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients—a must-visit for food enthusiasts in Bali. Strawberry frozen margaritas with a view, anyone? Relax and enjoy the world-class waves just beneath the cliff while you plan your next surf session at one of Uluwatu’s many excellent waves.

Dugong at Suarga

Nestled within the eco-luxury resort Suarga, Dugong presents an enchanting dining experience overlooking the Indian Ocean. Combining a stunning setting with an exciting menu, this restaurant prides itself on serving locally sourced seafood and organic fares. This mesmerizing venue is the place to be when the Balinese Pipeline at Padang Padang is firing on all cylinders or when the powerful swells of the Indian Ocean are filling the reef at Impossibles. Immerse yourself in the relaxed ambience, soak in the panoramic views, and let Dugong at Suarga transport you to a world of culinary bliss. Not cheap, but the quality costs and the view is to die for.

Drifter

For a taste of Uluwatu’s laid-back vibes and vibrant surf culture, Drifter is the place to be. This cosy surf shop/restaurant boasts an organic, whole food-inspired menu featuring healthy versions of everyone’s favourite dishes. Drifter captures the essence of surf-inspired food done right. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the surfy vibes as you savour delicious bites and embrace the easygoing charm that makes Drifter a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Drifter began its life as a surf shop in Seminyak and has since spread its roots into becoming one of the world’s most unique surf shops selling high-quality hand-made wares and surfboards imported from all parts of the world. You can find anything you need here to tackle the perfect waves of Bali during your stay at Bali’s Premier Surf & Yoga Resort.

Uluwatu unveils a treasure trove of dining experiences that cater to every palate and preference. Whether you seek a sophisticated venue, authentic Italian delights, locally sourced delicacies, healthy whole-food cuisine, or a casual beachside feast, these five exceptional restaurants are enough to satisfy your senses and are the perfect addition to a surfing holiday of a lifetime.