Sanur does barefoot luxury like no other. Silence the alarms and let your appetite set the schedule.
“Sanur is where you go if you’re a pensioner.” That’s what some people say. Maybe it was true about 10 years ago, but to die-hard fans who return to its shores year after year, Sanur isn’t particularly interested in correcting anyone. It’s far too busy watching iconic jukung canoes venture into its blue waters.
While its eateries don’t always populate Bali’s glossy ‘Best of…’ dining guides, they hold their own quite proudly. Mostly because Sanur, in its quietly confident way, refuses to follow trends.
Time-Tested Local Favourites
These Sanur staples may well have been your auntie’s favourites on her very first trip to Bali a few decades ago… and chances are, they remain just as reliable. A hit not only with travellers but also residents (which says everything!), they’ve earned their place as true cornerstones of Sanur’s dining scene.
The Restaurant at Tandjung Sari
Why go? Located within Bali’s first boutique resort established in 1962, this beachfront restaurant carries an old-money elegance, but without the unnecessary pomp. Its menu showcases Indonesian flavours creatively, pushing boundaries while remaining grounded in tradition and balance.
Book a relaxed late-afternoon tea to sample delicious savoury bites and sweet treats, arranged on a tiered serving stand, paired with a selection of non-alcoholic options and well-crafted cocktails.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.41, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 811-3881-962
Massimo Italian Restaurant
Why go? The steady queue in front of its house-made gelato stand is a clear hint at the best-selling item on the menu. But here’s a pro tip: skip the line by grabbing a table and browsing the menu for extra treats, so you can pick your favourite flavours straight from your seat, no queue required.
The unpretentious and immediately familiar restaurant carries an extensive menu of gloriously carb-loaded options in hearty, generous portions that are more than enough to fuel a full day of exploring around Sanur.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.228, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80237
Reservations: +62 811-3999-727
Batujimbar Cafe
Why go? Open from 6.30am to catch Sanur’s early risers fresh from their beachside walk, run, or cycle, Batujimbar is a morning institution. With coffee brewed from locally sourced Indonesian beans, the restaurant delivers the perfect wake-up call. Don’t miss the Sunday Market, which is often packed with handmade souvenirs and artisanal finds, alongside traditional market snacks.
Relaxed gatherings are a time-honoured tradition in Sanur, and Batujimbar Cafe has long been a comfort spot for those who call the neighbourhood home. Come anytime for a good time, but an early breakfast, shared with beachside regulars and market-goers, might convince you to extend your stay in Sanur.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.75A, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 812-4659-6499
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Back to Basics: Breakfast not Brunch
While the rest of Bali is busy getting brunch and posting on the ‘gram, mornings in Sanur begin a little earlier, and without the wait time of long queues and crowds salivating over the latest social media-famous menu item. Beachside cafés welcome the pre-dawn workout crowd from as early as 6am, serving their cups of coffee with a side of sunrise views, while along the main road, things start at a more (civilised and) holiday-friendly 7 or 8am. Proof that in Sanur, breakfast still reigns supreme.
Sala Bistro
Why go? Creative takes on classic breakfast dishes makes your first bite of the day both delicious and fun. Don’t miss The Egg Dip, a delicate twist on egg and soldiers, featuring a silky truffle potato purée that’s worth the visit on its own.
Located along the main road, Sala Bistro is an easygoing spot where people settle in over coffee. From there, Jalan Danau Tamblingan unfolds with plenty to tempt you (hint: excellent food at every turn), and beaches within walking distance ideal for wandering without an agenda, and finding inspiration somewhere between breakfast and the sea.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.180, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 859-0134-0984
Soul in a Bowl
Why go? Open daily from early morning, this breakfast spot is as vibrant as its smoothie bowls. Each one is designed to wake you up in the gentlest of ways and energise you for a day of exploration.
Light breakfasts and balanced, wholesome bites are the way to go when you’re letting your stomach lead the way. If you’ve fallen for the flavours at Soul in a Bowl, make your way to its breezy beachside sister spot, Soul on the Beach, where you can bury your toes in the sand while you bite into their’ fresh offerings.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.75A, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 812-4659-6499
Over The Moon Cafe
Why go? Open from 8am, Over The Moon Cafe offers a scrumptious selection of Asian and Western favourites just before Sanur’s main strip of eateries. While you might plan to only stay for breakfast, one meal is never enough.
Inside the air-conditioned cafe, smaller seating configurations line the edges of the space, many fitted with convenient power points for digital nomads that need a spot to settle in, while the main dining area is better suited for conversation and connection. Pro tip: Take note of air-conditioned indoor spaces that become welcome retreats from the heat during the hotter months, as a number of Sanur’s laidback eateries are fully open-air to make the most of the coastal breeze.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.19, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 822-2551-1012
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Family-friendly Eateries
Easy breezy Sanur is unmatched when it comes to family-friendly vibes. There’s an underlying agreement that this is where everyone can relax, without worrying about finding kid-friendly activities or suitable places to eat.
Shotgun Social Bali
Why go? Part beer garden, part restaurant, Shotgun Social Bali features expansive outdoor spaces with a lawn, relaxed seating, and a dedicated playground that keeps kids happily occupied while adults properly unwind with great food and even better drinks.
Keep the mood sunny (and the meltdowns minimal) with pizzas fresh from the oven, or its thoughtful selection of vegetarian options, the menu offers something for every palate. Craft beer is also a focus here, with rotating taps showcasing both local Indonesian brews and international favourites.
Address: Jl. Pantai Sindhu No.11, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 813-3910-7615
Byrd House Bali
Why go? Sanur’s answer to a beach club feel worlds away from the high-energy scenes of Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu. With families firmly in mind, Byrd House Bali offers endless entertainment for all ages with a pool featuring a dedicated shallow end, a playground area, a treehouse, and plenty of space to roam freely.
The menu is just as easy to navigate as the space itself. A dedicated gluten-free menu is worth noting for those with dietary sensitivities (though the kitchen is not exclusively gluten-free), and there’s a thoughtful range spanning light bites to more indulgent fare. Don’t miss their handmade pastas paired with fresh, seasonal ingredients!
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.75A, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 812-4659-6499
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Beachside Bites
Lazy days cafe-hopping by the beach are a Sanur ritual, and even the most reluctant couch potato would agree that a leisurely walk by the beach with random stops for a fresh coconut is worth experiencing at least once. And the best thing about the beach promenade and the eateries that line it? There’s no need to dress up.
Moreno
Why go? Dip and dine in this relaxed beachside cafe that allows you to run into the ocean and exert all your energy, before you recharge with tasty bites and great coffee. You’ll find time easily slipping away from you as you move between spaces.
Family-friendly, pet-friendly, and just friendly in general, Moreno is the kind of place you’ll gravitate towards if you need anchoring spaces that feel homey while you’re on holiday. Its selection of all-day menu from breakfast to dinner has something for everyone.
Address: Jl. Segara Ayu No.42, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228
Reservations: +62 857-3726-0042
COSTA Beach Restaurant
Why go? Elegant seaside dining sounds impossible in the tropics, but COSTA Beach Restaurant’s mist cooling system keeps you calm and collected, making sure your beachside snacking snapshots look effortlessly polished. (It’s also a great shout for Bali’s hotter months!)
Fusing Mediterranean and Italian flavours, the restaurant provides great options even for the pickiest young nomads. And if they still need to work up an appetite, the playground area will keep them entertained while you work your way through beautifully vibrant plates. Cocktail hour by the sea, anyone?
Address: Jl. Cemara No.3, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227
Reservations: +62 877-7609-8232
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Set on the border between Bali’s visitor hubs and its local neighbourhoods, Sanur is the best place to enjoy both touristy hotspots and local favourites. Venture beyond beachfront hangouts to seek out neighbourhood eateries where the tables fill quickly for a reason.
Masa Masa
Why go? Indonesia’s identity as a melting pot unfolds in every corner of this restaurant that serves more as a cultural hub. Housed in a 200-year-old mansion transported from South Sumatera, Masa Masa is the place to enjoy Peranakan cuisine, a vibrant culinary tradition shaped by centuries of cultural exchange across the archipelago with Chinese, Arab, European (particularly Dutch), and Indonesian influences.
Beyond the food, the trip is one worth making if you’re looking to immerse yourself in culture and art. It regularly hosts pop-up exhibitions and intimate workshops. You can also find a curated shop by Pithecanthropus Bali which showcases antique and antique-inspired pieces from diverse ethnic groups across Indonesia, inviting you to engage with the country’s living traditions.
Address: Jl. Subak Telaga I No.9, Ketewel, Gianyar, Bali 80582
Reservations: +62 812-4659-6499
YUME 夢 l Japanese Dining
Why go? Away from known tourist hotspots, this is one restaurant you won’t typically find in destination dining guides. Relaxed yet refined, the Japanese restaurant is a favourite that fills up fast each evening, so reservations are recommended.
Whether it’s a casual date night or a relaxed dinner with friends and family, the cosy space strikes the balance between modern Japanese minimalism and warm elegance. It’s intimate without feeling exclusive, making it the perfect place for celebrations and mid-trip indulgences.
Address: Jl. Cok Agung Tresna No.106, Denpasar, Bali 80239
Reservations: +62 823-3910-3588
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