30 min from Bali: 12 Beachfront restaurants in Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida with stunning ocean views

Written by Jiayi Ng

Sunshine, sea breeze and a breathtaking view – dining gets so much better when the beautiful big blue is playing third wheel in the background.

You might already be used to the jaw-dropping ocean views in Bali, but it’s time to explore some other waters!

Located just a short ferry ride away from the bustling shores of Bali’s main island are the pristine islands of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida, where you can indulge in the ultimate oceanfront dining experiences.

Imagine biting into a succulent piece of grilled fish as you look out towards the sparkling blue ocean with your loved one – a great view is the best condiment to any meal, we say!

So join us as we explore Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida’s 11 best ocean view restaurants, where mealtimes can be just as beautiful as they are yummy.

1. Chill out on swings and a seaside hammock – Sea Breeze Warung (Nusa Ceningan)

Sea Breeze Warung is more than just a restaurant. It’s an experience, and a really beautiful one.

This laidback cafe on Nusa Ceningan is the perfect place to while away your time if you simply want to relax and spend some time with your sweetheart.

You can lounge in the comfy bean bags right on the sand, on the swings or even on a hammock where you can watch the ocean and the world go by.

In many cafes, lovely views often come with subpar food. But that’s not how it is at Sea Breeze – their food surely doesn’t disappoint! Lay back and munch on juicy chicken satays and Mie Goreng, or have a healthy smoothie bowl to cleanse your palate. If you just want a drink, come by from 5pm to 7pm to cash in on the cafe’s buy-one-get-one-free offer.

Don’t you simply just want to stay all day, and just enjoy the sea breeze?

2. Say Hai to luxurious island vibes – Hai Bar & Grill (Nusa Lembongan)

In the mood to pamper yourself? Head down to Hai Tide Beach Resort’s Hai Bar & Grill for a luxurious back-to-nature experience!

Located right on the beach, the cafe’s traditional bamboo structure will transport you into another world, where lovely meals come hand-in-hand with awesome views. Hai Bar & Grill’s open design ensures that you’ll get an undisrupted view of the gorgeous blue ocean.

When you finally manage to tear your eyes away from the glittering view of Mushroom Bay, be sure to grab a taste of the bar’s much-raved-about wood-fired pizzas. Or choose from a diverse selection of seafood and international cuisine, such as the superb beef tenderloin, king prawns and fish and chips.

On some days, you can even catch their regular movie screenings under the stars. How about classics such as Beauty and the Beast and popular hits like Zootopia?

The prices may be hai, but so are the views and experience! Who says island life has to be simple and bland? On Nusa Lembongan, you can experience the hai life too.

Advertisement

3. Front row seats to an ocean sunset view – The Deck Cafe & Bar (Nusa Lembongan)

The Deck Cafe & Bar is widely regarded to have the best ocean views on Nusa Lembongan. People flock here despite the comparably high prices, and it’s not hard to see why.

With gorgeous, white-painted wood architecture perched right above the water, The Deck allows you to sit back with your munchies as you look out towards the crystal clear waters right beneath your toes!

Where else can you find a place that’s so unbelievably photogenic from all angles?

Better yet, The Deck not only takes care of your eyes, they have some deep love for your tummy too. Be sure to try out their pizzas before you get that shutter going!

And don’t miss the highlight of the day – watch the sun go down the sparkling blue waters. Guess what, if you drop by from 5 – 6:30pm, you can get 25% discount on selected cocktails and beers!

So sit back with your drink in hand and enjoy front row seats to one of nature’s greatest wonders.

4. Seaweed farms under the sea – Twilight Hut’s Bar & Restaurant (Nusa Ceningan)

You won’t get to see just the vast blue ocean in front of you at Twilight Hut’s Bar & Restaurant.

No, you’ll be able to marvel at the numerous seaweed farms that make their home in the shallow waters!

This simple restaurant will make you shutter happy. Scenic tables facing the ocean are all you need for the perfect picture, but Twilight Hut doesn’t stop there.

Head down the steps, and you’ll find a special photo spot that adds a unique Twilight touch to your photos. Or, you could also climb onto the little swing fashioned from a dead tree bark and put on your best influencer pose.

While you can mainly find relatively simple traditional dishes and finger food on the menu, the view more than makes up for what it’s lacking in the culinary department. And if you eat ‘likes’ for breakfast, let’s just say you won’t be going hungry.

5. Fine dining by the ocean – Muntigs Bar & Restaurant (Nusa Lembongan)

If you love The Deck, chances are that you’ll love Muntigs Bar & Restaurant too, the classier sibling to The Deck’s laid back vibe.

That being said, it definitely doesn’t mean that Muntigs is the kind of place where you have to come dressed to the nines.

The restaurant offers casual dining options in the day, and sheds its skin when the sun sets – that’s when the fine dining starts! From your usual Eggs Benedict to sweet sashimi and decadent Beef Tenderloin, you can always pick something that suits your mood.

After you’ve decided on your meal, it’s time to lie back and enjoy the unbelievable views of the ocean from your seat. From its perch up high, the Balcony Bar stands as a cozy corner where you can indulge in drinks and some heart-to-heart talk, with a pretty amazing ocean blue backdrop.

Fancy being on top of the world? It’s not really tall enough, but what it lacks in height, Muntigs makes up for in a view of sheer beauty.

6. Sunset romance by an oceanfront infinity pool – Sandy Bay Beach Club (Nusa Lembongan)

Think of romantic sunsets, and the last thing that will come to your mind is a crowded beach club where the party’s just getting started.

But at Sandy Bay Beach Club, the swaying cane lanterns and gorgeous infinity pool with a sweeping view of the ocean simply light up a romantic ambience, and all you’ll want to do is to cuddle with your partner on a daybed, or take a lovely dip in the pool, cocktails in hand.

Watch the setting sun cast a golden glow over the breathtaking pool, lighting up the cane lanterns all around. Psst – you can even have your own table right on the beach!

You’ll almost feel like you’re starring in your own Rapunzel movie, except that real life is so much better.

7. Bird’s eye view with a healthy twist – Next Level Cafe Ceningan (Nusa Ceningan)

At Next Level Cafe Ceningan, everything is of another level, including its ocean view.

The cafe’s high vantage point and open layout provide a seamless view of the ocean beyond, one that we could enjoy again and again.

Doing so won’t hurt your wallet either, as the food is highly affordable. From the savoury Beef Rendang and Nasi Goreng to the healthy frozen smoothie bowls, its menu has enough variation to keep you coming back for more.

And stay till evening – when the sun sets, it’s another amazing sight to behold.

8. A simple day by the ocean – Ogix Warung (Nusa Penida)

Sometimes, simplicity is best, and that’s how it is at Ogix Warung.

This nondescript little warung may look like one of many run-of-the-mill eateries selling the usual Indonesian fare, but don’t be fooled by its appearance! At Ogix Warung, it’s all about the view.

Little tables line the open edge of the restaurant, displaying the ocean in all its panoramic glory. With a Bintang in hand and a few pals by your side, don’t you just want to sit out here all day?

You’ll find simple fare here, such as rice with seafood, chicken or fried noodles, but we’re not complaining. Two dollars for a view this fine? Excuse us while we swipe right.

9. Cocktails on the sand – Penida Colada (Nusa Penida)

No more looking from afar. It’s time to gather your courage and get up close to your true love – the ocean.

This lounge bar on Nusa Penida not only offers ocean-facing seats, but they also have little benches right on the edge of the water, giving you true first-class seats to all the marine action.

Chill out with some cocktails, healthy smoothies, or try the popular coconut pancakes while you get to know the ocean better.

10. Sunset buffet by the sea – Penida Minang Beach Resto & Bar (Nusa Penida)

This unassuming restaurant in Penida just happens to own one of the best ocean views ever.

With Mount Agung towering in the distance, you can enjoy a view like no other as you dine on wooden benches right on the beach.

Sunsets are a good time to gather here for drinks, as the golden rays of the setting sun bask the place in a lovely orange glow.

If you still remember that you’ve yet to order food, try the recommended grilled fish with rice. Gluttons, Penida Minang also has a finger-food buffet – we know everything looks so much more beautiful when your mouth is full of delicious food.

11. Best local food (and a burger bar!): Warung Putu (Nusa Lembongan)

Want some good Indonesian food in Lembongan? Warung Putu is the place to get it.

This traditional warung, located conveniently near the suspended bridge connecting Lembongan to Ceningan, offers the most authentic local fare (and a burger bar!) along with a great view of the seaweed farms.

Don’t miss out on the chicken satay on lemongrass sticks, beef rendang and chicken curry!

12. Time to chill on beanbags on the sand – Pizzaro Beach Bar (Nusa Penida)

If you’re in the mood to just sit by the sea, chill out with a pizza or drink, Pizzaro’s your guy.

This quaint bar sits right on the beach of Nusa Penida, so anywhere you sit, you’re still going to be guaranteed the best ocean views in the house.

Of course, nothing beats the front-row seats at the edge of the sand, where you can look out towards an expanse of blue and the shadow of Mount Agung.

Want to get even closer to the sea? Why not plop yourself down on the colourful beanbags right on the beach?

Special mention: Treehouse dining: The Dafish Accommodation, Bar & Cafe

Ironically, the Dafish Accommodation, Bar & Cafe doesn’t exist under the sea. In fact, the establishment sits among the trees – a beautiful treehouse with views that go on for miles.

The bar and cafe, which is part of a compound consisting of three bungalows and a pool, serves a wide variety of western cuisine that has been highly raved about by guests.

But the best part of the restaurant has to be its amazing vantage point. Watching the sun set over your head and the rest of the world? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Note: We’ve all been through nasty situations where hidden charges turn up on the bill and ruin our day, so here’s a heads up: most restaurants here will charge you a 21% Government Tax and Service Charge, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay! Some restaurants may have included the extra charges in their prices, so they won’t be displayed as separate charges all the time.

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

• share on facebook
• twitter
• google+
• linkedin

Advertise with us