22 extraordinary Bali cafes you can’t help but Instagram

Bahasa version: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/bali/cafe-unik-instagram/

Co-written by Dawn Pillay, Cisca Lim, Beverley Lennon

Sometimes it’s not just about what’s on the menu. Sometimes, you also want the wall paintings to match the plates so you can drop them straight onto your Instagram feed!

Luckily, the cafes in Bali aren’t limited to perfectly buttered sourdough and smashed avocado; they are pretty, have stunning interiors (or exteriors), come with magical views or with fluffy friends even!

Here, we bring you to the best cafes that tick all the boxes for crafting the most picture-perfect moment while serving ridiculously good food! Trust me, these cafes in Bali are where you want your close-up pictures to be taken at!

Read More:

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15 Ethical and sustainable restaurants in Bali that care for the planet and local community and fight food wastage!

18 Affordable romantic restaurants in Bali with stunning views, great ambience and yummy food

18 back-to-nature Ubud restaurants in Bali with astonishing forest views

29 Bali restaurants with most spectacular views as your dining backdrop!

1. Plunge right in an aquarium! – Sparkle Cafe

Bask in the beautiful sea creatures gliding past your meal at Sparkle Cafe, as here your regular dining table is an aquarium! Yes, you literally get to eat on a fish tank at this diving-themed cafe in Bali!

Stepping in Sparkle Cafe is equivalent to signing up for a diving experience, you feel free and with absolutely no care in the world.

The cafe stands out with a beautifully painted wall, mask and fins decor that make you feel like you’re right in the ocean, surrounded by school of fishes and other magnificent creatures!

They serve decent coffee and food is deemed to be delicious as many have made it their daily hangout for breakfast and more!

2. Italy for the night: Da Maria Bali

If you want a taste of Italy while in Bali, this is your ticket to some seriously delicious dishes. Da Maria Bali, with its refreshing and distinctly Mediterranean colours and interior decor, will give you the impression that you’re dining in the sunshine on the Amalfi coast.

Between scrumptious Italian dishes like flavourful crispy pizza (made in a real brick oven!) and fresh, savoury pasta, we guarantee you’ll leave here already wanting to come back. Don’t skip dessert; the tiramisu is praised by all who try it.

Swing by on a weekend, when the party really starts! Every Friday to Sunday, the casual feel of dinner gradually morphs into live music and disco after 10pm. Grab a drink and a dance partner and spend the night partying to tune-spinning by local DJs!

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3. Santorini dreams and little mermaids:  Panama Kitchen and Pool

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Heaven is a place on Earth”? We think it could possibly be Panama Kitchen and Pool!

This café in Canggu offers Greek-like scenery with whitewashed walls and an envy-inducing pool to fulfill your dream vacation to Santorini (without having to leave your Canggu community). How awesome does that sound!

What a hipster time to be alive! Envision a cozy environment, enhanced by a pool with the trendiest pizza and donut-shaped inflatables, juicy burgers and the wildest variety of cocktails, mocktails and milkshakes.

In Canggu, some days we eat healthy but some days we rely on water, especially frozen into ice cubes and blended with tequilas; we love Margaritas!

If there’s something not to miss at Panama Kitchen and Pool, it is definitely their Margaritas (rated the best in Bali, by many); oh yes they’ve got Margaritas colder than your ex’s heart! Coffee time is meant for coffee only said no one ever!

Do you have a little mermaid in your family? She would be a very happy fish in water at the Mermaid Swim Club every Sunday, with a mermaid tail provided!

Panama Kitchen and Pool is definitely somewhere you wouldn’t mind spending the entire day at – we’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!

4. Meow with furballs at this kitty hangout! – Cat Cafe Ubud

Cat Cafe Ubud is Bali’s fist cafe with, you guessed it, cats! But it will most likely not be the last (at least we hope so)! The cats here are not any cats; these cute furballs are rescued kitties!

In here, your cuppa is served while being surrounded by an elegant troupe of felines that are in for your every playing pleasure!

And while you get yourself something off the menu, you can also opt to buy treats for your furry comrades; that way, you can be sure they’ll all jump on you!

5. Join in the carnival! – Shooters Bali

Your childhood dreams come true at Shooters Bali – a fun park style cafe with popping carnival vibes invite you to have an exciting time at their mini golf course while you chug down some icy fresh Bintangs to fuel you up with your group of friends!

You’ll feel the nostalgia of not being a kid anymore as you relive memories with some fun games – besides their mini golf, you’ll get to play table tennis, basketball hoops, foosball and capture moments at the photo booth.

Oh and can we get a “HELL YEAH” for their enormous cotton candy and giant set of Jenga?!

Note: All games are free except for the mini golf.

6. It’s a Barbie World: Cabina

Keen to add some pink to your Instagram feed?

How about lazing on a watermelon float in the café pool along with a killer pink backdrop and a Palm Springs-like setting? Time to brag about your Bali holiday sweetheart because this place is a little gem only a few know about!

Cabina Bali is good at bringing back teenage memories. With its signature pool and good music, you’ll be transported back to the days where open-house pool-chilling sessions were part of your weekend plans.

The American-dream setting is enhanced by cactus plants against light-colored walls, old-school rattan chairs and beautiful blue-hued lounge chairs by the turquoise pool.

Bring along your #instagramboyfriend and make sure he is the hero behind your Cabina Instagram fame – your followers will be jealous!

While you’re here, forget about salads for today, we think doughnuts would be the perfect match! Cabina Bali, in collaboration with Doug Darlings, ensures that this is possible so you clearly donut have to worry!

As the latest hit for brunch lately, don’t miss the cheesy nachos and fries or killer chicken wings or wait … Burgers! Burgers are always a good idea. Ice-cream too! And they’ve got you your avocado fix too, so don’t panic!

Finally, no meal at Cabina would be complete without the right drink to accompany your food, and believe us this café does it all, from freshly pressed juices to innovative, spunky martinis!

7. Cabanas and pool with a “Selamat Pagi” kind of high tea – Folk Pool & Gardens

Let’s forget about Western sweets because today traditional Indonesian desserts are in the lead!

If you happen to be wandering around Ubud and looking for a place to chill at, sip a cuppa and have some delightful treats, don’t miss Folk Pool & Gardens. And yes, you get free access to the pool, which you can jump right into from your private cabana!

Time for an explosion of Indonesian flavours! Wrapped in banana leaves and displayed on a three-tiered stand, these Indonesian savouries are real surprises for your palates – each of their ingredients are locally sourced from sustainable partners of the community!

Post-tea time is spent lazing in your private cabana or simply dreaming away on the hammock and multiple colourful poufs by the pool! We warned you… forget about your bikini diet while in Bali!

If you feel the gypsy and artsy vibe here, you aren’t the only one – Folk Pool & Gardens is also a place for any boho-soul!

8. Chilling under colorful umbrellas: Big Garden Corner

At one of the Denpasar’s busiest traffic junction lies the corner of peaceful paradise.

At the Big Garden Corner restaurant, you can have a meal under hundreds of happy colorful umbrellas!

With all these beautiful colours, you don’t even need to use a filter on your Instagram pictures – how photogenic!

As for food, the prices are very reasonable. Snacks and drinks offered for breakfast costs only Rp 10,000 (USD $1) onwards, so it’s very wallet-friendly.

On hot days, you may want to cool yourself with a glass of fresh juice or some delicious homemade gelato.

On the menu, it’s mainly Western food such as spaghetti carbonara, chicken cordon bleu, pork ribs, steak and fish. You will be able to find there the typical Indonesian dishes such as Mee Goreng, Nasi Goreng, etc.

If you’re looking for something you’ve never tasted before, we recommend you to order The Black Burger. And end your meal with one of their delicious banana dessert.

You’ll leave with a smile and a satisfied tummy.

9. Afternoon tea in paddy fields: Pomegranate Cafe

Bali is so much more than beaches and parties.

Who says it can’t also be a place where you can find inner peace? Imagine wind-blown paddy fields with a cup of tea – that’s what you can see from Pomegranate, a cafe started in 2012 by a pair of Japanese brothers.

It offers a 360-degree view of lush paddy fields in Ubud that stretches all the way to the Campuhan River.

If you come in the mornings, you can also see the majestic Mount Agung in the Northeast and Mount Batukaru in the Northwest.

In the evenings, you’ll be greeted by fireflies and the glimmering lights of village houses in the distance while you enjoy some of their delicious pizzas.

Remember to bring flashlights though, because there are no streetlights in the area.

10. Enjoy the simple life – Nook Bali

Or, if you just want to get in touch with the real world and have a relaxing time, head down to Nook Bali. This simple, rustic cafe is located between rice fields, and will offer you the precious experience of dining while surrounded by gorgeous views of greenery.

Better yet, the food is incredibly affordable – try out traditional Balinese food such as Nasi Mix, or Western dishes like Quinoa and Kale Breakfast Bowl!

11. Modern meets classy bar-cafe: The Junction House

Previously known as the Junction Seminyak, this trendy cafe has since been rebranded with a whole new building and colourful tropical vibes.

Stepping into this cheerful two-storey bar-cafe almost makes you feel entirely at home, where you can sit quietly with your book by the tall windows where sunlight streams in – the perfect way to spend an afternoon in trendy Seminyak!

And when you feel re-energised, just turn the corner and you’ll be walking along Jalan Kayu Aya, one of Seminyak’s bustling shopping streets!

P.S. Try their well-loved Tuna Tataki (half-raw pepper grilled tuna, grilled vegetables and red paprika coulis) and Chicken Salad!

12. Dine in a living art gallery – Batik Restaurant

Ever wanted to learn about batik culture in a fun and interactive way? How about dining in a batik-filled restaurant that comes with mini batik tours?

Here, the interior is decorated with both historical and modern elements, with batik in every corner, designed to educate diners about the cultural heritage of batik and its uses.

And of course, tasting local cuisine is a form of appreciation of local culture, so how can you not come for lunch or dinner? Time to try something a little more exotic – Rawon Sapi ala Batik (black beef soup with turnip, lemongrass and ginger), under the lovely lanterns!

After your meal, take your time to admire the traditional art all around you. Upon request, the staff will take you on a mini tour to show you all the various steps of batik-making, from waxing to dyeing.

Notice the batik stairs that show the 23 Indonesian centres of batik production!

And if you’ve always thought batik is just an old traditional form of art, you’re wrong! You can incorporate the art of batik into modern art too, and of course modern dresses.

13. Go all Mexican: Motel Mexicola

Stepping into this hip new establishment in Seminyak feels like walking into a Quentin Tarantino movie set.

Decked out with melted candles, crucifixes, cacti and coloured tiled table tops, you’d almost think you were in Mexico.

What’s more, Australian owner Adrian Reed has been putting in extra attention to recreate the 1960s Acapulco ambience with various quirky decorative items, ranging from random pictures of Mexican wrestlers to the Mexican Dia de Muertos (day of the dead) holiday artifacts.

It’s kitschy laid back fun during the day, and crazy psychedelic cool during the night.

If you’re not sure what to order, we recommend their churros – many have raved about it too!

14. Hidden in the plain sight, with the best coffee available – Revolver Espresso

We stumbled on this cafe by chance, while we were browsing in a clothes boutique and smelled the fragrant smell of coffee.

Needless to say, we followed our noses to the backdoor of the boutique, and that’s where we found it – Revolver Espresso.

A chic space with a hint of the slightly eccentric with a mishmash of unexpectedly cool signs and pillows, and the signature table filled with currency from all over the world – we loved it so much!

Feeling a little like home away from home, the staff were like family – super attentive and best of all, passionate about coffee.

“How strong do you want your coffee?”

“Very strong”

“Very good!”

Unsurprisingly, Revolver Espresso is already pretty well known for their delectable coffee.

Sourcing only the best beans from the best farmers in the world, and then roasting and blending in Bali to deliver it fresh to us – Revolver Espresso’s coffee tastes like that one day in Bali, full of adventure and delicious surprises.

P.S.: They also offer food here, and you can even enjoy some cocktails at their new bar!

15. More than just a french bistro with delectable desserts! – Kebun Bistro

Also known as Garden Bistro, Kebun Bistro is a delightful little French bistro situated in Ubud. Serving Mediterranean food, diners often pop in for brunch, dinner, drinks and even some late night nibbles.

With its quaint French décor, dining at Kebun Bistro often feels like you’ve transported into yet another mysterious rabbit hole (or one of Ubud’s many surprising finds).

The extensive menu offers bites from escargot and yummy Arancini Balls, to Tapas and Moroccan Lamb Shank. Depending on what you’re craving for, check the menus on the website for lunch, brunch, dinner and dessert to see what else is available before heading down!

With delectable desserts like Tarte au Citron Meringue, homemade sorbet and so much more, you know you’re in for the sweetest time at Kebun Bistro.

16. Grab a cuppa and choose from quirky baked delights – Living Stone Bakery

“Where people can commune daily over fresh baked goods, a cup of good coffee, and a warm homey breakfast.”

Another incredibly photogenic café with delicious food and quirky baked goodies (Even Jessica Yamada from ElleJess.com loves the watermelon bread!) – a trip to Living Stone is bound to make your day.

With many lovely spots around the lofty 2-storey building (beautiful spots both inside and out!) – settle in with a coffee, a good book, your choice of baked goodie, and you’re all set for the day.

Whether you’re here to read, or here for brunch with friends, Living Stone’s picturesque setup is great for those chill days where there’s nothing to do but sit back and relax.

P.S.: Try their fruit coffees when you’re here! Strawberry coffee, orange coffee, and even an avocado coffee. They sound simply delicious. Don’t miss their new crunchy croissants too, which are super popular!

If you are bored, head to the newly opened BURO Bali retail concept store at level 2, where you can see an array of products, from clothing, accessories to homeware!

17. Not a circus on the sea, but an equally whimsical café – Sea Circus

“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

This seems to be the theme at Sea Circus with its surprising juxtaposition of characteristics. From its name, to the décor (even in the bathrooms!) Sea Circus is a really interesting café to wander into on any afternoon.

And despite its whimsical name, it’s not actually a circus on the sea, but a restaurant/cocktail bar/coffee den.

What you can expect to find here? “Proper coffee, epic breakfast, kicking cocktails, yummy tapas, stylish décor, mega playlists, pumping parties.” There’s even a great wine list for the wine lovers!

There’s even a ‘market corner’ where you may pick up the cutest, dreamiest prints to decorate your home with. (Personally, I’m definitely going to pick up the “I’m off to join the circus” print the next time I’m there! ♥.♥)

There’s much in store for you at Sea Circus, and if you think photos taken at the Sea Circus in the day are instagram-worthy – wait till it’s dark out and the place gets really magical.

18. Of nature and vintage: La Favela

This little hidden gem is not easy to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Snuggled between a surf shop and a restaurant, its presence is only announced on a simple neon signage. The place resembles an abandoned colonial building at the edge of a Brazilian rainforest, with antique typewriters, old bikes, and even a vintage volkswagen strewn across the dark wood interiors. Plants also appear to be growing everywhere as mother nature takes over.

“La Favela is the ghetto – it means “community”, so here you can find different ambience, different concepts between all the people. But everything is made with love,” says the owner Luigi Ferrara (the same guy who owns La Plancha, which is also a rooftop bar, together with his brother Gonzalo).

The place transforms into a dance club with live music from 11pm onwards!

19. That sweet little vintage place: Cafe Bali

You may not be impressed by the name; neither is it likely that you may be intrigued enough to look past the small palm trees lining the facade.

But we’ll tell you this – it’s difficult not to go ‘wow’ once you’ve set foot in this unassuming little place.

The cafe manages to be cute without being sickeningly sweet.

Think whitewashed wood, an eclectic collection of mismatched furniture, and probably the most creative light fixtures on the island.

20. Secret cafe: Sisterfields

This bright and airy new kid on the block is definitely worth a mention as one of the coolest places to hangout while you’re in Bali.

Serving yummy smoothies, fresh salads, great coffee and intriguing charcoal buns, Sisterfields is one of Bali’s best kept secrets (up till now, probably). Try the polenta fries – it’s very popular!

21. That whimsical cafe-bar: La Plancha

This Legian Beach cafe, which doubles up as a rooftop bar, has been around for years, yet it never gets old.

And it genuinely lives up to its name – the traditional Spanish way of cooking that’s simple, fresh, and unpretentious (La Plancha literally means “the grill”).

Don’t bother looking for this signage though – it’s too small to be spotted easily.

Just follow the fragrant whiff of barbecued Spanish delights and the sound of clinking beer bottles, and you’ll find your way to this colourful beach shack.

But of course, the most coveted seats are right on the beach.

Lounge on the colourful beanbags with the wind in your hair, the sand between your toes and an ice cold Bintang in your hand.

You just need the perfect Bali sunset, and your Bali holiday is complete. Don’t miss the Sunset Parties on Wednesdays with free entry, live music and drinks!

22. Swoony décor for your inner Euro: Balique in Jimbaran

Balique is almost too hip to be real.

Housed in a large open-sided joglo, its neighbours are motorbike repair and helmet stores.

Enter and be completely astounded by its vintage style – European-style armchairs, antique cashier machine and candy jars, hanging glass lamps.

Every inch of Balique is ornate, thoughtful and beautiful, you might even suspect it’s a plot to distract you from (bad) food.

But that’s not true.

The menu is as eclectic as the décor, featuring tastes from Morocco, France and around Asia.

And now that you’ve admired the furniture, it’s time to feast your eyes on the Moroccan chicken kebabs and rare tuna salad!

(Permanently closed) La Petite Parisienne: The Bistrot

This is actually a Parisian eatery and bar, with an ambience that reminds us of a New York loft – all done by a Moroccan-Belgian couple staying in Bali.

You wouldn’t guess what’s inside from its humble wooden signboard at the door.

With its bare brick walls and black basalt stone flooring, coupled with cushy sofas and an abundance of vintage furniture, doesn’t it inject a warm, homey feeling to the industrial setting? 

And the impressive chandeliers definitely contribute to its glamour.

Don’t forget to check out the upstairs bar – said to be a space Hemingway himself would be proud of.

Bistrot is original, quirky, delicious, and whimsical – charming by day and glamorous by night.

Are there any more awesome unique cafes that we missed out? Do share about it with us below!

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