20 unique themed restaurants you didn’t know existed in Bali

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/bali/restoran-unik/

Written by Kristyna Schonova
Co-written by Leo Daphne, Antonia Fransiska, Dawn Pillay, Dionne Lee, Laura Jodoin
Edited by Dawn Pillay, Candice Neo

So you feel you haven’t had enough of Bali’s unique cafes where you at hang out at? How does dining on a pirate ship, Frankenstein’s creepy laboratory or a grungy garage sound?

Also read:

22 extraordinary cafes in Bali you can’t help but Instagram

10 delightful brunch places in Bali to tempt your tastebuds

7 extraordinary fine dining places in Bali

76 incredible things to do that prove Bali is the craziest

And it’s not just about the food – these extraordinary themed restaurants will bring you to another world altogether.

Now what are you waiting for? Check out these unique dining places!

1. An abandoned plane in the paddy fields transformed into a restaurant: Keramas Aero Park, Gianyar

There are several abandoned places in Bali. And some of the most absurd of all are the abandoned planes.

And for this one, it’s found in the middle of the paddy fields. Can anything get more ridiculous than this?

Although we have no idea about the origins of the plane, the area is actually a restaurant and bar called ‘Keramas Aero Park’, located not far from the Keramas Beach, which has been regarded as “the next Kuta”.

If you notice that the color of the plane has changed, it’s due to reconstruction that had taken place before the restaurant officially opened its doors to customers. It was originally white with a budget airline logo when it was transferred to the area, while the blue one is the most recent.

2. Chillax, boho-style: Bali Bohemia

For those who want to keep it groovy, Bali Bohemia is the chillout place for you! This boho-themed restaurant is located right by a monkey forest, making for some fascinating lunchtime views, along with entertaining (but sneaky!) lunch guests.

The vibrant and colourful decor makes this restaurant a great place to relax and have a meal or a drink. Weekly live music to support both local and international indie artists will give you the heartwarming sense of belonging to a tight-knit community of like-minded people.

The bright and creative artwork on the walls makes for an interesting dining view as well – you can even contribute and paint something on the wall!

This great restaurant features a wide variety of dishes to choose from to satisfy your rumbling tummy. Especially recommended are the soups and sandwiches, and especially the homemade falafel balls!

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3. Step out of Bali and have a hearty dinner in Greece! – Slippery Stone Bali

Find yourselves in Greece when you visit Slippery Stone, a “Greek oasis” where patrons are welcomed to sit back and lounge in elegant Grecian comfort.

Its ethereal settings combine sculpted pillars reminiscent of old Greece, with a dash of greenery and modern comforts.

There’s even a garden ceiling that provides the perfect mix of ‘picnic under the setting sun’ – every nook and cranny of the restaurant screams picture perfect!

Moving on to the food, when in Greece, you can of course expect Greek cuisine! “Diverse and healthy”, enjoy an authentic taste of Greece as everything is homemade the traditional Greek way.

If there’s one thing we love about Greek food, it’s how the simplest of ingredients can come together to create unexpectedly amazing flavours that explode on your tastebuds. From olive oil and olives, to lamb, beef and cheese, and homegrown greens, only quality ingredients are used!

All you need to know is that at Slippery Stone, one can definitely expect a hearty and delicious dinner surrounded by the beauty of Greece.

PS: For the health/weight conscious, no butter or fat is used in the cooking, and all of the meats are trimmed, making them very low in fat!

PPS: Every Sunday, be entertained as you dine with belly dancers, fire dancers and drag queens performing live!

4. 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.

5. Cozy stopover after shopping!: Bungalow Living

At Bungalow Living, chilling at the cafe means sitting comfortably among the designer cushions and sipping a cup of coffee – you will feel completely at home.

You will find this café in a white wooden bungalow right across the street from the attached home decor shop. So after you’ve done your homeware shopping, you can rest and relax with some snacks or drinks.

For a healthy lunch, you can choose to have a bagel, baguette or salad accompanied by a fresh juice or smoothie.

Bungalow Living offers some of the best coffee in Canggu. They are also masters in latte art, so let the barista surprise you with pretty designs on your cappuccino.

As for dessert, you will be spoilt for choice with the large selection of cakes, ranging from freshly baked apple pie, carrot cake, brownies, peanut butter banana cake to cheesecake….mmm it really is a tough decision!

Make sure you come between 3pm and 5pm to get the cake with a cup of coffee only for Rp 50,000.

Even if you come alone, you don’t need to fret – the famous cuddly Labradoodle dog called BB is here to keep you company. Now, he is almost an Instagram star and a mascot of Bungalow Living Cafe!

6. Be transported to the deserts of Mexico – La Mexicana

Viva México! Try to suppress the urge to exclaim excitedly when you first step into La Mexicana.

The sizeable cactus garden serves as the perfect backdrop for your exotic Mexican meal, and you’ll forget you’re in Bali in an instant.

Lauded as the one of the best Mexican restaurants in Bali, La Mexicana boasts of authentic Mexican cuisine. Be sure to try out their quesadillas and chimichanga (a deep fried burrito) as well as their margaritas!

Their portions are known to be quite generous, so you might want to consider sharing.

Not only does La Mexicana try to stay authentic in the taste of its food, but the interior design is also deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

Apart from the cactus garden, the walls of the restaurant are painted with calacas – a skeletal figure dressed in festive clothing and marigold foliage – most usually associated with the Mexican Holiday, The Day of the Dead.

Self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter, are also used to decorate the restaurant throughout.

Sounds like an excellent plan? You’ll be glad to know that the restaurant is conveniently located near Tanah Lot and Echo Beach – it’s the perfect stop if you feel like having a taste of Mexican after some sightseeing or surfing! Hurrah!

7. Brunch with quaint caravans – La Laguna

Update: La Laguna is currently closed for renovations until further notice.

On that eclectic note, you’ve gotta check out this newly opened cafe that’s a 10 minute drive away from Seminyak, in Canggu.

La Laguna is simply electric in its boheme decor and all around stunning backdrop. (Gypsy caravans, anyone?)

Set right in front of the beach with its sapphire waters and white sands, this cafe has a cool mixture of quirky and organic – with bright pops of coloured plush fabric mixed with textured wood furnishings.

It’s probably going to be the new ‘in’ place to get shots to meet your Instagram quota with beautifully quaint gypsy caravans available for you to explore and take photos with.

Apart from the look and feel of this amazing new cafe, the food here will satisfy the foodie in you too. Treat yourselves to a yummy La Laguna Breeze Cocktail, and satisfy your hunger with tapas from the tapas menu!

Lastly, there are peacocks roaming the area, so do be careful to stay safe around these beautiful wild birds.

8. Enjoy Halloween all year round at Frankenstein’s Laboratory

The ghoulish establishment invites you to enter the dungeon laboratory with green glowing orbs and brass steampunk installations.

Even the crew is decked out in full costume and make-up, always ready to scare the odd visitor or pose for a picture or two.

And… what did you just order? Drinks are served in their own laboratory glassware, such as beakers, test tubes, syringes, conical flasks and IV Bags full of creepy concoctions, dizzying delights and terrifying tinctures.

You never know what you might find!

On the menu, there’s an extensive variety of cocktails with spine-tingling names and the usual must-have spirits. Make sure you try one of their arak (native Indonesian spirit) cocktails!

And don’t forget to catch the Dancing Dead Zombie Cabaret. They’re on seven days a week at 8pm and entrance is free.

Now, have we already convinced you to celebrate Halloween in Bali? Just be warned, because of how popular this place gets, it can be a slightly long wait. Trust us, it’s worth it though!

9. Dine with the lions at Tsavo Lion Restaurant

If you fancy fine dining in the company of the King of animals, then you must not miss the Tsavo Lion Restaurant at the Mara River Safari Lodge, which is home to many other safari animals such as the rhino and zebra.

There’s only a full glass panel separating you and the majestic predators while you tuck in to an international selection of cuisine – from African to Asian to South American.

Recommended prey? Try the salmon, tuna and the crispy duck. Some of the signature cocktails include the refreshing Young African Lion (gin, grand marnier, orange and lemon juice) and the Tsavo Special (gin, apricot brandy, Cointreau, Galliano and lime juice).

While lunch is more casual, dinner is a more romantic affair with candles at every table that reflect off the curved windows.

Food for thought: Are you watching the lions or are they actually surveying you in your glass cage?

10. Return to the 60’s at Cosmic Diner

Step back in time the moment you enter.

At Cosmic Diner, you are greeted with the checkered floor, neon jukebox, red-cushioned steely bar stools and retro-décor that keeps your eyes busy.

How about the nom noms?

You get the classic American menu of burgers, shakes, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, fries and coffee. Do try their Chocolate Trifecta Shake served in a unique boot-shaped glass!

11. Join Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew at The Pirates Bay

Who says you can only find pirates in the Caribbean?

Right here in Nusa Dua, you can imagine yourself treasure-hunting while you dine at The Pirates Bay.

The outdoor setting is perfect to catch the sea breeze while hanging out at your chosen spot –  a replica pirate ship on the sand, a tree house, a bay lookout tower, or even a pirates’ kitchen!

Scattered around the grounds are numerous castaway-inspired setups such as thatch-roofed beach huts, bonfires, tents, and picket fences that are nods to Robinson Crusoe, Jack Sparrow and everything ‘piratesque’.

If you are really into the pirate craze, you can actually sign up for one of their package experience, where you can don pirate costumes available for rent, to get into the mood and search for loot. And you get to really camp, make and fly kites, cook and more.

Of course, nothing beats the childhood thrill of dressing up with an eye patch and headscarf, then discovering a wooden ‘treasure chest’ filled with golden coins!

As for the real food at the restaurant, the menu features the usual mix of European, Indonesian and seafood dishes, with kid-sized versions of pirate fish and chips, nuggets and satay for the little ones.

12. Step into a fairytale at Gardin Bistro

Imagine dining in a gothic glasshouse surrounded by lush greenery, where everything turns magical in the evenings when the pretty lights are on, and you can even stargaze directly from the glass ceiling. How decadent!

At your feet, the concrete floors juxtapose with old world stained glass motifs, while elegant floral cafe tables and sofas beckon you for a long, relaxed meal.

Isn’t this new addition to Seminyak food street such a hip and cosy establishment?

Apart from cakes, Bistro fare also graces the menu – think sandwiches, salads, and classic mains, with an Asian twist to your European favourites.

Its fantastic selection of cocktails also makes for a perfect late-night catch-up session with your old buddies.

Or you can also continue your night at the Mirror – one of the unique bars in Bali which is located behind the Gardin Bistro.

13. Bamboo joglo hideaway in the faraway fields: Warung d’Sawah

Warung d’Sawah can only be said to be a hidden gem.

Inconspicuously tucked in a row of stone carving shops, with only a small sign to announce its presence, it is easy to overlook this place.

But what you’d never expect is this – Warung d’Sawah is definitely well worth a visit.

Located at the end of a long garden path, the restaurant is housed in a gorgeous traditional Balinese bamboo joglo, overlooking expansive green fields.

In keeping with the theme, on weekends and special evenings, young girls in ceremonial costumes perform classical Balinese dances.

And as for the food, it is summarily excellent.

While both Balinese and Western cuisine are available, the former is highly recommended.

Get the Sup Ikan (fish soup with Balinese sauce), a thick soup with generous portions of fish and the betutu chicken, free range chicken in yellow sauce, served with egg, fish satay, soup and vegetables.

14. Have a chill house party with a Brazilian theme – La Favela

What seems to be a typical restaurant in the day, will transform into a happening bar at night.

What sets La Favela apart from the other international clubs are that their events resemble a private house party, with the most incredible themes! (Helloo Stevie G?)

Visiting the website itself, will already give you a taste of their eclectic space. Speaking of which, the menu of food, drinks and desserts will not leave you wanting.

La Favela is truly an interesting place to be when it comes down to grooving with people of similar styles, and tastes to fuel your partying spirit.

15. Relieve your biker fantasy at Deus ex Machina

The Deus ex Machina Temple of Enthusiasm – lovingly dubbed Deus Canggu by everyone, is more than just a restaurant, but a cafe, a motorcycle shop, a surf shop, and an art/photo gallery all rolled into one.

Shiny motorcycles and surf boards fill the airy indoor retail space, along with related accessories and apparels.

And it’s not just about the bikes.

Don’t forget to try the coffee, which is hailed as one of the best in Bali, and the signature drink – the Dirty Bintang (Bintang beer over ice with a dash of sambal and squirt of fresh lime in a salt-rimmed glass).

You can enjoy a lazy afternoon in the cool outdoors, with an expansive view of the paddyfields ahead.

If you are a major bike enthusiast, go ahead and check out the workshops at the back.

16. Hang out in a Garage at Man Shed

This ‘garage’ looks so authentic, you can almost catch the whiff of motor-oil in the air.

Tables are made from repurposed old Vespas, so you can actually sit as though you’re riding the scooters.

The quirky wall decor features old license plates, emergency lamps, electrical fan covers, and even – yes we’re serious – mannequins’ torsos.

Since Man Shed’s grand opening in January 2014, people keep coming back because there’s always something new to marvel at.

You’ll see antique motorcycles, Bajajs, and the latest addition – a 1945 HD military bike complete with side-car and a fish tank.

Check out the lampshades over the bar – they’re actually repurposed helmets!

And before we forget about food, the menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from chap chai (Chinese style stir-fried mix of veggies) to steak, which are quite good but of course, not exactly your fine dining quality.

No biggies, though, since the highlight is its grungy laidback atmosphere and ice-cold beer.

Have we given you reason enough to visit?

17. Fine dining while cruising down Bali’s seas: Waka Floating Restaurant

Imagine you’re dining on something incredibly delicate and fine, sipping on cognac, admiring the sea view, saying something witty to your partner, but the tablecloth is billowing just a little and you seem further from the harbour than you were just 15 minutes ago.

What’s happening?

Well, you’re probably on a boat, a luxury catamaran to be precise.

The Waka Dinner Cruise does exactly this: You’re taken for a three-hour-long cruise around Benoa harbour as the sun sets, and you can relax with pre-dinner drinks as the catamaran heads out to its anchorage.

You’ll be able to enjoy local seafood, meats and salads under a clear sky as your vessel bobs gently in the waves.

Stargaze with coffee, liquor and cognac as you sail back to the Bali International Marina.

18. Conjure up your Indian tastebuds: Queens Tandoor

Come for the dancing, stay for the dancing? The food’s not bad either!

Seriously though, Queens Tandoor might just be the very best Indian food in Bali.

Queens’ chefs are imported straight from India with love. Not only have they mastered the classics (butter chicken, paneer korma, prawn masala, rogan josh, mutton vindaloo and biryani), but they can also conjure up very creative fusion dishes.

Imagine achar paneer tikka, cottage cheese marinated in pickles and roasted in a tandoor oven and the fish curry with vodka flambé. If you can’t imagine it, it’s a clear sign you need to get yourself to Queens right away!

In addition, the restaurant has a fantastic wine list,as well as shisha. Clearly, you cand spend all night here drinking and smoking yourself into a stupor!

But before you get totally stoned out of your mind, be sure to admire how stylish this restaurant is. It’s a grand two-storey building with sweeping high ceilings, polished fine cutlery and equally polished service.

And if you are apprehensive about the spiciness of the food, never fear—the staff is ever willing to tailor the curry to your taste.

In order to enjoy epic dance performances accompanied by traditional Indian music, simply drop by on Thursdays!

19. Test-drive a pirate’s life: Pirate Cruise

Want to have one-of-a-kind romantic meal on a pirate cruise? Now you can do it in Bali!

Their “Lunch On Board” set is available from 9am to 4pm and it costs Rp. 200.000 (approximately US $15) per person. The crew on board will dress up as pirates while you dine with a romantic sea view.

If you don’t mind splurging more, try their “Pirate Dinner Cruise” at US $55 per person.

If you and your partner are a fun-loving pair who want to dress up as pirates and play games with the pirate crew, want live music and fire eating with your dinner, this is probably perfect for your V-Day date.

You’ll get to sail around Harbor Benoa as the sun sets and come back with lots of in-jokes.

What about food? You get chicken corn soup, caesar salad, potato salad, steak, prawn and squid kebabs, (appropriately named) pirate chicken and many more.

20. Cheer for your team at Stadium Sports Bar

Open in two locations (Kuta and Sanur), the Stadium Cafe and Sports Bar caters to sports fans around the island with live sporting events always on massive screens and LCD TVs.

Cosmopolitan Bali is never more obvious on its sporting TV programmes, with NBA, cricket, soccer, rugby and Aussie Rules all vying for position.

You can find various sports memorabilia in this modern and bright American style sports bar. There’s even a fussball table!

If you are finally asking for the menu, the restaurant serves up the usual fries, burgers and pork ribs, but a must-try is the Choco-lava dessert that takes center court!

Are there any other interesting restaurants we missed? Share with us below!

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