18 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 Nadia Crowe and Beverley Lennon
Edited by Beverley Lennon

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:

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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. Dine and find Nemo at this magical underwater kingdom!: Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Imagine stepping into an Atlantean restaurant, colourful fish all around you, a soft blue glow lighting up your surroundings, and the delicious smell of fresh seafood!

That’s what awaits you as you step into Bali’s first underwater aquarium restaurant (that’s right, just like in the Maldives!). Time to discover The Apurva Kempinski’s little gem – Koral Restaurant, which promises an out-of-this-world dining experience with top-notch food and a stunning view around you!

Now, for a grand affair, why not opt for their four-course dinner so you can sample some of their favourite dishes? Caviar to start with, accompanied by poached clams and if you’re feeling like something a little more refreshing, the next course is a succulent tomato burrata salad (sourced locally from the hills of Bedugul!).

Coming to the main course, get ready for it to tantalise your senses – a stuffed chicken wing paired with potato coconut mousseline, cauliflower cream, and shimeji mushrooms. Finish off your delicious meal with a zesty tangerine tartlet! Make sure to ask for the best wine pairings to really complete your dining experience!

Despite Koral Restaurant being open only during the evening, we highly recommend you to come a little earlier so as to explore the sprawling lands where sits the resort!

Or better yet, sign up for their Sunday Brunchcation at their other dining site – Pala Restaurant! You’ll marvel at its modern architecture, love its beachfront location (and beach club!), and wish you were staying there so you can have fun in each one of its many crystal pools!

2. 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.

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3. Hit up Seminyak’s popular party spot with everything Mexican inside!: Motel Mexicola

The night is always young in Bali, so don’t head to bed or you’ll be missing out big time!

Experiencing Bali’s nightlife is definitely a must, and if you’re in Seminyak, you mustn’t miss Motel Mexicola!

This place practically embodies the essence of partying in Bali. Bask yourself in the strong Mexican vibes and snap an #OOTD amongst flashy interior, skulls and melting candles, or simply chill out to funky music and ice-cold Bintangs (grab some tacos for when the alcohol kicks in!).

And nope, no one’s gonna judge you for dancing on top of the tables – so let’s get this party going!

4. An Anime lover’s ultimate destination: Ling Ling’s Bali

Bright colours and endless choices of delicious Korean-Japanese fusion await you as you step into Ling Ling’s Bali. With manga decorating the walls, and elements of Japanese funk dotting each corner of the cafe, this place is the definition of quirky – but that’s why we love it!

Head there on a Tuesday and you’ll be lucky enough to experience their Taco Tuesday, where all tacos are only $1 (approximately Rp. 14,000) each from 5pm – 9pm! Talk about getting your money’s worth!

Fridays on the other hand, are for those who like to keep it funky! Ling Ling’s offers 50% off for selected beverages too! Just don’t have too many that you forget to take pictures of their adorable decor and giant robot at the entrance!

5. 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!

6. Step out of Bali and have a hearty dinner in Greece! – Slippery Stone Bali (Temporarily closed)

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!

7. Have dinner and play fun games at the circus!: Shooters Bali

Every kid’ dreams come true at Shooters Bali – a fun park-style cafe with popping carnival vibes invite you all to have an exciting time at their mini-golf course while you also chug down some icy fresh Bintangs!

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.

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. 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!

10. 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!

11. 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!

12. Join Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew at The Pirates Bay (Temporarily closed)

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.

13. 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.

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. 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.

18. 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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