Jimbaran restaurants

The Top 5 Restaurants in Jimbaran

Jimbaran clings to its identity as a quaint fishing village despite its growing popularity. Colorful boats line the shore, and there is an open-air fish market at the edge of the bay where fishermen sell their catch.

Just 30 minutes south of Kuta, it gets busy around sundown as diners and sunset chasers flock in. While seafood is its main drawcard, gastronomic delights of all sorts are aplenty. Here are the best restaurants in Jimbaran to try.

1. Cuca Restaurant

European | Price range $$$$

Nobody does comfort food like Cuca, home to tasty tapas, decadent desserts, and creative cocktails.

The lobster roll and grilled beef bone are menu highlights. Yet it’s the Chef Tasting Meal, a collection of carefully curated small dishes, that keeps customers coming back.

Veggie lovers need not despair. Cuca offers a range of plant-based dishes and even a vegetarian version of the Chef Tasting Meal.

Plus, there’s a space to fit your every mood. Dine in the elegant dining room, alfresco in the garden, or at the food bar where you can watch the cooks prepare your food.

2. OPIA Bali

International, Fusion | Price range $$-$$$

Perched on a limestone cliff, OPIA takes dinner with a view seriously. But as stunning as the scenery is (get a table at the wraparound terrace, thank us later!), it’s the food that makes this spot an icon.

What’s the house special? You may never know until you’re there. Seasonality and freshness are top priorities, so new menus are printed daily based on the availability of ingredients.

It does have some menu staples, including crispy duck and ceviche. Then there are the artisanal cocktails and wines to cap the night off.

3. Kayumanis Resto

Indonesian | Price range $$-$$$

Set in a joglo, a traditional Javanese wooden house, Kayumanis enchants with its dreamy ambiance and authentic Indonesian cuisine.

The menu features dishes from across the country, with crowd-pleasers like grilled snapper, sate campur, and smoky duck. It also offers plant-based options, including gado-gado and vegetarian nasi goreng.

And did we mention romance? Book the three-course, seafood-inspired garden dinner for a special date night.

4. Locca Sea House

International, Fusion | Price range $$-$$$

One of the best places to watch the Jimbaran sunset is at Locca. But the real perk is the delicious food that matches the spectacular view.

While seafood is the menu highlight, you can also order nachos, pizzas, burgers, and the signature grilled oxtail soup.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, Locca might be the right fit. Onsite, you’ll find a playground, an infinity pool, an outdoor cinema on Saturdays, and kids’ activities every Sunday.

5. La Brasserie by Melting Wok

French, Asian, Fusion | Price range $$-$$$

Located in the town center, La Brasserie doesn’t have direct access to epic beach views. But what it lacks in sights, it makes up for in flavor.

The menu is a fusion of Asian and French cuisines. You can get duck confit alongside curry noodles, or choose between a buttery croissant and a bowl of pho for breakfast.

Adding to its charm is the chic and cozy ambiance. There are no ACs, just electric fan. During certain times of the day, you can feel the sea breeze blowing through.

Exploring Restaurants in Jimbaran: What to Expect 

Jimbaran is every seafood lover’s dream. Most of the dining scene action, at least when it comes to seafood, happens along the 4-km stretch of Jimbaran Bay.

At sunset, eateries you barely noticed earlier start propping up tables and chairs on the sand on the shore. Grills come to life as vendors cook the catch of the day over coconut husk charcoal. You can see the smoke and smell BBQ deliciousness from miles away. 

The bay itself has two distinct parts: the north, where you’ll find fancier, more upscale restaurants; and the south, where the vibe is more casual and the food cheaper.

At the heart of Jimbaran’s seafood dining is the Kedonganan Fish Market. You can buy the freshest fish and shellfish here and have one of the local warungs cook it for you for a fee.

Even if you’re not a seafood fan, you’ll find a range of tasty eats throughout town. While there’s no designated Eat Street, you can explore various dining spots in the town center and at the open-air shopping center, Samasta Lifestyle Village.

Eating Out in Jimbaran: Practical Tips 

• Sunset dinners along the beach are very popular, and spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Be sure to book in advance to get a table on the sand.
• You can either choose your seafood from the tank and have the cook grill it for you, or opt for a meal set from the menu. We recommend picking your own to ensure you get the best produce.
• You pay for the seafood by weight. Confirm the weight, number of pieces, and price before finalizing the order. You can take a photo as a reference.
• If time allows, shop around to find the best prices. Be ready to haggle. During off-peak season, many eateries offer discounts to attract customers.
• The restaurants follow a similar dining format. This includes grilled seafood of your choice, veggies, rice or fries, sambal, and sometimes fresh fruit for dessert. You can bring your own wine for a small corkage fee.
• Dress casually. Most likely, the smoke will get into your clothes, and you’ll start smelling like BBQ (which isn’t too bad, really).
• Keep an eye out for stalls selling grilled corn on the cob. The corn, smothered in sweet or spicy sauces, is divine.

FAQs About Restaurants in Jimbaran

Do restaurants in Jimbaran serve anything other than seafood?

Yes, Jimbaran’s food scene includes a variety of non-seafood options. You’ll find eateries serving Mediterranean, French, Italian, and other Western cuisines, along with Indonesian classics and plant-based dishes.

Are restaurants in Jimbaran kid-friendly?

Yes, most restaurants in Jimbaran are kid-friendly. Though it’s famous for seafood dining, it’s also home to dozens of eateries that offer menus, amenities, and activities geared toward families with kids. Additionally, the beaches have calm waters suitable for young swimmers.