ESCAPING INFLUENCERS

Bali can seem like a parking lot with trees, but we still maintain that there is something in the air here. As soon as you land at Denpasar airport you feel your shoulders drop a tad, and relaxation mode begins. Despite infernal traffic and an invasion of soulless influencers, there are some beautiful spots to take your scooter to if you crave some solitude.

More importantly, the food scene here is flourishing, with every cuisine imaginable on offer. We spent a month driving around testing as many places as we could to make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

So here it is, our guide to Uluwatu. If you want to just skip to the google map display of all our favourites, click the icon below:

WAROENG DE DUSUN

Not many places in Bali cook up consistently excellent food like this roadside restaurant. At peak times you're going to have to wait upwards of 30 minutes, but it's worth every painstaking moment. The portions are small (but cheap), so order a few different dishes and find your favourite.

Our favourite is the (enter protein) with the spicy sauce, but generally everything we ate was excellent.

ULU ARTISAN

Bali does breakfasts pretty damn well, and does them one notch above the rest.

SMOOTHIE SHOP

Smoothie bowls in Bali are a dime a dozen, but this place in a rather odd location makes the best one on the island.

WARUNG UBAY

Not only the friendliest people on earth, but some pretty decent spin on Thai-ish dishes if you have cravings.

ALCHEMY

A bees nest for digital nomads to compare laptops in the open workspace, but out back lies a tasty vegan restaurant for a light lunch.

KELLY'S WARUNG

A picture perfect beach shack to have a coffee, a meal, a sundowner or all three. The walk back up to the motorbike parking is especially thrilling.

KARANG BOMA CLIFFTOP

Let the majority of the tourists pay entrance to the UIuwatu temple 300 meters away, but for the true renegades of lifes dance, drive your scooter up the narrow lanes, when the road meets a huge iron gate turn right on the off-road lane for the last couple hundred meters, pay the lady a couple thousand for parking and enjoy the sunset in the best possible location.

CASHEW TREE

Another great place to eat a late breakfast/brunch with countless seating options, slightly slow service, and a vegan ice-cream stall at the cash register.

PAD THAI

The chef is from Bangkok and serves up some of the tastiest Thai food we've had this far south. If you get on her good side she'll even make you some off-menu hits. You didn't hear it here.

SANDARA GELATO

Scratch the oppressive heat itch by cooling off with some freshly made gelato.

SUKA ESPRESSO

Despite being the loudest restaurant on planet earth (because its popular), the food here is legit and it's a good spot for people watching.

NYANG NYANG BEACH

The best beach for avoiding influencers or tiktok mosquitos. Take the steep path down to the beach and find your own stretch of paradise.

DELPI CAFE

You won't be avoiding tourists here, but you'll sip your drink with an epic view. Walk down the long winding path under Single Fin, head down to the small beach under the rocks and up the small staircase, then turn left to find this little "hidden" cafe.

WARUNG BABI GULING "BALI AYU"

Around lunchtime the streets empty because all the locals are lining up here for a taste of the crispy pork skin, meat, rice and vegetables, all wrapped up in a banana leaf. It's a local delicacy and might not be for everyone, but if you come to Bali you have to try it atleast once.

OURS

Inconsistencies aside, OURS is potentially our favourite brunch place in Uluwatu. The food is a step above the regular standards, although it does seem they have multiple chefs and not everyone is as conscious of seasoning the food correctly.

NOURISH

All things healthy are on display at Nourish, and that includes people in gym clothes and yoga pants. With a couple of branches around Uluwatu, you can depend on them to fix you a healthy meal if you're in need.

BALANGAN BEACH

Our favourite beach since it's a tad on the shabby side. Park your scooter, head to Sunset Cafe, take a reclining chair on the upper floor and watch the surfers while you sip a cool drink.

BULLS COFFEE

Slightly out of the main drag, but our take on the best coffee in Uluwatu.