Best Restaurants in Canggu: Where I Actually Love to Eat in Bali

I’ve spent countless mornings buzzing on espresso and turquoise smoothies along Canggu’s beaches, so I’m excited to share this Canggu food guide filled with places I genuinely love and return to again and again. In Bali’s bohemian surf town, food is part of the lifestyle: slow breakfasts after sunrise sessions, long brunches that turn into conversations, casual warung lunches, and dinners that feel like events.

Below are the restaurants, cafés, and warungs that shaped my experience of Canggu — from indulgent fine dining to plastic-chair local favorites. This isn’t a hype list; it’s where I actually eat.

Fine Dining & Trendy Spots

Mason

Mason is where I go when I want a night that feels intentional. Located on Batu Bolong Road, the restaurant immediately sets the tone with its sleek design, warm lighting, and open wood-fired oven. You can smell the bread before you even sit down. I took my partner here for our anniversary, and it felt like the right balance of special and relaxed — elegant, but not stiff.

We started with the wood-fired flatbread, which honestly deserves its own spotlight. Crispy edges, soft center, and just enough char to make it addictive. The starters were beautifully composed, and every dish felt carefully thought out, from seasoning to presentation. Service here is attentive without hovering, and as the sun goes down, the whole place takes on a romantic, candlelit energy. Mason isn’t cheap, but it’s one of those places where you leave feeling the price made sense.

Chow Chow Asian Cafe

Chow Chow is my go-to when I want a lively, social night without committing to formal dining. The atmosphere is playful and energetic, with fairy lights overhead, upbeat music, and a crowd that always seems ready to stay longer than planned. I remember sitting here with friends, ordering Korean fried chicken, spicy curries, and brightly colored cocktails that looked almost unreal under the lights.

What I love most is how easy it is to lose track of time here. One drink turns into three, conversations get louder, and suddenly it’s late. The menu leans into Asian fusion, and while it’s not traditional, it’s bold, fun, and satisfying. Chow Chow feels like the kind of place you end up at accidentally — and then keep coming back to.

Santanera

Santanera is a restaurant I associate with celebrations. Spread across three levels, including a rooftop bar, it blends Mediterranean and Latin American influences with local Balinese ingredients. I love starting the evening upstairs with a cocktail — the lychee margarita is a favorite — watching the sky change color before heading downstairs for dinner.

The food here is refined and expressive. Dishes feel like small works of art, but never overly complicated. The grilled octopus, ceviche, and seasonal vegetables all taste fresh and vibrant, with subtle local heat woven in. Santanera has a calm, sophisticated rhythm that encourages slow dining, lingering conversations, and a sense that the evening is something to be savored, not rushed.

Cafés & Brunch Places

Crate Cafe

Crate Cafe was one of the first brunch spots I fell in love with in Canggu, and it still captures the town’s energy perfectly. Set in an open warehouse overlooking rice fields, it’s always busy — surfers with salty hair, digital nomads on laptops, locals grabbing takeaway coffee. The vibe is loud, casual, and unapologetically Canggu.

The menu is full of hearty brunch classics and colorful smoothie bowls. My regular order is the “Peas Please,” a comforting mix of poached eggs, feta, peas, and sourdough. The coffee is strong enough to revive you after an early surf, and there’s often a DJ playing relaxed beats. Crate feels like a place where everyone’s day starts moving.

Sensorium Cafe

Sensorium is one of those cafés that quietly impresses you more with each visit. From the outside, it looks like a stylish brunch spot near rice fields, but the food goes far beyond expectations. The chef’s background — Sumatran roots with Australian influence — really shows in the creativity of the menu.

Dishes like the Chinese-style scrambled eggs or inventive tofu plates are bold, flavorful, and unlike anything else in Canggu. The interior is clean and minimalist, letting the food take center stage. I once brought a friend who spent ten minutes photographing her dish before eating it. Sensorium is the kind of place that sparks inspiration as much as appetite.

Milk & Madu

Milk & Madu feels comforting from the moment you walk in. I usually visit the Berawa location, which has high ceilings, natural light, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where solo travelers, groups of friends, and families all feel equally at home.

My go-to order is “The Madu” — poached eggs with avocado, crispy bacon, hollandaise, and onion jam on sourdough. It’s indulgent and satisfying, especially when paired with a good coffee. Their smoothie bowls, pancakes, and chia pudding are also excellent, and the presence of a small kids’ area adds to the relaxed, community feel. Milk & Madu makes mornings feel generous.

Vegan & Healthy Restaurants

The Shady Shack

The Shady Shack was one of the very first vegan cafés I truly fell in love with in Bali, and it still holds a special place for me. Hidden among palm trees and rice fields, it feels slightly removed from Canggu’s buzz — the kind of place where you instinctively lower your voice and slow your pace. The open-air layout, bamboo accents, and soft natural light create a calm, grounding atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

The entire menu is plant-based, but nothing here feels restrictive or “diet-like.” Flavors are layered, bold, and deeply satisfying. The famous nori bowl deserves its reputation: savory, umami-rich, with enough texture to keep every bite interesting. Even friends of mine who usually roll their eyes at vegan food end up raving about it. Desserts are another highlight — the coconut chocolate mousse is so rich it’s hard to believe it’s dairy-free. I often come here after yoga or on days when I want food that feels both nourishing and emotionally comforting. The music is soft, conversations are unhurried, and time seems to stretch in the best possible way.

Good Mantra

Good Mantra feels less like a restaurant and more like a wellness sanctuary that happens to serve exceptional food. Led by vegan chef Don Hammond, the kitchen follows a true earth-to-plate philosophy, sourcing unusual local ingredients and preparing almost everything in-house. Even the nut milks, coconut creams, and kombucha are made on site, which you can really taste.

The Matahari pancakes are one of my favorite orders — fluffy, rich, and infused with coconut cream that gives them a distinctly tropical feel. The salads often introduce me to vegetables I’d never tried before, sometimes fermented or lightly grilled to bring out unexpected flavors. Eating here feels intentional, almost ritualistic. I come to Good Mantra on days when I want to feel genuinely nourished — not just full, but clear-headed, energized, and balanced. It’s the kind of place that resets you from the inside out.

Rize Cafe

Rize Cafe is perfectly positioned near Batu Bolong Beach, which makes it an easy and natural stop after a surf session. You arrive salty, sun-warmed, and hungry — and Rize delivers exactly what you need. The menu blends healthy comfort food with Indonesian and Indian influences, creating dishes that feel both familiar and exciting.

Their house-made dosa is a standout: thin, crisp, and filled with spicy potato, served alongside local sambals that add depth and heat. Paired with a coconut latte, it’s one of my favorite post-surf meals in Canggu. What I love most is how Rize balances indulgence and nourishment. You leave satisfied, not weighed down, which makes it perfect for active days.

I Am Vegan Babe

For quick, no-fuss fuel, I Am Vegan Babe is an absolute lifesaver. It’s a small, unpretentious spot, but consistently busy — a good sign in Canggu. The focus is on açai bowls, overnight oats, and oat-milk coffee, all done well and without unnecessary extras.

I stop here when I want something light but energizing, especially before heading out to explore or after a workout. It’s not a place to linger for hours, but it does exactly what it promises: fast, clean, plant-based energy that keeps you moving.

Local Warungs & Indonesian Food

Warung Bu Mi

Warung Bu Mi is my personal definition of comfort food in Canggu. This is classic, no-frills local dining: you grab a plate and point at the dishes behind the glass while the staff serve generous portions with practiced ease. The selection usually includes tempeh, eggplant curry, sambal, turmeric rice, and a rotating mix of vegetables and proteins.

Everything is simple, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Portions are large, prices are low, and the place is always buzzing with locals — which tells you everything you need to know. Eating here feels grounding, like stepping into everyday Balinese life rather than a curated tourist version of it. When I want something honest and filling, this is where I go.

Warung Sika

Warung Sika is famous for its nasi campur buffet, and the first time I visited, it was already packed. A large glass cabinet overflows with curries, fritters, vegetables, eggs, and satay skewers. It’s slightly overwhelming in the best way — you want a bit of everything.

For just a few dollars, you can build a plate so full it barely closes. The food tastes like home cooking: rich, comforting, and familiar. Even during busy hours, the staff remain warm, efficient, and welcoming. It’s loud, lively, and deeply satisfying — exactly how a great warung should be.

Varuna Warung

Varuna Warung is my go-to when I want something fast, familiar, and reliably good. Located right on Batu Bolong, it serves classic nasi goreng and mie goreng cooked over a hot wok. There’s nothing fancy here — just smoky, well-seasoned comfort food.

After a long surf session, this is exactly what I crave. The wok-charred flavor, the heat of sambal, the simplicity of the dish — sometimes that’s all you need. Varuna proves that straightforward Indonesian cooking never goes out of style.

Warung Pojok

Warung Pojok sits directly on the sand near Canggu Beach, and while the food is basic, the setting is unbeatable. Sitting with a fresh coconut, watching surfers glide across the waves at sunset while waiting for nasi goreng, feels like pure Bali.

This is one of those places where the atmosphere matters more than the menu. The gentle ocean breeze, friendly chatter, and fading light turn a simple meal into a memory. It’s unpretentious, warm, and quietly perfect.

Coffee & Quick Bites

Revolver Espresso

Revolver Espresso is a Canggu classic and one of my regular morning stops. I usually come early for a piccolo or flat white before the crowds roll in. The coffee is consistently excellent, with rich, balanced flavors and perfectly textured milk.

The decor is sleek and distinctive, and the location makes it ideal for people-watching. Sitting here feels like tapping into the rhythm of Canggu — surfers, creatives, locals, all passing through with coffee in hand.

Hungry Bird Coffee

Hungry Bird roasts its own beans, and you can taste the care in every cup. The aroma hits you as soon as you walk in. I love their pour-over filters, especially the citrus-forward Sumatra beans, which feel bright and complex.

The space is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for lingering with a book or chatting with friends. It’s an ideal spot for anyone who takes coffee seriously and appreciates craftsmanship over hype.

Ruko Cafe

Ruko Cafe is casual, hearty, and proudly Aussie in spirit. The Brekkie Bun is legendary — stacked high with egg, bacon, hashbrown, cheese, and more. It’s unapologetically indulgent and exactly what you want before or after a beach session.

The vibe is laid-back, the portions generous, and the coffee consistently strong. Ruko feels like fuel for active days.

Mr. SISTA

Mr. SISTA feels less like a café and more like a stylish living room. The space is calm, thoughtfully designed, and perfect for slowing down. The espresso is beautifully balanced, and the fresh juices are playful without being gimmicky.

I come here when I want a quiet moment — to reset, think, or simply enjoy a well-made drink in a relaxed setting. It’s understated, tasteful, and quietly one of my favorite spots in Canggu.

Conclusion

Exploring Canggu’s dining scene has been one of the highlights of my time in Bali. From sunrise to sunset, the choices here are endless. I’ve shared my own Canggu food guide – the places I go back to again and again: elegant restaurants like Mason and Santanera for date nights, hip cafes like Crate and Sensorium for brunch after a surf, health-focused spots like Shady Shack and Good Mantra for when I want something nourishing, and local warungs like Bu Mi and Sika for authentic Balinese meals on a budget. Every meal here has its own story – from the crunch of fresh tempe goreng at a warung to the creamy texture of an avocado latte at a beachfront cafe. Canggu really has where to eat in Canggu covered for all tastes and budgets.

So pack your appetite and your sense of adventure: wander down Batu Bolong at dusk or stroll past the rice fields at dawn, and let the aromas guide you. I hope you discover your own favorites; after all, the next best restaurant in Canggu might just be the one you stumble upon by chance. Enjoy every bite – this town is a true foodie paradise.

Safe travels and happy eating!