If you’re in Bali and you’re not eating somewhere with a killer view, you’re doing it wrong. Honestly, with all the options here, finding the best restaurants in Bali with a view isn’t the hard part — it’s narrowing it down. I’ve lived here long enough to know that “view” can mean a lot of things. Some people want those postcard-perfect ocean sunsets where the sky is pink and gold, while others prefer misty mountain backdrops or a table overlooking endless rice fields. And if you’re like me, you want good food first, and then the view is the cherry on top.
Read also: Outdoor Activities in Bali
Now, let me warn you — some places in Bali charge more for the view than the actual meal, so I’ll sprinkle in some honest tips about what’s worth it and what’s just Instagram fluff. I’ve been burned before, like that time I paid way too much for an overcooked snapper just because the restaurant had beanbags facing the beach. Lesson learned. Let’s break it down by setting so you can decide what kind of Bali you want to taste.
Oceanfront Dining — For the Sunset Chasers
There’s something about eating with your toes in the sand, the sound of waves crashing nearby, and the sun slowly dipping into the horizon. Bali’s coastline has more than a few spots that can deliver this, but not all of them are equal.
Take La Lucciola in Seminyak — old-school, charming, and honestly, it’s been around forever for a reason. Their Italian-inspired menu is simple but done right. The pumpkin ravioli with sage butter? Dangerous. You might find yourself ordering a second plate “for sharing” but somehow not sharing. And the view? Directly onto Petitenget Beach. No frills, no overdone décor, just open air and ocean.
If you want something a bit more lively, Jimbaran Bay seafood cafés are a classic. I know, everyone talks about them, but for good reason. You literally pick your fish from the display, they grill it over coconut husks, and you eat it at a table right on the sand. Sure, it can feel touristy, but the combination of smoky seafood, cold Bintang beer, and the glow of fishing boats out at sea is just pure Bali. Just avoid the very front row at high tide — you’ll thank me when a rogue wave doesn’t soak your feet mid-dinner.
Now, if you’re chasing sunsets that make you want to cry (in a good way), head to The Lawn in Canggu. It’s more of a beach club than a sit-down restaurant, but the food is surprisingly good for a place where people usually just sip cocktails. The crispy fish tacos and the beef short rib are solid, and the view over Batu Bolong Beach as the surfers catch their last waves is magic. The crowd is definitely on the younger, influencer side, so don’t be surprised if someone’s drone buzzes by during golden hour.
Jungle and River Views — Ubud’s Specialty
Ocean sunsets are great, but Bali’s interior has a whole other kind of magic. Ubud is where you get that lush green overdose — jungle canopies, rushing rivers, and rice terraces stacked like staircases to the sky.
One of my absolute favorites here is The Sayan House. It’s perched on a cliffside with views of the Ayung River, and the architecture alone is worth a visit. They do a Japanese-Latin fusion menu (I know, sounds odd, but it works). The sushi tacos are ridiculous — crunchy shell, fresh sashimi, a hint of spice. I’ve sat there through a rainstorm, watching the river swell below, sipping on their jalapeño margarita, and honestly felt like I could stay forever.
Another solid pick is Indus Restaurant. It’s been around since the ‘90s and overlooks the Tjampuhan Ridge. The view here feels like a painting — layers of jungle, a gentle river bend, and mist in the mornings. Their Balinese smoked duck (bebek betutu) is worth the 24-hour pre-order if you can plan ahead. Oh, and sit on the balcony if you can — inside’s nice, but you want that open-air vibe.
For something less formal, Clear Café in Ubud center might not have the most dramatic view, but it does overlook a lush little river valley and has a laid-back, almost hippie vibe. You’ll be surrounded by barefoot yogis munching on raw chocolate cake, but hey, it’s Ubud.
Rice Terrace Dining — The Bali Postcard View
If someone asked me to define “Bali view” in one image, it wouldn’t be the beach — it’d be the rice terraces. There’s something timeless about them, and eating while looking out over those layers of green is just next level.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the famous one, and yes, it can be touristy, but if you get there early or go later in the afternoon, it’s pure magic. Terrace Padi Café sits right on the edge, and the view is unbeatable. Their nasi campur (mixed plate) is simple but hits the spot. Don’t expect high-end dining — you’re here for the panorama and the breeze drifting through the palms.
Down south in Sidemen, you’ll find a quieter version of the same beauty. Warung Uma Anyar is a tiny, family-run spot that serves home-cooked Balinese dishes with views over untouched rice paddies and distant mountains. No pretension here — your table might be a bit wobbly, and the chairs mismatched, but when the food is that fresh and the view that good, who cares?
And for a bit of luxury, Kubu at Mandapa is hard to beat. Each table is in a private bamboo pod overlooking the rice fields and the Ayung River. It’s one of those places where you’re paying for the whole experience, so yeah, it’s pricey, but if you’re celebrating something special, it’s worth every rupiah.
Clifftop Restaurants — Dramatic Views Over the Indian Ocean
If the beaches are the charming side of Bali, the cliffs are the dramatic, jaw-dropping cousin. The Bukit Peninsula, especially around Uluwatu, is famous for restaurants and bars that cling to the edge of limestone cliffs, hundreds of feet above turquoise water.
El Kabron is the first one that comes to mind. Spanish-inspired, infinity pool, 180-degree views of the ocean. It’s the kind of place where you order tapas and sangria and just let the afternoon melt into evening. Watching the sun drop from up there feels different — the horizon seems endless.
Another one worth mentioning is Di Mare Restaurant at Karma Kandara. Mediterranean menu, elegant atmosphere, and the kind of view that makes you take a deep breath and think, “Yeah, I could get used to this.”
And if you want something more low-key, Bukit Café isn’t technically on a cliff edge, but it’s elevated enough to give you ocean glimpses while you tuck into massive breakfast bowls. Plus, you can walk to Bingin Beach afterward and work off the pancakes.
Volcano and Lake Views — A Totally Different Bali
Here’s a setting a lot of visitors miss — dining with a view of Mount Batur or Mount Agung. Northern and eastern Bali have some incredible spots where the air is cooler, and the scenery is straight-up cinematic.
Lakeview Restaurant in Kintamani is a classic. The buffet’s nothing to write home about, but if you grab a seat on the terrace, you’re looking right over Lake Batur with the volcano rising behind it. Morning visits are best — the clouds roll in later in the day.
For a more upscale version, The Amora Bali also sits on the crater rim and serves à la carte meals. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast after doing the Mount Batur sunrise trek. Trust me, coffee tastes ten times better when your legs are sore, and you’re staring at a volcano.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
- Book ahead for sunset spots — The best tables go fast, especially in Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu.
- Weather matters — Jungle and mountain views can vanish in the rain or mist. Check the forecast.
- Prices vary wildly — A cliff-top cocktail could cost the same as an entire meal at a family-run warung.
- Not every “view” is worth it — Some places rely on Instagram hype more than actual quality. Look for balanced reviews, not just pretty photos.
Rooftop Dining — City Views and Coastal Breezes
Not all the best views in Bali are from beaches or mountains. Some are right above the city hustle, where you can sip a cocktail and watch the lights flicker on as the sun fades. Denpasar isn’t exactly known for rooftop dining, but head towards Seminyak, Kuta, or Canggu and you’ll find some gems.
One spot I keep going back to is Above Eleven in Jimbaran. It’s got this funky Peruvian-Japanese menu — think ceviche next to sushi rolls — and you can see across the bay as planes land at the airport in the distance. There’s something oddly hypnotic about watching those landing lights in the evening while tucking into a plate of tiradito.
Then there’s MoonLite Kitchen & Bar at Anantara Seminyak. This one’s all about that panoramic ocean view paired with sleek, modern décor. You can lounge with a glass of wine and graze through their tapas menu — the duck spring rolls are surprisingly addictive — while the soundtrack switches from chilled sunset tunes to something a bit more upbeat after dark.
If you’re a Canggu regular, you’ve probably already heard of Ji Terrace by the Sea. It’s part of an old colonial-style building right by Batu Bolong Beach. The view isn’t massive height-wise, but you’re front-row for the waves and surfers. Their sushi rolls are as fresh as you’d hope, but the real kicker here is the dragonfruit mojito — it’s Bali in a glass.
Restaurants With Garden and Countryside Views
Bali’s not just about dramatic landscapes. Sometimes the charm is in the smaller scenes — blooming frangipani trees, quiet streams, and the gentle hum of village life in the background.
Bambu Indah’s Dapoer Restaurant in Sayan has this rustic-chic thing going on. The entire property is surrounded by tropical gardens, bamboo walkways, and lily ponds. You can look out over the Ayung River valley, but the garden itself is so beautiful that half the time I forget to look beyond it. They focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients, so the menu changes with what’s fresh. Their jackfruit curry has the kind of depth that makes you pause mid-bite just to appreciate it.
Then there’s Moksa Plant-Based Restaurant in Ubud, which overlooks its own permaculture garden. It’s not the kind of place you rush through. You sit, you take in the butterflies, you smell the herbs they literally just picked for your plate. Even if you’re not vegetarian, you’ll probably walk away impressed — their smoked coconut satay is proof that you don’t need meat to feel satisfied.
For something simpler, Warung Dandelion in Canggu might not have sweeping landscapes, but the garden is pure magic. Candlelit tables, rabbits wandering around like they own the place, and a menu that’s unpretentious but solid. The grilled tuna with sambal matah is one of my go-tos here.
Combining a View With a Unique Dining Experience
Some restaurants in Bali know that if they want you to remember the view, they’ve got to give you something extra to remember with it.
Swept Away at The Samaya in Ubud literally puts you right next to the Ayung River. You can hear the water rushing by while you eat. It’s ridiculously romantic, so it’s a favorite for proposals and anniversaries. I once saw a couple get engaged here — they had rose petals on the table, candles in little glass jars all along the riverbank, and live acoustic music. The food’s contemporary international, and yes, it’s pricey, but you’re paying for an experience you’ll probably talk about for years.
For something totally different, try Dining on the Edge at Alila Villas Uluwatu. The name’s not just marketing — the restaurant sits right on the cliff edge, and the infinity pool makes it feel like you’re floating above the ocean. Their lobster laksa is indulgent, spicy, and exactly what you want while you’re staring at the endless blue.
And if you’re a sucker for something interactive, Locavore in Ubud doesn’t have the biggest panoramic view, but the open kitchen is its own show. You watch the chefs work with local ingredients, plating up dishes that are both art and flavor bombs. It’s a different kind of “view,” but for food lovers, it’s just as exciting as any sunset.
When to Go for the Best Experience
I can’t count the number of people I’ve seen disappointed because they showed up at the wrong time for that perfect view. Timing matters in Bali.
- For sunsets, get to your spot at least 45 minutes early. Not just for the table, but because watching the light change slowly is part of the magic.
- For rice terrace and jungle views, morning is king. The light’s softer, the air’s cooler, and you’ll avoid the midday tour bus crowds.
- For volcano and lake views, aim for early breakfast. By late morning, Mount Batur and Mount Agung often get swallowed up by clouds.
And if you’re visiting during the rainy season, don’t panic — some of the most dramatic skies happen when there’s a storm rolling in. I’ve had dinners where lightning flashed behind the mountains in the distance, and it was honestly more memorable than a clear sunset.
