Summary
The dining scene in the town of Jimbaran in Bali is distinct from the upscale restaurant crowd typically found near Kuta or Ubud. Instead of intimate dining spaces, visitors will find tables set directly on the sand, open to the elements and adjacent to the sea.
Your meal will embody the essence of Balinese culinary traditions, featuring seafood marinated and spiced in accordance with local customs before being grilled over blazing coconut husks.
Dining here offers one of Bali’s most romantic settings: enjoy your meal on the beach as the sound of the gentle surf fills the air, with your dinner illuminated by candlelight and the soft glow of the moon, alongside the gently swaying penjor.
Jimbaran Bay’s Dining Choices
Jimbaran is a quaint town located about two miles south of Bali’s airport, close to the road leading to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a mere fifteen-minute drive from the temple. The town is situated in southern Bali, renowned for its beautiful bay and beach.
The name Jimbaran also encompasses the western-facing bay, which runs from north to south. The beach lining Jimbaran Bay is considered one of Bali’s finest, with its fine white sand offering a delightful walking experience. This location serves as an ideal ending to any visit at the clifftop temple’s kecak performances.
Along the shore, you will discover approximately forty to fifty seafood restaurants, each varying in price and quality. The restaurants are generally divided into two areas: the northern section is known for its rustic yet inexpensive food, while the southern area offers a more scenic experience at a higher price point.
Kedonganan Beach in the northern section hosts a cluster of restaurants that benefit from their proximity to the Kedonganan town fish market (Pasar Ikan Kedonganan, Google Maps).
Meanwhile, the southern cluster by Muaya Beach along Four Seasons Road attracts many tourists, owing to its more upscale eateries and nearby luxury resorts.
What to Order at Jimbaran Bay
Menega Café at the Muaya Beach area stands out as one of the most favored beachside dining spots in Jimbaran. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its delicious ikan bakar (grilled fish), which pairs superbly with the stunning seaside setting and the scenic cliffs in the background.
The menu at Menega is quite similar to those of other beachside restaurants along Jimbaran Bay. Along the beach, grilled seafood served with rice is a prevalent offering—a satisfying and straightforward dish that can be enjoyed with your hands. Notable menu items include:
- Ikan bakar: Barbecued fish seasoned and grilled, often using snapper or grouper that is butterflied and deboned, then roasted over coconut husks, accompanied by sambal belacan, a spicy condiment.
- Sate cumi: Grilled squid cut into slivers and served on bamboo skewers.
- Kerang bacar: Barbecued clams, roasted in their shells with a special sauce.
- Udang galah: Large prawns grilled with their shells intact and served with rice.
- Lobster: Available at select restaurants, this is typically one of the pricier options on the menu.
Guests can either order from the menu or choose from tanks filled with live seafood, ensuring an ultra-fresh dining experience, as Jimbaran serves as a fishing hub with many dishes sourced from the day’s catch.
Accompanying your meal will be steamed vegetables and several sauces—sambal, kecap manis (sweetened soy sauce), and a fresh onion salsa. For beverages, a Bintang beer or a refreshing coconut drink can perfectly complement your meal, rounding out an authentic Balinese dining experience.
It’s essential to note that dining in Jimbaran is not particularly budget-friendly. Prices can vary significantly, especially in the more upscale establishments near Muaya Beach. Expect seafood prices to be set per kilogram, with typical costs around IDR 100,000 (approximately US$7) for grilled grouper, IDR 130,000 (US$9.15) for red snapper, IDR 250,000 (US$17.60) for prawns, and IDR 650,000 (US$46) for live lobster.
Pro tip: Inquire about set menus for groups or couples, as they may provide a better value, allowing you to sample a broader selection of dishes at a lower cost.
A Short List of Kedonganan, Jimbaran Restaurants
If you’re planning to visit the northern portion of Jimbaran, consider these delightful restaurants along the shore for a romantic evening.
- Bawang Merah Beachfront
+62 361 770210 | jimbaranbeachrestaurant.com | Google Maps - Beach Bali Cafe
+62 361 7801671 | beachbalicafe.com | Google Maps - Gekko Bos Cafe
+62 851 0083 2277 | Google Maps - Jimbaran Bay Seafood Club
+62 851 0172 5367 | jimbaranbayseafoods.com | Google Maps - New Furama
+62 813 3870 7158 | new-furama-cafe-jimbaran-bali.business.site | Google Maps
A Short List of Muaya Beach, Jimbaran Restaurants
If you’re venturing to the southern side of Jimbaran, the following al fresco dining experiences are worth your while.
- Beekini Bowl
+62 878 8181 7505 | facebook.com/beekinibowlbali | Google Maps - Mama Donny Cafe
+62 85 792 359 775 | mamadonnycafejimbaran.com | Google Maps - Menega Cafe
+62 361 705 888 | menega.com | Google Maps - Radja Seafood Cafe
+62 813-3711-2390 | facebook.com/iwayansuaedana | Google Maps - Teba Cafe Jimbaran
+62 361 708 676 | tebacafejimbaran.business.site | Google Maps - White Sands Beach House
+62 878 6004 7776 | whitesandsbali.com | Google Maps
