Want to know where the industry insider’s drink & eat? As a foodie turned restaurateur, who has lived in Ubud for the past 3 years, I am compiling my list of the best spots for drinking and dining in the cultural capital of Bali.
So here are my top 5 Bars to visit in Ubud. Some of these bars have an amazing drinks only menu while the others have a bar menu that more than makes up for a fun and casual dinner. Also mentioned are 5 restaurants with a great drinks menu to try from.
Bacari – 20 wines by the Glass!
Why do we love it?
Bacari is the only Bar in Ubud and probably Bali that serves 20 Wines by the Glass. All wines are served by the Coravin Wine Preservation system which means they never open their bottles and you can count on the wines to be fresh in the bali heat & humidity. The street facing seats are perfect for people watching with friends but also make an ideal spot for a glass of wine or a cocktail with a book in hand. The tapas menu makes it a great spot for a dinner or a quick pre dinner snack with your aperitivo. All in the town centre of Ubud.
What to Order?
Plenty of wines to choose from and the staff are happy to offer you tastings before you select your glass. The hidden gems however are the Fantini Montepulciano (Red) and the Serafino Gavi (White). The cocktail menu is exclusively made of premium spirits and the Bacari Negroni is a crowd favourite. My go to though is the Bacari Martini. Must order tapas dishes are the Sourdough & Burrata and Chicken Skewers
Location: Jl. Goutama No.15, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Bacari’s tapas menu packs big & bold flavours.
Jati – best for a sunset drink
Why do we love it?
The setting – No walls, lush palm trees and the sound of a river stream that flows below you while you enjoy semi panoramic views of the Sayan Valley. Jati at Four Seasons, Ubud was one of the first Bars I visited back in 2016 and is one that has consistently served great drinks and vibes.
What to Order?
The Bee Sting, a spicy tequila based cocktail is a must order but I always go for their Boulevardier. Definitely a place to drop in prior to a sunset or a tipple post lunch at their Riverside Cafe.
Location: Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Get in pre sunset for the best views at Jati.
Kawi – ingredient led mixology
Why do I love it?
It is minimal, it is intimate, you probably might not even be able to find it in your first attempt. But once in, Kawi does not disappoint. These guys opened about three years ago and have been consistently dishing out some of the best innovative cocktails in town. Japanese inspired minimal decor, friendly service and the attention to detail is exemplary. Come in early and sit by the garden and watch the sunset. Kawi is the bar I love the most in Ubud and has been a constant inspiration for me.
What to Order?
Jeruk, Pandan, Teh, Sereh, Timun, Kayu Manis, Tomat, Santan, Pisang. Okay that’s half their menu. But my all time favourite is the Honje – pickled ginger flower with a really good quality Arak. This is a must visit. I love Kawi. You will too.
Location: Jl. Raya Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Best spot for a solo date.
Night Rooster – a speakeasy getaway
Why do I love it?
Pretty much anything the Locavore group does turns out to be awesome. The new Night Rooster (they opened again in 2022 after the pandemic) blends Bali tropics with a New York speakeasy. Some of the classics from their old venue have stayed and umami is the name of the game when it comes to cocktail flavours & motifs.
What to Order?
My go to is Kakap, a tart Gin based drink as well as Ashes, the only cocktail that has stayed on their menu since they reopened their doors back in 2022. The Oxtail croquette is a must order no matter what you are drinking.
Location: Jl. Goutama Sel. No.5, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Down the street from Bacari and is ideal for bar hopping.
Pinstripe – a throwback to an earlier era!
Why do I love it?
This place is a homage to the good old times. Vintage decor, a walk-in humidor for cigar lovers and a drinks list that’s innovative yet nostalgic. A unique cocktail list that is inspired by the fashionable 1920s and their own signatures. The list not only makes an adventurous journey when it comes to drinking but is also fun to read while you wait for the drinks.
What to Order?
The go to drink is the 24K Carajillo, a bitter, chocolaty and smoky take on the Carajillo. Try the Martini flight for a slightly headier foray. A bit out of the town but worth a trip for sure!
Location: Br. Nagi, Jl. Lanyahan, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Great Cigar selection to go with your nightcap.
Restaurants that feature an amazing Drinks Menu .
2 Bulan – Thai & Somewhat Thai.
This Thai restaurant makes it to the list for their Natural Wines as well as Highballs that feature quirky Thai flavours & ingredients. Must try the Hi So for Cocktail and La Comide, a sparkling Rose made from Barbera.
Galle Club – Sri Lankan & Coastal Indian
Bali’s first Sri Lankan restaurant is here and with it comes a cocktail list that is reminiscent of any Sri Lankan pantry. Must try the Ceylon, a Sri Lankan tea infused Gin based cocktail. The wine list is diverse and has a good selection of Medium and Full bodied reds that pair well with their curries.
Locavore NXT – Innovative Tasting Menu
The bar at Locavore NXT is as good an experience as their multi course tasting menu. Must try their Kintamani & the sparkling Natural Wine.
Nusantara – Indonesian Archipelago
Pardon us for saying this but their Mocktail list is probably better than the boozy ones! Beras Kencur and Tamarind based Jamu are a must to start your meals with. The Loloh 3.0 is a fantastic Gin based cocktail.
Pica – Latin American
For all you Pisco lovers, Pica is the go to place for a Pisco Sour. Though the Whiskey Sourcomes a close second! Definitely recommend pairing them with their Ceviches.
