The warmth of the tropics. Surf for days. Luscious, organic food. Buzzing but never frantic. Speed it up or slow it right down. The colours (bright everything) and smells (incense everything). It makes us giddy just thinking about the place.
The coffee scene in Bali is extraordinary but not surprising, considering it is a major tourist destination for the coffee-cultured Australians who are obsessed with brunch. Expats have made it their mission to fuel your tropical holiday of lazing, eating and grazing with moments of smashed avocado, acai bowls and an exceptional cup of coffee.
Seminyak itself is touristy, beachy and full of boutiques, but we love it for the endless places to chow down and sink a cocktail with a sunset. If you are after an authentic Indonesian experience of food, culture and scenery, go check out Ubud or other parts of the island, because Seminyak, Kuta and Legian are a destination that caters specifically to Westerners.
A subtle tip: put down the Kopi Luwak, no matter how adventurous or exciting you think you are being. Any words that follow “monkey poop” after coffee should be banned from the universe. There is no YOLO in this situation.
Revolver Espresso
When Revolver opened their doors in 2011, all the expats died and went to heaven. Thanks to Sydney’s legendary Katie Allan, not only did she create a unique space to eat, she completely revolutionized the quality of coffee in Bali, supplying a bulk of expat-owned cafes on the island. This excellent locale serves up killer breakfasts, delicious coffee and some pretty interesting people watching… and you can’t help but feel a little bit rock and roll when stopping by. Revolver can be trixie to find, so enter via the laneway at Gang 51 off Jalan Oberoi, opposite Bali Clinic.
Revolver Espresso
Jalan Petitenget No.110, Kuta Utara
Zucchini/Zuttion
Zuttion will always be a personal favourite of ours for its fresh and healthy salads, excellent coffee and adorable fit out. Like most spots in Bali, the vibe is relaxed, the wifi is good and the juices will cure any heatstroke you may have endured walking up and down Jalan Oberoi. Pull up a colourful chair, set up your laptop and enjoy a seriously good smoothie, zucchini fritter or steak sandwich.
Zuttion
Jl. Laksmana Basangkasa no. 37 | (also known as Jl Oberoi), Seminyak, Bali
Sea Circus
Every so often, Sea Circus hosts Barista Jam, where they fly in Melbourne gurus and roasters to teach their staff the ins and outs of making a kick ass latte. THAT’S how good the coffee is. Owners Charlie and Josh have created a beautiful restaurant, bar and coffee haven, which is always busy, so think about booking ahead. We are obsessed with the fact that the staff all wear adorable Mister Zimi outfits (of which there is a boutique conveniently located next door, should you wish to look just as stylish). The acai bowl and chilli eggs will not disappoint and every coffee order arrives with an inspirational quote and coconut snack. If you haven’t had two breakfasts and multiple flat whites, don’t leave without getting a scoop of the famous Ubud Gaia Gelato.
Sea Circus
22 Jalan Kayu Aya [Oberoi Rd], Seminyak, Bali
+62 361 738 667
Sisterfields
Sisterfields feels distinctly like an Australian cafe that’s been plucked right out of Melbourne, prices included. The interiors are sleek and marbled and the menu feels indulgent and luxurious. While the coffee is good, it doesn’t rate as highly for us as Revolver, but it’s worth a look just for the fitout.
Sisterfields
Jl. Kayu Cendana No.7, Seminyak, Bali
Corner House Bali
Apart from being Instagrammable, The Corner House Bali serves coffee by Revolver and has the interior styling down pat. Bali is really nailing that “marble/industrial/provincial/tropical/Bali meets Aus” look. We didn’t eat while we were here, but by all accounts the food comes highly recommended.
Corner House Bali
Jl. Laksmana No.10 A, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali
Watercress Cafe
Un-apologetically obssessed with exceptional food and coffee, Watercress does everything right. Pouring Revolver coffee (Katie, we’ll start that fan club soon), we vibe their Byron Bay inspired cafe, which serves up a mean breakfast or lunch. Poached eggs over sweet corn fritters with chunky avocado and salsa will get you going and the smorgasboard of colourful salads, burgers and quiches will have you writing home. If you feel that holiday-mode is just getting started, take a squiz at the dessert cabinet or crispy Monsieur Spoon pastries #sorrynotsorry.
Watercress Cafe
Jalan Batu Belig No. 21 A, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali
Earth Cafe
To balance any of the cocktails you may or may not have consumed last night (much yolo), Earth Cafe will fix you good. There are plenty of raw options available with an outrageously tempting store next door, full of power balls, nuts, coconut oil and other wholesome goodies. Based on a macrobiotic menu of whole grains, vegetables, beans and sea vegetables, each dish in the cafe is inspired by Indian, Indonesian or Mediterranean flavours. We loved the Dragon Bowl and basically all of the raw desserts.
Earth Cafe
Jalan Laksamana No. 99, Seminyak, Kuta, Bali
Lello Lello Gelati
Dreamy gelati in outrageous flavours and waffles with a side of bacon – hellooooo Lello Lello. Dragon fruit, guava & mascarpone and avocado & chocolate are just some of the interesting combinations available alongside traditional favourites like coconut or vanilla. We strongly advise a workout plan to follow your endeavors here, potentially as you may have rolled in from Sea Circus two doors down.
Lello Lello Gelato
no 22, Jl. Lasmana Oberoy No.22, Kuta, Bali
Potato Head Beach Club
Potato Head Beach Club is a must for everyone and it’s everything. A beautiful al fresco space that has been impeccably designed, there are often international DJs and artists playing gigs, to the likes of Mos Def, Ellie Goulding and Azaelia Banks. The two-level beach club is unassuming, stylish and open to everyone (families included), from day until the late night hours. It hosts two restaurants, an impressive cocktail list inspired by the vibrancy of Bali, an infinity pool and 500 metre square lawn, perfect for tanning, sipping or lazing. We highly recommend sharing some traditional Indonesian plates at Lillin, teaming your meal with an espresso martini or two. Book ahead, it gets full fast.
Potato Head Beach Club
Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak, Kuta
Motel Mexicola
What can we say, except HOLA; Motel Mexicola is a refuge of tequila and good times. The outdoor bar and restaurant caters to families, party goers, couples and groups (so, everyone). The menu is a little cheaper than Australian prices, but where it will hit the pocket most is the excellent selection of tequila. ARRIBA.
Motel Mexicola
Jl. Kayujati No. 9 X, Petitenget, Bali
Canggu
Crate Cafe
Rub shoulders with expat creative babes who are catching up with other equally cool photographers, makeup artists, designers and artists. It’s rammed with surfers and said creative types, and there’s a bit of wait for a coffee, but worth it for the creamy caffeine hit. The coffee is great, the food is healthy, cheap and cheerful with everything under 50 thousand.
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No. 60, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali
