Claire's Bali Food Diary

Claire Duncan | Travel | 16 August 2024

A superb guide to Bali's culinary delights from our foodie-loving marketing director.

When my parents started Linen House 30+ years ago, the world wasn't as connected as it is today. They got to travel a lot more: buying and research trips, supplier visits, and more.

It was during this time that dad discovered and fell love with Bali. A friend took him on a stopover, and he realised how good the golf is, and how cold the Bintang tastes after a round.

He proceeded to invest in a villa in Seminyak, and the rest is history. Our family's been going back and loving Bali ever since.

I've watched the place change dramatically over the years, and although Canggu is the hot ticket at the moment, I still believe Seminyak has the best restaurants, hotels, and spas.

Between shooting our SS24/25 collection, we managed to fit a few nice meals in – here are my top tips for dining in Seminyak.

Cafe Bali

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Vibe: casual, classic + always delicious
$$

This main street staple has been around forever, and never disappoints. The menu is huge, and caters to everyone for those times when no one knows what they want to eat. It also manages to be delicious – whatever you choose. The dècor is charming and the staff friendly. You don't usually need to book, so this is a great one to just have up your sleeve.

Salt Lick

Lunch | Dinner
Vibe: fancy, trendy + classic steakhouse
$$$$

My first visit to this new restaurant above Seminyak's original icon, KU DE TA, was impressive. The food was so, so, so, good – like so good. The steak was mouthwatering, every side dish perfection, and our sauce choices topped it all off. Our evening started beforehand with a day-bed hang at KU DE TA to sunset-gaze and enjoy some tunes, then we headed upstairs for our heavenly meal before needing to be rolled home. Not the cheapest evening, but we visited this place on our last night – worth every penny.

La Lucciola

Lunch | Dinner
Vibe: relaxed, delicious + killer sunsets
$$$

A classic Seminyak venue that's been around forever, and for good reason. The open, Balinese-style layout of this beach-facing restaurant is unbeatable. The food is always delicate and delicious, featuring fresh, hand-made pasta and protein dishes. Here's your chance to wear something cute for those perfect sunset snaps. Don't forget to book well ahead of time: you won't want to miss your ideal date and that incredible sunset sitting.

Mama San Bali

Lunch | Dinner
Vibe: sexy + sultry interiors
$$$

Special occasion? Girls night out? Just want to enjoy great food? This is the place you're looking for. The cocktail menu is elite, with Asian-fusion tastes that are out of this world. Be sure to arrive hungry, you'll want to try everything on this menu. Dècor is dark and sultry, feels like 1960s Saigon. Head upstairs to their bar after dinner for a kick-on drink. Also, ensure you've booked ahead of time: this place books out weeks in advance during busy periods.

Cafè top picks

Sisterfields Bali
The Nook
Revolver

Restaurant top picks

Mano Beach House
Da Maria
Ultimo

More top tips

Make sure WhatsApp is installed on your phone: all Bali venues take bookings via text! It's super easy to Google all WhatsApp phone numbers, they're also usually visible via instagram.

Are you a real foodie? Plan out your days with restaurants you wish to hit well ahead of time, and just make all bookings, you can always cancel later. Better to be prepared than miss all those drool-worthy Bali dining experiences!

Want to see behind-the-scenes snaps of our trip? Follow us on TikTok (link below), it's where all the good stuff is!

Lots of love, Claire, xox

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