Tamlyn RichardsYou know what they say — life’s a beach in Bali. And with the sun’s rays peeking through every corner of this island, it’s no wonder it’s also home to some of the best plant-based restaurants in the region. A respite from bustling city life, these Instagrammable dining spots offer cosy sanctuaries along with healthy food selections. You’ll be spoiled for choice at these must-try vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bali.
Also read: Bali Travel Requirements: Everything You Need to Know for Your Next Trip
1. Alchemy
Image credit: Alchemy Official Instagram Page
Spearheading this list is Alchemy, one of the original places for vegan food in Bali. Hailed as the first “raw” restaurant in Bali, they source locally grown and chemical-free ingredients for the freshest dishes that are always cooked or heated below 43°C. This low-heat method is adopted to best preserve the food’s nutrients. Be transported to a zen open space, coupled with a yoga and meditation centre for the whole Eat Pray Love experience.
2. KYND Community
Image credit: KYND Community Official Facebook Page
KYND Community has been a crowd favourite since it opened in 2017. It has since been touted as one of the top vegan restaurants in the world. Enjoy the serenade of live music and dip your toes into the large pool — just one of the many Instagrammable spots you’ll find here. It’s pet-friendly so surround yourself with the cutest fur babies as you indulge in revitalising smoothies and well-decked salad bowls.
3. The Elephant
Image credit: The Elephant Official Facebook Page
Also among the original vegetarian restaurants in Bali is The Elephant. They serve delectable wood-fired Italian cuisine, with a plant-based alternative for almost every dish. Their mission? To be as earth-friendly as possible by using mostly locally grown ingredients. Besides the spectacular food selection, this restaurant is also right beside tourist attractions like the riveting and winding Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Also read: 26 Things to Do in Ubud for Every First-Time Visitor
4. Tanaman
Image credit: Desa Potato Head
Set in an otherworldly venue with a teleporting soundscape, Tanaman is a multi-sensory dining experience rooted in creative processes and born from a respect for plants that elevates them to the divine. Working closely with local regenerative farmers, it offers food and drinks made from Bali’s highest-quality produce. Their imaginative dishes are there to be enjoyed whether or not you follow a plant-only diet.
Tanaman is all about honouring the whole plant — from root to fruit. Here, they use every part of the vegetable, with stocks, oils, flavoured salts, and ferments making sure nothing goes to waste. The sharing menu is made to inspire conversation and good times, while their Chef’s Table is an opportunity to learn the fascinating story behind each dish.
The restaurant is led by African-Australian chef, Dom Hammond, whose passion for Indonesia’s diverse nature and love of experimentation drives her to make the most of her ingredients. The same love goes into our drinks menu, too, with cocktails and mocktails from our resident mixologist, Bina Nuraga, and our sommelier’s natural wine recommendations providing ideal pairings to your meal.
4. Clear Cafe
Image credit: Clear Cafe Official Facebook Page
Sup at one of the most diverse vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bali. Right off the bat, Clear Cafe will greet you with its cosy ambience and treehouse design. Amidst the expanse of trees, vines, and colourful flowers, munch on meals that dance on your taste buds; from nutty milkshakes to tantalising vegetarian Bali, Mexican, Japanese, and other cuisines.
5. Akasha Restaurant
Image credit: Akasha Restaurant Official Instagram Page
Nestled amidst a jungle and rice fields, Akasha Restaurant is a sprawling Instagrammable vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Bali. Feast on all sorts of dishes, from keto laksa to gluten-free blueberry cheesecake cake. The restaurant is located in Keliki Village, and about a 10-minute drive from Ubud.
Keliki Village isn’t like any other; it’s home to one of the five major art styles of Indonesia. While you’re in the area, why not check out the art school headed by I Wayan Gama: one of the maestros of Keliki art? Take away a priceless souvenir from Bali as you end the day with a light smoothie bowl back in Akasha.
6. I Am Vegan Babe
Image credit: I Am Vegan Babe Official Facebook Page
I Am Vegan Babe is no stranger to the countless recommendations for Instagrammable vegan restaurants in Bali. Billed as a casual hangout, it’s a breath of fresh air from the sweltering weather. Unafraid to experiment, the restaurant serves a blend of cuisines from around the world; from traditional North African dishes and Japanese soba noodles, to sweet vegan desserts.
7. Sakti Dining Room
Image credit: Sakti Dining Room Official Facebook Page
If you’re looking to indulge in a fine-dining experience, look no further. Sakti Dining Room is among the award-winning vegan restaurants in Bali. Enjoy the scenery of lush gardens and ponds, on the sacred Ayung River riverbank. Taking things a step further, the restaurant is primed for its epicurean and nutritional plant-based dishes heated lower than 48°C.
8. The Shady Shack Bali
Image credit: The Shady Shack Bali Official Facebook Page
It’s okay if you prefer meat over veggies, we’re sure that the vegan selection in The Shady Shack Bali will win you over. Think wraps and burgers, but mock meat! Also, their speciality sweet potato gnocchi with almond feta cheese is enough to sway any meat-lover. The natural wooden designs of the interior match the exterior to create an inviting space for all diners.
9. Moksa Ubud
Image credit: Moksa Ubud Official Facebook Page
This expansive tranquil space is part-restaurant, part-farmers’ market. Moksa Ubud is all about utilising organic ingredients from its nearby farm and giving back to the community with the same homegrown goods. Savour vegan and vegetarian Bali delights, like their Asam Laksa noodle (sweet and sour mock fish soup) and Nasi Goreng Subak (Indonesian curried fried rice), best accompanied by fresh fruits.
10. Lazy Cats Cafe
Image credit: Lazy Cats Cafe Official Facebook Page
Dine as the locals do at Lazy Cats Cafe: a neighbourhood restaurant-slash-workspace that invites you to make yourself at home. Sample the mouth-watering vegetarian options, which are by no means limited. Apart from the cosy atmosphere and yummy food, the cafe is also situated near the famed Blanco Renaissance Museum. The large ceiling windows, the cool breeze drifting in, and the soft conversations create a conducive and relaxed working environment.
Also read: Bali Travel Tips: 20 Do’s and Don’ts That Every Tourist Should Know
The island boasts not only golden beaches, but also amazingly healthy food. Enjoy slices of healthy gastronomical paradise through the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Bali. It’s truly an oasis of Instagrammable alfresco organic restaurants.
Featured image credit: Kynd Community | Official Facebook Page
