French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
In Bali the French list is led by Mozaic in Ubud (Acclaimed local fine dining, IDR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 95 - 160 (tasting menus) per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Metis at IDR 750,000 - 1,500,000 / USD 45 - 95 (per person, a la carte) is the value pick.
- 1.
Mozaic
Acclaimed local fine diningModern French-Indonesian · Ubud · IDR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 95 - 160 (tasting menus)
Chris Salans
A pioneering establishment in Bali's fine dining, Mozaic offers a unique "Cuisine de Terroir" combining French techniques with Indonesian ingredients. The experience unfolds in a lush garden setting, with exquisite service and imaginative dishes that highlight the island's vibrant flavors. It remains a benchmark for culinary innovation in Bali.
Order: Pan-Seared Foie Gras with Candied Ginger and Tamarind, Klungkung Duck with Cassava and Sambal Matah
- 2.
Metis
Acclaimed local fine diningFrench-Mediterranean · Seminyak · IDR 750,000 - 1,500,000 / USD 45 - 95 (per person, a la carte)
Nicolas "Doudou" Tourneville
Metis offers a captivating blend of fine dining and a vibrant lounge atmosphere, set amidst beautiful rice field views. The menu features sophisticated French-Mediterranean cuisine, with standout dishes focusing on premium meats and fresh seafood, alongside an impressive wine list. It's a popular spot for both exquisite meals and elegant evenings out.
Order: Pan-Seared Foie Gras with Apple Tatin, Duck Confit
Booking a French table in Bali
- · Book 2-4 weeks in advance for fine dining, especially for weekend evenings or high season. Some popular places may require longer, particularly for specific tables or times.
- · Many top restaurants require a non-refundable deposit or full pre-payment to secure your booking, which is then deducted from your final bill. Check policy details upon reservation.
- · Consider booking for lunch at fine dining establishments; it often offers a similar culinary experience at a more accessible price point, allowing you to sample the menu for less.
- · Be aware of cancellation and no-show policies. Many restaurants charge a significant fee for late cancellations or no-shows, typically 50-100% of the tasting menu price.
And the local dishes in Bali
Nasi Goreng
Indonesia's beloved fried rice, typically cooked with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), egg, vegetables, and chicken or shrimp. It's often garnished with fried shallots, a fried egg, and served with a side of krupuk (shrimp crackers). A staple found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants, it's a comforting and flavorful meal at any time of day.
Bebek Betutu
A ceremonial Balinese dish featuring whole duck (bebek) slow-cooked for hours until incredibly tender, stuffed with a rich blend of aromatic spices like ginger, turmeric, galangal, and chili. It's traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and roasted in a subterranean oven. The result is intensely flavorful, moist meat, often served with rice and sambal.
Lawar
A traditional Balinese mixed vegetable and meat salad, often including finely chopped green beans, young jackfruit, shredded coconut, minced meat (pork or chicken), and a rich concoction of herbs and spices known as 'bumbu Bali'. It's a complex dish offering a vibrant explosion of textures and flavors, typically eaten as a side dish with rice.
Sate Lilit
Unique to Bali, Sate Lilit differs from other sates as the minced meat (fish, chicken, pork, or even turtle) is mixed with grated coconut, rich coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices, then wrapped (lilit) around lemongrass sticks or bamboo skewers before being grilled. It's wonderfully fragrant and succulent.
Other cuisines in Bali
Seven days in Bali
Pair these French tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.
Read the Bali travel guide