3 Best Restaurants in Sanur, Indonesia

At the water's edge, the Beach Café aims for the cutting edge of contemporary cooking. The meats are imported and the pork ribs win plaudits, but seafood is the true star. Tuna tartare with wasabi mayonnaise, devil's calamari with chili and basil, and tropical crème brûlée blended with coconut exemplify the kitchen's knack for producing flavors that are subtle but never dull. Watch your meal take shape in the open kitchen, if you can turn away from the boats bobbing along the crescent coastline. The Beach Café is about savoring the scene, supported by service that leans toward leisurely.

Gourmet meals don't come cheaper than at Kayu Manis. The dishes are beautifully presented, and some succeed spectacularly, notably the spinach and gorgonzola risotto. Sliced duck breast arrives rare and succulent, allowing its rich flavor to blossom. Several other dishes could better use the balsamic vinegar sauce accompanying the duck, or a touch of kayu manis (cinnamon). The wine list is limited, but reasonably priced. The bright, minimalist décor is a nice backdrop for your meal. Request a table inside—overlooking the rock garden or in the air-conditioned rear section—removed from the street noise and kitchen chatter.

Sanur is Bali's top spot for seaside relaxation, and Sanur Beach Market makes a comfortable beachhead, especially if you're staying somewhere inland. The restaurant has table seating in the sand, where you can enjoy a beverage or share a respectable pizza before or after a dip in the gentle, reef-sheltered surf. The lengthy menu mixes Western and Indonesian fare, including rarely found Balinese favorite ikan bakar sambal mentah (grilled fish with raw spices). The restaurant provides transportation for diners staying in Sanur, and its bar along the village's 5-km (3-mile) beachwalk provides a respite for parched strollers. Proceeds support Sanur Village Foundation community programs.