Gone are the days when going vegan meant settling for alfalfa sprouts and salads. At these vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Bali, even die-hard carnivores will want to go sans-meat...
It seems like only yesterday that vegans were seen as extreme eaters – rare, mythical creatures that surely couldn’t survive at “regular” restaurants. But these days, vegetarianism is the norm, and vegan restaurants in Bali are popping up faster than our almond milk flat whites are going down.
Pulled jackfruit? Check. Tempe burgers with cashew cheese? Double check. Fresh poke bowls packed with protein-rich veggies? Check, check, check! Here’s my pick of Bali’s best vegan restaurants serving the best plant-based cuisine in Bali.
The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Bali: EDITOR’S PICKS
1. Roots – Canggu
Known and loved for its endlessly customisable ‘build your own bowls’ (choose from more than 50 fermented, fresh and roasted ingredients!), Roots is all about flavourful, fun, plant-powered dishes. Swing by in the morning for the Plant Power Big Breakfast (best enjoyed on the breezy patio of Roots’ joglo), then for lunch, try a signature bowl or the smoked tofu katsu sando. By night, start with a bruschetta board (the fish-free smoked ‘salmon’ bruschetta is our fave!) before moving onto heartier mains, like the curry vegetable bowl or the grilled mushroom skewers with homemade sambal. The menu is proudly inspired by local flavours, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The same can be said for the house-fermented shrubs (starring local fruits and aromatics), alongside signature cocktails and wines by the glass.
Roots, Jl Pantai Pererenan No. 121, Pererenan, p. +62 813 3753 1570, e. marketing@rootsinbali.com; Open daily 8am – 10pm.
2. KYND Community – Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu
So much more than just a vegan café, KYND is a community of earth-conscious foodies serving up plant-based dishes and drinks for people who like to tread lightly – all with pinch-me-cute pink interiors with swings and Instagrammable lounges. Vegans and vegetarians will LOVE the menu, which is a feast of flavours that break the vegan mould. Think gourmet sandwiches with wholesome stuffing, butter “chicken” curry that you’d swear is the real thing, and of course, some of the best smoothies and waffles in town. Their Kynd Big Burger is our fave, closely followed by the Japanese creamy tan tan ramen – finished off with vegan ice cream from the creamery. Now, who says vegan food is boring….?
KYND Community, Jl Raya Petitenget No. 12x, Seminyak & Jl Nelayan No. 31, Canggu; Open daily 7.30am – 9.30pm.
3. Herbivore by Locavore
Taking over the original space of the world-famous Locavore, Chef Arnaud brings the power of vegetation to Herbivore. This plant-based restaurant in Ubud serves up an “all flora, no fauna” seasonal, multi-course menu which showcases the best of Bali’s local plants in contemporary dishes.
I recently tried their dinner menu, and it was a wildly different experience to say the least. Think bite size cassava pancakes, BBQ pineapple with cem cem leaves, jackfruit stuffed with black rice, and Indonesian jengkol and melinjo crumbs. Go all out with a beverage pairing to really get a taste of it all.
Herbivore by Locavore, Jl Dewi Sita No. 10, Ubud, p. +62 823 4012 1319, e. reservations@restaurantherbivore.com
4. Berry Salad Bar – Canggu
Vibrant, healthy and full of flavour, Berry Salad Bar in Canggu is a vegetarian’s dream-come-true. It’s a super-nutritious salad bar and juice bar, and while they aren’t strictly vegan (don’t worry, they’ve carefully labelled the menu!), the star is the array of plant-based creations. The vegan and vegetarian signature bowls are seemingly endless, but we come here for the build-your-own options, meaning you can avoid any meat or dairy, and make your own healthy choices according to your own dietary needs. And they get extra points for their farm-to-bowl ethos. Everything here is locally sourced and full of Bali’s freshest ingredients. Smoothie bowls? They’ve got those too, perfect for a pre-surf or post-yoga boost.
Berry Salad Bar, Jl Nelayan No. 32, Canggu, p. +62 812 1596 1173; Open daily 9am – 9pm.
5. Plant Bistro
Vegan comfort food is reimagined at Plant Bistro – a serene vegan restaurant nestled in the lush grounds of the Blanco Museum. Local ingredients meet international flavours here, thanks to the creative genius of Chef Simona Alderigi. The bold, mindful menu fuses the chef’s Italian roots with Bali-inspired creativity. Think plant-based ‘salmon’ bruschetta, Vitello Tonnato with chickpea ‘beef”, and the pillowy Gnocchi di Zucca with vegan butter and crumbed walnuts. Don’t skip the Bali-style Californian Roll either (it was the standout for us!), or the signature drinks, like the homemade Plant Cola Zero. The setting is quintessentially Ubud too: we love the tropical greenery, rustic wooden interiors, and the breezy open-air vibes with stunning views. All of this, topped off with a conscious, sustainable ethos.
Plant Bistro, Blanco Museum Area, Jl Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 812 3754 9476, e. Plantbistro.bali@gmail.com
THE BEST VEGAN & VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN CANGGU
6. The Shady Shack
Tropical al fresco vibes, shabby-chic interiors and an entirely vegetarian menu with vegan and gluten-free options aplenty – The Shady Shack is one of Bali’s most popular cafes, and for good reason. This super duper healthy spot dishes up delish signatures like the Japanese-inspired Nori Bowl, the juicy Vegan Cheeseburger, crispy sweet potato wedges (we dip ours in vegan aioli!) and a rainbow of raw vegan desserts, from brekkie and brunch through to lunch and dinner. Grab a cold coconut and lounge beneath the palms, or boost that immune system with a turmeric latte. So much yum.
The Shady Shack, Jl Tanah Barak No. 57, Canggu, p. +62 812 3611 6466; Open daily 7.30am – 10.30pm.
7. I Am Vegan Babe
This boundary-pushing, plant-based Canggu cafe is a vegan game-changer, with cruelty-free cuisine that you’d never know is sans meat or dairy unless someone told you. There are morning sandwiches stuffed with you-won’t-believe-it’s-not-bacon soy “bakon”, with gooey sunny side vegan eggs and veganaise. Meanwhile, the burgers are so big, so juicy and so gluttonous, we could almost call them beefy. But don’t worry health-nuts, there’s also plenty of salads, wraps, colourful bowls and juices here too, wrapped up in the cafe’s tropi-chic interiors.
I Am Vegan Babe, Jl Tanah Barak No. 49, Canggu, p. +62 811 3892 205; Open daily 7am – 10pm.
8. Burgreens
When two plant-based powerhouses collide, you get Burgeens – an all-vegan restaurant in the heart of Canggu described as a “Plant-Based Paradise”. This collaborative creation is between Burgreens – a leading plant-based food chain in Indonesia – and Green Rebel, an Indonesian food tech start-up developing all-natural plant-based meats and vegan cheeses with authentic Asian flavours. Think vegan rendang, meatless Balinese nasi campur and Indonesian soto betawi, and vegan cookies to finish off. Or our fave: the Balinese satay platter with brown rice, teriyaki tempeh, fresh salad and a sambal matah dressing. The kicker? Beautiful breezy interiors overlooking Canggu’s iconic rice fields…
Burgeens, Jl Pantai Batu Mejan No. 1, Canggu, p. +62 818 887 028; Open daily 9am – 10.30pm.
9. Secret Spot
This Canggu cafe first opened in Uluwatu as a yogurt and smoothie bowl shop, but the Canggu locations (there are two!) are where you’ll find a full menu of insanely tasty vegan food from brunch until dinner. It’s the kind of menu you wouldn’t even know is wholly vegan (unless you look closely at the small print) with hearty bites like gluten-free pancakes for breakfast, a Southwest “chicken” bowl for lunch, and a “cheesy” gluten-free lasagne for dinner. There are even vegan desserts and allll the nibbly sides and starters to swap and share. You can find all of this in Berawa and central Canggu.
Secret Spot, Jl Pantai Berawa No. 44, Berawa (p. +62 877 6260 5683) & Jl Tanah Barak No. 7, Canggu (p. +62 811 399 3318); Open daily.
10. Kasto Italian Vegan Restaurant & Pizza
Think hearty and soulful Italian food can’t be vegan? Think again. Kasto dishes up comfort food straight from nonna’s kitchen, made with ethically sourced, plant-based and local ingredients of the highest quality. For a pre-party dinner shared with the crew, we choose from the list of mini pizzas and gourmet salads, plus one or three tapas-style small plates (think classic arancini stuffed with rich ragu, and oven-baked polenta sticks). Or, opt for a large plate of the decadent parmigiana: grilled eggplant layered gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce, served with homemade bread… Buon appetito!
Kasto Italian Vegan Restaurant & Pizza, Jl Tanah Barak No. 17A, Canggu; Open Tue – Sun from 10am.
11. Manggis in Canggu
A family-run cafe and restaurant that’s powered by a passion for good, honest food, Manggis in Canggu brings a new twist to plant-based food in the ‘Gu. Their specialty? No-frills vegan and vegetarian creations that combine the fragrant flavours of the East with the conventional flavours of the West. Think raw mango burrito and Balinese nasi campur. Or how about the cubano, stuffed with smoked jackfruit, mushroom “meat” and grilled eggplant? Yup, these guys are on a mission to make veganism mainstream, by dishing up all of our favourite vegan food in a way that’s both familiar and freakin’ delicious.
Manggis in Canggu, Jl Pemelisan Agung No. 7, Berawa, Canggu, p. +62 811 388 0885, e. contact@manggisincanggu.com; Open daily 7.30am – 10.30pm.
THE BEST VEGAN & VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN UBUD
12. Zest Ubud
Powered by plants, Zest Ubud is one of our fave vegan restaurants in Bali’s hippie heart. Expect meaty chunks of grilled juicy shiitake burger, loaded pizzas, and hearty sides like umami asparagus and jackfruit empanadas. And don’t even get us started on the vegan desserts…. warm almond cake with fresh berries, coconut-based ice cream and ooey-gooey Cheeky Cacao Fondant. Oh yes. It’s all a little bit naughty, but oh-so very nice – in more ways than one!
Zest Ubud, Jl Raya Penestanan Kelod No. 8, Ubud, p. +62 823 4006 5048; Open daily 8am – 10pm.
13. Moksa
Lentil and jackfruit burger patties, vegan cheese platters, and tempeh ribs – you’d hardly believe this is a vegan menu. Well, at Moksa, everything is plant based and freshly prepared with love, from the second the seeds are sewn in Moksa’s very own permaculture garden, to the moment the organic and all-natural ingredients are exceptionally curated on your plate. Jackfruit rendang, raw avocado lasagne and spicy laksa – it’s all here. And FYI, the raw chocolate passion fruit panna cotta is to die for…
Moksa, Jl Puskesmas, Ubud II Kutuh, Sayan, Ubud, p. +62 813 3977 4787, e. info@moksaubud.com; Open daily 10am – 9pm.
14. The Elephant
A slow food emporium and all-round beam of vegetarian goodness, The Elephant mixes earth-conscious fare with fab views across Ubud‘s beautiful Tjampuhan Ridge. One of the original vegetarian restaurants in Bali, the dishes here are all ethical, made with love, presented beautifully, and most can be made vegan and gluten-free too. Try the Spaghetti “I Can’t Believe It’s Not” Bolognaise with sneaky tofu, the Pad Thai and the Polenta alla Griglia, and graze throughout the day from breakfast until dinner. We say, stick around for sunset cocktails overlooking Ubud’s jungle…
The Elephant, Jl Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, p. +62 811 3960 8118, e. the.elephant.office@gmail.com; Open daily 8.30am – 10pm.
15. Sayuri Healing Food
A wholesome raw food café with vegan vibrations aplenty, it doesn’t get much healthier than at Sayuri Healing Food. Everything here is free from wheat, animals, gluten, dairy and soy, and no expenses have been spared on creativity and flavour. Fancy learning how to knock out delicious raw food treats for yourself? Get down to one of the cooking classes and learn how these guys create the best raw vegan desserts we’ve ever eaten!
Sayuri, Jl Sukma Kesuma No. 2, Ubud, p. +62 822 4048 5154; Open daily from 8am.
16. Sage
Summer salads, jackfruit tacos and bountiful bowls filled with healthful goodness – what more could you want from a vegan restaurant in Ubud? This beloved eatery is all about big salads, creamy desserts, and a yummy selection of smoothies, juices, and mocktails. Try the jackfruit asada taco tacos (they’re our long-time fave) and the T-BLT sandwich with tempeh “bacon” – just make sure you save space for dessert, because their gluten-free carrot cake is legendary!
Sage Cafe, Jl Nyuh Bulan, Ubud, p. +62 361 976 528 / +62 813 3906 4031, e. contactsagebali@gmail.com.
17. Wild Vegan
The very first herbal medicine-based restaurant in Bali, Wild Vegan is a true testament to the healing power of nature. Every dish uses the highest quality organic ingredients to target different health benefits, and you can choose to graze on cooked or purely raw vegan dishes, all of which celebrate wild medicinal plants. Start with a creamy mango or jackfruit curry, before treating yourself to the almost-too-pretty-to-eat raw vegan lasagne that’s packed with antioxidants – a vibrant stack of thinly sliced zucchini, with basil, avocado and sundried tomato pesto, layered with a cashew and almond “cheese”, and topped with vegan feta and medicinal butterfly pea flowers. Finish off with a sugar-free dessert, and don’t be afraid to try the house-made fermented drinks, like the non-alcoholic ginger beer, kombucha and kefir.
Wild Vegan, Jl Sugriwa No. 16, Ubud, p.+62 811 383 882, e. eat@wildveganbali.com
THE BEST VEGAN & VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN SEMINYAK
18. Tanaman
Proving that vegetarianism really is the food of the future, Tanaman is the plant-powered restaurant at Desa Potato Head that’s centred around minimally processed, unrefined and organic ingredients in their natural state. Each dish is born from a resounding respect for plants, honouring each humble ingredient – from root to fruit – direct from local regenerative farmers. Expect casual, share-style dishes that change with the seasons, and prepare to feast your way through the Balinese mango varieties with sweet-sour tamarind sauce, the oyster mushroom katsu and tropical rice pudding with kaffir lime sorbet.
Tanaman at Desa Potato Head, Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak; Open daily.
THE BEST VEGAN & VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN ULUWATU
19. Alchemy Uluwatu
Our favourite Ubud-born vegan restaurant (above) has a second home in Uluwatu, tucked away in the quiet Bingin ‘hood with a breezy outdoorsy concept. Just like its original location, Alchemy Uluwatu honours Mother Nature by using all-natural, sustainable and organic ingredients. The kitchen serves up a wholesome menu of raw and gently cooked plant-based and gluten free creations, like big colourful salad bowls, chunky sandwiches and an all-day breakfast menu. Start with a creamy chia pudding for breakfast, and grab a smokey jackfruit burger in between surf sessions. As for dinner, tuck into a cream of mushroom soup with papaya lox. We love the garden setting here, with a fire pit and micro-farm.
Alchemy Uluwatu, Jl Pantai Bingin No.8, Bingin, p. +62 811 3888 143, e. hello@alchemybali.com; Open daily 7am – 9pm.
20. Drifter Cafe
Head out to the back of this vintage surf mecca, and you’ll stumble upon Drifter’s peaceful garden café, where excellent coffee and a range of deliciously healthy dishes are served up throughout the day, from vegan brekkie burritos and summer rolls by day, to Balinese curries and loaded tacos by night. While they do serve fish here, vegans and vegetarians are very well catered to.
Drifter Cafe, Jl Labuansait No. 52, Pecatu, p. +62 877 7755 0001.
21. Chickpea
Chickpea’s menu is all about fuss-free, homemade vegan food done right – dine-in or take-out, the food is honest, wholesome and made with love. For a hearty lunch, try the warm pumpkin soup to start, followed by the vegan “meatball” pasta. Wash it down with a cold kombucha or fresh juice, and you can’t go wrong with the raw vegan cheesecake to finish. We love the tropi-cool interiors and family-friendly vibes at this cosy vegan nook…
Chickpea, Jl Raya Uluwatu No. 8, Pecatu; Open daily 9am – 9pm.
FAQs about vegan restaurants and plant-based cuisine in Bali
Is Bali a vegan-friendly destination?
It is! Bali is blessed with a vibrant vegan scene and numerous plant-based restaurants and cafes in every popular neighbourhood across the island.
Are traditional Balinese dishes available in vegan versions?
While many restaurants offer vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, it’s important to note that vegan diet isn’t popular amongst local Balinese and Indonesians. Some warung may offer vegan-friendly dishes, but it’s always best to ask about the ingredients as some of the commonly used ingredients in Indonesian cuisine aren’t vegan, for example shrimp paste and animal-based cooking oil.
Do vegan restaurants in Bali cater to other dietary restrictions?
Many vegan restaurants also cater to gluten-free, raw, nut-free and other dietary preferences, but it’s best to check with each venue directly.
Love this list of vegan restaurants in Bali? Check out more of our fave restaurants in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak & Uluwatu too!