Nusa Penida Bali Indonesia – Best Places to Eat

Chasing the breath-taking viewpoints on rough terrain as you bump vigorously up and down on your rented scooter, swimming with graceful manta rays, and running on stretches of white, deserted beaches are sure to work up an appetite here on Nusa Penida. For this reason we’ve compiled a brief list of where and what to eat to give you more time for exploring the island’s natural wonders.

What to expect

While travellers should not eagerly anticipate the extravagance of the food commonly associated with Bali, Nusa Penida, although still largely untouched by mass tourism, still offers a few options in the way of delicious food. There are a handful of Western restaurants that, surprisingly, serve up tasty international fare but the primary source of food will come from the simple, local warungs scattered across the island. Expect to find plenty of nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (stir-fried noodles), nasi campur (mixed rice), fresh juices, fruit, coconuts, seafood and fresh salads at the local eateries or restaurants attached to your accommodation. Wonderfully, vegetarians and vegans will be able to easily navigate most menus and are sure to find a tasty dish suiting their eating needs.

Traditional Indonesian food

The area known as Sampalan, is a good spot to wander about if you’re looking for inexpensive, traditional Indonesian fare and there are several decent roadside warungs along this strip serving up fresh, tasty dishes every day. There is also a small night-market around here that sells fresh ingredients as well as ready-made snacks and meals. Keep your eyes peeled for freshly-caught, barbecued seafood; bakso (meatballs); satay (small pieces of meat grilled on a stick and served with a sauce); and siomai (fish cakes). Crystal Bay is also a popular spot with a smattering of local eateries that offer fantastic views in a wonderfully scenic location.

Travellers that are looking for vegan meals as well as dishes that are gluten-free should head over to The Gallery in Ped. This restaurant and adjoining shop specializes in locally grown ingredients and locally made products sourced and grown on Nusa Penida. Serving allergy-free meals, fresh juices and coffee; this spot is a great find for those wanting excellent quality and healthy meals.

Warungs

Travellers looking for some of the best warungs should make a bee-line for Wayan’s Warung, situated beach-side in Ped Village, Warung Pondok close to Ring Sameton Inn, and Warung Jukung located on Raya Batumulapan.

Wayan’s Warung is a popular spot that serves both local dishes as well as fresh, foreigner-friendly meals and the owner, Wayan is an absolute delight. Warung Pondok is a relaxed beach-bar and restaurant that offers an extensive local menu all paired with fantastic sunset views. Warung Jukung is a family-run restaurant with a view of the beach that serves up scrumptious seafood and Indonesian dishes. Service is exceptional, portions generous and the staff are welcoming and friendly.

Depot Anda Warung is also a great spot that is very popular with locals. The wonderful thing about this restaurant is that all their food can be made into take-aways, which is perfect for an impromptu beach picnic. In the mood for perfectly-cooked seafood, a wide range of cocktails and a killer view? Head to Penida Minang Resto and Bar on the beach after a spot of snorkelling. We highly recommend the tuna, white snapper, and crispy spring rolls.

Western and international food

Travellers craving a taste of the western world would do well to try the food at Sun Sun. Situated on the edge of the beach in Ped Village, this restaurant offers astounding views of both Bali and Lombok in the distance; as well as the Agung Mountains. Open from 5pm onwards, Sun Sun serves generous portions of Italian food, seafood and Indonesian cuisine at very affordable prices. The ambiance is tranquil and romantic and the drinks menu is a comprehensive fusion of fresh juices, soft drinks, beer, cocktails and traditional Balinese alcohol blends.

For another beach restaurant with access to the water, head to Penida Colada on the northern side of the island right off the main road. Penida Colada is run by an Australian couple who hand-grows the ingredients on Nusa Penida itself. Serving international and local food of a very high quality, this place is ideal to visit in the evening when live music is frequently on offer. With a cocktail in hand, your toes buried in the sand and a guitar crooning under the moonlight, you’ll surely realise that you’ve touched down in paradise.