There’s something rather brilliant about finding proper Japanese food in the heart of Bali. Ubud’s rice fields and Seminyak’s beach clubs might not be the first places you’d expect to tuck into silky sashimi or sip a perfectly balanced sake, but Bali’s dining scene has a knack for surprises. Over the past few years, Japanese restaurants have popped up across the island, blending authentic flavours with Bali’s laid‑back vibe. From omakase counters where chefs slice with precision, to izakaya‑style hangouts buzzing with cocktails and yakitori, the island now offers a taste of Tokyo and Osaka without leaving paradise. Whether you’re after a refined kaiseki dinner or a casual ramen bowl after sunset surf, Bali’s Japanese spots deliver both quality and atmosphere. Here’s our pick of the ten best places to savour Japan’s culinary craft while soaking up Bali’s tropical charm (in alphabetical order).
Hamabe Japanese Restaurant
Inspired by the serenity of a traditional Japanese garden, this restaurant at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua offers dinners a more refined Japanese dining experience. Hamabe’s famous teppanyaki counter still remains a highlight at the restaurant where guests are treated to the theatrical performance of dishes being cooked before their very eyes. The sushi and sashimi counter also draws attention to the artistic precision and knife skills of Hamabe’s well-trained culinary team. Exclusive to the new Hamabe is a robata grill that introduces guests to a traditional cooking method from the Sendai region in northern Japan. It originated from local fishermen gathering around a communal source of heat on board their boats to cook food and stay warm whilst out at sea.
The skilled culinary team of Hamabe is serving up a refined traditional multi-course Kaiseki-style brunch that features a range of premium Zensai, Sushi, Sashimi, Shiizakana and more. The menu also includes a special presentation of Kaisen Nabe – a seafood and vegetable hot pot – with tableside gueridon service. Elevating the dining experience even further is Nomihodai, a free-flow beverage package offering selected sakes, shochu, hand-crafted umeshu, Japanese-inspired cocktails, draught beer, wine, soft drinks and chilled juices. Raising the bar again, the Hamabe brunch delights diners with immersive activities such as hands-on sushi making, and expert demonstrations of traditional Japanese skills like Ikebana, Origami and how to make simple Japanese food and cocktails, with a recipe or handbook to take home as a Miyage, or souvenir.
HOSHINOYA Bali
The authentic and refined cuisine at HOSHINOYA Bali is elevated by vibrant views of blue skies to lush greenery, a sanctuary where fused Balinese and Japanese traditions are truly revered, and aesthetics deeply appreciated. A distinctive dining escape created for families and young at heart travellers, HOSHINOYA Bali’s Executive Chef, Mitsuaki Senoo, presents the complexity that so beautifully hides behind the simplicity of Japanese cuisine in his new signature dish, Kakigori.
Kakigori or shaved ice is a beloved summer treat across Japan. Chef Senoo has taken kakigori to the next level with four beautiful chic presentations. A favourite for the “Noryo” season (July and August) in Japan, which means creating coolness, Kakigori has been the preferred sweet pleasure for summer for the last 1,000 years in Japan.
Indigo
On Jalan Pantai Berawa, in the heart of Canggu, Indigo has been serving contemporary Japanese fusion since 2017 — a touch of European technique folded into classic Nippon philosophy. The room does the persuading before the food ever arrives: minimalist wood interiors framed by shoji-style doors, the kind of space that settles you the moment you walk in.
Chef Shige Morita works the kitchen with fish sourced fresh, day to day — sushi and maki built as much for the eye as the palate, alongside Yakimono dishes finished over charcoal. Alongside it sits a premium sake collection, chosen to match the precision of the food rather than just fill out a wine list.
It’s a menu for people who know the difference between good sashimi and great sashimi, without needing it explained to them. Open Monday through Saturday, lunch from noon to three, dinner from six to eleven — closed Sundays. Just a serious kitchen doing serious work on one of Berawa’s main streets.
Izakaya by OKU
Inspired by the award-winning – OKU Japanese Restaurant Jakarta, Izakaya by OKU emphasises bringing out the best of its creations, in a dynamic and convivial atmosphere. This Japanese restaurant in Bali offers a bistro-chic setting and an open-kitchen dining experience, where guests and the chefs interact for deeper enjoyment.
The elaborately crafted dishes consist of the finest ingredients, combined with the latest composition techniques to serve a truly tasteful and artistic piece of art on a plate.
kempinski.com/en/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/restaurants-bars/izakaya-by-oku
Mad Ronin
Ramen shops are a dime-a-dozen in Bali but to make your Ramen experience truly count, head on down to Mad Ronin, which has two outlets. The first of which is located in Petitenget, Seminyak and the other in Batu Bolong, Canggu. Mad Ronin Ramen Diner captures the true essence of preparing Tonkotsu Ramen, a dish that consists of a deeply flavourful broth accompanied with Hakata style noodles which hail from Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan.
From broth to bowl, every step is fundamental in ensuring the quality of Mad Ronin’s Ramen bowls. Simple, yet rich and utilising only the best ingredients from locally sourced produce, Mad Ronin’s goal is to bring a touch of Umami to this sunny island. Despite sticking to traditional cooking methods, Mad Ronin’s outlook is far from traditional. Unlike most Ramen shops which are clad in streaks of red and black, you will find loud neon colours and quirky artwork lining the walls of their venues, creating a funky backdrop perfect for the gram. Try out one of their signature dishes today, the Tonkotsu Classic.
Ramen Dining Kazumi
Just about at the corner of the cherished Goutama Selatan street, nestled a small ramen dining called Kazumi. Shortly after a friendly server took our order, the owner Mr. Ken, a Yokohama native, gave us a very warm greeting. Open door since 2019 the Izakaya-style restaurant usually packed with customers at dinner time. Often referred to as “Ubud’s hidden gem.” this popular restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional flavours and a cosy atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and travellers alike.
First and foremost, the top highlight is their signature melt-in-your-mouth char-siu pork. A rich blend of soy sauce, mirin, and garlic marinates the tender slices of pork to perfection. They are slow-cooked for 6 hours until they reach a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. And with each bite of the tasty meat, it practically dissolves on your tongue. The char-siu adds an irresistible flavour to the ramen, complementing the umami-rich broth and springy noodles, creating a combination that makes the craving come true with every slurp.
Shima Teppanyaki
This restaurant provides a unique culinary experience that goes beyond delicious cuisine. They are combining authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist in a form of a theatrical dining event. Featuring four Teppanyaki tables, the venue is ideal for either big groups or smaller parties with privacy. It is fully equipped with highly efficient exhausts to absorb fumes during the chef’s cooking in order to ensure guests are not distracted or bothered by any emissions.
They understand and appreciate authentic Japanese cooking, known as Teppanyaki, creating tasty dishes from the finest and freshest ingredients, prepared on large iron plates directly in front of the guests’ eyes. Their experienced chefs have mastered the art of entertaining guests through skilled moves and tricks while simultaneously delivering mouthwatering food, cooked to perfection. Their Teppanyaki focuses on the fresh ingredients themselves, avoiding drowning the meats and fish in sauces — on the contrary, their premium ingredients are cooked to the guests’ preferences and are accompanied by Shima’s homemade sauces in order to accentuate and complement the food rather than overpower it. Not limited only to serving Teppanyaki, they also have Shabu Shabu, Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura, all using only the highest quality ingredients; premium quality imported Australian beef, Wagyu beef, locally caught fish delivered fresh daily and local, grown vegetables alongside an extensive list of imported wines and delicious cocktails.
Take
Renowned for its commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients, Take boasts an unparalleled selection of over 500 meticulously curated menu items. Chef Okamoto personally frequents the market, hand-selecting ocean delicacies and premium meats to ensure an unrivaled dining experience for every guest.
From exquisite sashimi and expertly crafted sushi to live seafood offerings, Take caters to every palate with an array of delectable options. Each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity, allowing patrons to savor the true essence of Japanese gastronomy.
Inspired by its namesake, “Take,” which translates to bamboo in Japanese, the restaurant’s ethos extends beyond its culinary offerings. Bamboo features prominently in Take’s cooking philosophy, as well as in its island-style furniture and decor, creating a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.
Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant
Being one of the most popular dining outlets in Padma Resort Legian, renowned for its traditional Japanese cuisine and Teppanyaki for years, Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant has elevated its dining experience. Together with the newly appointed Executive Sous Chef Sandro Medrano, Tenkai is proud to introduce delicious and unique Japanese Nikkei cuisine to Bali.
Nikkei is the name traditionally given to Japanese people living in Peru, and like migrant workers anywhere, they had to adapt to a whole new variety of dishes and ingredients. The ever-evolving result sees clean Japanese preparation and presentation paired with Peruvian flavours rich in sour and spicy, thus creating new but recognisable dishes based on the ingredients at hand, such as seafood, corn, cassava, and quinoa.
With experiences around the globe, Chef Sandro, born and raised in Lima, the sprawling capital of Peru, started cooking by helping his mother prepare traditional Peruvian dishes in the kitchen at home. His passion and enthusiasm for Japanese food extend beyond Nikkei cuisine; he is also skilled in Japanese fine dining and omakase.
At Tenkai, you will discover truly tasteful and unique Nikkei cuisine, such as Ceviches, Robata Anticuchos, Nikuseco, Papita Loche, and many more. All the dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients from Bali, accompanied by beverage selections, such as sake and shochu, signature cocktails, and a premium wine with the Coravin system to preserve wine quality. On top of the Japanese Nikkei menu, Tenkai still serves its traditional Japanese selections and the popular action-packed Teppanyaki in the restaurant and by the pool.
Sign-up for their Special monthly event; Sip & Savour cocktail pairing Japanese Nikkei dinner. Alternatively, during weekend, they have an Izakaya Night from 6.30 PM – 9.30PM.
padmaresortlegian.com/dining/tenkai-japanese-nikkei-restaurant.php
YUME 夢
If you’re in Denpasar and craving a taste of Japan, Yume Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit. This cosy spot offers a delightful escape with its warm atmosphere and beautifully crafted dishes. From fresh sushi and sashimi to comforting bowls of ramen, Yume serves up authentic Japanese flavours using top-notch ingredients.
The restaurant’s elegant yet inviting decor sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a special night out. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience every time. For anyone looking to enjoy genuine Japanese cuisine in Bali, Yume is the place to go.
