Places to eat in Canggu
Last month we spent ten days in Canggu with our families. While there, I was pleasantly surprised by both the variety and quality of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and all for about a third of the price that it would cost in Melbourne. Canggu is a pretty big area, located north of Seminyak. It’s quieter than Seminyak which is why we chose to stay there. However we were spoiled for choice when it came to cafés and restaurants. Most of the places we ate at were all within a few streets that were close to the villa we stayed in, between Echo Beach and Batu Balong Beach. Having a toddler with us meant travelling further was just too much effort, especially when there were so many good options right on our doorstep. Also, my opinion of a restaurant is definitely influenced by how toddler friendly it was, as it’s always a much more enjoyable experience when there is food Ella can eat and space for her to walk around or play before and after the meal.
On our first morning in Bali Ella decided that 5am was an acceptable time to wake up for the day, despite the fact that it was still pitch black outside. Exhausted and in search of a caffeine fix, we needed a café that was open early. Happily we discovered Crate Café was a 10 minute walk from the villa and open at 6am. Bingo! Exceptional coffee and tons of different smoothie and chia bowls are on offer, along with some heartier breakfast dishes that would gain the approval of any Melbournite (yes, they had an avo on toast variation). We went here four or five times as we loved the white washed interior, laid back, surfer vibe, and of course the coffee and food!
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| Smoothie bowl at Crate Café |
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| Strawberry cacao chia pudding at Crate Café |
Amazing view of Echo Beach, with the waves crashing right up to the ledge of the restaurant during high tide. Meals here were a bit hit or miss: anything from the seafood or BBQ menu was good, everything else was pretty average. Good happy hour prices on cocktails and beer, and sitting along the beach with the waves and surfers in the background while the sun was setting made up for any average food.
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| Echo Beach Club |
This was probably my all around favourite place. Very kid friendly, as there is a huge lawn (hence the name) with picnic blankets spread out that you can eat at and kids can run around on the grass. There is also an infinity pool that looks over the beach, so just a beautiful location all around. The food was a bit pricier than some of the other places, but also very good quality. Creative cocktail menu as well, though again they were definitely on the pricier side. Bookings recommended for dinner as it gets pretty busy.
This open air sports bar and restaurant was located just down the street from our villa. Specialising in wood fired pizza and pasta the food was pretty good and it is very child friendly, with a huge lawn and small kids table with toys. They have live music a few nights a week, and it was always busy when we walked past on these nights. Pizzas were good, they do delivery and take away as well.
Shady Shack was my second favourite place to eat after The Lawn. Second only because it wasn’t as toddler friendly. The restaurant itself is a cute cottage and most of the seating is outside, set within lush trees and gardens. At night fairy nights twinkle within the trees, giving it a very magical feel. It’s a vegetarian place with creative veggie twists on things like lasagna and shepherd’s pie. We took both sets of parents here (who are all definitely NOT vegetarians) and even they thought the food was delicious. Andy and I often came here for breakfast (without Ella) to enjoy a smoothie bowl and coffee. The raw desserts were also awesome, we sometimes stopped here on the way home from dinner to get a takeaway raw “snickers” bar or carrot cake. So healthy and so yum.
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| Shady Shack in the morning |
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| Shady Shack at night |
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| Shady Shack food |
As the name suggests, this is a Mexican place, featuring fresh homemade corn chips, tortillas, dips and sauces, along with excellent pitchers of Sangria. The decor is a bit sterile and it didn’t ever seem to be that busy, however the staff were excellent with Ella, they had high chairs and space for Ella to run around, so a thumbs up from us.
Another Mexican place, on the main street leading to Batu Bolong Beach and much busier than Taco Casa. My dad and I stopped here on a very hot, humid afternoon with Ella to get a snack and smoothies. I wouldn’t say this place is very child friendly, it faces right on to a busy road, but we managed to stay with Ella for over an hour. She sat in the big chairs outside and played with a glass of ice for ages.
There are a few locations for Nadu Bowls in Bali, the one we went to was near Echo Beach. It’s a small laid back place with just a few tables. The menu is full of delicious smoothie bowls that you can customize by ordering various different toppings.
Located on the main street leading to Batu Bolong Beach, Andy and I stopped here for a snack one rainy afternoon. We opted for sweet potato nachos which were pretty tasty. I also had a watermelon and rose kombucha drink which was lovely, and Andy rated the coffee well.
This is apparently “the place to be” in Canggu. (I think I might have read that in my Lonely Planet, so take that as you will.) It’s a huge place with a diverse menu featuring all different types of cuisine. They have a table tennis table and live music so lots of amusement for everyone. Also a great location right along Batu Bolong Beach, and packed every night.
Ok this isn't really a place to eat but I thought deserved a mention because it was just so awesome. The smoothest cold brew coffee I've ever had. Perfect caffeinated beverage for the hot, humid weather. You can buy direct from their shop in Canggu, at selected cafés, or they deliver for free in the Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta areas.
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