Are there Michelin restaurants in Bali? This is one of the most common questions from gourmands traveling to the Island of the Gods.
As of late 2025, the answer is nuanced. While Bali does not yet have any official Michelin-starred restaurants, simply because the Michelin Guide has not yet officially launched a restaurant selection for Indonesia—the island is home to a world-class fine dining scene. In fact, 2025 marked a historic turning point with the arrival of the very first MICHELIN Keys, a new distinction honoring the island’s most outstanding hotels.
Here is everything you need to know about the status of the Michelin Guide in Bali, the new awards, and the “Michelin-worthy” restaurants you must visit in 2025.
1. The Status of the Michelin Guide in Bali (2025)
Despite the global fame of Indonesian cuisine, the Michelin Guide has not yet released a “Red Guide” for the country. This means that as of November 2025, there are technically no Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand restaurants on the island.
This absence is widely attributed to logistical factors and the Michelin organization’s current market focus, rather than a lack of quality. International critics and food travelers agree that Bali’s top venues rival starred establishments in Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo.
2. MICHELIN Keys: Bali’s First Official Honors
While the restaurant stars are still pending, the Michelin Guide officially touched down in Bali in late 2025 with its MICHELIN Keys.
Launched globally in 2024, the MICHELIN Key is to hotels what the Star is to restaurants. It highlights properties offering the most outstanding stays. The awarding of these Keys to several Balinese luxury resorts is a massive milestone. It signals that Michelin inspectors are active in the region, sparking rumors that a restaurant guide could be the next logical step.
3. Top 10 Michelin-Worthy Restaurants in Bali (2025)
Even without the official stamp, Bali is packed with “Michelin-worthy” dining experiences. Many are led by chefs who have held stars elsewhere or are alumni of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Here are the venues defining luxury dining in Bali right now:
Koral Restaurant (Nusa Dua)
The Experience: Dining inside an aquarium. Koral offers a bistronomic experience surrounded by marine life. Why it’s Worthy: Helmed by Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali (who earned a Michelin star in France), the menu balances visual spectacle with technical French culinary skills.
Locavore NXT (Ubud)
The Experience: The evolution of the legendary Locavore. This venue is a research center and restaurant dedicated to hyper-local ingredients. Why it’s Worthy: A pioneer in the “zero-waste” movement, their tasting menus use ingredients exclusively found in Indonesia, pushing the boundaries of sustainable fine dining.
Mozaic (Ubud)
The Experience: A romantic garden setting offering a marriage of French techniques and Indonesian flavors. Why it’s Worthy: As one of the first restaurants to put Bali on the global map, Mozaic remains a heavy hitter with its sophisticated tasting menus and impeccable service standards.
Syrco BASE (Ubud)
The Experience: A culinary hub founded by Syrco Bakker, a chef with extensive two-Michelin-star experience in the Netherlands. Why it’s Worthy: Opened recently, this venue focuses on traceability and collaboration with local producers, bringing a distinct European-starred sensibility to Ubud’s jungle.
Apéritif (Ubud)
The Experience: Step back into the 1920s. Located at the Viceroy Bali, this restaurant features a colonial-style mansion setting. Why it’s Worthy: Known for its “Borderless Food” concept and an extensive wine cellar that rivals top European houses.
Kubu at Mandapa (Ubud)
The Experience: Private bamboo cocoons overlooking the Ayung River. Why it’s Worthy: The Mediterranean-European cuisine is served in one of the most architecturally stunning environments in Asia, focusing on romance and privacy.
Other Notable Mentions:
- Kayuputi (Nusa Dua): Pan-Asian haute cuisine famous for its caviar and champagne brunch.
- Mauri (Seminyak): Chef Maurizio Bombini delivers a contemporary Italian tasting menu in a white, airy space.
- Merah Putih (Seminyak): A cathedral-like venue celebrating modern Indonesian cuisine.
- Cuca (Jimbaran): Creative, high-end tapas that focus on flavor explosions and texture.
4. Internationally-Experienced Chefs Raising the Bar
The reason Bali’s dining scene feels “Michelin-ready” is largely due to the talent in the kitchens.
- Jean-Baptiste Natali (Koral): Brings classic French precision to the island.
- Syrco Bakker (Syrco BASE): Represents the new wave of chefs leaving Europe to explore Asian ingredients while maintaining star-level discipline.
- Luca Fantin: Known for his work in Tokyo, his influence and collaborations in the region continue to elevate standards.
It is becoming a trend for award-winning global chefs to open outposts or pop-ups in Bali, further cementing the island’s reputation as a serious gourmet destination.
5. Current Fine Dining Trends on Bali
If you are planning a food tour in 2025, expect to see these trends dominating the high-end sector:
- Hyper-Local Sourcing: The “farm-to-table” concept is standard here. Chefs forage in Bali’s highlands and source seafood from local fishermen.
- Sustainability & Zero Waste: Led by venues like Locavore NXT, there is a massive push to minimize environmental impact.
- Immersive Dining: It’s not just about the food; it’s about the setting—whether it’s underwater, in a bamboo pod, or in a 1920s mansion.
6. Insider Tips for Gourmets
- Book in Advance: For venues like Koral and Locavore NXT, reservations are essential, often weeks in advance during peak seasons (July-August and December).
- Dress Codes Apply: While Bali is casual, these fine dining establishments often enforce a “smart casual” or “resort chic” dress code. No singlets or flip-flops.
- Tasting Menus: Most top-tier venues offer multi-course tasting menus ranging from 7 to 10 courses. Budget accordingly, as wine pairings will double the cost.
Summary: The Future of Michelin in Bali
While you cannot yet follow a trail of Michelin Stars across Bali, the culinary landscape is undeniably operating at that level. With the introduction of MICHELIN Keys in 2025, the bridge has been built. It is likely only a matter of time before the Red Guide awards its first stars to the restaurants of Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua.
Quick Guide: Notable Michelin-Worthy Restaurants
| Name | Location | Chef/Specialty | Avg Price | Notable Features |
| Koral | Nusa Dua | Jean-Baptiste Natali | $$$ | Underwater aquarium dining |
| Locavore NXT | Ubud | Foraged, Seasonal | $$$ | Sustainability, zero imports |
| Apéritif | Ubud | Global Eclectic | $$$$ | 1920s decor, wine cellar |
| Kubu | Ubud | Mediterranean | $$$ | Riverside bamboo pods |
| Mozaic | Ubud | French-Indonesian | $$$ | Garden venue, legendary status |
| Syrco BASE | Ubud | Syrco Bakker | $$$ | Michelin chef-led kitchen |
| Mauri | Seminyak | Maurizio Bombini | $$$ | Italian prix fixe, rooftop |
| Cuca | Jimbaran | Creative Tapas | $$ | “Flavor-bomb” casual fine dining |
Frequently Asked Questions about Michelin Dining in Bali
Q: Is there officially a Michelin Guide for Bali restaurants?
A: As of late 2025, no. The Michelin Guide has not yet launched a restaurant selection for Indonesia. However, the guide has launched its hotel selection, awarding the first MICHELIN Keys to Balinese properties in 2025. For dining, the island relies on designations like “Michelin-worthy” (often used by critics) or lists like Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Q: Which Bali hotels won the new MICHELIN Keys in 2025?
A: several properties received this new honor for outstanding stays. notably:
- 3 MICHELIN Keys (Extraordinary): Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Ubud).
- 2 MICHELIN Keys (Exceptional): Amankila (Manggis), Buahan (Payangan), and Raffles Bali (Jimbaran).
- 1 MICHELIN Key (Very Special): Includes Viceroy Bali, Capella Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate, and The Legian Seminyak.
Q: What is the closest experience to a Michelin Star meal in Bali?
A: For a “star-like” experience, try Koral (Nusa Dua) or Maurizio Bombini’s Mauri (Seminyak). Both are led by chefs with extensive Michelin backgrounds in Europe. Locavore NXT in Ubud is another top contender, offering the avant-garde creativity typically associated with 2- or 3-star establishments.
Q: Are there Halal fine dining options in Bali?
A: Yes, though they are rarer due to the prevalence of alcohol in fine dining.
- Raja’s Balinese Cuisine (Nusa Dua Beach Hotel) is a notable Halal-certified fine dining restaurant.
- Tamarind Mediterranean Restaurant (Nusa Dua) also offers Halal-certified options in an upscale setting.
- Note: Most top-tier restaurants (like Mozaic or Apéritif) are not Halal-certified as they serve alcohol, but they are highly accommodating and can prepare strict “no pork, no lard, no alcohol” menus if notified 24–48 hours in advance.
Q: How much does a fine dining meal cost in Bali in 2025?
A: Prices are rising but still offer value compared to Europe or the US.
- Tasting Menu: $80 – $150 USD (approx. IDR 1.3M – 2.4M) per person.
- Wine Pairing: Add another $60 – $100 USD.
- À la carte: Main courses typically range from $25 – $50 USD.
Q: What is the dress code for these restaurants?
A: The standard is Resort Chic or Smart Casual.
- Men: Collared shirts (linen is popular) and long trousers or tailored shorts. Closed shoes (loafers/boat shoes) are preferred.
- Women: Sundresses, skirts, or dressy trousers.
- Avoid: Singlets, Bintang beer t-shirts, board shorts, and rubber flip-flops.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes. For “Michelin-worthy” venues like Koral, Locavore NXT, or Kubu, you should book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for sunset slots or private tables. During peak seasons (July–August and Christmas/New Year), booking 2 months out is recommended.
