Canggu Guide: Restaurants, Cafés and Beach Clubs

Canggu is no longer the quiet surf town it once was. But that’s exactly why so many people love it – a buzzing mix of world-class restaurants, hip cafés, waves and beach life that no other destination in Bali can match. I lived in North Canggu for two years, and here’s everything you need to know before you go.

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What is Canggu?

Canggu lies northwest of Seminyak and is Bali’s answer to Williamsburg in New York or Hackney in London – an area that went from a quiet rice-field village to one of Southeast Asia’s trendiest destinations in under ten years. Here you’ll find surf culture, digital nomads, specialty coffee cafés, taco restaurants and beach clubs – all within cycling distance.

The area isn’t one place but several neighbourhoods that flow into each other: Batu Bolong is the heart, with the beach and Old Mans. Berawa is a little quieter and home to Finns Beach Club. Pererenan is the newest and most laid-back area. And North Canggu – where I lived – is quieter still, with less traffic and nature within walking distance.

Is Canggu right for you?

Canggu is perfect if you want everything close by – good restaurants, beach life, surfing and nightlife within a short distance. But be aware that there’s a lot of traffic and a lot of people, especially in high season. It isn’t the calm Bali experience – it’s the energetic one.

Canggu suits: surfers, younger travellers, digital nomads, couples who want varied nightlife and food, and anyone who wants to experience Bali’s trendiest side. It’s not as good a fit for those who want silence, families with small children or those looking for authentic Balinese life – Ubud is a better choice for that.

Tip: Get out early. Canggu is lovely in the morning – the beachfront is quiet, the cafés are fresh and the waves are good. After lunch it fills up.

Restaurants in Canggu

Canggu has the best choice of restaurants in Bali outside Seminyak. Here are my personal favourites after two years in the area:

Meat Emporium – the best meat restaurant on the island. Juicy burgers and steaks in a stylish setting. Book a table in advance at weekends.

Pizza Fabbrica – authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in wood-fired ovens. One of the best pizzas you’ll find outside Italy, at very fair prices.

Red Gunpowder – Indian food with a modern twist. Spicy, full of flavour and different from anything else in Canggu. Perfect if you want to try something new.

Shelter – a trendy atmosphere and good food. Popular with the local expat community and always a good vibe. Try the cocktails.

Smoke – BBQ and smoked meat, Canggu style. A relaxed atmosphere and big portions. A favourite with the surf crowd.

Penny Lane – Beatles-inspired interior and good, casual food. Popular with digital nomads and expats. Good coffee and a great brunch.

Milk & Madu – a family-friendly café and restaurant with a broad menu. Good breakfast and brunch, and one of the few places that’s as pleasant for families as for younger travellers.

L’Osteria Pizza – another pizza favourite. A little more relaxed than Fabbrica, but just as good. A big outdoor area and good wine.

Street food and cheap eats

One of the things I love about Canggu is that you can eat just as well for $5 as for $30. The street food is excellent.

Daeng Burger – the best burgers for the price on the whole island. A small stall, a long queue, worth the wait. Come early.

Pasta Dealer – fresh pasta made on the spot. The concept is simple and the execution flawless. The price is a fraction of a restaurant’s.

Tonys Pizza – pizza by the slice at street level. Perfect after a long beach day or a late night out.

Cafés in Canggu

Canggu has a café culture that rivals the best cities in the world. Specialty coffee, homemade baking and relaxed workspaces for nomads everywhere.

7am Bakers – the best baking in Canggu. Come early – they sell out. World-class croissants and sourdough.

Copenhagen Bakery – a Scandinavian bakery in the middle of Bali. Cinnamon buns, Danish pastries and good coffee. A little taste of Scandinavia.

Eko Cafe – calm and relaxed. Good coffee and good food. Less well known than the others, which is exactly why it’s so pleasant.

Nude Cafe – a focus on healthy food and good coffee. Popular with the yoga and fitness crowd. Great smoothies.

Rise & Shine – the perfect breakfast café. Early opening, good coffee and one of the friendliest atmospheres in Canggu.

Openhouse Cafe – an open, airy space with good coffee and good food. Popular with digital nomads and their laptops.

Zin Cafe – more locally oriented. Affordable, good food and a nice way to experience the less touristy Canggu.

Kynd – plant-based and health-focused. One of the best vegan cafés in Bali, with an impressive menu.

Pubs and bars

Black Sand Brewery – Bali’s best craft beer. A local brewery with a wide range of IPAs, stouts and lagers. A relaxed atmosphere and good food to go with the beer.

The Barn – a cosy pub with a great atmosphere. Popular with expats and long-term travellers. Good for a quiet evening with a beer and sport on TV.

Plumber Arms – a British-inspired pub in the middle of Canggu. Quiz nights, good beer and one of the most relaxed places to spend an evening.

Nightlife and clubs

Mexicola – colourful, festive and always a good atmosphere. Mexican-inspired interior, strong margaritas and music that keeps you on the dance floor. One of Canggu’s most iconic places.

Old Mans – legendary. Right by Batu Bolong beach, it’s the meeting point for surfers, backpackers and everyone else. Simple food, cheap beer and always a buzz. Sundays are special.

Shady Pig – a slightly more laid-back night out. Good music and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with the slightly older Canggu crowd.

Sand Bar – right on the beach with your feet in the sand. Perfect for sunset and a cold Bintang. Simple, but lovely.

Beach clubs in Canggu

Canggu has some of Bali’s best beach clubs – from the big and fancy to the more relaxed.

Finns Beach Club – Bali’s biggest and best-known beach club. Pools, DJs, restaurants and beach life. Book a day pass in advance in high season.

Cafe del Mar – the Spanish icon has come to Bali. An elegant atmosphere, good music and beautiful surroundings. A little more expensive, but worth it for a special day.

Atlas – newer and more exclusive. Good for those who want a luxury experience in Canggu.

The Lawn – a big lawn running down to the sea. A relaxed atmosphere and a great sunset. One of the favourites for those who don’t want too much noise.

La Brisa – built from old fishing boats and bamboo. A unique design, good food and one of the most beautiful atmospheres in Canggu. Perfect for sunset.

Tip: Most beach clubs have a minimum spend. Check this in advance – it ranges from IDR 200,000 to 500,000 per person.

North Canggu – for those who want it quieter

I lived in North Canggu for two years and can warmly recommend it if you don’t need to be in the middle of the chaos. It’s quieter, there’s less traffic and you’re surrounded by rice fields and nature. The downside is that you have to drive 10–15 minutes to reach the most popular places – no problem by scooter, but something to bear in mind.

North Canggu suits couples who want peace at night, those who work remotely and need to concentrate, and anyone who wants to live in a more authentic setting while still having access to everything Canggu offers.

Canggu practicalities

Info	Details
Distance from the airport	About 45–60 minutes by car (depending on traffic)
Getting around	A scooter is recommended if you’re experienced – Grab and GoJek work well
Best time of year	April–October (dry season)
Surf conditions	Batu Bolong and Echo Beach – Echo Beach is best for intermediate and advanced surfers
Price level	Higher than Ubud, but affordable compared with Europe
Internet	Excellent – the cafés are designed for digital nomads
Suits	Surfers, couples, young travellers, digital nomads

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