When you are hankering for some incredible fresh local seafood, Jimbaran is the place to go.
The island is filled with places to eat the gifts of the ocean, but Jimbaran is unlike any other.
A huge amount of restaurants line the beach where you can dine with your toes in the sand, steps from the ocean with unbeatable views of a magical sunset.
Whether you are looking for a more special 5* dining experience, or want to dine on the sand with your loved ones on a budget, Jimbaran Bay has a spot for you.
Grab your family, friends and everyone you know to head out to one of these Jimbaran restaurants that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
Jimbaran Market
In the early morning island hours, fishermen haul in their loads of freshly caught fish out of the ocean onto the beaches of Jimbaran, and into the sprawling fish market.
Filled with chatter, haggling and a lively atmosphere, if you are looking for the freshest of fish – look no further.
Piles of prawns, red snapper, crab and squid line the pathways that you can purchase by the kilo for a tasty home cooked BBQ back home.
Or, you can purchase some of the super fresh produce to be made at one of the local warungs surrounding the market – Warung Hawaii offers this service for a very small amount per kilo.
The friendly sellers and restaurant owners are always happy and proud to show off their tasty goods.
Exploring the Jimbaran seafood market is one of my favourite things to do!
Best Jimbaran Seafood Restaurants
Jimbaran beach is lined with restaurants that offer the famous on-the-beach dining that everyone visiting Bali needs to try at least once.
With menus of fish by the kilo, tasty sides and refreshing drinks, you can relax in a chilled atmosphere, with a beautiful sunset taking place overhead, for a really unbelievable dinner.
Some may suggest that the seafood epicentre is separated into ‘posh’, ‘middle’ and ‘budget’ spots, but I personally believe that each of the seafood restaurants along the Jimbaran stretch are worth a visit!
Whether you want a tablecloth over your table or a simple bench beside the sea, the taste and freshness of the fish doesn’t change.
If you are planning a sunset meal with your loved ones, head to the bay early as the restaurants get very full, very quickly – even though there are so many around!
However, these spots are open throughout the day, so if you want to satisfy your fish craving sooner, tuck into a huge fresh lunch.
Now, the long awaited breakdown of all the best seafood restaurants you must try out along Jimbaran Bay!
Fancy Seafood Restaurant in Jimbaran
Sitting at the Northern edge of the beach, Ganesha Cafe is considered one of the more fancy and upmarket places to dig into some seafood.
Starting at IDR210.000 /kg for white snapper, tuna and squid, you can select your sauce, preferred method of cooking, and sides at the counter where they will select and weigh the fish in front of you.
Enjoy the sounds of the waves and buzzing atmosphere of the restaurant while you wait for your meal.
I highly recommend requesting a front table, they are closest to the ocean for beautiful, undisturbed Instagram pics.
Other restaurants in this area include – New Furama Cafe, Jimbaran Bay Seafood, Kampoeng Seafood.
Mid-Range Seafood Restaurant in Jimbaran
In the middle of the Jimbaran length of beach, Warung Ramayana is one of the areas ‘mid-range’ seafood restaurants.
Perfectly mixing in the classy atmosphere of the restaurants in the North-side with the chilled vibe of the South-side, this is the place to go if you have some extra cash, but don’t want to go too crazy.
Prices start at IDR125.000 /kg for white snapper and pink snapper, heading all the way up to IDR950.000 /kg for live lobster.
Much like Ganesha Cafe, you can select all your sides and sauces, with the fish being weighed in front of you.
Head out onto the sand and sip an ice-cold Bintang as you wait for your feast, all whilst watching the magical sunset dip into the ocean.
Other restaurants in this area include – Jimbaran Beach Cafe, Nyoman Cafe, Jukung Bali Seafood.
Budget-Friendly Seafood Restaurant in Jimbaran
Menega Cafe is our cheap, and oh so cheerful, Jimbaran restaurant option for incredible fresh seafood on the beach.
Just like the other restaurants, Menega Cafe has a full menu of freshly caught produce for you to choose from. White fish, tuna, prawns and lobster are all available, and can be selected down to the exact piece you would like.
On the lower end of the scale, the price for white snapper starts at IDR110.000 /kg, while lobster is offered at market price (varying day to day).
Pick out your fresh veggie sides or simple white rice to compliment the spicy sambals and garlic sauces.
Even if you have a tighter budget, you still get the same incredible beachside setting, candle-lit tables and sunset views as the fancy pants spots.
Perhaps you’ll even get a serenade from the beach’s mariachi band!
Other restaurants in this area include – Rame Cafe Jimbaran, Bela Seafood Cafe, Made Bagus Cafe Jimbaran.
Final Thoughts
Wow, my mouth is already watering just thinking about the succulent, melting white snapper and perfectly BBQ’d prawns.
I have eaten at a number of these Jimbaran seafood restaurants and have never been disappointed. Not only do you get magnificent views in a beautiful setting, you get to sample one of the island’s most famous culinary offerings.
If you are a sambal lover, or a baby mouthed garlic sauce eater like me, the tastes created by the professional local chefs perfectly compliments, and doesn’t hide, the freshness of the fish.
Kick off your sandals, get out your cameras, and get ready for a meal you will want to remember!
