This Is Bali Restaurant Review: Menu, Vibe & What to Expect

This Is Bali pulls off two things that rarely get along in Bali: proper local food and Instagrammable aesthetics.

Usually you get one or the other. Either the food’s legit but the place looks like a backyard shed, or it’s beautiful and the menu’s been toned all the way down.

Here, there’s not much of a trade-off. The space looks good and the food still tastes fantastic. That alone puts it a step ahead of most restaurants in Ubud. Here’s a detailed rundown based on my experience.

Quick Overview

This Is Bali is a modern Balinese restaurant in Ubud that’s very intentional about what it’s doing. This isn’t a warung pretending to be fancy, and it’s not a design-first restaurant playing dress-up with local flavours.

Their menu focuses on Balinese and Indonesian dishes (mainly Nasi Campur) presented cleanly, plated well, and served in a space that feels curated but not forced.

You can tell thought went into the food, the layout, presentation, and the overall experience, without it tipping into try-hard territory.

It’s the kind of place you go to try a variety of local food in a cozy setting, without worrying whether your stomach will still like you tomorrow.

📍 Location: Jalan Goutama No.2, Ubud
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 11 PM
🍳 Cuisine: Balinese / Indonesian
🥦 Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Yes
🍞 Gluten Free Options: Yes
💰 Price Range: $$ (IDR ~100k per person)
📶 Wi-Fi: Yes
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly: Yes
🍽️ Kids Menu: No dedicated menu
🌐 Instagram: @thisisbali.eatery

---

This is Bali Ubud Location

The location sits on the north end of Jalan Goutama, one of those streets in central Ubud that’s always busy and vibrant.

You’re surrounded by cafes, small shops, and people drifting between temples, markets, and lunch plans that keep changing every five minutes.

It’s a lively area, but still very walkable. If you’re staying anywhere around central Ubud, chances are you’ll pass this street at least once.

From the outside, the restaurant looks smaller than it actually is. That throws some people off, especially when it looks busy and you think there’s no chance of getting a seat.

Once you step inside and head upstairs, it opens up. There’s more space than you’d expect, and it feels calmer than the street below.

In short, don’t judge it from the sidewalk. This is one of those places that makes more sense once you’re inside.

👉 Get directions

---

Atmosphere, Vibe, & Setting

This is the first thing you notice before you even sit down. A lot of thought went into the design here, and it shows immediately.

The interior leans heavily into all-white with plenty of greenery, which gives it a polished, almost “fancy” feel without having to pay “fancy prices.”

It looks refined but still relaxed. You don’t feel underdressed, and you don’t feel rushed either. It’s cozy in a way that doesn’t try too hard.

Seating is split into four main areas:

• By the entrance
• Toward the back
• The second floor
• A mezzanine over the second floor

To me, the second floor is the standout. Massive windows along one side flood the space with natural light during the day.

Yes, your photos will look good. White interiors plus soft daylight make it bright, airy, and comfortable. It’s borderline wedding venue energy, minus the awkward speeches.

At night, This Is Bali’s mood shifts nicely. The yellow lighting kicks in, softens the space, and gives it a warm, intimate feel without losing the clean aesthetic.

Day or night, it’s a place people genuinely enjoy sitting in, not just eating and leaving. And I can say the same for myself, since I didn’t want to leave!

---

This is Bali Menu

This is where it gets fun. You’re not coming here just for the vibes. You’re coming to eat colourful, well-done food that actually tastes as good as it looks.

When you sit down, you’ll get a complimentary snack (in my case, lemongrass chili peanuts) and four menus:

• The custom nasi campur menu
• The signature bowls menu
• The drink menu
• The Balinese desserts menu

Build Your Own Plate

The custom nasi campur menu is where most people end up spending a bit of time, and for good reason. If you’ve never ordered nasi campur from a local warung before, just know this is nothing like that experience.

Instead of peaking through a glass display and pointing at dishes you can barely identify, you’re given a card with stamped icons.

Each stamp represents a topping. It’s simple, but it forces you to actually think about what you want rather than panic-ordering everything in sight.

Is it groundbreaking? Not really. But it’s a smarter, more enjoyable way to order. It beats ticking boxes on a flimsy sheet of paper while a queue forms behind you.

You start by choosing your rice: white, red, or cauliflower. Then you pick your toppings. Load it up or keep it light, totally up to you. Finish it off with spices and sauces to suit your tolerance level and future plans.

Signature Bowls

The signature bowls are basically nasi campur without the decision overload. Same concept, same quality, just pre-built combinations that already make sense.

This is the menu you order from when your brain’s tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t want to spend ten minutes debating toppings.

There are around 12 signature bowls in total, all essentially pre-built nasi campur. Same idea as the custom menu, just without the decision-making.

Some of the standouts include the Beef Rendang bowl, the Hulk Protein Bowl (which is perfect post-workout), the Real Balinese Bowl for a more traditional combo, and the coconut curry chicken bowl which is an easy crowd-pleaser.

Don’t let the word “bowls” fool you. These are massive plates filled to the edge. You will definitely get full from one of these. And that’s coming from someone who can easily down a 12-inch shawarma.

Drinks and Desserts

Things get a bit more playful here. Drinks are tropical, colourful, and very Bali without being over-the-top.

Think fresh juices, smoothies, iced drinks, Balinese coffee, and a few comfort picks like local beer and wine if you’re settling in for a while.

Desserts lean toward Balinese mini desserts, which is a smart move. Smaller portions mean you can try more than one without immediately regretting your life choices.

Expect local flavours like coconut, pandan, banana, chocolate, and tropical fruit, all presented neatly and not overly sweet.

It’s the kind of menu that turns a casual meal into “let’s stay a bit longer.” Coffee turns into dessert, dessert turns into drinks, and suddenly you’re still there an hour later.

---

Honest Thoughts on the Flavors

We both enjoyed the food here. Trying local food is one of our favourite things to do in Bali, and honestly one of the easiest ways to dive right into the culture.

That said, there’s an important thing to keep in mind. If this is your first time eating Balinese or Indonesian food, this place might set your expectations a little differently, for better or worse, (depending on where you’re coming from).

The flavours here are foreigner-friendly. Meaning, the dishes are adjusted to suit tourist taste buds and stomachs. Spices are more controlled, flavours are balanced, and nothing feels aggressive.

That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s intentional and smart. A lot of visitors avoid local food altogether because they’re worried about getting Bali belly or spending the night sweating on the toilet.

This place removes that fear entirely. Think of it as a gateway. The food is safe, approachable, still flavourful, and different enough to feel like a new experience.

It’s a perfect introduction to Indonesian and Balinese food, especially if you’re easing into it rather than diving in headfirst.

---

Best Time to Visit

Even though it looks very much like a cafe, it doesn’t do breakfast. This Is Bali opens at 11:00am and runs through to 11:00pm, with last orders taken at 10:30pm.

As you’d expect, there’s a clear lunch and dinner rush. Peak hours usually fall between 1–3pm and 6–8pm.

If you’re aiming for those windows, making a reservation is a smart move. Waiting does happen, and yes, it’s popular for a reason.

Daytime and nighttime feel very different here. During the day, the natural light makes the space feel open, calm, and easygoing.

At night, the lighting softens, the mood shifts, and it becomes cozier and more intimate. Neither is better, it just depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

---

This is Bali Reviews

With tens of thousands of online reviews, it’s pretty clear why This Is Bali keeps showing up on people’s must-eat lists in Ubud.

Here’s a summary of what people are saying online to give you a general idea:

• Bright, lively atmosphere that feels social but not chaotic. Easy place to drop into while exploring Ubud and just as easy to recommend afterward.
• Stylish, light-filled interior with lots of white tones, greenery, and large windows. Feels calm, elegant, and thoughtfully designed without being stiff.
• Food consistently gets praised for bold but balanced flavours. Traditional Balinese dishes feel authentic, colourful, and well presented rather than toned down.
• Custom nasi campur concept is a standout. People genuinely enjoy building their own bowls, and the pre-made options are appreciated when decision fatigue kicks in.
• Desserts get a lot of love, especially anything coconut, pandan, palm sugar, or sticky rice-based. Mini portions mean people try more than one.
• Staff are repeatedly mentioned as warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive. Not just polite service, but thoughtful touches that make people feel cared for.
• Great for different types of diners. Couples, solo travellers, families with kids, and groups all seem to feel comfortable here.
• Small details elevate the experience. Things like welcome snacks, fun table cards, washcloths, and end-of-meal treats leave a strong impression.
• Prices are considered reasonable for the quality, setting, and overall experience. It doesn’t try to be fine dining, and people appreciate that.

Overall, the reviews paint it as a place that gets the fundamentals right. Good food, great atmosphere, and service that actually feels human. That combination goes a long way in Ubud.

---

What’s Nearby

One of the perks of eating here is the location. You’re right in the middle of Ubud, so it’s easy to pair a meal with a bit of sightseeing before or after.

• Ubud Art Market
  Just a short walk away. Good for souvenirs, handicrafts, and a bit of people-watching.
• Ubud Palace
  Right near the market. Worth a quick look, especially in the evening when the area feels more alive.
• Saraswati Temple
  Aka Ubud Water Palalce. Easy stop for photos, lotus pond included. Works well before dinner.
• Museum Puri Lukisan
  A solid option if you want a dose of traditional Balinese art without committing half a day.
• Blanco Renaissance Museum
  A bit further out but still walkable if you’re up for it. Very different vibe, very memorable.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk
  Best done early morning or late afternoon. A good way to earn your meal or walk it off after.

It’s an easy place to slot into a Ubud exploration day without planning your whole schedule around it.

👉 See my full list of things to do in Ubud to plan out your time efficiently.

---

Is This Is Bali Worth Visiting?

Yes. Especially if you’re after good atmosphere paired with local flavours, This is Bali delivers.

Like I mentioned, I wouldn’t call the food fully traditional or hardcore authentic, but that’s kind of the point. It’s a solid introduction to Balinese food.

The flavours are there, just dialed back enough to be approachable. That matters, especially for first-time visitors whose stomachs might not be ready for full-on Indonesian spice levels yet.

If it’s your first time in Bali and you’re staying in Ubud, this is an easy win. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and doesn’t feel intimidating.

It also looks more expensive than it actually is, which is always a nice surprise when the bill arrives. It’s a great feeling knowing you’ve eaten within your travel budget.

It works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a low-key date night. No pressure, no dress code, no overthinking. Just sit down, eat well, and enjoy the setting.

👉 Make a reservation here

---

Things to Know Before You Go

• It looks like a cafe, but it isn’t one. This is a proper restaurant, and it opens at 11:00am, not early morning.
• It looks small from the outside. Don’t walk away too quickly. There’s upstairs and mezzanine seating that opens the place up once you’re inside.
• It gets busy during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially closer to sunset. Turnover is fairly quick, but a short wait isn’t unusual.
• Spice levels can be adjusted. If you’re sensitive, just ask. The staff are used to it and happy to accommodate.
• The custom nasi campur menu can feel overwhelming at first. If you don’t feel like thinking, the signature bowls are the easier option.
• It’s very walkable if you’re staying in central Ubud. Parking nearby is limited, so walking or getting dropped off is usually the better move.
• It’s casual. You don’t need to dress up, even though the place looks polished. Flip flops are still very much welcome. (But dress up anyway for the photos!)

---

FAQs About This is Bali

---