Lovina is a small coastal village up in North Bali, and while it isn’t known to be a destination for food, it has a few secret spots for you to discover.
Among my list of best restaurants in Lovina, Warung Apple sits at the very top. This is truly a hidden gem – no Instagram, no website, you might even walk right past it without noticing.
My experience at Warung Apple in Lovina was so exceptional that I needed to write about it. Make this a lunch stop during our Lovina Dolphin Watching Day Tour or any time you’re visiting North Bali.
About Warung Apple
Warung Apple opened its doors in 2008 in Lovina. It’s a family-owned Balinese restaurant that focuses on serving fresh, clean Indonesian food. The portion sizes are filling and the prices are quite cheap (for a touristic area).
The restaurant sits next to Astina Hotel on Jalan Mawar, a small street that’s packed with restaurants, hotels, and bars, and quite close to Lovina Beach. Parallel to Jalan Mawar is Jalan Binaria, another short street that’s very vibrant.
The owners – Apple and Watermelon (yes, that’s their names), are absolutely wonderful people who enjoy operating their small business in a town that’s quite seasonal. It seems to be a global phenomenon that small town folk are always the most pleasant.
The Food at Warung Apple
While the menu offers a wide range of selections, I want to zone in on one specific menu item – the Nasi Campur Special. This is sole reason I’m even writing this post. After a series of underwhelming meals in Lovina, coming across this restaurant felt like a blessing.
Nasi Campur translates to mixed rice. It’s a plate of rice with several “toppings” (called Lauk) to have a well-balance meal. This can include meats, eggs, chicken and veggies.
Flip through the menu to the Indonesian Food page and you’ll spot the Nasi Campur SPC. Forget everything else and order this. Alternatively, go for the Seafood Nasi Campur. If you’re famished, throw on an extra omelette on the side.
Warung Apple’s Nasi Campur is a sized meal with white rice, Sate Ayam (chicken skewers), peanut sauce, sautéed veggies, Ayam Sambal Matah (spicy chicken with shallots), a fried egg, sweet tempe, and some shrimp crackers and roasted peanuts – an entire feast in a plate for IDR 45k (AUD $4).
I personally haven’t tried their seafood as yet (as I’ve had their Nasi Campur during every visit and never cared to order anything else), but reviews online say that it’s quite enjoyable – with the exception of that one Google reviewer who claims it was the “worst restaurant he ate at during his holiday.”
Where else to eat in Lovina?
Go through my list of best restaurants in Lovina which includes some of the top places to eat in North Bali. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- The 10th Table (fine dining dinner)
- Akar Cafe (vegan / vegetarian)
- Semina Restaurant (since 1987)
- Coffeenosky (cafe with a view)
How to get to Warung Apple?
Since the restaurant is in Lovina, it’s quite a far drive if you’re staying in South Bali. And although it’s a brilliant meal, I wouldn’t recommend driving 2.5 to 3 hours just to have it. If you’re already staying in Lovina, make your way there ASAP.
If you’ve booked a private car and driver or the Lovina Dolphin Watching Tour, you can stop here for lunch during the day at any time.
You can also rent a scooter from Bikago, which has a rental shop in Lovina. They also have a pick-up and drop-off service so they will be able to bring your scooter straight to your hotel or villa in Lovina for you to explore North Bali on 2 wheels.
Final Thoughts about Warung Apple
If I was blindfolded while eating here and someone told me this was a fine-dining meal, I would totally believe them without a doubt. The food, specifically the Nasi Campur, is an eventful plate. Everything was perfect!
The only downside to this place is that there is no air-con, and depending on the time of year you’re visiting Lovina, all the fans mounted on the walls won’t stop you from sweating. Fortunately, it’s a casual spot – sweating is acceptable.
Information
- Location: Jl. Mawar, Kalibukbuk, Buleleng (Lovina)
- Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, daily
- Cuisine: Indonesian and Seafood
What to do in Lovina?
Lovina itself is a wonderful destination to visit for the day or to stay a few nights. The most popular attraction is the dolphins, but there’s also many other things to do in Lovina like natural hot springs, temples, and waterfalls.
You can book a Lovina Dolphin Watching Day Tour to have your own private car and driver for the day. You’ll be picked up early in the morning from anywhere in Bali and taken to experience the dolphins during sunrise on a private boat. You can continue exploring North Bali for the rest of the day – the entire itinerary is up to you.
FAQs about Warung Apple
When is the best time to visit?
Warung Apple opens at 10:00 am so if you’re looking for somewhere to have an early breakfast you’ll need to find another spot. The best time to visit is during lunch or dinner, any time of the year.
Do I need to make a reservation?
There’s no need to make a reservation. It’s a casual local restaurant. But if you do prefer to be prepared, you can contact them directly on WhatsApp at +62 813-3496-1799. It may get busy on weekends during high season.
Are there vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes, there are tons of vegan and vegetarian options – vegetable curry, vegetarian nasi campur, sautéed veggies, noodles, and the famous Indonesian salad, Gado-gado.
No, they don’t have a special menu for kids. However, you can choose smaller bites from the appetizers menu like sandwiches, spring rolls, or soups.
Is there parking available?
No, there is no car or scooter parking by the restaurant. Jalan Mawar is a tight street with high sidewalks. You’ll need to park in the main parking area by the beach (IDR 5k), then go for a short 100-meter walk.
How to get to Lovina?
You have a couple of options. You can book our 12-hour North Bali Day Tour with a private car and driver. You’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned SUV driven by a personally vetted , English-speaking driver, and taken to North Bali to explore to your heart’s content.
If you’re arriving at Bali Airport and need to make your way to your hotel or villa in Lovina, you can book my Bali Airport Transfer to Lovina with a private car and driver.
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about this Bali’s rich culture.
