Dining at AYANA Bali: What Australians Should Not Miss

Karlie is an Australian travel writer and Indonesia destination expert based in Bali.

If you are wondering which pool at AYANA Bali is the best, the honest answer is it depends what kind of day you want.

AYANA Bali has 14+ pools spread across the entire resort, and the reality is most guests will not visit them all. AYANA Bali is a fully integrated resort, meaning all guests can move freely between pools, restaurants, and experiences across the entire property. The key is knowing which ones match your mood, because each pool offers a completely different experience.

After many stays across AYANA Bali, here are the pools Australians actually use and keep coming back to.

If you are wondering whether the food at AYANA Bali is worth it, the answer is yes.

AYANA Bali offers something for everyone, with more than 30 cafes, restaurants, and bars across the resort. The reality is that most guests will not get through them all, which is why knowing where to go makes a big difference. You will find a wide range of cuisines, chefs from around the world, and venues that feel like experiences in themselves. It is not just about eating; it is about where you are eating and how it makes you feel.

AYANA Bali is a fully integrated resort, meaning you can move between restaurants, bars, and dining experiences across the entire property with ease. The key is knowing where to go depending on your mood.

You are not going to be disappointed no matter where you dine at AYANA Bali, but these are the places we find ourselves returning to on each stay.

After many stays across AYANA Bali, here are the spots Australians actually return to again and again.

If you are only choosing one restaurant at AYANA Bali, make it Scusa.

Scusa feels like you have stepped into Europe. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxed but refined, and the Mediterranean menu delivers every time. Think handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and dishes designed for sharing. It is one of those places where you sit down for dinner and end up staying longer than planned, enjoying each course and soaking up the setting.

If you are looking for a dining experience that combines incredible food with a sense of place, Scusa is a must.

KISIK Seafood Restaurant is one of the most memorable dining experiences at AYANA Bali.

Set right on the beach, this is where you go for fresh seafood, sunset views, and a truly romantic atmosphere. Dining here feels like a moment, not just a meal. You can choose your seafood fresh and have it grilled to your liking, from lobster to snapper.

If you are celebrating something special, booking a table on the pier takes it to another level. Sitting out over the water with a seafood feast, surrounded by soft lighting and the sound of the ocean, is one of those experiences that stays with you long after your trip.

Honzen at AYANA Bali is more than just a restaurant, it is an experience.

It is one of the largest Japanese restaurants in Asia, but that space has been used to create something incredibly thoughtful and authentic. From the gardens to the service to the presentation of the food, every detail has been considered. Expect beautifully presented sushi, sashimi, and traditional dishes that feel as authentic as they are refined.

The renowned Japanese Chef Kimura brings decades of experience, and if you are a food lover, booking the omakase experience with the chef is something special. Even if you are not staying at AYANA Bali, Honzen is worth visiting.

For something more relaxed, UNIQUE Rooftop is always a favourite with Australians.

This is where you go when you want comfort food with a view. The Mexican menu is fun and easy, the atmosphere is social, and the setting makes it hard to leave. Expect nachos, tacos, and margaritas with a sunset view.

It works just as well for a long lunch as it does for a casual dinner, and it is especially popular with groups.

Rock Bar is one of the most famous spots at AYANA Bali, and while it is known for sunset drinks, it is also worth considering for a meal.

This is dining with a vibe. You have the ocean below, waves crashing against the rocks, cocktail shakers mixing, and tunes pumping as the sun sets. It is one of those places where the energy builds as the light changes.

You can come for light bites or stay for a full meal, but the experience is what makes it.

Only guests staying at AYANA Bali can book Rock Bar in advance, which is a great advantage for in-house guests. If you are visiting from outside, be prepared to queue, especially at sunset.

For more relaxed dining throughout the day, there are plenty of easy options across AYANA Bali.

Damar Terrace and Sami Sami are both great for casual meals, offering something reliable and easy when you do not want to overthink it, with familiar favourites that Australians naturally gravitate towards. Poolside dining is also a big part of the experience, especially at the RIMBA Lower Pool where you can eat while sitting in the water.

If you are spending time at Kubu Beach, make sure you stop at Kubu Beach Club. Think nasi goreng, satay, and easy Indonesian classics right by the water, making it one of those laid-back meals that ends up being a highlight.

If you are staying for more than a few nights, breakfast hopping is something we always recommend.

Each breakfast buffet across AYANA Bali offers something slightly different, from the food to the setting to the views. It is a simple way to experience more of the resort without needing to plan anything complicated.

Mixing it up keeps things interesting and gives you a better feel for everything AYANA Bali has to offer.

AYANA Bali offers plenty of options for romantic or special occasion dining.

KISIK is a standout for beachfront seafood, while Dava Steak and Seafood is a great choice for those who love a steak done properly. Scusa also offers an elevated dining experience that feels perfect for a celebration. If you are staying in a villa, a private dinner set up beside your pool is one of the most memorable ways to celebrate, with a setting that feels completely your own.

Most Australians find it comparable to dining out back home — similar price points, but with a setting that is in a completely different setting. What you are paying for is not just the food, but the full experience. The service, the setting, and the variety of venues all add to it. If you are staying at AYANA Bali, trying at least a few of the dining options available is part of the experience.

For special experiences like omakase at HONZEN, dining on the KISIK pier, or visiting Rock Bar at sunset, it is worth booking ahead, especially during peak periods.

For everything else, the AYANA app makes it easy once you arrive. You can browse venues, check menus, and reserve your spot without needing to plan too far in advance.

If there is one thing AYANA Bali does exceptionally well, it is giving you options without ever making things feel complicated. Whether you are planning your days around long lunches, sunset drinks, or special dining experiences, everything flows easily once you arrive. With so many venues to choose from, you can shape your stay around your mood, and that is what keeps Australians coming back time and time again.

Karlie Cummins is the founder of Bali Buddies, an Australian travel writer and Indonesia destination expert who has called Bali home since 2017. With extensive firsthand experience staying across every AYANA Bali resort and villa, she specializes in helping Australian travelers plan relaxed, well-informed Bali holidays through practical, experience-driven advice.