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Beloved Italian Restaurant in Canggu, Luigis Enters a New Era

31 Aug 2026 by Bella

Beloved Italian Restaurant in Canggu, Luigis Enters a New Era Image

Beloved Italian Restaurant in Canggu, Luigis Enters a New Era

I remember it being part of my younger years in Bali, back when it was just a small space with a little outdoor lawn. It was my go-to for an impromptu pizza. Canggu was quieter, slower, and felt completely different from what it is today.

Almost 10 years later, a lot has changed – in Bali, and Canggu in particular. But somehow, Luigis still feels like Luigis, if you know what I mean. It’s been the backdrop for so many late dinners, first dates, bocce games, and random nights. No fuss, no dress code, no trying too hard. Just good pizza, strong drinks, good people, and plenty of memories.

Now, Luigis is stepping into a new chapter – like all good businesses should. The place has had a little refresh, but it still feels like the same place we know and love. The Italian-American spirit is still there, inspired by New York slice shops, old-school red sauce joints, and those neighbourhood spots where the personality is just as important as what’s on your plate. As Chef Lorenzo puts it, the idea was never to change what people love about Luigi’s, but to sharpen it. The Napoletana-style pizza is still at the heart of it, now joined by proper sandwiches, good burgers, and plenty of dishes made for sharing.

So, shall we dive into the new menu?

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Pizza: the star of Luigis

With 24-hour naturally risen dough cooked in those iconic Acunto ovens straight from the motherland, you’ll find the classics like Queen Marg and Pepperoni, alongside some fun new combinations with smoked pancetta, pineapple, roasted pork belly, lemon potatoes and rosemary. Some favourites like Franks n Fries – the perfect guilty pleasure are still around.

Italan restaurant in canggu - Luigis pizza

Classic Italian-American comfort food

Becoming comfort food for many too, there are Grandpa’s Meatballs, baked rigatoni loaded with mozzarella and ragu, and a proper Chopped Cheese inspired by New York’s late-night classics.

There’s something for lighter cravings too, like Tuna Crudo and Dory Scaloppini with white wine, capers and butter. Generous portions, big flavours, familiar favourites, and food that’s best shared around the table

Italan restaurant in canggu - Luigis food

You may also like this article: The Ultimate Canggu Restaurant List by Kata Bella

What’s behind the bar

Luigis keeps things simple here too. The drinks menu is led by Luca Marcolin, formerly of Zuma Dubai, with easy-drinking cocktails, ice-cold craft beers, natural wines, and those Luigi’s canned serves.

Nothing too complicated, no over-the-top garnishes or fancy rituals. Just the kind of drinks you want to have with a pizza, a few friends, and a long night ahead.

Italian restaurant in canggu - Luigi drinks

Beyond the menu

Aaaand it’s not just the food and drinks that got a little revamp. The place itself has had a bit of a makeover too, with a refreshed look, a new street-side pizzeria, signature checkerboard tiles, and plenty of comfy booth seating.

Outside, the garden is still there – perfect for those long afternoons, cold beers, and a game of bocce with friends. Romanticise your good moments that one day will become “the good ol’ days” with soundtracks like The Smiths, The Clash, Kim Wilde – because Luigis has never really been one to follow trends.

Italian restaurant in canggu- Luigi venue

Last but not least, the weekly rituals

Mondays are all about Metto with PNNY, while Wednesdays bring Pasta & Vino – fresh homemade pasta, good wine, and the perfect excuse to break up the week. Fridays are for the DJs take over and carry things from dinner well into the night.

So yeah, at the end of the day, Luigis that you love is still here, it isn’t trying to reinvent itself. It’s simply becoming a better, sharper version of the place people have loved all along. Familiar enough for the old regulars, but with plenty of new things to discover.

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Bali Brunch: A Slow Saturday Done Right at Waatu's Otsumami Image

30 Jun 2026 by Bella in Eats

Bali Brunch: A Slow Saturday Done Right at Waatu's Otsumami

Bali Brunch: A Slow Saturday Done Right at Waatu's Otsumami Bali is small, but also big. It always feels like if you live in one neighbourhood here, everywhere else suddenly becomes far - especially if you're based in "Republic of Canggu". On a very unplanned weekend, a friend of mine who had just left her job and is currently thriving in her free-time era had this idea of spending a Saturday in Ungasan for an all-you-can-eat Japanese brunch at Waatu. Yes, Ungasan. Because when you can do anything and go anywhere, why not choose somewhere that takes a couple of hours (or more) to get to, right? Hehe. I’d heard of Waatu before, but all I really knew was that it’s an open-flame grill restaurant with a cliffside view. After a little Instagram research, I found out they also have a nice pool, and there’s no gas stove involved in the kitchen - everything runs on fire and charcoal. What a traditional, elemental way to cook! Very interesting. Also, I love Japanese food. So I thought, okay - let’s go! You may also like this article: SKAI Bar & Grill in Legian: Same Soul, Refined Experience My first impression After the long journey from Canggu up to Bukit (the hilly area of Bali), we were rewarded with a calm and peaceful atmosphere -like finding a little cliffside nook with a view that made me realise I might have been taking Bali for granted just because I live here. We took a moment to soak it all in before heading to our table. At this point, I was getting very excited to eat. The warm and welcoming vibe that greeted us as soon as we arrived A table full of Japanese favourites Move over avocado on toast! Because this is more my kind of brunch. Upon arrival, you will be given a list of menu to choose from. We started simple with a bowl of edamame, then little by little we moved into the otsumami (traditional Japanese savoury snacks). You can expect Japanese comfort food like kaarage chicken, yakitori, pork & chive gyoza, pork ribs (this was one of the highlights!). There was also a lighter option like seaweed salad and chawanmushi. If you’re feeling a bit extra, you can also upgrade your set with dishes like lobster tail and flank steak. The brunch runs for two hours, which I think is enough to enjoy the food without rushing. Everything was delicious, but make sure you save some room for dessert! You may also like this article: Restaurants in Legian and Seminyak: Kata Bella's Picks 2026 The Vibe Continued If you’re not in the mood for dessert, you can round off your brunch with one of their cocktails instead. Luna di Limo, a lime aperitivo with lychee liqueur, is a great choice if you like tropical fruit flavours. Or be adventurous with a touch of Indonesian flavour, like pandan mixed with vanilla in Verdant Silhouette. Fun fact: their drinks are made in-house using their own fermentation techniques, making them anything but ordinary. The whole Saturday then carried on with a live DJ playing coastal house and upbeat tracks into the afternoon. It had been a while since I had a Saturday like that - slow and unrushed. A curated selection of their in-house fermented drinks The Verdict So...the big question, was the trip to Ungasan worth it? Haha, yes! Definitely. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and next time I’m bringing more of my girl friends along for the ride. By the way, if you come for the brunch, you also get complimentary access to the pool overlooking a cliffside view of the sea, so don’t forget to bring your swimmers, sunnies, books, and other pool-day essentials. Thanks for reading - hope this inspires your next weekend getaway to Ungasan. More Information 📍Location: Waatu 🌐 www.waatu.com 📱@waatu.bali ☎️ Reservation ⏰ Otsumami is on every Saturday, 11am to 4pm 💰 IDR 550,000++ per person (food only)

Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois Image

04 Feb 2025 by Bella in Eats

Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois

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Balinese Food Guide: From Suckling Pig to Local Favourites Image

29 Oct 2026 by Bella in Eats

Balinese Food Guide: From Suckling Pig to Local Favourites

Balinese Food Guide: From Suckling Pig to Local Favourites Some come to Bali for the beaches, some for the wellness lifestyle, and others come with one mission: eat their way around the island! Bali is famous for babi guling, or Balinese suckling pig, a whole pig traditionally stuffed with a rich blend of spices, then slowly roasted until the skin turns beautifully crrrissspyy! It's also a dish often associated with Balinese ceremonies and special occasions, though you can find it at local warungs and eateries, too. Babi guling might steal the spotlight, but there are also other tasty Balinese dishes to explore. So, if your belly is ready for a little adventure, here's where our Balinese friends think you should eat. You may also like this article: Where to Eat Indonesian Food in Bali Balinese Food Guide: From Suckling Pig to Local FavouritesBabi Guling Bu Desak Sapat - GianyarBabi Guling Jero Kawan - MungguBabi Guling Men Lari - CangguPaon Dwaji - DenpasarNasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku - UbudWarung Mek Juwel - UbudWarkop Mang Siko - TabananBabi Guling Men Wenci - SangehSate Babi Bledor - SangehGuling Samsam Merekak - Mengwi Babi Guling Bu Desak Sapat - Gianyar Forget beauty sleep. There's babi guling to eat. This long-standing spot in Tegallalang, Gianyar, has been serving Balinese suckling pig since the 1990s. They open at 5am - yes, 5am! And they sell out pretty quickly, so a super early visit is your best bet, because once the pork is gone, it's gawnn! 📍Google Map: Babi Guling Bu Desak Sapat Image credit: Babi Guling Bu Desak Sapat Instagram Babi Guling Jero Kawan - Munggu The crispy skin is a must-try, and it's full of flavour! The portions are generous, there's a good mix of side dishes, and you can ask for non-spicy if you're not brave enough, hehe. It's also not too far from Canggu, so if you're getting a little tired of Instagram-famous coffee shops, here's your excuse to get out and explore some proper local flavours. Your taste buds will thank you. 📍Google Map: Babi Guling Jero Kawan Image credit: Babi Guling Jero Kawan Instagram Babi Guling Men Lari - Canggu In the middle of Canggu’s cafes, gyms and protein smoothies, you’ll find a traditional-looking restaurant tucked in the corner, serving none other than babi guling. Pretty sure you’ve spotted it from the main road on your way to padel or pilates, lol. 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It's giving that old-school Bali holiday feeling, before beach clubs took over the island, lol. The menu is pretty simple; rice and chicken - that's tasty as fudge! Don't forget to try their sate lilit - it's a Balinese minced meat mixed with spices and grated coconut, wrapped around a lemongrass stalk or skewer. 📍Google Map: Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku Image credit: Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Instagram Warung Mek Juwel - Ubud Another Ubud legend, this spot has been serving up local goodness since the 80s. Like most nasi campur (mixed rice), expect a plate of rice with a little bit of everything: chicken, sate lilit, egg, urap (a Balinese salad of boiled vegetables tossed with grated coconut) and, of course, sambal. It's a simple, satisfying plate that brings together all those lovely Balinese flavours in one go. 📍Google Map: Warung Mek Juwel Nasi Campur Ayam Image credit: Warung Mek Juwel Google page Warkop Mang Siko - Tabanan Warkop, short for warung kopi, basically means coffee shop. And yes, they do serve coffee, but you wouldn't drive all the way to Tabanan just for a cup. The real reason to make the trip is their brisket and smoked chicken, served Bali-style with rice and all the usual sambal goodness. It's also a nice spot to take a little break from Bali's touristy hotspots and enjoy a more laid-back side of the island. 📍Google Map: Warkop Mang Siko Image credit: Warkop Mang Siko Google Page You may also like this article: Kids Friendly Restaurants in Bali with Playgrounds Babi Guling Men Wenci - Sangeh When was the last time you visited Bali and went to Sangeh? Not that you need an excuse to venture outside of the usual Bali's popular neighbourhoods, but if you're looking for one, how about a plate of delicious babi guling at Men Wenci? Hehe. Maybe this local food gem is just the motivation you need to explore another side of Bali that's full of local charm. 📍Google Map: Babi Guling Men Wenci Sangeh Image credit: Babi Guling Men Wenci Google page Sate Babi Bledor - Sangeh And while in Sangeh, make another stop at Sate Babi Bledor. It’s the Indonesian-style satay with that good ol’ peanut sauce we all know and love, but make it pork. The pork skewers are traditionally grilled over charcoal, giving them that lovely smoky aroma and slightly charred edges, hmmmm. There are two locations in the area, but both are run by the same owner. 📍Google Map: Sate Babi Bledor I, Sate Babi Bledor II Image credit: Sate Babi Bledor Google page Guling Samsam Merekak - Mengwi They have four locations, but the one closest to us is in Mengwi. Their signature dish is guling samsam, which is a rolled pork belly packed with Balinese spices and cooked until crispy. You can order it as a sharing portion if you're coming with friends, or have it as part of a nasi campur if you want to try a bit of everything on one plate. It's definitely one for the pork lovers! 📍Google Map: Guling Samsam Merekak Image credit: Guling Samsam Merekak Google page Bali's food scene goes waayyy beyond avo on toast, smoothie bowls and pretty brunch spots. Not that we don't love those too! But sometimes, the best way to get to know the island is through its local food, little warungs and places you might not find on your usual Bali itinerary. So save this guide for next time you're wondering where to eat. Your next favourite meal might be waiting somewhere unexpected. Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy this listicle!