Restaurant of the Month: Isla Bali – A Taste of Indonesia in Alfaz del Pi

Evening slowly falls over Alfaz del Pi, and a crisp breeze drifts through the streets. It’s one of those moments when you crave something warm, something rich in spices—a meal that transports you to a place where the sun always shines. From a distance, Restaurant Isla Bali already stands out: a vibrantly painted rickshaw sits by the entrance, a playful nod to the chaotic yet charming streets of Bali. A few steps closer, and you find yourself stepping into a completely different world.

This Indonesian restaurant, located at Plaça Jaume 7, achieves something that few places in Spain truly master: it serves food with soul. The moment you step inside, it feels as if you’ve entered an enchanting Balinese temple. The soft glow of the lighting, the soothing decor, and the subtle aroma of exotic spices instantly make it clear—this isn’t just dining; this is a journey.
The address—number 7—seems more than just a coincidence, as owner Humphrey tells me. “Seven is a magical number, which our logo also reflects. It represents the seventh highest temple, the gateway to heaven. And of course, heavenly dishes.”

The flavors of home, but beyond Spain

You might wonder: why go for Indonesian food in Spain? After all, this is the land of paella and tapas, right? But if, like me, you have a weakness for rich, complex flavors prepared with love, you’ll understand that some dishes simply deserve a place—regardless of geography. Isla Bali is one of those places.

The menu is a tribute to Indonesian cuisine, without unnecessary frills or European adaptations. The rijsttafel*, a parade of small dishes with a variety of flavors and textures, is a classic that you absolutely must try here. But my personal favorite? The rendang—a slow-cooked stew where the spices have deeply infused the meat, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. Rich, aromatic, and exactly as it should be.

*The rijsttafel, a traditional Indonesian rice table featuring an array of small dishes, is a classic you absolutely must try here.

The art of good food

Quality here is no coincidence. The owners—who move through the restaurant with an infectious enthusiasm, making everyone feel welcome—clearly have a deep passion for Indonesian cuisine. And you can taste it. Every dish is prepared with care, and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve been to plenty of Asian restaurants where the balance was just off—where the spices were drowned out by too much salt or everything was coated in a generic sweet sauce.

Not here. Here, you can taste the attention to detail. Even a simple dish like satay ayam receives the love it deserves—perfectly grilled, with a peanut sauce that isn’t overly sweet but beautifully balanced with the smoky aromas of the charred chicken. And then there’s the gado gado, a vibrant mix of crisp, fresh vegetables brought together by a bold, spicy peanut sauce.

Service as it should be

Good food is one thing, but a restaurant only becomes a true favorite when the service is just as good. Isla Bali gets that. No over-the-top performance, no forced friendliness—just people who genuinely love what they do and share that passion with their guests. Orders arrive promptly, the staff is attentive without being intrusive, and if you need advice on what to order, you’ll get an honest and well-informed recommendation.

And yes, it can get busy. Sometimes, you might have to wait. But is that a problem? Not at all. A great restaurant isn’t a fast-food chain. Here, you wait with a good glass of wine in hand, surrounded by an ambiance that transports you far from the Spanish coast. For a moment, you find yourself in a lush Balinese temple, a world away from everything else.

The conclusion? I’ll be coming back

Restaurant Isla Bali is not a place for a quick bite. This is a restaurant to savor, where you sit down with friends and let the evening unfold at its own pace, while the table fills with dishes prepared with love and care.

Is it worth the drive if you don’t live in Alfaz del Pi? Absolutely. I know people who gladly travel an hour just to eat here, and trust me—that’s no exaggeration. This is food as it should be. And I’d bet that once you’ve been here, you’ll already be thinking about what to order next time.

Because I can assure you: there will be a next time.

For more information and to check out the menu, visit the website of Isla Bali.

🎁 WIN a rijsttafel for two at Isla Bali! 🍛✨

Do you want to experience the flavors of Bali for yourself? Join our giveaway for a chance to win a delicious rijsttafel for two at Isla Bali!

👉 Here’s how to enter:

1️⃣ Go to our Facebook or Instagram page
2️⃣ Follow @IslaBali, @CostaBlancaRadio & @TheSoundOfTheCosta
3️⃣ Comment on the giveaway post and tag your dining partner!

💡 Want an extra chance to win? Answer this question in your comment:
🤔 What is Wouter’s favorite dish at Isla Bali? (Hint: You’ll find the answer in this article! 😉)

📅 You can participate until Sunday, March 2. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 3!