Grilled seafood on the sand at Jimbaran Bay is one of the classic evenings of a Bali holiday. Tables are set right on the beach, the seafood is grilled over coconut husks, and the sun drops into the ocean while you eat. This guide explains how a Jimbaran seafood dinner works, what it costs, what to order and how to avoid surprises on the bill.
How a Jimbaran seafood dinner works
Restaurants on Jimbaran beach usually offer two ways to order:
- By weight. You choose fish, prawns, crab or lobster from an ice display. It is weighed, priced per 100 grams and then grilled. The final bill depends on the weight, so it is hard to know the total in advance.
- Set packages. A fixed price for a full dinner with several types of seafood, rice, vegetables, sauces and fruit. You know exactly what you pay before you sit down.
If you order by weight, always ask for the price per 100 grams and the weight of each item before it goes on the grill. Most first-time visitors prefer a package because the price is clear and the portions are already balanced for the number of people at the table.
How much does a Jimbaran seafood dinner cost?
These are our current packages for two people at our partner restaurant on Jimbaran Bay:
| Package | Main seafood | Price for 2 people |
|---|---|---|
| Package I | Fish, prawns, squid, mussels | IDR 775,000 IDR 937,750 with tax and service |
| Package II | King prawns, fish, squid, mussels, 2 beers | IDR 1,025,000 IDR 1,240,250 with tax and service |
| Honeymooners | Lobster, crab, prawns, fish, squid, mussels, 2 beers | IDR 1,485,000 IDR 1,796,850 with tax and service |
Menu prices are subject to 21% tax and service charge, which is shown in the second figure. Every package includes a welcome drink, soup, steamed rice or French fries, vegetables, sauces and fresh fruit. See the full contents on the seafood packages for 2 people page. Travelling with children? Our family packages are sized for a whole table.
What to order
- Whole grilled fish. Usually a reef fish such as snapper, butterflied and grilled with a sweet soy and chilli glaze.
- King prawns. The most popular item for first-timers. Peel them at the table.
- Squid. Grilled quickly so it stays tender.
- Clams and mussels. Often served with a garlic or spicy sauce.
- Crab and lobster. The splurge items, usually saved for a celebration.
The sauces
Balinese sauces make the dinner. Try sambal matah, a fresh raw relish of shallots, lemongrass, chilli and lime, alongside a cooked chilli sambal and sweet soy. If you are not used to spicy food, ask for the sambal on the side. Children usually stick to the grilled prawns, fries and rice.
Lunch or sunset dinner?
We are open every day from 11am to 11pm, so lunch is possible and quieter. But the reason most people come to Jimbaran is the sunset. Read our guide to the best time for a Jimbaran sunset dinner to plan your arrival.
Getting to Jimbaran
Jimbaran is just south of the airport, about 20 minutes from Kuta and longer from Seminyak, Canggu or Ubud in evening traffic. Our guide on how to get to Jimbaran Bay has travel times and transport options from every major area. Flying in or out the same day? A Bali airport transfer with a private driver is the simplest way to fit dinner around your flight.
Tips for a better evening
- Book ahead in July, August and over Christmas and New Year, when beach tables fill early.
- Arrive before sunset to get a table close to the water.
- Wear sandals. You will be sitting on the sand.
- Bring insect repellent for after dark.
- Tell us about birthdays, anniversaries or proposals when you book. For couples, see our romantic dinner in Jimbaran page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jimbaran seafood expensive?
It costs more than a local warung but less than most hotel restaurants. A full dinner for two starts at IDR 937,750 including tax and service with our Package I.
Is the seafood fresh?
Jimbaran has its own fish market at Kedonganan, at the northern end of the bay, where the local boats land their catch. That is a big part of why the area became famous for seafood.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are possible on quiet nights, but a reservation guarantees your table, your package and your price. Booking takes one WhatsApp message.