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Watercress, Ubud | Reliable, Fresh, Simple Food Done Right

By Des Res Bali

Watercress Ubud white two‑story restaurant facade with sign and motorbikes parked outside
Photo: Des Res Bali (Pictured: Watercress Ubud Entrance)

Watercress doesn’t chase trends. It just does things right.

Centrally located in Ubud, this easy‑going spot is the kind of place you return to simply because you can rely on it. Simple, well‑made food; consistently fresh ingredients; generous portion sizes; great coffee; and staff that are genuinely warm and welcoming — that’s what keeps locals, long‑term Bali residents, and food‑obsessed friends coming back.

Geometric ceiling and upstairs balcony at Watercress Ubud with hanging plants and blue sky
Photo: Des Res Bali

The menu isn’t trying to be fussy or avant‑garde. Instead it nails the fundamentals: fresh salads with good heft (the superfood bowl and chicken cashew salad are legendary), sandos and sandwiches that feel like proper meals, breads and croissants worth writing home about, and reliably good coffee — the Ubud location even notes Milk & Madu beans, which speaks to how seriously they take the brew.

This isn’t a place for show; it’s a place for consistency, quality, and simplicity done well.

The Food: uncomplicated, satisfying, and worth the trip

Watercress doesn’t need to dress up basic dishes to win you over. The flavours are clean. The portions are generous. The ingredients are fresh. Everything just tastes good — and that’s a rare thing in a crowded café scene.

Epic croissants and bakery items, hearty salads, great sandwiches, and coffee that actually lives up to its billing — that’s the rhythm here.

The Space: relaxed & easy

There’s no pressure here. Whether you’re swinging by for breakfast, lingering over lunch, or grabbing coffee mid‑morning, the vibe is uncomplicated and welcoming. Upstairs balcony seating, breezy angles, leafy shade, and the gentle flow of Ubud life outside make this a great pitstop or a place to hang for longer.

View from the upstairs balcony at Watercress Ubud of diners at tables and hanging plants
Photo: Des Res Bali

Why it’s on our Shortlist

  • Consistently good food across the menu
  • Strong coffee and bakery focus
  • Friendly, capable staff
  • Simple meals that hit every time
  • A relaxed, locally loved atmosphere

Watercress works because it gets the basics right. No gimmicks. No fuss. Just good food, well-made, every time. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or a casual catch-up.

Good to Know

  • Ubud (central, easy to find)
  • Breakfast, lunch, coffee & baked goods
  • Friendly staff, breezy vibe

Watercress also has locations in Berawa and Seminyak.

Hours: Open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily)
Location:Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Instagram: @watercressbali

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