Quick answer: Nusa Penida can be a good island for families who plan ahead. The roads are slow, the big viewpoints involve steep paths, and the sea can be strong, so mealtimes work best when they're relaxed and close to where you're staying. For family dining, look for somewhere with space, shade, a wide menu and flexible hours. Penida Colada, a beachfront restaurant and bar in Ped on the north coast, is open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, serving brunch, lunch and dinner, plus a dedicated kids’ menu.
Travelling with children changes what "a good restaurant" means. A view and a cocktail list are great, but parents also need to know whether there's food the kids will eat, whether the timing works around naps and day trips, and whether the setting is safe and relaxed. This guide covers what to check before you choose where to eat on Nusa Penida, and what families can expect when they eat with us at Penida Colada.
Yes, with some planning. Nusa Penida is quieter and less developed than much of mainland Bali, which many families enjoy. But a few things are worth knowing:
Many families find that a slower trip, with one or two sights a day and plenty of beach and meal time, suits Nusa Penida best. Our guide to things to do in Nusa Penida can help you choose.
Before you head out, it's worth checking a few practical points.
Children rarely eat on a fixed schedule. A place that serves food from early morning to late evening gives you more flexibility. At Penida Colada:
That means you can have a late breakfast, an early lunch or an early dinner without waiting for the kitchen to open. We close on significant Balinese ceremonial days, so check ahead if you're planning a special meal.
Look for a setting where children can sit comfortably and where you can see them easily. Penida Colada has a beachfront deck and a private upstairs dining area that's used for events. If you need something specific for your family, such as a high chair or a quieter table, contact us before you visit so we can tell you what's available.
A long menu helps when different family members want different things. At Penida Colada, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu for younger diners, alongside the main menu. Just ask your server for it when you sit down. It’s also worth knowing how a restaurant handles changes: dishes are served as written on the menu, without changes. If anyone in your family has an allergy, tell the team when you order, and check the menu beforehand so you can choose the right dish.
On Nusa Penida, distance matters more than you might expect. Choosing somewhere near your accommodation, or on your route home, makes the end of a long day easier. Penida Colada is on the beachfront in Ped, on the main north coast road. Find directions on our contact page.
The time of day makes a big difference to how relaxed a family meal feels.
Eating by the beach is a big part of the fun for children, but it also needs a little planning.
Penida Colada serves a Modern Australian, International and Indonesian menu, so there’s a mix of familiar dishes and local flavours. We have a dedicated kids’ menu, so ask your server for it when you arrive. Older children who want something bigger can also choose from the main menu. Here are some family-friendly ideas from the current Penida Colada menu.
Try the Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream, Pisang Goreng (Indonesian fried banana with ice cream) or the Baked Blueberry Cheesecake.
Drinks for kids
The drinks menu has plenty for children:
While the kids eat, parents can try the island's seafood. Our guide to seafood in Nusa Penida covers the full list, from Coconut Fish Curry to seasonal grilled octopus.
The menu marks vegan, vegan-option and gluten-free dishes. For more detail, see our guides to vegan food in Nusa Penida and gluten-free food in Nusa Penida.
We’re a locally owned beachfront restaurant in Ped, and we started as a beach shack in 2015. We offer real table service, with no QR-code ordering, a dedicated kids’ menu, and a team that’s happy to help families find the right dishes and the right table. Guests also get free WiFi, which can help when you need to check ferry times or keep a tired child entertained.
If you're staying on the north coast, our Ped Nusa Penida guide has more on the beach, the village temple and things to do nearby.
Is Nusa Penida family friendly?
Yes, if you plan ahead. Roads are slow, some viewpoints have steep paths and the sea can have strong currents, so families do best with a slower itinerary and relaxed meal breaks near their accommodation.
Where can families eat in Nusa Penida?
Penida Colada is a beachfront restaurant and bar in Ped, on the north coast, open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. It serves brunch until 4 PM and mains from 12 PM to 10 PM, with a wide menu of familiar and Indonesian dishes.
Does Penida Colada have a kids' menu?
Yes. Penida Colada has a dedicated kids’ menu. Ask your server for it when you arrive. There are also kid-friendly drinks such as fruit milkshakes, fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails like the Virgin Penida Colada.
Can I ask for changes to dishes for my child?
Dishes are served as written on the menu. If your child has an allergy, tell the team when you order and choose a suitable dish from the menu.
Is the restaurant right on the beach?
Yes. Penida Colada is on the beachfront in Ped, and guests can snorkel from the front stairs of the deck. Please supervise children near the water.
What time is best for dinner with young kids?
Early evening, around sunset, is usually easiest. Live music starts from 7 PM and the atmosphere gets livelier later in the evening.
A good family meal on Nusa Penida comes down to timing, space and food everyone will eat. Have a look at the menu, choose the time that suits your family, and book a table by the sea.
