Some nights in Bali are meant to be more than just dinner and drinks. Sometimes, you want music that moves you, a glass of good wine, and a place where people aren’t afraid to let loose and dance a little. If you’ve been looking for that kind of vibe in Sanur — something between elegant and fun, relaxed yet full of energy — you’ll find it at Café Smorgas.
Tucked into the heart of Sanur, Café Smorgas isn’t your typical beachside café. Yes, it serves great food from morning till night, and yes, it’s loved for its Swedish-style comfort dishes. But come the right evening, the entire vibe shifts — and suddenly you’re sipping wine while salsa music pulses in the background, the tables slide back, and couples and new friends step into rhythm. This is not a club. It’s not a bar. It’s a café with heart, soul, and seriously good taste — in food, music, and energy.
For anyone tired of the same dinner-and-home routine, Café Smorgas offers a refreshing alternative. Their weekly salsa nights have become a bit of a Sanur secret — drawing in a mix of expats, locals, and curious travelers looking for something a little different. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a total beginner just willing to try, the atmosphere is light and welcoming. It’s not about perfect steps — it’s about having fun.
The night usually starts gently: early guests settle in with a cocktail or a chilled glass of white wine, maybe a shared plate of Swedish tapas or their famous meatballs. As more people arrive, the tempo slowly builds. You’ll hear laughter from the bar, shoes tapping lightly under the tables, and conversations switching between English, Swedish, Indonesian, and more — a true reflection of Sanur’s international, laid-back community.
When the music begins, it’s not long before someone breaks the invisible barrier and gets up to dance. And once that first couple is on the floor, it’s contagious. The staff are used to it. Plates are cleared, wine glasses topped up, and the room transforms into something both elegant and electric.
It’s this mix of cozy and lively that makes Café Smorgas a standout for nights out in Sanur. You could come just for the food — and many people do — but when you stay for the music and dance, that’s when the real magic happens. Their wine and cocktail list helps set the mood too, featuring European picks that pair well with the café’s Scandinavian-influenced dinner menu, plus signature drinks crafted for warm Bali nights.
And if dancing isn’t your thing? No problem. Plenty of guests just come to watch, sip, enjoy the ambiance, and maybe tap their feet under the table. It’s just as much a place to unwind as it is to move. You don’t have to be loud or flashy to feel part of it — Café Smorgas lets you be exactly who you are, which is probably why it’s become such a favorite among families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Many guests come in from outside Sanur, too — especially from Canggu, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Legian, and Denpasar. Those looking for a unique “café near me” experience that includes live music in Sanur, or a spot for a wine and cocktail evening Bali-style, often end up here after a quick search — and usually, they return.
It’s not just the salsa nights that keep people coming back. Café Smorgas also hosts live acoustic music on select nights and offers the perfect setting for celebrations — from birthdays to anniversaries and everything in between. If you’re planning something more personal, they even take reservations for private events, complete with custom menus and thoughtful service. The team knows how to make people feel at home while still keeping things elevated.
Of course, not everyone has time to dine in. For that, there’s always their takeaway and delivery option via GrabFood and GoFood — a great solution if you want a taste of that Scandinavian comfort food but prefer a quiet night in.
But when you do want to go out — when you want something that isn’t just another dinner, but also isn’t a loud, impersonal venue — Café Smorgas offers the perfect middle ground. Good food, great wine, live music, and salsa dancing, all in one place.
So next time you’re in Sanur and wondering what to do with your Friday or Saturday night, skip the usual and step into something more spontaneous. Head to Café Smorgas. Grab a glass, find a rhythm, and let the night unfold — one dance step, one sip, one smile at a time.
