I’ve eaten BBQ in a lot of places. Texas, obviously. Kansas City. The Carolinas. Various attempts at “American BBQ” across Asia that ranged from acceptable to tragic. So when I first heard about a ribs place on a tiny Indonesian island, I was skeptical.
Then I ate at Nick’s Place in Nusa Lembongan. And then again. And then I started planning trips around having another dinner there. When they opened in Nusa Penida, I took the boat over specifically to compare.
What “Best BBQ” Actually Means Here
Flavor and Technique
Nick’s Place doesn’t try to replicate Texas or Kansas City BBQ—they’re doing their own thing. The ribs are slow-cooked until tender, then finished on a grill over charcoal. The house BBQ sauce is the secret weapon: sweet, smoky, slightly tangy, with enough complexity to keep adults interested but enough universal appeal that kids devour it.
The texture matters. These ribs aren’t fall-off-the-bone mush (a common mistake), and they’re not tough chews. They hit that perfect middle: yielding, but with some bite.
Portion Size and Value
A “full rack” here is actually a full rack—enough to share between two hungry adults, or feed an adult and teenager with leftovers. Half-racks work for individual meals. The sides (fries, coleslaw, corn) are generous.
Nusa Lembongan: Where the Legend Started
Nusa Lembongan is small—just 8 square kilometers—but it’s developed a reputation among Bali travelers as the place for pork ribs. Nick’s Place is the main reason. Word spread through Google reviews, travel forums, and Instagram posts showing stacked rib plates.
The location helps. On the main Jungutbatu road, easy to find, close to most accommodations. After a day of snorkeling at Mushroom Bay or watching the waves at Devil’s Tear, ribs and cold beer feel like exactly the right reward.
Nusa Penida: The Ribs Cross the Channel
When Nick’s Place opened in Nusa Penida, they brought the exact same ribs recipe. Same slow-cooking method, same sauce, same portion sizes. For travelers who fell in love with the Lembongan location, finding the same quality on Penida is like discovering your favorite band is playing a second show.
Nusa Penida is different—bigger, wilder, more dramatic landscapes. Days there involve hiking to Kelingking Beach, climbing stairs at Diamond Beach, bouncing along rough roads. The appetite you build is serious.
Lembongan vs. Penida: Which for Your Ribs Night?
| Your Situation | Choose Lembongan | Choose Penida |
|---|---|---|
| Where you’re staying | Nusa Lembongan, or day-tripping from Bali | Nusa Penida, especially near Toyapakeh/harbor |
| Your day’s activity | Beach, snorkeling, relaxed island time | Hiking Kelingking, Diamond Beach, intense sightseeing |
| Ideal evening | Sunset beach walk, then ribs with pickup | Substantial dinner after exhausting day |
How to Plan Your BBQ Nights
Booking Strategy: Both locations get busy, especially 7-8 PM. WhatsApp ahead with date, time, and party size.
Timing: In Lembongan, aim for 6:00-6:30 PM to catch sunset energy. In Penida, anytime after 6 PM works.
What to Order: First-timers: full rack to share, plus sides. Return visitors: you know what you like.
The Verdict
Is it the “best BBQ in the Bali islands”? That’s subjective. But if you’re looking for pork ribs that satisfy serious BBQ cravings, in a setting that feels like vacation, with logistics that make your life easier, Nick’s Place is the most reliable answer we’ve found.