Follow Me Foodie to Bali!
See Follow Me Foodie to Ubud, Bali! (Part 1)
Follow Me Foodie to Bali & Resort Dining! (Part 2)
Please remove your shoes as I welcome you to Bali!
Follow Me Foodie to Asia Part 2 finally arrives in Bali, Indonesia! I don’t even know where to start with this one because there was so much more involved with this trip than just the food alone. The food was really not the main feature, which may come as a surprise especially from me, but it was everything about the city that made Bali a place I would like to return to.
Top left: Fire dance while watching the sunset (popular entertainment in Ubud)
Top right: Hindu/Balinese funeral ceremony
Bottom left: Chef at Four Seasons Bali Resort
Bottom right: Cook at Fly Cafe in Ubud
Usually I would start with the food first, but in this case it was really about the people. The Balinese people are truly some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Most identify with being Balinese rather than Indonesian and they practice Hinduism unlike the rest of Indonesia which is mostly Muslim. I don’t know enough about the religion to talk about it, but let’s just say the majority of Balinese are open minded, free-spirited and appreciative regardless of where they are and what they are doing in life.
Where I stayed: Khayangan Estate – Luxury villa and private estate in Uluwatu, Bali for 10 people.
Now after addressing the people, I have to address the place. Bali is paradise. If you like beaches, resorts, sun, and relaxation then it’s ideal. As much of a city girl as I am, I’m not going to say no to paradise. And as much of a foodie as I am, the food was not the main attraction in Bali (at least not on this occasion, and I barely scratched the surface). It was really about the people, setting and environment that made this visit so memorable.
Where I stayed: Villa Kanti luxury estate and private villa in Ubud, Bali (5 luxurious bedrooms, open air living with dining area, gourmet kitchen, staff of 4 including private chef, TV room with wide screen 67 inch and infinity lap swimming pool, hot Jacuzzi, steam room, massage bale.)
I can’t say I’ve had much experience with Indonesian food let alone Balinese food. Just like any country the food will vary slightly from region to region so each Indonesian province will have their own version of the same dish. Since I was only in Bali, I’m going to address all my experiences to Balinese food rather than Indonesian food.
You would think that going to Bali would be a perfect opportunity to explore and learn about Balinese food, but it wasn’t really the case with my experience. Of course I wanted to try authentic and traditional Balinese and/or Indonesian food, but it was actually really hard to do.
A lot of the restaurants are touristy and appeal to Western tastes and although some of them are really good, it was hard to find traditional Balinese cuisine. There were hundreds of little restaurant shacks that looked authentic, but after talking to locals the general consensus was that the authentic stuff is made at home by mom. Well then… that’s never the ideal answer, but I understood what they meant. It’s generally how most people feel about ethnic cuisine from their own culture.
Although it was a challenge I did manage to try some local food, and for the most part the Balinese dishes I tried seemed like adaptations of Chinese dishes. It’s no surprise though because the cuisine is largely influenced by Chinese techniques and ingredients. There was also a lot of Thai, Malaysian and Spanish influences, but the first two are also more or less based on Chinese food too. Outside of Bali there should be more Indian and Middle Eastern influence and less pork (being mostly Muslim) in the cuisine, but I didn’t get to experience that.
Since it was so hard to find authentic Balinese food I actually ended up trying a mix of restaurants which included a fair amount of Western restaurants. I know it sounds like a waste, but Bali actually has quite a vibrant international food scene and expat community. Some say they are more well known for that than than their own food which is interesting yet kind of sad at the same time. Finding a good restaurant in Bali did not seem to be about putting food first, but putting ambiance first. Beach side dining, fun crowds, cleanliness and fresh seafood is about the most “foodie” you can get, so I had to change my mind set and appetite.
I’m rounding up 2012 so I have to squeeze all my Follow Me Foodie to Bali adventures in a couple posts. This is really just a small taste of what Bali has to offer and it’s much much more than just the food. As I mentioned, it was my first experience in Bali and the food didn’t showcase itself as the highlight in the limited time I had. My experience was about the whole picture, but next time could be different. This is Bali in a blink of an eye!
Follow Me Foodie Legend
No diamond – Not recommend (Under 29%)
♦ – Okay, not necessary to try. (30-49%)
♦♦ – Good, with some hits and misses. (50-69%)
♦♦♦ – Very good, dining itinerary worthy. (70-89%)
♦♦♦♦ – Excellent, make a trip out for it. (90-100%)
♦♦♦♦♦ – Follow Me Foodie Must Try! (Bonus marks! 100%+)
Follow Me Foodie to Bali!
See Follow Me Foodie to Ubud, Bali! (Part 1)
Follow Me Foodie to Bali & Resort Dining! (Part 2)
Okay are you ready for it?! On the other side of this door is freaking paradise!!
The following restaurants are located around Kuta which is the most popular tourist town in Bali. Kuta is full of backpackers, surfers and Aussies since Bali is considered their backyard. It’s lively, energetic, loud and packed with people (mainly tourists who are often drunk). Some think of Kuta as tourist madness so it is not for everyone, but there are towns around it that are worth visiting. Places like Uluwatu, Seminyak and Jimbaran Bay have some of the nicest beaches and the ambiance just trumps all.
The beaches are amazing the further South you go in Kuta (Double 6, Kuta, Echo beach are quite dirty). Jimbaran Beach is beautiful and offers beach side dining options and Nammos Beach is one of the nicest beaches I’ve ever seen in my life on a global scale (on par with the nicest in Thailand, Cebu in the Philippines, Monaco in France etc.). It is breathtaking. Geger Beach is another “best beach in Bali”, but I didn’t get to see that one. I don’t know how it could get better than Nammos though.
If you want to meet other globe trotters, shop and party then Kuta is calling your name. The night life is vibrant and it’s close to the airport so accommodations and the big chains are easy to find in and around Kuta. If you want the opposite, although still touristy but definitely worth the visit, and you appreciate arts and culture then see Follow Me Foodie to Ubud, Bali (Part 1).
The following includes more recommendations in Ubud, but these restaurants are focused on resort dining where the nicest beach or private pool play a priority above the food.
Restaurant: Potato Head Beach Club Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: International/Italian/American/Western/Desserts/Cocktails
Address: Jalan Petitenget 51 B, Seminyak, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: 0361-737979
Price Range: About $30-50+/person for food/drinks
According to a friend who lived in Bali this place is sometimes called “Pothead”. It’s a lot nicer than it sounds though and I experienced no “pot heads” or “potato heads” (although I didn’t mingle around). The architecture is unforgettable and the exterior is decorated with a collage of colourful vintage window shutters. It is impossible to miss and very charming. It is a casual but upscale restaurant/bar/club and it attracts an international crowd of globe trotters, expats, and lots of Aussies.
The location is amazing and it overlooks the ocean so you can watch the sunset, get a tan or feel the Bali breeze. There is also a large pool for customer use and you almost feel like you’re in Miami, The OC or Las Vegas, but nicer. It is ridiculously huge for a restaurant and it seats about 500 people. It is like a giant outdoor party with a lively bar scene, music, sit down dinner tables, lounge, and all around good party vibe. The innovative cocktails are a highlight and I was not expecting excellent food, but was quite impressed with how good that was too. It is a place to be seen and it’s generally very well liked by locals and tourists. It’s a solid spot!
Menu features/highlights:
The cocktails: Pistachio Rockmelon Martini – this is a signature cocktail and one of the most popular selections from the bar. It is a mix of Belvedere vodka, melon liquer, fresh rockmelon, and a pistachio foam. The cocktail is served on a wooden plate with some pistachio nuts and a small serving of pistachio sorbet. Kookaburra– a Potato Head creation – a mix of lemon grass gin and homemade vanilla sugar, with mint leaves & fresh lime, layered with passion fruit and vanilla foam.
The food: Risotto with imported forest mushrooms, smoked duck breast & pumpkin wedges. Grated Parmesan cheese and white truffle oil ($12). Spaghetti Carbonara – The “traditional Carbonara sauce” with pork bacon and Parmesan cheese (pork bacon could be substituted with smoked duck breast) ($8). I had a custom 3 course menu, so this is just a glimpse of the regular menu that I did not try.
The dessert: Pear Tart “Bourdaloue” served with caramel sauce & a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Profiteroles – choux pastry filled with ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce, served with caramelized Banana Foster. I had a custom menu, so this is just a glimpse of the menu that I did not try.
Pros: Good for meeting people, spacious, lively, good ambiance, swimming pool, great view, good food, great cocktails, can watch sunset.
Cons: Touristy, crowded, family friendly, but at night it’s more a playground for adults. Food is about $10-15, but drinks are expensive because hard liquor is marked up a lot in Bali.
Tips: Bring a bathing suit. The restaurant has a pool which can be used for free if you purchase food/drinks. Kids can only swim until 4:30pm, then adults only in the pool.
♦♦♦♦ – Excellent, make a trip out for it. (90-100%)
Top left: Nasi Ayam Kare Merah – Chicken Red Curry with Steamed Rice $2
Top right: Mie Ayam Pangsit (Goreng/Rebus) – Chicken noodle with pangsit (fried or steamed) $1.50
Bottom left: Fu Yung Hai (Egg Foo Young or Chinese omelette) $1.80
Bottom right: Es Campur / Indonesian “mixed ice” and fruit with beans, avocado, ice cream etc. $.80
Restaurant: Mak Jo
Cuisine: Indonesian
Address: Jl. Raya Uluwatu No.200, Badung, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: (0361) 704130
Price Range: $10 or less (About $3-8/person)
There is no beach or resort here, but I was determined to have my one authentic and traditional Balinese/Indonesian meal and this is where I was taken by a local Balinese. I said “I want to eat where you would eat for your kind of food”. A lot of the Balinese locals can’t really afford to eat out often at places that are more than $10/person, and $10+ for a main is considered a pricey place in Bali. Usually Balinese locals can have a good road side meal for less than $3/person (often $1.50), but you might be sacrificing on quality and/or cleanliness.
Mak Jo was clean and comfortable and the food was authentic and traditional enough that I was content with this as a legit Balinese food experience. I wouldn’t say it was a “benchmark” or “the best” since I don’t have much to compare to or enough experience with the cuisine, but it was very affordable and I enjoyed the food. Based on observation it was certainly a local Balinese favourite and the majority of customers were Balinese, but it was approachable enough for tourists/Westerners who could be new to the cuisine.
Menu features/highlights: Soto Kare Bebek – Duck Curry Soup ($2), Plecing Kangkung – Chinese spinach with sambal ($1), Nasi Ayam Bakar (Kecap, Sambal Pedas/BBQ) – Grilled Boneless Chicken with choice of sauce ($2), Nasi Ayam Goreng Kremes (Fried Chicken with Steamed Rice Crispy topping ($2), Nasi Goreng – Fried Rice ($1.20-1.80), Mie Goreng – Fried Noodles ($1.20-1.80). The dishes I ordered in the photo above were great and the avocado milkshake is amazing (you can request to skip the chocolate syrup they pour in it).
Pros: Clean, casual, Balinese local favourite, great for Balinese/Indonesian cuisine, authentic, budget friendly, family friendly
Cons: Even though it’s a local Balinese favourite, it still might not be as “authentic” as it should/could be.
Tips: Good for lunch and dinner, good for large groups and it is open late.
♦♦♦ – Very good, dining itinerary worthy. (70-89%)
Bottom left: Organic Chicken Sate – peanut sauce, Balinese Lawar, jasmine rice, condiments $15
Bottom right: “Dadar Gulung” – Stuffed pandan leaves crepes with fresh coconut, jack fruit, palm sugar, and guava sorbet $9.60
Restaurant: Ubud Hanging Gardens by Orient-Express
Cuisine: Asian/Indonesian/Fusion/International/American/Desserts/Cocktails
Address: Desa Buahan Desa Pavangan, Payangan, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 982700
Price Range: $20-50+
It’s a very highly rated resort in Payangan. It is off the beaten path and 30 minutes away from Ubud, and it is resort dining. It’s a luxury hotel with two infinity pools and each of their 38 private villas and rooms have their own infinity pool. The view is incredible and you look out into the jungle, volcanoes and and rice fields. Even if you don’t stay here you should check out their infinity pools or have dinner here just for the ambiance. I only came here for appetizers, cocktails and dessert so I can’t speak for their three restaurants or menu. I tried about four appetizers and one dessert which were all good quality and professionally made, but the food is not the highlight or the greatest value.
Menu features/highlights: Balinese Crab Soup, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, mushrooms, crab & vegetables Lumpia ($14), “Peking” Duck Spring Rolls, green papaya, mushrooms, Asian salad, Chinese Hoisin sauce ($14.50), Chicken Wings stuffed glass noodles and minced chicken, sweet chili sauce ($13.50), Lobster Bisque “Cappuccino” Thai Red Curry lemongrass, Asian mushrooms, tapioca, coriander leaf ($15.50), “Dadar Gulung” – Stuffed pandan leaves crepes with fresh coconut, jack fruit, palm sugar, and guava sorbet ($9.60), Passion Fruit Creme Brulee – French Sable Breton with Balinese sea salt, kintamani strawberries, mango sorbet ($11.50), Mango Panna Cotta infused with star anise, Balinese mango, mango sorbet, black and white sesame tuile ($15.50).
Pros: Incredible view, one of the nicest infinity pools in Bali, romantic, it’s “hotel food”, but good quality and well executed.
Cons: Pricey, small portions, public infinity pools are not heated and food is not necessarily authentic Balinese food, but you come for the ambiance/view.
Tips: The facility and infinity pools are intended for guest use, but sometimes they won’t question you if you pretend you’re staying there (sshh!). Worse comes to worse you have to pay a pool fee to use it or be a restaurant patron/guest.
♦♦♦ – Very good, dining itinerary worthy. (70-89%) (You come for the ambiance)
Restaurant: Restaurant Jimbaran Beach Club (JBC)
Cuisine: Continental/Sandwiches/Pasta/Mediterranean/Indonesian/Seafood/Drinks
Address: Kupu Kupu Jimbaran – Jalan Uluwatu, Jimbaran 80361, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 703342
Price Range: $20-30+
Jimbaran Beach is one of Bali’s favourite beaches and it’s a popular destination for seafood lovers. If you want to do some beach side dining then this is just one of the many options. Restaurant Jimbaran Beach Club (JBC) is at Kupu Kupu Jimbaran which is a hotel next to The Four Seasons Resort Bali in Jimbaran. The Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran has the same view, but it offers a more luxurious menu and ambiance. The food was not bad here, but nothing special based on my lunch. It was catered for tourists’ tastes with mostly Western dishes like sandwiches, burgers and pastas, but the seafood was fresh and made upon order. The ambiance and experience was the main attraction.
Menu features/highlights: Spaghetti Vongole, Venua Clams steamed with White Wine, Parsley, and Olive Oil ($11), Grilled Fish of the Day with Lemon & Butter Sauce, Potatoes and Mixed Salad ($11.80), Sauteed Prawn with Brandy & Garlic Cream Sauce & Steamed Vegetables ($11.80), Dory Fish A La Meuniere with Potatoes, Capers, Parsley and Lemon Butter ($12.80), Seared Ruby Snapper with Lemon Potato & Shallot Vinaigrette ($12.80), and JBC Nasi Goreng Seafood with Prawn Satay, Eggs and Crackers ($8.50).
Pros: Fresh seafood, family friendly, excellent view, on the beach dining, clean, comfortable, casual, reasonable prices, and lots of variety.
Cons: Not known for the food, but it was decent. Pricey for Bali and touristy.
Tips: There is an affordable minimum charge (maybe $15/person) and an automatic 10% service charge. They also have a more romantic and intimate private dining on the beach option with a more polished menu.
♦♦ – Good, with some hits and misses. (50-69%)
Ayung Terrace Restaurant at The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Top left: Klungkung style vegetable salad, roasted grated coconut and chili sauce
Top right: Crispy soft shell crab – peanut butter, jicama and beetroot salad, dill tangerine dressing $18
Bottom left: Ares Bebek – Traditional Balinese duck soup, banana shoot, bean sprout, celery leaves $12.50
Bottom right: Steamed chicken in banana leaf with root spices served with cucumber sauce $14.50
Top left: Chef’s Signature Dish – see description below in “Menu Highlights” ($31)
Top right: North Sulawesi style of grilled Wagyu beef with shallot, chili, fern shoot $51
Bottom left: Surf and Turf – prawn and beef tenderloin $49.50
Bottom right: Variety of Indonesian rice: Turmeric, pumpkin and red rice
Top left: Banana and date cake with orange caramel sauce $10 + $3 for additional scoop of ice cream
Top right: Soufflé of the Day (25 minute preparation time) $10
Bottom left: Assorted Indonesian Sweets with grated coconut and palm sugar syrup $10
Bottom right: Pisang Goreng – Crispy fried banana with ice cream $10
Restaurant: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Cuisine: American/Indonesian/International/Fusion/Desserts/Drinks
Address: Sayan, Ubud 80571, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 977577
Price Range: $30-50+
The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is one of the world’s best resorts as listed in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2012. I didn’t stay here but I had an epic meal at their restaurant, Ayung Terrace, and tried almost everything on the dinner menu. The photos above is only a small fraction of what I tried. The food was catered towards tourists’ tastes and it was “hotel food” in a Balinese context, but it was still very good and enjoyable. It was modern style Balinese/Indonesian food with honest flavours and it was a fair and sophisticated representation of the cuisine. It was fresh and well prepared and there was an American menu and an Indonesian menu with lots of variety and optional set menus. The restaurant has an incredible view which overlooks the tropical outdoors and Ayung river. There is outdoor terrace seating which is great for lunch and formal indoor seating with live music in the evenings.
a;h;aljkgb;algb!!!!! I have to give a shout out to their signature Soufflé of the Day! It was freaking AMAZING! I would pay $15 for this and it came with a scoop of ice cream. I’ve had soufflés in France before and I’m telling you this was the best I’ve had to date. I hate saying “best” anything too. It was so airy light, fluffy and it came out with excellent height. The soufflé is an absolute must… even if you’re a diabetic (I’m sort of kidding, but sort of not).
Menu features/highlights: Chef’s Signature Dish Nasi Campur/Indonesian Sampling: Udang daun lemo – wok fried prawn with Bali lime, Kare tempe – fermented bean cake with curry sauce, Ayam Bakar Bumbu Rujak – Grilled spring chicken with tamarind chili sauce, Sapi sune cekuh – wok fried beef with wild ginger and garlic sauce, Sate Ikan – Balinese seafood satay, Tumis bokchoy – wok fried baby bokchoy, Nasi Merah – Balinese red rice, assorted sambals and peanut crackers ($31).
Pros: Very good food, fresh, seasonal menus, fantastic ambiance, great view, romantic, sophisticated, classy, lots of variety
Cons: Luxury hotel pricing which is understandable, not exactly authentic Balinese food, but it was still good.
Tips: They offer Balinese cooking classes.
♦♦♦ – Very good, dining itinerary worthy. (70-89%)
The front yard infinity pool at Khayangan Estate in Uluwatu, Indonesia
The backyard pool at Khayangan Estate in Uluwatu, Indonesia
Khayangan Estate – Jln. Goa Lempeh, Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia
It’s the largest and easily one of the most luxurious villas in Bali and I was incredibly grateful to have stayed here. It’s a private villa for 10 with a staff of 40 and it was the nicest private villa I’ve ever stayed at. Honestly all luxury resorts in Bali are paradise, but this one just took it to a whole new level. It was ridiculous. It’s really a piece of heaven (name translates to 7th Heaven) and it is perfect for destination weddings.
Khayangan Estate – Private chef/dining service
Restaurant: Khayangan Estate
Cuisine: Private chef/dining service
Address: Jln. Goa Lempeh, Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia
Phone: +62 31 563 0815
Price Range: Breakfast included. A la carte room service/in house dining options.
Private chefs? Yes, please! I feel so spoiled, but I soaked up every minute of it. The breakfast is included if you stay here and all other meals can be custom arranged with additional charges or ordered off their a la carte menu. The food is reasonably priced and the chefs and cooks are trained to cook international, American and Indonesian cuisine. They are professional Balinese chefs and the loveliest people.
Menu features/highlights: I ordered Indonesian breakfast (half Nasi Goreng – Indonesian fried rice with chicken and shrimp and half Mie Goreng – Indonesian fried noodles with egg, chicken and shrimp, omelette and shrimp crackers) and fresh fruit almost every morning. American breakfast with standard options is also available. Cap Cay Tofu – Freshly stir fried crunchy Asian vegetables and tofu ($6.50) and Nyonyas – Sauteed prawns with pineapple in coconut sauce, chili and lemon ($9.50) are other options from their Indonesian a la carte menu.
Pros: Private chefs
Cons: The resort is not especially for food and wine enthusiast even though it offers private chefs and private dining.
Tips: In a global context, there are luxury resorts where the same private chef/dining service will be 5-star, but this was not one of them. Honestly speaking, for the type and style of luxury villa there is more potential.
Top left: Dill marinated prawn and Japanese scallop dressed on potato gaufrettes, mixed baby lettuce, basil pesto
Top right: Beef carpaccio with Parmesan and frisee
Bottom left: Dill flavoured Norwegian salmon and jumbo prawn served on saffron risotto, sage butter sauce and glazed carrots
Bottom right: Beef tenderloin with demi galce, sundried tomato butter and glazed vegetables
Catering from Bali Bakery – Desserts
Top left: Dessert pizza with whipped cream, fruits, and raspberry coulis
Top right: Chocolate basil Caraibe mille feuille, fresh berries and marsala sabayon
Bottom left: Indonesian sweetened red sticky rice, mangoes and coconut ice cream
Bottom right: Chocolate mousse, chocolate cookies and pistachio crumbs
Restaurant: Bali Bakery
Cuisine: International/American/Desserts/Bakery/Brunch/Lunch/Catering
Address: Jl. Raya Kuta No. 65 Banjar Abianbase Benoa Kuta Badung Bali
Phone: (0)36 175 5149
Price Range: $10 or less, $10-20+
I didn’t try the actual restaurant in Kuta, but I tried their catering menu which was very impressive. They are known for their cakes and pastries, but their savoury menu did not disappoint. Based on the catered items I tried I actually enjoyed the savoury courses more than the desserts, but it was not a fair representation of what they offer at the actual bakery. Bali Bakery is popular with an international crowd and it is considered a local favourite for expats.
Menu features/highlights: n/a – I only tried the catering menu, but the beef carpaccio and tenderloin were incredible as were the prawns.
Pros: Food is good and they did a great job on catering.
Cons: n/a, haven’t been to actual location. There were a few things that were not executed properly, but nothing major.
Tips: Apparently the tasting session for catering wasn’t the best, but the final outcome was a pleasant surprise and very good.
♦♦♦ – Very good, dining itinerary worthy. (70-89%)
Restaurant: Naughty Nuri’s Warung
Cuisine: Barbeque/American/Indonesian/Pub Food/Desserts
Address: Jalan Batubelig, 41, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Bali
Phone: (62) 0361 847 6722
Price Range: $10 or less (About $4-8/person)
And you guessed it! Another local favourite for expats. It caters to an international crowd, but the food is good although the Indonesian items are not quite authentic. You don’t come here for Indonesian food though. Naughty Nuri’s is notorious for their ribs and martinis and locals flock to it for both. They also offer catering so I tried it at a pool party hosted at Khayangan Estate… and yes, that photo above was the order. There were only about 20-30 people and we had enough for 60. The sticky, saucy, sweet, savoury and spicy pork ribs were killer. They were tender, moist, and on the sweet side, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. Anthony Bourdain also raves about their martinis. It was a very unexpected find in Bali, but ask any expat and it is likely they will know of the infamous Naughty Nuri.
Menu features/highlights: The ribs ($8.50), martinis and the walnut brownies.
Pros: Food is good. Good value.
Cons: Heard location in Ubud has very average to below par service. Can be inconsistent. Long lines at peak hours. Can be seen as “touristy”.
Tips: Daily drink specials. Reservations for 12+ are only available between 11am – 6pm during high season (June 1 – September 15). Otherwise, walk-in only.
2 locations:
Naughty Nuri’s Warung (Ubud location): Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: 361/977547
Naughty Nuri’s Warung (Kuta/Seminyak location): Jalan Batubelig, 41, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Bali Tel: (62) 0361 847 6722
♦♦♦♦ – Excellent, make a trip out for it. (90-100%)
Namos Kandara Restaurant at Nammos Beach Club
Restaurant: Namos Kandara Restaurant at Nammos Beach Club
Cuisine: Asian/Greek/Pizza/Seafood/Drinks
Address: Jalan Villa Kandara, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Bali, 80362 Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 848 2200
Price Range: $30-50+
This just takes the cake when it comes to the nicest beach I saw in Bali. I mean did you see the picture? It doesn’t even do it justice. The sand is fine and white and the water is clear turquoise blue. Namos Kandara Restaurant is at Nammos Beach Club which is a private luxury villa offering a private beach. Namos Kandara Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and wood fired pizzas with some Indonesian dishes and seafood, but the food is not the highlight or very memorable. That being said, that massive Mantis shrimp I ordered was delicious. The seafood is fresh and you eat right on the beach although there is indoor open air seating. The restaurant was not great value and you’re not coming for authentic Indonesian food, but you pay for the beach, view and overall unforgettable Balinese resort experience.
Menu features/highlights: Sample of the menu: Lobster summer roll, glass noodles, carrots, white cabbage, mint, coriander and chili lime dressing $20, Vegetable tempura $9, Grilled Mantis Shrimp $28, Seafood risotto, prawn, razor clam, octopus, saffron, and parmesan $21.
Pros: Amazing view, unbelievable beach, paradise, fresh seafood, on the beach dining.
Cons: Very touristy and food is quite average, small portions and very pricey.
Tips: There is an entrance fee of $20/person, but $10 go towards food/drinks.
♦♦ – Good, with some hits and misses. (50-69%) (You come for the beach)
Other restaurants in Bali:
**The following restaurants/eateries I did not try, but they were recommended from my friend Priscilla who lived in Bali for a bit.
- Ku De Ta
- Address: Jalan Hotel The Oberoi Indonesia
- Phone: +62 361 736969
- Great ambiance and atmosphere.
- Prices: around $50/person for food/drinks.
- Huu Bar
-
Address: Jalan Hotel The Oberoi, Kerobokan 80361, Indonesia
-
Phone: +62 361 736443
- Intimate, beautiful, has a private pool.
- Prices: around $50/person for food/drinks.
-
- Cafe Menega in Jimbaran
- Address: Jln Four Seasons Hotel, Muaya Beach, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
- Fresh seafood barbqued over banana leaves and you eat right on the beach.
- Prices: around $30-50/person for food/drinks.
- Warung Nikmat
- Address: Jalan Bakungsai | GG Biduri, No. 6, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
- Really popular local restaurant – a full plate is about $0.70.
- The whole restaurant is nasi campur which basically means you pick what dishes you want out of everything that is displayed (buffet like).
- Price: Less than $3
- Warung Kolega
- Address: JI. Petitenget No 98 A, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia
- Delicious nasi campur place (buffet like).
- Price: Less than $3
- Warung Enak
- Address: Jl. Pengosekan Kedewatan Ubud Gianyar Bali, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 361 972911
- Delicious nasi campur place (buffet like).
- Indoors and really clean compared to other nasi campur places. Not a lot of selection but food is tasty.
- Price: Less than $5 (slightly more expensive than other nasi campur places.)
- Ayam Kalasa
- Address: located across from Istana Galleria.
- Known for their flaky deep fried chicken. Delicious!!!!
- Get their deep fried tofu too with kecap mani sambal (spicy sweet soy sauce).
- Price: $7-8 for dinner for 2.
- Sate Pinyut
- Address: Located near Istana Galleria in a parking lot.
- It is very local and delicious. They say it is turtle sate but it is just pork.
- Make sure to dip your sate in the salt provided.
- Price: About $1-2 for 12 sticks and rice
That infinite pool is boss!
Hi Mijune,
Have to let you know this. Just came back from Bali and asked my kids what their favorite food there was… Without hesitating, they both answered Bonchon Chicken! I had been wanting to try it out since reading about it your in New York review…. They had a branch in Beach Walk mall!