Bali Bites: Exploring the Island’s Culinary Delights
Amidst the swaying palms and ancient temples, chic restaurants and trendy bars are redefining Balis culinary landscape.
Picture yourself in Ubud, where the aroma of Babi Guling dances in the air, a local delicacy that showcases the island's deep-rooted traditions. Venture to Seminyak, where you’ll discover chic eateries, with international chefs infusing global flair into Balinese ingredients. Bursting with flavours Cangu has quickly become the islands newest flavour sensation.
Bali's culinary scene is an intricate one and with so many choices it can be overwhelming choosing where to start. Luckily the team at everAFTER have put together a list of Bails Best Bites so you can savor the essence of this island paradise, one exquisite dish at a time.
Ubud
Honey & Smoke This fire focused eatery is a celebration of the chargrill and is housed in a suavely styled space reminiscent of traditional 1920s-style train carriage. The outside staircase leads to the second floor, a journey worth taking to discover the stylish speakeasy.
“Cooking with charcoal or wood fire just creates a much better flavour. It’s a really natural thing for us to install here in Ubud. Our food is blessed by the fire” says celebrated chef Will Meyrick.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Baby Gem, anchovy / charred corn / crispy pancetta / grated parmesan.
Buratta, pomelo fennel jam / pomegranate seeds / pistachio nuts / burnt orange vinaigrette
Smoked Pork & Prawn Sausage, tarragon / thyme / Gewürztraminer / miso beurre blanc
Wood Fired 350gm Harvey Rib Eye charred local bayam / creamed corn / andaliman / soy / red wine jus / salted egg sauce
Drinks
Smoky Basil, Aromatic whiskey basil / honey / citrus / soda waterAromatic whiskey basil / honey / citrus / soda water
HONEY OCHA Oolong tea vodka / lychee and cherry liqueur / honey / citrus / strawberry / togarashi salt on rim
IG - @honeyandsmoke.co
Opened Monday - Sunday
Lunch 12pm - 3pm / Dinner 5pm - 11:30pm / Bar till late
Ramu Kitchen sits within Titik Dua, an independent contemporary hotel overlooking the jungle. Offering a farm-to-plate casual dining experience by taking local ingredients from the island’s soil and ocean and bringing it to the kitchen to create mindful dishes.
*EAT (everAfter Tips)
Island Seafood Ceviche, Bali shore caught fish sashimi, prawns, Lombok octopus, coconut leche de tigre with pickled chili.
Feta Bamboo Shoot Salad Organic watercress mixed with fried feta saganaki, dried tomato and marinated grilled bamboo shoot.
Grilled Pork Chop Glazed with mustard head sauce, shiitake potato puree, Chinese cabbage sauerkrau
Drinks
Jug Sandria Rosé Elderflower syrup, rose patel, orange liqueur, vodka, lemon, green apple, strawberry
Tamarillo Vodka, tamarillo, vanilla syrup, lime juice, soursop bitter
IG - @ramukitchenubud
Open Monday - Sunday 11am - 10pm
SEMINYAK
Highlighting the diversity of Italian food, wine, music, fashion, art and friends, Da Maria offers more than just a little Capri in the heart of Seminyak. Gather your friends around the central fountains where a large skylight creates an alfresco dining experience, enjoy a stylish afternoon sipping a refreshing Spritz while dining on the areas best Italian cuisine.
Come 10pm the lights are dimmed and it becomes a popular night spot with various events throughout the week.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Kingfish crudo all’ acqua pazza
Calamari sant’andrea squid ink aioli, rocket, balsamic
Mortazza Pizza DM schiacciata, stracciatella, mortadella, pistachio pesto, basil
Formaggi Pizza gorgonzola, emmental, grana padano, fior di latte
Pappardelle shiraz + cabernet beef brisket ragu, parmigiano
Drinks
Lychee Gimlet Gin, lychee, kaffir leaf, lime
IG - @damariabali
Open Monday - Sunday 5pm - late
Motel Mexicola cemented its name as one of the islands best restaurants and bars many years ago and while many struggle to keep things fresh and exciting Motel Mexicola continues to impress. The outdoor veranda is reminiscent of Mexico City, perfect for people watching on a lazy afternoon with margarita in hand of course. Inside a visual feast beckons you to explore the three areas, turn right and you’ll ascend the staircase to a birds eyes view with sitting and bar, turn left another bar and booths await. Both overlook the huge central open courtyard serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist. Come 10pm the courtyard turns into a street style party with people dancing on tables to Ricky Martin untill the early hours of the next day.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Guacamole(of course) smashed avocado, pico de gallo, homemade corn chips
Ceviche Mixto lime cured prawns & sea perch, cucumber, chilli, corn chip
Tostada Champiñon roasted mushroom, chilli, coriander, charred cauliflower, salsa, guacamole, parmesan cheese
Empanadas De Adobo guajillo braised beef cheek, mozarella, abodo
Camarones Al Coco deep fried king prawn in shredded coconut, lettuce cups, sweet & sour habanero dressing
Drinks
Margaritas, of course. Shaken or Frozen
Acapulco Sour Bourbon, lemon, sugar, chai sangria
Mexpresso Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, orange zest
Tequila SHOTS!!!
IG - @motelmexicola
Open Monday - Sunday 11am - late
Mama San is another brilliant restaurant by chef Will Meyrick. Recently undergoing a major facelift it now houses a duo of eateries in the same space. Downstairs is an expanded incarnation on the original, dubbed Mama San Dining Room and Grill where you can indulge your senses and experience the magic of Chef Will Meyrick’s culinary artistry like never before. Upstairs you’ll discover Mama San Supper Club, an intimate speakeasy style bar serving snacks alongside pop-up collaborations with renowned chefs and musical acts which promise to entertain well into the night.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Dining Room and Grill
Dim Sum, trust us they are all delicious.
Scallop & Coconut Pancakes sweetcorn / spur chilli / Thai basil
Aged Tuna Crudo pomelo / burnt orange / shiso leaf / truffle oil
Crispy Soft Shell Crab green shallot / duck egg yolk / andaliman / nouc cham
Pork & Prawn Nam Yam Style Salad cucumber / peanuts / Asian celery / white onion / crushed peanuts
Crispy Whole Fish Nyonya laksa leaf / sambal belacan / ginger flower
Wood-Fired Pork Tomahawk coconut milk / coriander / palm sugar / tamarind chili roast rice dressing
Drinks - the an extensive wine list will keep you well hydrated.
Supper Club
Seared Scallops kombu miso butter sauce / XO sauce / thyme
Chicken & Lobster Xia Long Bao tom yum broth / pickled cherry tomato
Nose to Tail Croquettes pulled pork chipotle / house-smoked hammon / corn / piccalilli / bechamel
Roasted Bone Marrow Vegemite pulled beef / pickled mustard seed / parsley vinaigrette / curried butter / cassava chips
Scallop & Prawn Stuffed Tempura Zucchini Flowers wood-fired keciwis / crispy shiso / sesame chilli vinegar dressing / wasabi furikake
Sumba Caught Tiger Prawns Madras chicken fat butter / curry leaf / smoked coconut milk / coriander oil
Dry-Aged Organic Black Pig spiced pala jam / charred broccolini / kenari puree / black nut / pork jus
Drinks
The Earl of Clementine Scotch, Ancho Reyes, Clementine Liqueur, Earl Grey Bitters
Tropical Java Boulevardier Bourbon, Pineapple Campari, Coffee Vermouth
IG - @mamasanbali
Restaurant open Monday - Sunday
Lunch 12pm - 2:30pm / Dinner 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Supper Club open Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Kuta Social Club should need no introduction, it’s one of the most instagramed locations on the island for enjoying sunset cocktails. Perched high above the palms over looking Kuta beachm, spend the day under the shade of a cabana or daybed lounger while drinking in the Kuta views and enjoying a daytime menu like the mouthwatering lobster roll. As the day draws to an end, order a frozen margarita or two and watch in awe as sun sinks below the horizon igniting the sky with a postcard worthy sunset. When it comes time for dinner you can stay exactly where you are, Executive Chef Ben Harrington who's worked under Gordon Ramsay has created a Mediterranean menu all cooked and smoked over charcoal and coconut husks, Balinese-style. Perfect to enjoy with friends while listening to the waves roll in below.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Charcoal Grilled Aubergine Lemon & Mint Yogurt & Sesame Crisp Bread
Grilled Local Calamari served with Lemon, Parsley & Garlic Oil
Charcoal Grilled King Prawns Chili, Garlic & Herbs
Wood Fired Cauliflower Steak Truffle Dressing, Almond, Crispy Leek & Fine Herbs
Smoked & Grill Pineapple Carpaccio Fermented Red Chili & Orange Sorbet
Drinks
Frozen Margaritas
IG - @kutasocialclub
Open Monday - Sunday 7am - late
CANGGU
Mosto tucked between Canggu and Seminyak may sound like an unusual place to find Indonesia’s very first natural wine bar , but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you do… Trust us.
Sommelier Nicolas Lento (co-founder of Indonesia’s only natural wine importer/distributor, Toto Wines) has assembled a collection of more than 70 labels from small producers around the world, never before seen under the same roof in Indonesia. Organic and/or biodynamic wines fermented with native yeasts, no fining or filtration and low/no sulphur added are the focal point, with a flexible format that allows for drinking by the glass, carafe or bottle, as well as the option to take away.
To soak up all the delicious wine you’ll be enjoying, executive chef Lorenzo Depeteris has put together an all-day menu comprising seasonal snacks and small plates designed for sharing, that draw on his Italian heritage.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
mac and cheese frittatina corn cacio e pepe
crostoni shoyu burnt butter, anchovies l’escala, sichuan pepper
duck rillette brem wine, pickled daikon salad
charred hispi cabbage peanut sauce, chermoula
beef tartare alla pizzaiola parmigiano reggiano, rice crisp
tagliolini sambal arrabbiata, coriande
braised short ribs coffee chili jus, coconut gratin dauphinoise
Drinks - Takeaway bottles available from 4pm daily.
lazarus pulp ‘the alter ego’, Bali - chardonnay, sauvignon blanc
tempo, ‘oz grape’, Bali vinified – sauvignon blanc
karim vionnet ‘beaujolais village’, Beaujolais – gamay
tempo, ‘oz grapes’, Bali vinified – cabernet sauvignon, merlot
IG - @mostobali
Open Monday - Sunday 5pm - late
Billy Ho is an Asian Boteco with a dark interior, moody lights and plenty of bronze accents. Offering a distinct Asian edge of authentic flavours curated by celebrated chef Will Meyrick along with creatively crafted cocktails.
Weekend Yum Cha is a must, arrive early and stay late. With fan favourites like; Dry Aged Tuna San Chow Bow; Karaage Chicken Lolliopo and Char Sil Pork Belly, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends before walking down to Batu Balong Beach at the end of the road.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Chicken ‘n’ Crab Sweetcorn Xiao Long Bao crispy chicken skin, pearl meat XO, ponzu
Scallop & Prawn Dumpling Har Gow money bag beetroot skin / rayu / unagi shoyu glaze
Sesame Squid, Pork & Prawn Toast sambal belacan / yuzu sauce / tobiko
Flame Torched Salmon Tornado lava sauce / salted egg yolk / tobiko / furikake
Half Peking Duck homemade hoi sin red currant sauce / Mandarin pancakes / fresh herbs
Wagyu Ribeye Steak egg yolk sauce / tare glaze / pickled kimchi / charred green chilli & peanut relish / kalamansi kosho
Salad of Chargrilled Greens baby Brussels sprouts / asparagus / broccoli / pomelo / lemon basil chimichurri / smoked yogurt dressing
Motel Mexicola The legendary Seminyak Motel is now a chain having just opened its beachside venue, you can expect all the trimming of the OG but with a double shot of cool. A staple on the streets of Mexico the Fruteria is where you will find fresh cut fruit, slow press juices (spiked with your choice of Tequila or Mezcal along with the finest micheladas and seltzer on tap. Grab your friends and get ready for long days and even longer nights, TEQUILA!
IG - @motelmexicola
Open Monday - Sunday 11am - late
Il Locale brings the soul of Italy to Bali with it revolutionary dining concept that brings the art of pasta-making to the forefront. More than just a restaurant, Il Locale promises an immersive experience where you can witness the magic of fresh pasta being crafted right before your eyes.
Founder Mauro Marcucci is no stranger to the restaurant scene with a portfolio of successful Italian eateries across Australia including Sydneys iconic Baccomatto Osteria and Caffe e Cucina in South Yarra.
Head Chef, Francesco Di Gioia says "Our vision is simple, we want to serve authentic Italian dishes that can stimulate your taste buds in a venue that makes you feel at home. We respect the environment - every ingredient we use is ethically sourced, ensuring that our impact on the environment is minimal."
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Battered Zucchini Flower, truffle, honey & pecorino
Croquette, aged goat cheese, potato
Pizzetta, local mushroom, triple cheese, wild rocket
Carpaccio Of Wild Reef Catch Of The Day, lemon oil, uni, seaweed
Ricotta & Lemon Ravioli, rocket pesto, cuttlefish, zucchini flowers
Braised Lamb Shoulder “al vino”, green chili gremolata, slow cooked corn
Tiramisu Classico, Don’t skip this.
Drinks
Limoncello Gin Collins Limoncello, gin, lemon juice, mint syrup, soda
IG - @illocalebali
Open Monday - Sunday 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Uluwatu
Mason is the wood fire focused eatery on the Bukit Peninsulas flourishing dining scene, chef Benjamin Cross employs ageless cooking techniques like smoking and wood fire grilling to coax maximum flavour from minimal ingredients across the Mediterranean inspired menu.
The open-air, string-lit courtyard is the perfect place for lazy afternoons with one of Masons notorious Negronis and enjoying a selection of house pickled vegetables, cured meats, cheese and woodfired breads.
*EAT (everAFTER Tips)
Mason mixed pickled vegetables
Mason cured meat selection
Wood Fired Flat Bread dukkah, olive oil
Smoked Tuna Dip olive oil, lemon zest
Tuna Tartare celery verde, créme fraiche, basil
Crispy Fried Eggplant tomato jam, parmesan
BBQ Zucchini pine nuts, mint, stracciatella
Wood Fired Barramundi Fillet smoked cherry tomato, cardamon, cucumber
Lamb Kleftiko anchovy, potato, oregano
Wood fired Bread Pudding jersey milk ice cream
Drinks
Coffee Negroni Gin, Campari, Nusantara
IG - @mason.bali
Open Monday - Sunday 12pm - late