Nostimo has already made its mark in the competitive Seminyak-Kerobokan area. Now it attempts to do the same in Ubud. There are now TWO Nostimo restaurants.
A Greek Grill; that is what they are. Serving a variety of meats simply prepared on the grill, nothing fancy but very satisfying. Sadly the wonderful Baked Lamb that features at so many Greek restaurants world wide is financially impossible to replicate in Bali.
The setting is Greek, all blue and white. In Ubud it is under white arches, in the background bouzouki music plays. It is easy to imagine that you are actually in Greece. The only thing missing is the smashing of plates!
What better way to begin a Geek meal but with a Mezze Platter? Rounds of warm pita bread, fresh off the grill and a variety of dips, skordalia [a puree of potato and garlic], spicy feta, vinegar octopus, tzatziki [yoghurt with garlic, olive oil and finely diced cucumber], vinegar red capsicum, and olives.
Alternately you can just order the dip that you prefer.
Salads are traditional Greek or Chicken, feta cheese can be normal or grilled, a plate of grilled vegetables or pan-fried halloumi cheese. As with most cuisines from the Mediterranean there are many vegetarian options.Melitzana [eggplant] comes with a tomato sauce, topped with béchamel and basil. Soups can be Chick-Pea or Lentil, The Vegetarian Platter consists of skewers of zucchini, eggplant and tomato served with corn, mushrooms and green salad.
Seafood is either fresh local catch from the grill or that Greek specialty, Grilled Octopus served simple, with just olive oil and lemon. However it is meat from the grill that most come for at this Greek restaurant.
Souvlaki is large pieces of meat grilled on a skewer. It can be chicken, pork or lamb. Gyros is familiar to anyone who frequents late night takeaways almost anywhere in the world. A vertical rotisserie, the meat revolving around a centre spindle, the cooked edges being constantly trimmed off and placed in a wrap of pita bread, ++.
Almost every cuisine in the world has one dish, always popular, that uses simple ground or minced meat. The Aussies have their Rissoles, Italians Polpette, French Hache, the Dutch with their Frikandel and in the Baltic States Cevapcici. Whilst the Americans created the Hamburger they are amused by what the English call meat balls, Faggots. Here in Bali it is the humble Bakso. In Greece it is Soutzoukaki, quite similar to the Turkish Kofte, minced meat but sausage shaped. The Soutzoukaki Platter [pictured] with its side salad, crunchy wedges, warm pita bread and tzatziki dip is a lunch that I often enjoy at Nostimo.
If you want to try a selection of all the different meat types then the Mixed Grill is perfect for you. Gyros, PorkSouvlaki, Chicken Souvlaki and Soutzoukaki, It can be ordered in different sizes depending on the number if persons who wish to share it. The Mixed Grill with Lamb adds Lamb Tenderloin and Chop to the mix.
For that any time of the day snack you can order any of the meats or a portion of grilled vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread. Alternately that Soutzoukaki mince [two plump sausage shapes] can be had between layers ofciabatta that has been toasted on the grill, now that is what I call a sandwich!
Dessert is a Greek Halva, which is semolina with almonds. cinnamon and vanilla ice cream. There are many styles of coffee including the Greek Frappe, either iced or hot. A small but reasonably priced wine list, by glass or bottle, and the option to BYO [with corkage of course]. Welcome is with that Bali smile so common in Ubudwhere everything moves just that little bit slower, the real Bali!
So the next time you want to visit Greece come to Nostimo instead, and you will think you are really there, just close your eyes and listen to the music. Nostimo offers simple uncomplicated food and great value. It is a most pleasant place to while away an hour or two.
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Nostimo.
Address : Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud. Jl. Raya Petitenget 17B, Kerobokan.
Telephone : Ubud – 0812.4573.5546 Kerobokan – 0812-3970-3636
Open : 12.00 noon to 11.30 p.m., daily.
Non-smoking Area : Yes.
Smoking Area : Yes.
Parking : Small area in front.
Price : Rp. 400.000 for two [+ drinks].
Credit Cards : Visa, Mastercard.
Food : Greek.
Wine : Small list, plus BYO.
Service : With a smile.
Atmosphere : Very Greek; blue, white and bouzouki.
Overall : Great value!
Copyright © 2017 Gerry Williams
Reviews that appear in Bali Advertiser are based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge of the restaurants, and are not paid for by the individual restaurants.
Opinions expressed here are those of Gerry Williams and not necessarily those of Bali Advertiser. Gerry Williams attempts to write from a ‘typical’ diner’s perspective and, whilst quality of food is the most important criteria overall, value for money is the real measuring stick.