Naughty Nuri’s Seminyak is actually on Jln Mertanadi, Kerobokan. Whilst Ribs are obviously the specialty of this franchise, unlike the original in Ubud they also offer quite an interesting menu of other options. The most recent additions to the menu have been a full range of different burgers. The Pulled Pork Burger [pictured] has tender shredded pork meat and coleslaw. They also offer Vegetarian, Chicken and Pork Loin burgers to add to their original Classic Burger. Another new menu item is their interesting Chicken Parmigiana. It is the New York Italian version of what was once just an eggplant dish in Italy, breaded chicken with tomato salsa on the side. Access to this outlet is aided by a large car park at the rear of the restaurant, a rarity these days in Bali.
Hippie Fish is Ubud’s first specialty seafood restaurant. Located in central Ubud on Jln. Raya Ubud, it is open till late evening. It is self-styled as Mediterranean, not sure why? However it has an extensive seafood menu and gives the impression of very professional management.
Bali Praia Café is on Sunset Road, Seminyak. Open for breakfast it can be small [eggs on sourdough toast], large [eggs, bacon, with choice of chicken or beef sausages] or healthy [fruit salad with granola, coconut cream]. Their main menu is very different to the norm. An Indonesian creation is the Sauteéd Quinoa and Fried Onion with soy sauce, tempeh and chili, to which you can add eggs, chicken or bacon [but only the beef variety…why, this is BALI!] The all day menu is more snacks than mains. Crispy sweet potato chips, smoked paprika salt, Hummus Dip, Truffle oil & Parmesan, a Hummus Platter with sourdough strips, carrot, cucumber, paprika, hummus, olive oil, an Asian Crunchy Salad of chopped red and white cabbage, chopped Romaine lettuce, chopped bell peppers, carrots julianne, Edamame beans, cucumber, cilantro, avocado, peanuts, lime and pesto or a Warm Bowl [Quinoa brown rice, masala glazed carrots, roast pumpkin, Bawang Goreng, Charred corn, onsen egg, pesto, chicken and edamame].
Tapa Bistro is on Jln. Nusa Dua Selatan. It is open only evenings but is already the new rage location for tapas in the area with its pre-order and pick up service very popular. Specials are the Goat Cheese Ravioli, Trio of Scallops and the Veal Carpaccio with foie gras. It is a stylish place that provides a relaxing experience with tasty food.
The Smoothie Shop Café, is in Mandala Village on Jln. Pantai Balangan. It has created quite a reputation as more and more people make a point of dropping in for a smoothie, breakfast or snack. The fare is super healthy with organic produce, hand-squeezed juices, house-roasted granola and even almond milk for your coffee.
Bow was one of the first restaurants on Batu Belig and unlike many others that have been and gone it is still packing them in, day and night. The reason is, simply, their menu, whether it is for breakfast, brunch [served all day] or a relaxing lunch. The many egg dishes include the mandatory Benedict but with a few variations, a Mexican Huevos Rancheros with beans, salad and tortilla or a French Oeuf Cocotte. Serious eating can be Grilled Sardines, Smoked Salmon with buckwheat blinis, sour cream, dill, capers and lemon, or a hearty seafood Bouillabaisse. Mains can be a simple Chilli con Carne or Shepherd’s Pie or the more substantial Caribbean spicy chicken with habanero and yuzu, Haitian ‘grilot’ pork, oven-baked corned beef, Hungarian Goulash using Wagyu beef or Couscous with N.Z. Lamb.
Warung Cantina offers food with a view. At the end of Jln. Batu Belig it is surprisingly reasonable priced as compared to most other beach front locations. The food is simple fare but very acceptable. Seafood curries and other local dishes are best. It is a happy spot to sip and snack whilst watching the Bali sunset without being ripped off with entrance fees, etc.
Benih Café is hidden away on Jln. Benesari, Kuta, but worth the effort to find. Benih is very popular for breakfast and brunch, excellent Benedict, traditional or with cured salmon, smoothie bowls and a full range of light and full meals.
Indigo on Jln. Pantai Berawa, Canggu, is quality Japanese. They offer classic dishes as well as their innovative ‘new style’ sashimi and the unusual Yakimono dishes cooked over the charcoal grill. Start with a refreshing Soba Noodle Salad or Alaskan King Crab and Tuna Tartare. The new style Sashimi can be Salmon, Otoro, Red Snapper or Scallop. Their Yakimono can be seafood, chicken or beef. For something very different try the Gyoza stuffed with foie gras. For lunch their de luxe BENTO boxes are the way to go.
The Birds & The Bees is yet another zany name for a Bali restaurant. This one is on Jln. Monkey Forest on Ubud at what was once Lotus Lane [one of the last of the Lotus restaurants in Bali, the original Café Lotus in Ubud having reverted back to the property owner years ago]. An attractive fit out presents it as a happy place, the menu caters for the gluten free crowd with even g/f pizzas. Lettuce Cups and gin-infused cocktails are the specialty of the house….different!
By Gerry Williams
For more information see our website: www.balieats.com