Famous is indeed an almost arrogant name for a restaurant. This one hopes to become one and it is well on the way to doing just that. It serves Mediterranean cuisine, mainly Italian with a little bit of French. The pervious operators at this site [Urbana] did not succeed but the new French ones seem to be well on track to do so.
It is a very attractive site, large and spacious, with a very pleasant large garden area at the rear with more seating, already the most popular area. Simple but interesting food, pleasant young staff who actually seem to care and very budget prices, all go to ensure almost certain success.
The Small Bites are best suited to those who are just in for a drink [Edamame, Olives, mini Spring Rolls and a bowl of French Fries or Chips with a dip of guacamole]. Brunch time and there are Ham & Cheese or Mushroom Omelettes.
The appetizers are varied. Start with a Spanish style Gazpacho, often the perfect starter on a hot Bali day, an icy cold soup with a bit of taste. The Bruschettas can be Black [olive tapenade] or Pomodoro [tomato and garlic], Proscuitto can be basic [bread and tomato/garlic tapenade] or the original Italian way, draped over melon. There is also a Beef Carpaccio, Tuna Tataki or an Italian Antipasto Plate.
Salads can be goat Cheese, Shrimp, quid or Caesar. The classic French Nicoise is also available as is a very Italian Tomato & Mozarella.
Pizzas are for any time eating, as a meal or shared for a snack. Famous offers two different styles, the usual with a base of tomato paste or something different, a cream base.
Amongst the mostly standard tomato based pizzas was their special, Duck Pizza. Now the Ubud area is quite famous for Duck dishes, in particular Crispy Duck, which you either love or hate [I used to like it until I broke a tooth on a serve one day, now I avoid it].
The Duck Pizza at Famous was good, a nice crisp base, which is the way I prefer my pizzas, with quite a generous serve of duck flesh on top. The duck was a little on the fatty side, maybe minced duck scattered across the pizza may have been a better option.
The cream-based pizzas also include many standard combinations plus an interesting Goat Cheese and Honey, very tasty. Most of the pizzas are offered in either small or large sizes, so ordering a few different ones is easy. A full range of pasta dishes are also available.
Mains can be French [an excellent Cordon Bleu or Steak Tartare], Seafood [Tuna Steak or Tartare, Prawns], simple Burgers [beef, chicken or tempe] or Asian [rice, noodles, curries, the Ayam Sambal Matah was a good version of Bali’s favourite].
You can bring the children, there is a good selection of small meals for them as well as plenty of playing area at the rear on the grass.
Desserts include Sweet Pizzas [chocolate and Strawberry or Nutella], Crème Brulee, Crepes [lemon and sugar], Tiramisu and many ice cream flavours.
Pleasant, relaxing, good food, cheap prices and fun service, what more could you want on a busy day in Ubud?
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Famous
Address : Jln. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud.
Telephone : 0813.3936.8686.
Open : 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., daily.
Non-smoking Area : Inside
Smoking Area : Garden seating.
Parking : Large secure parking at front.
Price : Rp. 250,000 for two [+ drinks]
Credit Cards : Visa, Mastercard.
Food : Mediterranean.
Wine : Small list.
Service : Friendly, efficient.
Atmosphere : Relaxing.
Overall : Great value!
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.
Copyright © 2019 Gerry Williams