Beachwalk is an amazing shopping centre. It faces Kuta beach and contains more than 50 eating houses of all levels, from food market to fine dining. As in all such centres throughout the world some places are busy others remain almost empty.
Café Sardinia reeks of professionalism and that should not come as a surprise when you know that the Cocoon management team is behind it. Anthony Bevilacqua being one of Bali’s most experienced restaurateurs [how about the setting-up credentials at Ku de Ta, Gado-Gado and Cocoon?]. In existence now for five years Café Sardinia has just re-opened after completing a major renovation.
Open early for breakfast they offer Eggs Benedict that is true to its name unlike so many bogus versions on offer elsewhere throughout Bali. English muffins are split and toasted, topped with ham [from the pig not a pretend ham] and some English spinach borrowed from the Florentine, and perfectly poached eggs [firm white, soft yolk] liberally covered with a thick tasty hollandaise sauce…simply the classic original!
Other breakfast options, sitting on their covered terrace listening to the waves crashing on Kuta beach just across the road, include perfect omelettes [no Californian flat dry disks of egg here], actually rolled and stuffed with wild mushrooms. The good old fashioned fry-up is available, eggs any which way, sausage, bacon, baked beans, etc., just pick your base and favourite add-ons.
For something completely different Italian Crepes, filled with local fruits and a citrus cream, the sauce of caramel and almonds. Something light for breakfast [or as an extra for a big breakfast] then try their kitchen baked Banana Bread, served with double cream and maple syrup.
Lunch can be a long lunch, start from late morning and take all day. A big selection of small [and big] eats, tremendous pastas that all originate in-house.
Tapas are anytime snacks whilst sipping a glass or two or tasty entrees before a meal. Many are served on that spoon that once was only used for Chinese soups but now often also for tapas. Salt & Pepper Calamari, Mushroom Arancini and Fish Goujons or Baby Squids stuffed with garlic, tomato, cheese, oregano and onion are just a few of the options. I thought that the Arancini were excellent, light and fluffy rather than just a solid rice ball as often served elsewhere. The crumbed exterior gave them a pleasant crunch, the grated parmesan in the mayonnaise adding to the taste.
Other finger food tapas include ‘food on sticks’ for easy consumption; Prawn Skewers, Chicken Satays or Salmon Skewers with teriyaki sauce. Then there are the spicy Angry Potatoes, Panini with hot salami or Spanish Potato Tortilla. It is a café so there are also Sandwiches, Wraps and Burgers.
Pasta is a good enough reason to visit Café Sardinia. The Spinach Ravioli is large round sachets served in a cream sauce with crushed walnuts sprinkled across the top, very good. Linguine Vongole is pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic with clams. Penne Salmon combines that pasta with cured Tasmanian salmon, in a light garlic cream sauce. Simple, but still good, is the Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Pizzas, of course! All the standards are available plus more unusual pizzas; Wild Mushroom, Prawn and Salmon, Smoked Chicken, and an Aussie with bacon and egg. For dessert, a Nutella Pizza with sliced banana.
Mains include a little of everything, Steaks [tenderloin or sirloin], BBQ Pork Chops, that English Fish & Chips, Tasmanian Salmon or Barramundi. Amongst the most popular dishes are the Italian Chicken Parmigiana, Bali’s Ayam Kecap [chicken in sweet soy] and the Beef Rendang from Sumatra.
Beachfront so seafood is essential. The Seafood Platter is available per person; white fish, grilled salmon, deep-fried calamari and prawns coated with a chilli mayonnaise.
One of Bali’s most extensive menus for children [nothing over $6] will provide something for even the most fastidious eater. For dessert enjoy the wonders of Italy. Top of the list is the White Chocolate Crème Brulee and the Chocolate Lava Cake. Also on offer are Italian Tiramisu and Pannacotta, and an International Apple and Raisin Crumble with ice cream.
The wine store at Cafe Sardinia is a glass-fronted room at the far wall. All the wines on display are available for purchase to take away at prices well below what is commonly seen in Bali’s supermarkets.
This menu and food quality is what you would expect to find in one of those elegant cafes on the Mediterranean, perhaps even on the coast of Sardinia itself, but here in Bali and at these prices it presents a most pleasant surprise!
QUICK REVIEW
Restaurant : Café Sardinia.
Address : Beachwalk, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta.
Telephone : 846.4966.
Open : 9.00a.m. to 11.00 p.m., daily.
Non-smoking Area : Yes.
Smoking Area : Yes.
Parking : Underground car park.
Price : Rp. 400.000 for two [+ drinks].
Credit Cards : All major cards.
Food : Italian.
Wine : Medium list, many cocktails.
Service : Friendly, casual but professional.
Atmosphere : A beachfront buzz!
Overall : Best value in Beachwalk!
Copyright © 2018 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.