Bali – Dining Options In Seminyak
The beautiful island of Bali is one of more than a thousand in Indonesia. The island is nothing short of paradise and the ultimate destination for both adventure style and relaxing retreat holidays. Apart from the stunningly picturesque tropical setting the Balinese people are amongst the friendliest on earth and a major reason why this island draws me back year after year. One of the premier attractions for tourists of all distinctions is the array of quality, affordable and unforgettable dining experiences and no province on the island does it better than Seminyak.
Having traveled to Bali at least a couple of times a year for the last twenty odd years I have compiled a list of my favorite eateries. This compilation includes dining of the finest levels, to match any other in the world, to the most casual and simple but still extraordinary. Each of these dining establishments have been included as a result of my own personal experience. Although many others deserved a place, these restaurants are my own personal top three for quality, service, value and atmosphere. I start with my all time number one favorite:
Ultimo Restaurant: An Italian eatery with a delightful modern interior. There are both inside air-conditioned areas and outside, open-air dining options. A large square bar is the main focus in the center of the restaurant with the adjacent open kitchen. Menu choices seem almost endless with the likes of Salmon Carpaccio, Parma Ham and melon, Various Seafood options, numerous Pasta dishes and a wonderful selection of Pizza. My personal favourite and something I crave for as soon as I land in Bali is the Saltimbocca. For desert you cannot go past the decadence of the warm Chocolate Pudding, it quite literally melts in your mouth. The greatest surprise comes at the end of the evening when it’s time to pay the bill. For the level of service, quality of food and wonderful ambience there is no better value for money on the island. A three-course meal for two will most likely come to less than US$30. This is an absolute ‘must do’ on your list of dining options whilst staying in Bali.
Ku De Ta: Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, reservations are essential at Ku De Ta. Over and above the magnificent dining experience the ambience and atmosphere of this establishment is what makes it stand-alone. Situated on the Seminyak Beach front, and I mean right on the beach this culinary experiences in kut and bar is another for your ‘must do’ list. I highly recommend arriving by 6pm regardless of your booking time in order to take in the magnificent sunsets offered nearly every evening in Bali. The bars are indoor/outdoor and the nearby day-beds and grassed areas offer the perfect position to take in the scene. This is a fine dining experience and the prices match. Don’t expect to get away from this restaurant without having spent a small fortune but in terms of value for money it is worth every penny.
The Chef is Australian and his menus change on a regular basis, which is one of the attractions. The food is best described as ‘fusion cuisine’. Most of the produce is imported from Australia and Europe including oysters, tenderloins, lamb and venison. The interesting wine list features many wines from Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand and South Africa and starts around US$65 per bottle. Sparkling wines by the glass are US$15 to US$20, and bottles range from US$60 to US$300 for a bottle of KRUG Brut Grande Cuvee. In Bali this is the place to see or be seen and on Friday and Saturday evenings there is entertainment provided by a very energetic DJ.
Breeze: Located at the Samaya Resort near Ku De Ta this may well be Bali’s most amazing but relaxed beach, with great sunset views, the sound of the waves and immaculate service making this most likely the island’s most romantic place for fine dining. On my last visit the menu incorporated a scrumptious skillet burned Prigord Foie Gras with gingers compote, Crispy Soft Shell Crab with mango-papaya serving of mix greens, a Srimp and River Prawn Bisque and an exceptionally delectable Cream of Mushrooms with pith of truffle. Similarly as with any great eatery the menu changes normally however the style is best characterized as ‘present day combination food’. When I last talked with the head gourmet specialist a couple of months back the café and resort where experiencing some renovation so it is ideal to check with reservations earlier arranging your night.
Whatever your financial limit and regardless of where you remain on this modest bit of heaven, one thing you will develop to find is that feasting is a piece of the experience. There are innumerable alternatives to investigate and in more than twenty years I am as yet finding new, and magnificently liberal encounters. So when your next in Bali, plunk down, unwind and make the most of your dinner.
