bolli
That's fine, but instead of just compiling a list of names, how about saying what it is about the place that is worth trying? :lol: :lol: :lol:
Tommy
I havn't spent much time in Ubud through the years and apart from a few galleries and Antonio Blanco's home the only place i've visited is the Bebek Bengil restaurant. Nice relaxed place. They sometimes, had or still have, 2 rindik-players on a small bale of bamboo playing a few tunes.. which i of course enjoy very much. It's always intresting to hear local variations in songs i already play.. and some new ones that i havn't heard. They have great bread which they bake themselves. It's been Gnoccis, soup and freshly baked bread whenever we visit the Bebek Bengil restaurant. I think i've been there 4 times.. which probably sums up how many times i've been in Ubud. :oops:
dawnofjedi
Hello to all...
Just interested in hearing opinion on Bali's finest eating sites from some expats or others that have ample Balinese dining experience...
As I live in Ubud, my comments will stay within the confines of my area...
I think sharing this knowledge will help improve anyone's culinary experience in Bali...
Romantic Atmosphere:
1) Indian Delights (upstairs)
2) Murni's Warung
3) Lotus Cafe
Tasty Food:
1) Casa Luna
2) Deli Cat
3) Indian Delights
4) Lamak
5) De Las Artistes (forgot the name exactly, Jalan Bisma)
Desserts:
1) Batan Waru
2) Casa Luna
Social Atmosphere:
1) Deli Cat
2) Tutmak
3) Nuri's
Best Value for the money:
1) Nomad
2) Pizza Bagus
3) Tropical View Cafe (view included in this consideration)
4) Any of the many small Warung that do not cater solely to tourists
So, this is a start...I am sure that there are plenty of places that I left out, but partially that is a reason I wrote this, so I can hear what everyone else thinks...
Thanks, and have a wonderful day in or out of Bali!
~Shakar~
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
pooochie
[b]Re: RE: Bali Restaurant Culinary Delights...your thoughts...[/b]
[quote=dawnofjedi]
Social Atmosphere:
1) Deli Cat
[/quote]
“Deli Cat” sounds a bit ominous from a cat lover’s point of view. I certainly would not go a restaurant that is not “friends of the Cats”. I am sure this is not the case but I certainly want to confirm my worst fear is not true. :oops:
I would like to support Bolli in asking for you, as the author of the thread, to comment further on the restaurants you listed. Perhaps we can compile a similarly “Michelin Guide” on Restaurants in Bali on this thread. :idea:
I am not sure of my favourite restaurant; I will let you know my thoughts when I am back in Bali. My parent’s favourite restaurant is the Mini Garden in Kuta, I am not sure whether this is still open or changed its name. I don’t think at present this could ever be my favourite, just the thought of live fishes or crabs killed :cry: at that moment for my fresh consumption is now a bit too uncivilised for me, having been an avid animal lover for several years.
Many thanks
Ni Luh
Roy
It's a toss up for me...Ubud's best restaurants, but oddly enough, neither of the top two made it on your list Shakar....Mozaic and the Uma resort. The third best would be Lamak, (the only restaurant in Bali that serves sweetbreads). Mozaic is very pricey and has the snob appeal that goes along with that. The chef at the Uma, (Chris) is simply brilliant and my most rewarding dining there is when I put the menu aside and just ask Chris..."surprise me."
For the best Indo food, (and most romantic atmosphere) Cafe Wayan wins hands down. The "trick" here is to not let the staff sit you in the front...but rather to keep walking way, way in the back where there are some very private bales with gardens and fountains all around.
Cafe Lotus is where Eri and I dine most frequently. Without question Cafe Lotus provides the overall and hands down best value for your money. This restaurant, managed by the Austrian Pak Hans is situated on the grounds of the royal palace just in front of the famous Pura Saraswati. Three nights a week the royal dancers perform in front of the temple, much to the delight and enjoyment of everyone. Because of the location of this fine restaurant, beef is not on the menu.
If you are craving for an outstanding rack of ribs, a juicy Fred
Flinstone sized burger, and a real New York martini, then Naughty Nuri's Warung is a must. This famous establishment is very popular with the Ubud area expats and the atmosphere is 100% party, party and then, party some more.
If you eat to live, then ignore everything I just wrote. But if you are like me, someone who lives to eat, then my suggestions are worthwile.
dawnofjedi
So thanks for the input...
Actually Roy, you were surprised that I didnt include your favorites, but in fact that is a big reason I posted this, so I can learn about that. Truthfully I've never been to either Uma or Mozaic, although I've certainly passed by there quite enough. Or even Cafe Wayan, though I've heard about it before (on Monkey Forest Rd, right?). and as for Tommy's Bebek Bengil suggestion, well, I've gotten drinks there before, but never food, dont know why...certainly a nice atmosphere. And that Gnocchi sounds pretty tempting at this point. So I will have to put it all on my list of things to do.
I think sometimes people get into routines, as I myself have done, and often I have trouble figuring out where to go to eat, and find myself returning to the same places while I have at my doorstep a bonifide culinary capital of the world!
As for Poooochie's comment about the Deli Cat, although they do specialize in fine imported meats, I am willing to bet that cat is not amongst that list. Actually, they have several really cute cats that hang out there, and a few months ago the cutest kittens I have ever seen! They just chill on a nice comfy bed in the dining room. Very cute.
So, as per the request, here is a little more about why:
Romantic Atmosphere:
1) Indian Delights (upstairs has a lovely rice field view, with a perfect angle to catch the sunset, not to mention atmospheric candlelight and tasteful decor...#1 on my list)
2) Murni's Warung (several levels of nice river views, with intimate traditional decor)
3) Lotus Cafe (lotus pond and Balinese temple with gamelon music)
Tasty Food:
1) Casa Luna (variety across the board, usually very satisfying)
2) Deli Cat (great selection of imported meats and cheeses, fantastic burger, tasty juices, good prices)
3) Indian Delights (astoundingly delicious Indian food, extensive menu that represents the complexity of Indian cuisine, and all the necessary sides to make it a memorable experience)
4) Lamak (fancier fare, higher prices, but great prawn and all else, nice chic atmosphere that also utilizes the traditional)
5) De Las Artistes (forgot the name exactly, Jalan Bisma, great steaks and pastas, imported beers)
Desserts:
1) Batan Waru (just get anything chocolate, or anything at all!)
2) Casa Luna (various delights)
Social Atmosphere:
1) Deli Cat (long shared tables, often lively)
2) Tutmak (always busy)
3) Nuri's (I think enough has been said about this elsewhere on the forum)
Best Value for the money:
1) Nomad (nice 30,000 rupiah steaks and beef kebab, other dishes in the range, and nice atmosphere and quality of ingredients)
2) Pizza Bagus (very tasty pizza, what a discount for a 30,000 pie compared to my native NYC)
3) Tropical View Cafe (view included in this consideration, typical selection but not too pricy, and satisfying)
4) Any of the many small Warung that do not cater solely to tourists (try peliatan)
OK, so thats it, more specifics. Hope to hear some more suggestions from some other experienced folks.
Happy New Year and holidays, and Happy Hanukkah for anyone celebrating!
~Shakar~
OM MANI PADME HUM