Bali is a dining haven. Lots of great food but not all promising. In our last trip, we’ve shared some food options in Semibyak and Ubud. This trip, we’ll be focusing just on Seminyak mainly and the infamous Rock Bar in Jimbaran.

Rock Bar @ Ayana

The good – amazing view, feels perfect for beach/ seaside experience as the ground is carpeted with sand, prompt attentive service. Live deejay, nice and colorful seats great for photo taking.

The not so good – average food and drinks, steep prices (for the snacks and drinks shown below, we paid around IDR600k) but in exchange we get the perfect sunset views. Very very hot, be prepared to go in bikinis and trunks or clad in your skimpiest clothing. Oh and slather on thick sunscreens! Go early to get good seats. We arrived at 4pm. The round lounges require a minimum spend of about IDR650k.

    
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Metis on Jln Petitenget

The good – very romantic ambience, facing ponds, padi fields, plants draping down from the top, great menu, delicious food. We tried starters of prawn ravioli and trios tartar, mains of L’onglet and pork belly, dessert of assorted sweet tempatation, Apple and lemon teas and were impressed with the taste and quality of the food comparable to 4 – 5 star restaurant at reasonable prices (IDR1.2mil)

The not so good – slather some mozzie repellent especially in if it’s rained that day. As its a romantic restaurant, lights are very dim. If you wish to take photos, camera maybe needed. 

    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Merah Putih on Jln Petitenget

The good – always consistent, delivering delicious Indonesian fare. This time we had their island cooler drink, ikan tongkol Gohu (tuna tartar or similar), mud crab pungsit (shellfish dunplings), sapi bumbu rujak (beef cheek and bone marrow). All very delicious and great with rice. All 3 dishes and 1 drink cost us about IDR460k.

The not so good – nothing really… 

    
 
    
 Ippolito coffee and Mase restaurant on Jl. Lb sari 

The good – good coffee especially for black coffee/ espresso lovers. Quiet and nice place to read and drink. Nice view of the Maca Villa pool.

The not so good – food is not fantastic and the milky coffees are abit weak. The complimentary chicken wanton was oily and quite plain, ayam pangang Bali recommended by the staff was not good as chicken did not taste or looked grilled but the sambal was good. The beef rossini was insignificant.

    
    
    
    
    
    
 La lucciola on Jln Kayu aya

The good – the last time we were in Bali, we tried their lunch menu. This time, we had a complimentary breakfast from our villa. The view was as nice as before and food was also good. We had 2 juices – strawberry/ watermelon and lychee/ lime. Then egg Benedict and toasted panino with ham/ cheese/ basil. We also had sides of sautéed mushrooms, spinach and chili jam. Lastly a cupola flat white to end off. The bill came to about IDR400k thanks to the villa!

The not so good – nothing really… 

    
    
   
Gardin on Jl. Petitenget

The good – beautiful restaurant like from a fairy tale and definitely a photography haven. Not too bad dishes werelobster omelette, creme brûlée.

The bad! – super sweet French onion soup we could die of diabetes, there was staple/ metal in one of the drinks and we cannot imagine if anyone consumes it. Having sharps in food is definitely not acceptable. Drinks were also not very nice. Service was so so and only offered us an additional piece of cake to take away which we did not accept but still paid for the full meal. Prices quite steep for the food quality and we would not be back. While we left, we reminded the staff to be mindful of safe food and preparation. 

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Revolver espresso on Jl. Kayu aya and Jln Petitenget 

The good – by far the best coffee we’ve had in Bali at reasonable prices and good service. The baby Revolver on Jln Petitenget is a tiny shop with a few seats for those who grab and go coffees and small bites while the branch at Jl Kayu Aya serves proper food, drinks and has a nicer ambience.

The not so good – nothing really… 

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Barbacoa on Jln Petitenget 

The good – this restaurant is very near Metis and is quite a big an spacious one. Good for tacos and bbq. Roast pig/ Babi guling seems to be famous here and there’s an open fire roasting one. Pulled pork and beef brisket tacos were not bad though not fantastic; chicken wings were tasty; green beans were the best; roast pig meat was tender. Dessert tasting plate was slightly above average but not fantastic. 

The not so good – careful where you are seated, if there’s rain, the restaurant might have a leak somewhere… Food is priced in the steep side for small portions. Roast pig skin wasn’t crispy but really hard and tough!! Coffee was so so. 

    
    
    
    
 Please stay tuned for more restaurant reviews coming up soon…