DestinAsian seeks out Bali’s hottest and latest epicurean haunts.
Meja Kitchen & Bar
Meja Kitchen & Bar rejects the notion that restaurants should hinge on interior design, instead opting for a simple, airy concept. Tucked beneath the industrial arcs of the ultramodern IZE Hotel, this rising star of the Seminyak district employs minimalist elements of wooden beams and light colors throughout. Kitchy ornaments line the unpretentious interior while the triangular textures of the hotel’s exterior are reflected in the upstairs bar. Comfort foods such as Chili & Lime Chicken Risotto and Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad grace the menu. For a homier feel, try the Macaroni & Cheese served with generous portions of bacon. After dinner head upstairs to the Makeup Bar serving up eclectic cocktail concoctions in the wee hours of the morning.
Jl. Kayu Aya No.68, Seminyak; 62-361/8466996; ize-seminyak.com
Portabella Bistro
Meaning beautiful window in Italian, Portabella Bistro exudes a rustic yet cozy dining atmosphere. The all-wood interior is designed by Nobuyuki Narabayashi, former designer of Super Potato architecture firm hailing from Japan. Akin to a boutique museum, vintage locks, Sicilian wooden dolls, and an old school radio decorate the premises. Authentic Italian cuisine is dreampt up by chef Vittorio Negri with home-style classics such as Arancini, fried balls of risotto with peas and mozzarella cheese. Veal Osso Bucco also enhances the menu served with Saffron Risotto. Fusion style Linguini Black Ink with crab meat and a sprinkling of pepper slices also entertains patron’s pallettes. For the full Portabella Bistro experience, pull up one of the 100-year-old chairs and face outside to soak up the Balinese breeze.
Jl. Dewi Sri No.68, Kuta; 62-361/8947002; portabellabistro.com
Slippery Stone
Standing on an area of 3,000 square meters, the Slippery Stone offers offers open-air breezes juxtaposed with a stretches of lush greenery and rice fields. The restaurant exudes a cozy atmosphere with wood panelling, comfy sofas and white rock walls throughout the space. Pan-Asian, Italian, and French cuisine are all included in the ambitous menu. Start your meal with the Tuna Tartar appetizer with avocado and Pomelo ice cream served in an ice cream cone. We recommend the Steamed Barramundi with prawn and dumplings in coconut sauce for the main course. As for dessert, wrapped Valrhona Chocolate Cake with coffee ice cream flavors will certainly compliment the meal.
Jl. Batu Belig No.9N, Seminyak; 62-361/8465999; slipperystonebali.com
Teatro Gastroteque
Elegant and masculine are two words that mark this Seminyak eatery. Featuring a modern take on art deco design, Teatro’s red and black accents compliment square furnishings and retro famed photos throughout. The name Teatro is derived from the word “theater” and is the brainchild of Mandif Warokka, the talented, young chef named the Best Chef in Bali from a local magazine in 2011. Mandif relies on fresh ingredients and a simple presentation. All the ingredients are processed with techniques fostered from more than 10 years experience in the culinary world. Some of the signature dishes are Smoked Peking Duck, Lambargini Lamb, and Valrhona Chocolate Cake. Only ten item are featured on the menu and each are accompanied by a reccomended wine to compliment the flavor of the food.
Jl. Kayu Aya blok C No.1-2, Seminyak; 62-361/8700078; teatrobali.com
