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Bali Bites: Exploring the Island’s Culinary Delights


Amidst the swaying palms and ancient temples, chic restaurants and trendy bars are redefining Balis culinary landscape.

Picture yourself in Ubud, where the aroma of Babi Guling dances in the air, a local delicacy that showcases the island's deep-rooted traditions. Venture to Seminyak, where you’ll discover chic eateries, with international chefs infusing global flair into Balinese ingredients. Bursting with flavours Cangu has quickly become the islands newest flavour sensation.

Bali's culinary scene is an intricate one and with so many choices it can be overwhelming choosing where to start. Luckily the team at everAFTER have put together a list of Bails Best Bites so you can savor the essence of this island paradise, one exquisite dish at a time.

Ubud

Honey & Smoke This fire focused eatery is a celebration of the chargrill and is housed in a suavely styled space reminiscent of traditional 1920s-style train carriage. The outside staircase leads to the second floor, a journey worth taking to discover the stylish speakeasy.

“Cooking with charcoal or wood fire just creates a much better flavour. It’s a really natural thing for us to install here in Ubud. Our food is blessed by the fire says celebrated chef Will Meyrick.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Baby Gem, anchovy / charred corn / crispy pancetta / grated parmesan.

  • Buratta, pomelo fennel jam / pomegranate seeds / pistachio nuts / burnt orange vinaigrette

  • Smoked Pork & Prawn Sausage, tarragon / thyme / Gewürztraminer / miso beurre blanc

  • Wood Fired 350gm Harvey Rib Eye charred local bayam / creamed corn / andaliman / soy / red wine jus / salted egg sauce

    Drinks

  • Smoky Basil, Aromatic whiskey basil / honey / citrus / soda waterAromatic whiskey basil / honey / citrus / soda water

  • HONEY OCHA Oolong tea vodka / lychee and cherry liqueur / honey / citrus / strawberry / togarashi salt on rim

    IG - @honeyandsmoke.co

    Opened Monday - Sunday

    Lunch 12pm - 3pm / Dinner 5pm - 11:30pm / Bar till late



Ramu Kitchen sits within Titik Dua, an independent contemporary hotel overlooking the jungle. Offering a farm-to-plate casual dining experience by taking local ingredients from the island’s soil and ocean and bringing it to the kitchen to create mindful dishes.

*EAT (everAfter Tips)

  • Island Seafood Ceviche, Bali shore caught fish sashimi, prawns, Lombok octopus, coconut leche de tigre with pickled chili.

  • Feta Bamboo Shoot Salad Organic watercress mixed with fried feta saganaki, dried tomato and marinated grilled bamboo shoot.

  • Grilled Pork Chop Glazed with mustard head sauce, shiitake potato puree, Chinese cabbage sauerkrau

    Drinks

  • Jug Sandria Rosé Elderflower syrup, rose patel, orange liqueur, vodka, lemon, green apple, strawberry

  • Tamarillo Vodka, tamarillo, vanilla syrup, lime juice, soursop bitter

    IG - @ramukitchenubud

    Open Monday - Sunday 11am - 10pm


SEMINYAK

Da Maria

Highlighting the diversity of Italian food, wine, music, fashion, art and friends, Da Maria offers more than just a little Capri in the heart of Seminyak. Gather your friends around the central fountains where a large skylight creates an alfresco dining experience, enjoy a stylish afternoon sipping a refreshing Spritz while dining on the areas best Italian cuisine.

Come 10pm the lights are dimmed and it becomes a popular night spot with various events throughout the week.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Kingfish crudo all’ acqua pazza

  • Calamari sant’andrea squid ink aioli, rocket, balsamic

  • Mortazza Pizza DM schiacciata, stracciatella, mortadella, pistachio pesto, basil

  • Formaggi Pizza gorgonzola, emmental, grana padano, fior di latte

  • Pappardelle shiraz + cabernet beef brisket ragu, parmigiano

    Drinks

  • Lychee Gimlet Gin, lychee, kaffir leaf, lime

    IG - @damariabali

    Open Monday - Sunday 5pm - late


Motel Mexicola cemented its name as one of the islands best restaurants and bars many years ago and while many struggle to keep things fresh and exciting Motel Mexicola continues to impress. The outdoor veranda is reminiscent of Mexico City, perfect for people watching on a lazy afternoon with margarita in hand of course. Inside a visual feast beckons you to explore the three areas, turn right and you’ll ascend the staircase to a birds eyes view with sitting and bar, turn left another bar and booths await. Both overlook the huge central open courtyard serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist. Come 10pm the courtyard turns into a street style party with people dancing on tables to Ricky Martin untill the early hours of the next day.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Guacamole(of course) smashed avocado, pico de gallo, homemade corn chips

  • Ceviche Mixto lime cured prawns & sea perch, cucumber, chilli, corn chip

  • Tostada Champiñon roasted mushroom, chilli, coriander, charred cauliflower, salsa, guacamole, parmesan cheese

  • Empanadas De Adobo guajillo braised beef cheek, mozarella, abodo

  • Camarones Al Coco deep fried king prawn in shredded coconut, lettuce cups, sweet & sour habanero dressing

    Drinks

  • Margaritas, of course. Shaken or Frozen

  • Acapulco Sour Bourbon, lemon, sugar, chai sangria

  • Mexpresso Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, orange zest

  • Tequila SHOTS!!!

IG - @motelmexicola

Open Monday - Sunday 11am - late


Mama San is another brilliant restaurant by chef Will Meyrick. Recently undergoing a major facelift it now houses a duo of eateries in the same space. Downstairs is an expanded incarnation on the original, dubbed Mama San Dining Room and Grill where you can indulge your senses and experience the magic of Chef Will Meyrick’s culinary artistry like never before. Upstairs you’ll discover Mama San Supper Club, an intimate speakeasy style bar serving snacks alongside pop-up collaborations with renowned chefs and musical acts which promise to entertain well into the night.


*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

Dining Room and Grill

  • Dim Sum, trust us they are all delicious.

  • Scallop & Coconut Pancakes sweetcorn / spur chilli / Thai basil

  • Aged Tuna Crudo pomelo / burnt orange / shiso leaf / truffle oil

  • Crispy Soft Shell Crab green shallot / duck egg yolk / andaliman / nouc cham

  • Pork & Prawn Nam Yam Style Salad cucumber / peanuts / Asian celery / white onion / crushed peanuts

  • Crispy Whole Fish Nyonya laksa leaf / sambal belacan / ginger flower

  • Wood-Fired Pork Tomahawk coconut milk / coriander / palm sugar / tamarind chili roast rice dressing

    Drinks - the an extensive wine list will keep you well hydrated.

Supper Club

  • Seared Scallops kombu miso butter sauce / XO sauce / thyme

  • Chicken & Lobster Xia Long Bao tom yum broth / pickled cherry tomato

  • Nose to Tail Croquettes pulled pork chipotle / house-smoked hammon / corn / piccalilli / bechamel

  • Roasted Bone Marrow Vegemite pulled beef / pickled mustard seed / parsley vinaigrette / curried butter / cassava chips

  • Scallop & Prawn Stuffed Tempura Zucchini Flowers wood-fired keciwis / crispy shiso / sesame chilli vinegar dressing / wasabi furikake

  • Sumba Caught Tiger Prawns Madras chicken fat butter / curry leaf / smoked coconut milk / coriander oil

  • Dry-Aged Organic Black Pig spiced pala jam / charred broccolini / kenari puree / black nut / pork jus

    Drinks

  • The Earl of Clementine Scotch, Ancho Reyes, Clementine Liqueur, Earl Grey Bitters

  • Tropical Java Boulevardier Bourbon, Pineapple Campari, Coffee Vermouth

IG - @mamasanbali

Restaurant open Monday - Sunday

Lunch 12pm - 2:30pm / Dinner 5:30pm - 10:30pm

Supper Club open Tuesday - Saturday 5:30pm - 10:30pm


Kuta Social Club should need no introduction, it’s one of the most instagramed locations on the island for enjoying sunset cocktails. Perched high above the palms over looking Kuta beachm, spend the day under the shade of a cabana or daybed lounger while drinking in the Kuta views and enjoying a daytime menu like the mouthwatering lobster roll. As the day draws to an end, order a frozen margarita or two and watch in awe as sun sinks below the horizon igniting the sky with a postcard worthy sunset. When it comes time for dinner you can stay exactly where you are, Executive Chef Ben Harrington who's worked under Gordon Ramsay has created a Mediterranean menu all cooked and smoked over charcoal and coconut husks, Balinese-style. Perfect to enjoy with friends while listening to the waves roll in below.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Charcoal Grilled Aubergine Lemon & Mint Yogurt & Sesame Crisp Bread

  • Grilled Local Calamari served with Lemon, Parsley & Garlic Oil

  • Charcoal Grilled King Prawns Chili, Garlic & Herbs

  • Wood Fired Cauliflower Steak Truffle Dressing, Almond, Crispy Leek & Fine Herbs

  • Smoked & Grill Pineapple Carpaccio Fermented Red Chili & Orange Sorbet

    Drinks

  • Frozen Margaritas

IG - @kutasocialclub

Open Monday - Sunday 7am - late


CANGGU

Mosto tucked between Canggu and Seminyak may sound like an unusual place to find Indonesia’s very first natural wine bar , but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you do… Trust us.

Sommelier Nicolas Lento (co-founder of Indonesia’s only natural wine importer/distributor, Toto Wines) has assembled a collection of more than 70 labels from small producers around the world, never before seen under the same roof in Indonesia. Organic and/or biodynamic wines fermented with native yeasts, no fining or filtration and low/no sulphur added are the focal point, with a flexible format that allows for drinking by the glass, carafe or bottle, as well as the option to take away.

To soak up all the delicious wine you’ll be enjoying, executive chef Lorenzo Depeteris has put together an all-day menu comprising seasonal snacks and small plates designed for sharing, that draw on his Italian heritage.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • mac and cheese frittatina corn cacio e pepe

  • crostoni shoyu burnt butter, anchovies l’escala, sichuan pepper

  • duck rillette brem wine, pickled daikon salad

  • charred hispi cabbage peanut sauce, chermoula

  • beef tartare alla pizzaiola parmigiano reggiano, rice crisp

  • tagliolini sambal arrabbiata, coriande

  • braised short ribs coffee chili jus, coconut gratin dauphinoise

    Drinks - Takeaway bottles available from 4pm daily.

  • lazarus pulp ‘the alter ego’, Bali - chardonnay, sauvignon blanc

  • tempo, ‘oz grape’, Bali vinified – sauvignon blanc

  • karim vionnet ‘beaujolais village’, Beaujolais – gamay

  • tempo, ‘oz grapes’, Bali vinified – cabernet sauvignon, merlot

IG - @mostobali

Open Monday - Sunday 5pm - late


Billy Ho is an Asian Boteco with a dark interior, moody lights and plenty of bronze accents. Offering a distinct Asian edge of authentic flavours curated by celebrated chef Will Meyrick along with creatively crafted cocktails.

Weekend Yum Cha is a must, arrive early and stay late. With fan favourites like; Dry Aged Tuna San Chow Bow; Karaage Chicken Lolliopo and Char Sil Pork Belly, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends before walking down to Batu Balong Beach at the end of the road.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Chicken ‘n’ Crab Sweetcorn Xiao Long Bao crispy chicken skin, pearl meat XO, ponzu

  • Scallop & Prawn Dumpling Har Gow money bag beetroot skin / rayu / unagi shoyu glaze

  • Sesame Squid, Pork & Prawn Toast sambal belacan / yuzu sauce / tobiko

  • Flame Torched Salmon Tornado lava sauce / salted egg yolk / tobiko / furikake

  • Half Peking Duck homemade hoi sin red currant sauce / Mandarin pancakes / fresh herbs

  • Wagyu Ribeye Steak egg yolk sauce / tare glaze / pickled kimchi / charred green chilli & peanut relish / kalamansi kosho

  • Salad of Chargrilled Greens baby Brussels sprouts / asparagus / broccoli / pomelo / lemon basil chimichurri / smoked yogurt dressing

IG - @billyho.co

Open

Yum Cha Saturday - Sunday 11am / Dinner 5pm - late Monday - Sunday


Motel Mexicola The legendary Seminyak Motel is now a chain having just opened its beachside venue, you can expect all the trimming of the OG but with a double shot of cool. A staple on the streets of Mexico the Fruteria is where you will find fresh cut fruit, slow press juices (spiked with your choice of Tequila or Mezcal along with the finest micheladas and seltzer on tap. Grab your friends and get ready for long days and even longer nights, TEQUILA!

IG - @motelmexicola

Open Monday - Sunday 11am - late


Il Locale brings the soul of Italy to Bali with it revolutionary dining concept that brings the art of pasta-making to the forefront. More than just a restaurant, Il Locale promises an immersive experience where you can witness the magic of fresh pasta being crafted right before your eyes.

Founder Mauro Marcucci is no stranger to the restaurant scene with a portfolio of successful Italian eateries across Australia including Sydneys iconic Baccomatto Osteria and Caffe e Cucina in South Yarra.

Head Chef, Francesco Di Gioia says "Our vision is simple, we want to serve authentic Italian dishes that can stimulate your taste buds in a venue that makes you feel at home. We respect the environment - every ingredient we use is ethically sourced, ensuring that our impact on the environment is minimal."

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Battered Zucchini Flower, truffle, honey & pecorino

  • Croquette, aged goat cheese, potato

  • Pizzetta, local mushroom, triple cheese, wild rocket

  • Carpaccio Of Wild Reef Catch Of The Day, lemon oil, uni, seaweed

  • Ricotta & Lemon Ravioli, rocket pesto, cuttlefish, zucchini flowers

  • Braised Lamb Shoulder “al vino”, green chili gremolata, slow cooked corn

  • Tiramisu Classico, Don’t skip this.

    Drinks

  • Limoncello Gin Collins Limoncello, gin, lemon juice, mint syrup, soda


IG - @illocalebali

Open Monday - Sunday 5:30pm - 10:30pm


Uluwatu

Mason is the wood fire focused eatery on the Bukit Peninsulas flourishing dining scene, chef Benjamin Cross employs ageless cooking techniques like smoking and wood fire grilling to coax maximum flavour from minimal ingredients across the Mediterranean inspired menu.

The open-air, string-lit courtyard is the perfect place for lazy afternoons with one of Masons notorious Negronis and enjoying a selection of house pickled vegetables, cured meats, cheese and woodfired breads.

*EAT (everAFTER Tips)

  • Mason mixed pickled vegetables

  • Mason cured meat selection

  • Wood Fired Flat Bread dukkah, olive oil

  • Smoked Tuna Dip olive oil, lemon zest

  • Tuna Tartare celery verde, créme fraiche, basil

  • Crispy Fried Eggplant tomato jam, parmesan

  • BBQ Zucchini pine nuts, mint, stracciatella

  • Wood Fired Barramundi Fillet smoked cherry tomato, cardamon, cucumber

  • Lamb Kleftiko anchovy, potato, oregano

  • Wood fired Bread Pudding jersey milk ice cream

    Drinks

  • Coffee Negroni Gin, Campari, Nusantara

IG - @mason.bali

Open Monday - Sunday 12pm - late