Seminyak on Bali’s west coast, is the upmarket cousin to the party town of Kuta further south. The area is home to most of the island’s expat settlers, many of whom have set up boutiques, galleries and restaurants in the town. We list 10 of the best places to eat in the area.
If you’re looking for a perfect setting for a quiet evening out, this is the place to head for dinner. Cross stepping stones through a pool to get to the dining area, a beautiful setting with a cozy vibe. The food itself is a blend of international and Balinese cuisine, with local ingredients dominating the menu. Try the succulent betutu duck or the tangy tuna ceviche.
La Lucciola is something of a legend in Seminyak, with a beach-front view and a location next to the Petitenget Temple. The restaurant is always busy, and is usually packed until the late hours. During the day, the beach provides access to the restaurant, while in the evenings, you reach it through the temple’s parking lot, via a wooden bridge lit by burning torches. The menu changes constantly with each innovation that the chefs undertake, but with an emphasis on traditional Balinese flavors.
If you’re looking to dine on some of the best fresh fish on the island, head to Sardine. The place offers romantic, traditional Balinese décor, with muted candlelight. The bar, made of polished bamboo is an eye-catching feature, while the restaurant, as per its name, specializes in fresh seafood and organic produce. The latter is grown on its own farms, and the fish is sourced from the best suppliers in Seminyak. The pan-seared scallops with ravioli, miso grilled triggerfish and banana leaf steamed barramundi are recommended.
Part restaurant, part art gallery and part lounge bar, Metis ranks high among the fine-dining establishments of Bali, and therefore in Seminyak as well. The food is French-Mediterranean, brought to you by award-winning chef Nicolas “Doudou” Tourneville. As befits the ambience and food, the service and décor is also five-star.
If you’re looking for a taste of Tijuana in Bali, this is the place to get it. ‘More Mexican than the Mexicans’ is an apt way to describe this place, with its shrine to Mother Mary at the entrance and multicolored tiles covering the walls. The food is a close match as well; try fish tacos with chilli mayo along with fritters, burritos and, of course, tequila cocktails.
One of the most understated places that you can go to for authentic Balinese food is Warung Eny. Its rustic, run-of-the-mill, appearance keeps the crowds away. If only they knew! The food is amazingly authentic, from the whole fish grilled over coconut husks to the nasi goreng and even the gato gato. Satay tastes great as well, and if you have the time, ask Eny for a cooking class.