World-class bites, chic and sexy interiors and the best espresso martinis we've found on the island - the Seminyak restaurant scene just got a lot hotter.
You might think that Bali’s food scene (particularly in Seminyak) has been well and truly saturated. There are awesome cafes, adventurous restaurants, crazy coffee concepts and raucous cocktail bars that keep us going until the wee hours. But no one does it quite like Bikini – a Miami-inspired, New York warehouse-style restaurant brought to us by the boys behind Sisterfields, Boss Man and Expat Roasters [three of the raddest and most successful brands on the Seminyak scene].
Sexy, raw, edgy and luxe, Bikini is everything you’d expect from this unstoppable foodie group – and more. Though it only just opened earlier this year [check it out in our January edition of Hot New Tables January] Bikini is already right up there with Bali’s culinary greats. It brings in a mixed bag of the trendiest crowds from every corner of the island, from the tattoo-laden surfers of Canggu, to the polished ladies and gents from Petitenget and Umalas. Yet everyone seems to fit in. After all, who could clash over the fact that the food here is as sophisticated and complex as Asia’s best restaurants, yet still fun and playful enough to spend the evening sipping through the entire cocktail list and maybe even dancing on the table at the end of the night? [Ok, that’s not advised, but we’re guessing it wouldn’t be frowned upon post midnight].
Either way, don’t be surprised to hear the table next to you “oooh-ing” and “aaah-ing” at every plate that’s presented on the marble-topped, bright pink-backed booths. Because if you know anything about Creative Culinary Director Jethro Vincent, you’ll know that the presentation of his food makes every dish and every ingredient look almost too good to eat [almost]. Like a theatre of food, every course comes with serious wow-factor.
The menu sees a tasting or shared plate concept, split into five categories: Mouthfuls, Cured, Garden, Land and Sea, and Dessert. A standout is the iconic Oyster Crackers – a creative take on traditional oysters with oyster cream, black garlic and pickled shallots superbly balanced on top of a crunchy oyster cracker. You might find it hard to believe, but it tastes even better than it looks. There’s also the snapper, squid, tomato and sambal ceviche – so delicate yet full of flavour – and the chicken “drumettes” with shrimp paste, caramel, chilli and coriander – I mean, who would have thought to put that together? Amazing, right?!
It’s fair to say, Bikini is out of this world, and it might even sound a little mad on paper. But the reality is, Bikini is a sophisticated re-discovery of shared plate dining in an architecturally designed space that defies all expectations. It mixes the urban flair of New York with the energy and vibe of a Miami beach party, yet manages to turn it into a decadent dining experience in a playful atmosphere. How? We’re not quite sure. But it’s definitely one to add to the must-eat list, and we will certainly be back.
Bikini, Jl. Kayu Cendana No.6 Seminyak. p. (+62) 813 5338 2346. Open daily 5pm-1am