It's always time in island life to whizz into the hip, hot new restaurants in Bali that have opened over the festive season - eat, drink and be many! This month we have Shanghai Baby, MoVida, Dugong Padang Padang, Strawberry Fields, Tiigo and more
So it’s a New Year, and with it [naturally] comes a whole new level of fabulous new restaurants in Bali to be seen at! Take your pick for gorgeous new menus, international flavours from Shanghai, Spain and more, smokin’ cocktails and oh-so-divine interiors – whether bamboo works of art or urban-chic-lounging-meets-island-vibing. Hope you’re hungry!
Shanghai Baby, Seminyak
One of the island’s most talked about and anticipated addresses has finally opened their doors, and it was worth the wait! You can’t miss the three-story jewel box on Jalan Petitenget sparkling with teal, glossy tiles and the world’s biggest wooden entry door. Once inside though, let your senses take it all in – gorgeous wall murals, roof murals, stunning chandeliers, sexy mirrored bar and mood lighting combined with that modern, open kitchen – where all the action is at.
Shanghai Baby enlisted Ushers by Design to create an immersive design for the trifecta-stories of fabulousness, inspired by classic Chinoiserie but re-imaged for Bali. So, big tick for the dramatic design and interiors – we love.
But, let’s talk food… there’s a lot to love here, with their modern Asian cuisine using the finest ingredients for innovative signature dishes – representing the decadent era of the 1930’s, when Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East”. Chilli Crab Salad, Braised Wagu Beef Ribs [cauliflower, hoison sauce with kailan with ginger and lemongrass foam], and so much more.
And, let’s not forget drinks, Baby – world class mixology standards are alive and well here with a list of many delish, designer concoctions. Our recommendation? The Miss Tang – it’s smoking. Literally. And delicious.
So Level One: Restaurant and lobby bar, is open! Level Two: the full-floor-length lounge bar will be open by February and Level Three: The Rooftop will be open mid-year. And make sure you visit the bathrooms – they’re just cool.
Shanghai Baby, Jalan Petitenget 208X (next to the W Retreat entrance), Seminyak, p. +62 361 474 1588.
MoVida & Akademi, Potato Head
Foodies and Spanish-food-lovers, rejoice – as the acclaimed Spanish restaurant group from Australia have partnered with the legends of cool at Potato Head, on the launch of MoVida in Seminyak. MoVida Bali will be located within the [new!] Katamama hotel, the first hotel ever from the Potato Head group [fully opening in March 2016].
The MoVida Bali menu takes inspiration from its new island location and climate, whilst retaining the Spanish character it is renowned for. The menu includes unique ingredients and offerings, such as gourmet conservas and cured meats imported directly from Spain, lighter creations to reflect the island atmosphere, and signature MoVida dishes recreated with local ingredients.
Dishes served in the restaurant include Tapas – such as Anchoa (Cantabrian anchovy, crouton, smoked tomato sorbet) and Tartar (Wagyu tartar, whipped roe, sesame crisp); Raciones, such as Bacalao (saffron-battered cod, mojo verde, piquillo pepper), and Arroz (seafood and saffron bisque wet rice); as well as dishes from the Josper oven, including Pescado (whole baked halibut with a burnt butter sauce, hazelnuts and capers) and Cordero (Central Javanese suckling lamb shoulder with saffron potatoes).
MoVida co- founder Frank Camorra and MoVida Bali head chef Jimmy Parker have worked with local island producers to develop the menu. Local Balinese producers are currently growing ingredients native to Spain especially for MoVida Bali, showing the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity, passion and respect for being island based.
Movida Bali, Katamama Hotel at Potato Head, Seminyak.
Dugong Restaurant, at Suarga Padang Padang by Peppers
Everyone is talking about the Suarga Padang Padang sustainable boutique hotel for its food, as well as its stunning design. Inspired by the region’s natural surroundings and locally grown ingredients found in a traditional kitchen, Dugong Restaurant invites you to experience the best of [yummy] Indonesia on a plate.
Local ingredients, abundantly available and typically sourced within a 50-kilometre radius, are presented into a modern menu that is welcome addition to the Bukit restaurant scene. Dugong already has expat locals and visitors alike, saying all the right things – all under their authentic bamboo roof, accompanied by panoramic 220-metre cliff frontage ocean view and refreshing sea breeze,
Signature dishes include the chef’s Coconut Salad, a refreshing starter brimming with broccoli, cucumber and coconut. Or the exotic Asian inspired main courses, such as Steamed South-Asian Turbot with Soy Bouillon, complemented with daikon, celery and ginger flower. Bali’s flavourful cuisine comes to life with the classic Chicken wrapped in Banana Leaf, a satisfying main course after an adventurous day on the beach.
‘Dugong’ is derived from the word “duyung” or sea cow, chosen to represent a connection to the local area as the Bukit is a natural habitat of this endangered marine mammal. But our recommendation – don’t just go for dinner, check in to the Suarga Padang Padang by Peppers boutique hotel and stay a while. You’ll love it.
Dugong Restaurant, Jalan Pantai Labuan Sait Br. Dinas Labuan Sait Pecatu, p. +62 (0)361 472 5088, e. [email protected], Opening hours: 7.30am-11pm daily. Reservations are recommended.
TIIGO, Seminyak
Another Day, Another New Address in Bali to open – this time it’s the Montigo Resort in Seminyak [the old Semara Seminyak site] and their new restaurant, TIIGO. Featuring a circuit of live culinary stations serving Balinese classics, sizzling grilled seafood and meats, western creations, sushi and desserts, TIIGO is all happening on Seminyak’s main strip.
With al fresco and climate controlled dining options all located beside the new 25-metre pool, the restaurant is open to serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, tapas and dinner. Featured dishes include Lawar Bebek, Balinese Beef Rib Soup, Sager Ulam Kakap and Traditional Ayam Betutu. Following its recent soft launch in early December 2015, TIIGO is offering a 20% discount off all a la-carte food and beverage items (excluding alcoholic beverages) till January 31, 2016.
TIIGO, Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak, p. +62 361 301 9828, e. [email protected]; Opening hours: 7am to 2am daily.
Strawberry Fields Bali, Batu Belig
Bali’s not short of cute cafes, bars, restos or warungs and this new little number on Jalan Batu Belig is a happy, cool combination of all of the above. They promise good food, good drinks, good times so who is anyone to argue!? More specifically they promise fresh quality produce, great coffee, premium pours, fun loving staff, comfortable vibe, rad tunes, value for money and one of the meanest Chicken Schnitty’s in Bali. On Tuesday nights, they offer IDR 50,000 burgers, superfood salads and cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and /or drinks. Just what the island doctor orders.
Strawberry Fields Bali, near 79, Jalan Batu Belig, p. +62 (0)878 6007 6765.
Shearlock, Seminyak
Not your every day new table, this one comes with a makeover! Shearlock is a collaborative new lifestyle space comprising of the modern day barbershop fostering quality cuts, conversations and camaraderie, a cafe that focuses on specialty coffee with simple and eclectic menu, and a retail space featuring a curated collection of mens’ wear and accessories. Located in Seminyak, Shearlock brings people and experiences together by working with like-minded collaborators.
Shearlock, Jalan Petitenget No. 17C, Seminyak, p. +62 (0)811 3865 869.
Gipsy Fish, Seminyak
These guys, they love fish. And all seafood, for that matter. With international cuisine from around the world being served up within their cafe deli, Gipsy Fish promise gastronomy-grilled seafood in so many various marinades. Take your pick! Snapper, Squid, Sea Bream, Tuna, Prawns, Scallops, Mixed Seafood, Seafood Chowder, and yes even vegetarian options are all here on the grill daily, fresh from the markets… The Works. And, this seafood deli will deliver too – music to your ears!
Gipsy Fish, Jalan Raya Seminyak, 17, Seminyak, p. +62 (0)856 3718 047, Open daily 10am-9pm.