In this month’s edition of Hot New Tables: The Common Bali, Two Fingers, Liap Liap, Taman Wantilan, Capella Ubud & more!
Take a bow, Bali. This month’s lineup of Hot New Tables is palatable proof that this small Indonesian island is home to some big culinary ideas. Among the band of new restaurants, cafes and bars, we have a trio of new concepts from three of Bali’s most brilliant restauranteurs, and amidst a mishmash of fabulous foodie fusions, you’ll find every culinary genre under the Bali sun – dissected, reinvented, or simply superbly executed. You’ll also find Cali-Mex munch, cheesegasms for breakfast and Bloody Mary’s with a beef burger as garnish – this is one list you won’t wanna miss.
The Common Bali
Sure, we could’ve written a drool-inducing, tummy-rumbling description of the epic food served at this brand new Canggu cafe, but all you really need to know here is that this new Batu Bolong name is the latest creation from the Good Food Brotherhood – the same peeps who brought us Watercress Cafe, Milk & Madu, Ulekan, Shmurger Burger and Bangkok Hustle. No introduction needed, no narrative necessary – this place is guaranteed to be your next go-to. You’ll struggle to go a day without their 3 Cheese Tasty Toasty (melted cheesegasms for brekkie, anyone?) and the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl should become your daily dinner staple – trust us on this one. It’s clean and healthy eating done right, with gluten and dairy-free options galore. Yup, The Good Food Brotherhood have gone and done it again. Encore, please!
The Common Bali, Jl Batu Bolong No. 65, Canggu, e. [email protected]. Open daily 6am – 10pm.
Two Fingers
Leave your sombrero at home and hang up that multi-coloured poncho, because Two Fingers ain’t your average Mexican joint. Don’t get us wrong – we love a tradicionale Chilaquiles and we’d never say nada to a tequila or twelve, but give us a goddamn delicious fusion of Cali-Mex munch and we’ll happily trade in our tlacoyo’s for a plate of tacos topped with guac and plenty of cheese-loaded potato tots. Yup, Two Fingers had us at hola with their street-style tacos, girthy burritos and corn finger snack stacks, served up in a share-style menu with puddles of jalepeño infused tequila to wash it all down. Oh, and did we mention, Two Fingers is the latest venture from the Nude, Kembali & Front Cafe team? So you know you’ll be in good hands here… two thumbs up for Two Fingers.
Two Fingers, Jl Pantai Berawa, No.101A, Berawa – Canggu, e. [email protected]. Open daily 5pm – midnight.
Liap Liap
If (like us) you’re less about the Kardashians and more into culinary icons, then Liap Liap will already be on your feasting radar. This brand new modern Indonesian grill is the latest work of Indonesian celeb chef Mandif Warokka – the man behind Teatro, BLANCO, Frestro and so many other award-winning foodie destinations. Well, this new spot is all about Indonesian flavours, and the team here are dedicated to searching the far reaches of the archipelago to find the most iconic (and sometimes forgotten) culinary endeavours. The result? Indigenous cooking styles from far away tribes, fresh flavours straight from the farm, and exotic grilling and smoking techniques that we’d never even heard of. This Indonesian-inspired cuisine is like no other we’ve tried, and we’re seriously into the decor, too. The space is a nod to homegrown accents and tropical touch points – the perfect atmo for grazing on West Sumatran Eggplant Balado, Sulawesian Red Coral Trout and West Javan Satay Meranggi. Selamat makan!
Liap Liap, Jl Monkey Forest, Ubud, p. +62 361 9080 888, e. [email protected]. Open daily 10am – 11pm.
Taman Wantilan
Four Seasons fans, rejoice! The ever-scrummy Taman Wantilan has finally emerged following a major renovation this year – and what a makeover it’s been. For starters, the restaurant now showcases an interactive dining concept presented by a brigade of specialty chefs – chopping, flipping, stirring and grilling right in front of your eyes. And then there’s the spanking new design. Chic residential-style interiors set the scene, followed by a gorgeous ocean-view terrace that’s just made for all-day lounging or Tiki cocktails at dusk. With the glittering ocean out yonder, feast on fresh sashimi and seafood (the Singaporean chilli crab is a must), home-style curries, dahl and fresh-made naan from the Indian charcoal tandoor, or peruse the carvery with its slow-roasted macadamia-crusted prime ribeye and lamb rack. Oh, and did we mention there’s an entire dessert room too?!
Taman Wantilan at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, p. +62 361 701010. Open daily 6.30am – 11am & 6pm – 10pm.
The Compass Canggu
Balifornia here we come. The Compass is Bali’s latest American-born, Californian-style resto that’s bringing a rustic Cali vibe to Canggu. Gourmet American cuisine, craft beer and a retro musical vibe – it’s all here in a big way. Think communal tables, bluesy vibes, Dirty Fries and the only bacon-wrapped corn dogs this side of the Pacific. Heck, there’s even sticky fried chicken wings with a sweet-sour glaze, and colossal Bloody Mary’s with a meaty slider skewered on top. Add to that the live music, Sunday Funday parties, intermittent art shows and the laidback social vibes, and you’ll be directing all of your dining dates to The Compass.
The Compass Canggu, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No.57-59, Canggu, p. +62 813 3978 7382, e. [email protected]. Open daily 11am – 11.30pm.
Capella Ubud
A stunning new glamping-style retreat in the heart of Ubud’s rainforest, Capella Ubud is home to not one but two new signature restaurants, and for lucky guests glamping at this ultra-luxe forest abode, there’s also a poolside bar and camp fire for nighttime hot chocolates and toasted marshmallows. But back to those restaurants… First up is Mads Lange, a two storey dining room that’s all about modern European cuisine. Influenced by the historical spice trail, each dish is seasonal, sustainable and uses locally-farmed produce. Then there’s Api Jiwa, named after the Sanskrit word for ‘fire to the soul’. An exciting Asian street food barbecue restaurant with an interactive Robatayaki grill, the contemporary bites here follow a nose-to-tail, farm-to-table cooking philosophy, skewered and grilled with five-star precision.
Capella Ubud, Jl Raya Dalem, Banjar Triwangsa, Desa Keliki, Tegallalang, Ubud, p. +62 361 2091 888, e. [email protected]. Open daily.
Missibu Bali
This new Canggu restaurant has gone and done what others haven’t dared – they’re jazzing up Indonesian classics to scrumptious, gourmet standards. We’re talking bright bowls of Nasi Goreng without the nasties (MSG & palm oil, we’re looking at you) and everyone’s fave Rendang uses imported prime beef, no less. But it’s not only the local loves that Missibu does best. This Melbourne-esque melting pot is drawing in the digital nomad hoards with its bright and breezy workspaces and even more menu must-trys that tick off our cafe cravings one espresso at a time. There’s epic coffee, big smoothie bowls and even a cast of handcrafted cocktails for when brunch turns to lunch and lunch turns to a night out on the Berawa town.
Missibu Bali, Tamora Gallery, Jl Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, p. +62 812 4943 1313. Open daily 8am – 10pm.
Inlaws Coffee
Think that Kuta is only dodgy dive bars and fast food joints? Think again. Inlaws Coffee is a brand new specialty coffee shop that’s introducing Kuta to great quality brews. And it’s not just any old beans that they’re using here either. It’s the finest Indonesian beans from no other than EXPAT. Roasters, and their uber high-tech espresso machine knows just how to handle them. Swing by for a great quality cuppa, and while you’re at it, get a taste of the fresh brekkies and lunches, either inside in the cool air-conditioned space, or outdoors on the tropical deck. Additional kudos for cuteness!
Inlaws Coffee, Jl Kediri No. 88, Tuban – Kuta, p. +62 822 4748 4909. Open daily 8am – 11pm.
COMING SOON…
Keep your eyes peeled for next month’s Hot New Tables, because in August we’ll be blessed with the long awaited opening of Tropicola (the biggest project from the Mexicola maestros) as well as Full Circle (a new Ubud cafe concept from EXPAT. Roasters) plus SugarSand at Hotel Indigo and a new location for Happy Chappy!
