Elegant and aesthetic, KONG Bali has nailed the brief for a sophisticated dining experience that transports you to the glamour of the 1920s...
Best known for its burgeoning cafe scene, Canggu is chock full of awesome places to eat. But when it comes to a really great late-night dining venue that hits the spot every time? The options aren’t as endless. That’s why we were so thankful to discover KONG in Canggu – a nifty little contemporary bistro that’s big on taste, scores with service and checks all the boxes for a stellar night out.
Bringing international elegance and old-world charm to the bustle of Berawa, Kong slings chic European-styled dishes, refined bar bites, new world wines and classic handcrafted cocktails – wrapped up in a sleek and stylish space that’s perfect for a romantic dinner, night out with friends, or even a private event.
A new Nobu chef and an elevated menu
Bursting onto the scene in 2021, KONG has found a way to marry elegance and nostalgia — and it shows. The menu here revolves around European-styled dishes, brought to life with only the freshest local ingredients.
Don’t miss out on the signature red wine braised short rib, which has been braised for a whopping 12 hours, and comes served with red wine jus, pommes purée, with a variation of onions. Pair it with the signature Dress of Juniper cocktail, sporting a clove-infused spiced gin, topped with orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, albumin, and a dash of bitters. It’s smooth on the palate, and aesthetic to boot with a dressing of flowers.
That’s not all: The good folks at KONG believe in keeping diners on their toes with some new additions to the menu. Nick Escobar — the restaurant’s new head chef hailing from California USA, with a stint at Nobu New York under his belt — has a couple of tricks up his sleeve. He works his magic with the tuna tartare — a brand new signature dish — mixed with mint cream, dill emulsion, pickled jalapeños, and nori rice crackers for some crunch. Or, how about the addictive fried zucchini flowers, served with mushrooms, ricotta, house-dried tomatoes, parmigiana, and a spiced tomato sauce? We just couldn’t get enough of this new showstopper.
There’s even a new cocktail in the ranks too: the Midori Surprise, made with East Indies pomelo gin, and strawberry. It’s tinged with intriguing melon notes, and topped off with a passionfruit foam. Warning: you won’t be able to stop at one.
Other dishes that caught our eye include the lobster spoon, comprising individual tasting spoons of lobster; the finger-licking-good KONG triple cooked fries; or even a few varieties of caviar and oysters to start on a decadent note. Or, to really make it a night of it, go all-out with the seafood tower, an impressive assortment of oysters, prawns, clams, “piri-piri” prawns, tuna tartare, and scallop crudo. Looking for the cherry on top? Browse through KONG’s extensive collection of fine new world wines…
A gateway to the 1920s
Bringing a much-needed respite to the chaos of Canggu, KONG offers a gateway to another world, one where you’ll feel right at home amidst polished wood interiors, fringed with palm trees and surrounded by the harmonious clinking of cutlery and chilled glasses of Pinot.
The colonial building is reminiscent of Singapore in the 1920s, complete with dark blue walls juxtaposed against smooth white floors. The atmosphere is refined yet cosy — you’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped into someone’s warm and inviting home, ready for a night of tipples and convivial banter.
Even better, KONG stays open till late, with a resident DJ spinning tunes till midnight. Last year, the restaurant was also voted the ‘Most Romantic Restaurant’ by Chope users, making it perfect for a romantic couples’ soirée. Then, the sheer size of KONG makes it great for families and large groups; and psst, the entire restaurant is also available for hire if you’re looking to host a private gathering.
And yes, the service is top-notch too
Nothing ruins a fab night out more than horrible service that won’t give you the time of day. Here at KONG, however, you’ll be treated like family: where waiters and waitresses call you by name, armed with smiles that will make you feel right at home.
So, if you’re looking for a classy dining venue with a taste profile that won’t disappoint, KONG checks all the boxes. Reservations are highly recommended before you pop by, as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Bon appetit!
KONG, Jl Pantai Berawa No. 14B, Canggu – Berawa, p. +62 852 1668 8869, e. [email protected]
