Ditch the knife and fork and bin the chopsticks, we’re heading into gourmand finger food territory at Bali’s hippest tapas and grazing dining spots.
Mozaic Beach Club
Little sister of Ubud’s original fine dining destination, MBC is a classy spot in its own right especially for all day dining. Crispy babi guling spring rolls and beef rendang carpaccio with parmesan bubbles are to die for as are the black truffle chouquettes. Chef James Ephraim has been helming MBC for years so you’re in good hands plus the mixologists are top of their class. The best part of the deal is the prices are a snip compared to what you pay in other places. When the sun goes down you’re still better off heading up the hill to the charming atmosphere of the Mozaic garden, but for daytime delicacies you can’t go wrong with MBC. Keep an eye out for set lunch menu deals and special events.
Mozaic Beach Club, Jl Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan, p: +62 361 473 5796, [email protected]. Opening hours: 10am-1am daily.
Ku De Ta
They used to foster a pretty formidable culinary reputation but nowadays the evening dining crowd seems to have downsized somewhat and made in the direction of other trending eateries in Bali. Quite a few chefs have helmed KDT over the years so there’s heaps of personal experience and flavours that still touch the menu. The pick of the bunch is the all day KDT grazing menu which hasn’t changed much over the year. Japanese rice rolls and cones, yellow fin tuna sashimi, agadashi and confit pork belly bak pao lead the very Asian oriented offerings whilst the mini wagyu burgers and beef short rib tacos are perfect brunch time fare. The drinks are still fresh and the view never changes so pull up a lounger and make a day of it. It’s actually heaps more comfortable and enjoyable now the big crowds have moved on.
Ku De Ta, Jalan Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, p: +62 361 736969. Opening hours: 8am-1am daily.
El Kabron
Crack out the GPS as you’ll need it to find this kitschy ramshackle Spanish tavern perched somewhat precariously on the side of the Bingin cliff line. El Kabron serves up some palatable Spanish tapas and tasty cocktails but the sunset location and sweeping panoramic views of the bukit beaches are the real draw card. Chef Marc Torrices knows a thing or two about Spanish cuisine so settle in and order up the Iberico, manchego and paella with a bottle of bubbles and drift off into the horizon. Worth booking in advance for a sunset session and slow afternoon’s grazing over the cold cuts then head down the hill to Jimbaran for dinner.
El Kabron, Jalan Pantai Cemongkak, Pecatu, Bali 80361, Indonesia. P: +62 361 7803416 e: [email protected] hours Sunday – Saturday 11:30am – 11:00pm.
Motel Mexicola
Current darling of the Seminyak fashionista food scene, Motel Mexicola has made quite a name for itself by delivering purist Mexican tapas in a super funky retro setting (think 1950’s postcards from Acapulco) but it’s the food that keeps the punters flocking back. Grilled pork marinated in axiote with pineapple salsa, deep fried baby corn, blackbean, pico de gallo in a hand made white corn tortilla, Mexican style pork ribs in a secret sauce served with charred corn and a selection of awesome ceviches, ensaladas (try their shredded confit duck with mango, tamarind and cucumber) and tostaditas round up an impressively original menu. The wine list is pretty paltry so Patron Tequila is order of the day over the bar for those that live life without fear of apocalyptic hangovers, whilst mere mortals stick to the Coronas and devilish smoothies. Pack your aviators.
Motel Mexicola, Jl Kayu Jati, Petitenget, Bali, Indonesia. P: +62 361 736 688, [email protected]. Opening hours: 11am-1am daily.
Lead image: Mexican Mexicola, Mozaic Beach Club and Ku De Ta
