The gastronomy in Bali is second to none. With so many talented expat chefs and local superstars in the kitchen, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Bali. No one knows the island’s restaurants better than the Boss of Bali, Luxury Escapes’ Bali expert, Jason Fong.

“Every time I visit Bali there are new restaurants opening and the standard is as good as Sydney or Melbourne…if not better! Dining out in Bali is one of my favourite things to look forward to when visiting the island of the gods.”

We caught up with him and Luxury Escapes CEO Cameron Holland to uncover their top ten restaurants…and their favourite dishes and cocktails to try at each!

Sake No Hana

Overlooking what is arguably the coolest beach club on the island, OMNIA Dayclub, this restaurant serves up incredible Japanese fare with million-dollar views.

“The setting couldn’t be more dramatic as we sat on the balcony overlooking OMNIA Dayclub and the endless sea views beyond,” shares Holland.

“The impeccable service was matched only by the range, presentation and exceptional flavour of every dish that was served in a steady stream, interspersed with matching wines. Finding truly exceptional Japanese cuisine in any country can be a challenge, but Sake No Hana can confidently mark itself as one in that rarefied club, and in combination with the setting, makes for a amazing experience for anyone.”

Favourite dish: Lobster WA Salad

Favourite cocktail: Myuga (arrack infused honje, clarified pineapple chili, coconut, ginger, lemongrass, citrus, Campari and tonic water)

Barbacoa

“If you are a meat lover, this is the place for you!” says Fong, and he’s 100% right. Barbacoa is a restaurant is dedicated to BBQ, wood fire, charcoal and loads of smoke, combining these fire methods to create rustic local dishes in a very on-trend warehouse space with vintage and recycled design elements.

Favourite dish: Eight-Hour Wood-Fired Asado Pork

Favourite cocktail: Lemon Meringue Martini

Mauri

Celebrating a special occasion or looking for somewhere to impress your other half with a romantic dinner? Mauri is the place for you. Choose from contemporary Italian a la carte dishes or go all out with the seasonal tasting menu. The restaurant prides itself on handmaking as much as possible from its hydroponic garden located on the restaurant’s rooftop!

Favourite dish: Tonno in Carpione (tuna, burrata, fennel and olive powder)

Favourite cocktail: Negroni

Boy n Cow

Responsible for the best steak the Boss of Bali has ever had, this restaurant is Bali’s first ‘meat boutique’ and will be a hit with any steak lover visiting the island of the gods. Billed as ‘not your average steakhouse’ the molecular chefs at Boy n Cow dry age all the beef for 28 days onsite before its basked in flames on their charcoal-fuelled gaucho grill.

Favourite dish: 280gm Aus Sirloin M6-7 Score

Favourite cocktail: Blackwood (blended whisky, spiced rum, sweet vermouth, black cherry, orange bitters, palm spiced syrup)

 

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Prepare for the feast! Lunch time, dinner time, Mama’s got you covered with good food and drinks!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ pc: @sh.e_____e

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Mama San

What’s a trip to Bali without indulging in some South East Asian cuisine? Located at the top of Eat Street, the Boss of Bali says Mama San is the place to go for delicious Asian cuisine without the price tag. Designed to create an environment where people can feel comfortable, this trendy eatery blends colonial Britan and 1920’s Shanghai for a truly unique ambience.

Favourite dish: Stir Fried Salted Pork Belly with Yellow Bean Garlic Chili & Gailan

Favourite cocktail: Coconut Mojito

Da Maria

Craving pizza? According to the Boss of Bali, Jason Fong, Da Maria serves up the best pizza on the island. Bringing the Amalfi Coast to the island of the gods, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been magically transported to Italy as you’re soaking up the stunning interiors that have been built to resemble a 1960’s Amalfi Coast courtyard.

Favourite pizza: Da Maria

Favourite cocktail: NO.369 (aged rum, Camapari, pineapple, citrus 120)

Ginger Moon

Located in the centre of Eat Street, Ginger Moon is one of Bali’s best Asian restaurants. Home to the best chef (as awarded by The Yak, 2018), Dean Keddell, you can expect warm and welcoming service matched with a fantastic menu at this modern Asian eatery.

Favourite dish: BBQ Beef Ribs (Black Angus)

Favourite cocktail: Oberoi Cooler (gin, orange liqueur, cucumber, lemon basil, mint, lime, chili syrup)

The Plantation Grill

Welcome to Bali’s hottest seafood and meat grill. With interiors that can only be described as The Great Gatsby meets Hemingway, the Plantation Grill in Seminyak boasts 1920s style luxury with fabulous marble finishes. We recommend following the spiral staircase up to Sling Bar, one of Bali’s most intimate bars.

Favourite dish: The Plantation Rib Eye

Favourite cocktail: Hoochie Coohi Mama (dark rum with cardamom, guava juice, fresh lime, vanilla sherbet)

The Café at Mulia Resort

Hands down the best buffet in Bali, you’ll find a staggering choice of cuisine from all around the world and according to the Boss of Bali, “the best dessert bar I’ve ever seen!” Billed as an entirely unique ethnic-gastronomic restaurant concept, The Café at Mulia Resort has seven innovative cooking theatres serving up everything from fresh sashimi to Chinese barbequed duck and homemade ice creams.

Favourite dish: Cheese naan with condensed milk

Salazon

Bali’s only kitchen counter dining experience, Salazon allows you to dine alongside the kitchen as you watch the chefs at work. Everything served in the restaurant is made onsite: from dry-aged meats and charcuterie down to the sourdough bread and even the butter it is served with.

Favourite dish: 45 Day Dry Aged Stockyard Tomahawk 1200gms (great for 2-3 people)

Favourite cocktail: Burnt Lemon Daiquiri