bali fine dining and restaurant guide

Food: International, Chinese – Price: moderate
Whilst it is situated on the main road in central Nusa Dua, this Lotus is in a most relaxed setting. A myriad of water ponds extend across the front of the main restaurant area. You can seat yourself either in small bales out amongst the ponds and gardens or back in the main restaurant area.

All Lotus restaurants offer a wide variety of International dishes as well as the traditional Lotus specialties. Each provides its own touch as well. At Lotus Gardens the menu has now changed to be that of a true Mediterranean restaurant with dishes from many different countries that surround that great sea. Mediterranean seemed to become the buzz word of 2004 in Bali with many places claiming to be just that! However it takes more than just Nicoise and Greek Salads, a Merguez and some Pasta to rightfully assume that mantle! Read more »

Food: International – Price: expensive
The Chedi has had a change of management company, and will soon have a change of name as well. The Chedi is to become the Alila Ubud, whilst it’s sister hotel at Candi Dasa, The Serai, is to become the Alila Manggis. The changes are already happening. Young New Zealand chef, Matt Coates, has been transferred from The Serai to The Chedi. At The Serai, his cooking school had drawn international acclaim. His past experiences, working in some of Sydney’s finest restaurants [including Neil Perry’s Rockpool and Damien Pignolet’s Bistro Moncur], and his exploration of both Indonesian and true Balinese cuisine whilst at The Serai, have resulted in an intriguing menu at The Chedi. Read more »

Food: Balinese, Asian – Price: moderate
You have a choice of dishes from almost every part of Asia. That is what is on offer at the totally revamped Lotus Pond. The only Italian item on the menu is an end of meal espresso. The large bar lounge area is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Do you like Spring Rolls? Well here you have a choice of three different styles. The Indonesian ones are the usual large rolls stuffed with chicken and vegetables, a spicy peanut sauce for dipping. From Vietnam they are stuffed with a mixture of prawn and pork meat. Wrap them in lettuce and mint leaves and dip them in the nuoc-mam sauce. Messy, but nice! The Thai Seafood Spring Rolls come with a sweet and sour sauce rather than the traditional sweet chilli. Read more »

Food: Austrian, German – Price: moderate
In large cities throughout the developing countries of the world, large expatriate communities exist and survive. Most seek reminders of home during their leisure hours. If you discover the expatriate hangouts anywhere there will usually be three common factors; a relaxed environment, good basic food, and overall excellent value for money.

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Food: Russian – Price: moderate
The walls are a picture gallery featuring the Tsars of old. One of Bali’s most formal of settings suggests you are about to explore new and different ground. Bali’s restaurant with a difference has opened, experience a feast, a journey of mystery! On the site of the ill-fated Pala, Slavyanka shows virtually no resemblance. Before this place was Modern International, the new tenant is grand and old fashioned. It is elegant and stylish with more than a touch of history. Read more »