Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Seminyak, Kuta
The sound of crashing waves as a backdrop and a canopy of twinkling stars can complement the dining experience that indulges your every sense, making it even more special.
This could be one of the perfect scenes you experience when you dine at some of the best individual or hotel restaurants along Jimbaran Hill, south of Denpasar. Padi and Dava restaurants at the Ritz Carlton, Bali, and Ko Japanese restaurant at InterContinental Resort Bali are some of the best options.
Classy restaurants with food fit for a king are found in many places in Nusa Dua and Benoa, such as Suku Restaurant at The Conrad Bali.
Or visit a restaurant in popular Seminyak and Kerobokan near Kuta and experience the holiday atmosphere. Beautifully designed in Balinese architecture blended with Eastern and Western elements, you and your partner can dine by candlelight surrounded by a lush garden with flaming torches. Kudeta, Double Six, Bacio Club, Pantarei, Warung Made are among the popular dining places in the area.
If you want a variety of style, just visit Kuta. Rows of cafes and restaurants are ready to delight your palates and your eyes with their delectable dishes, trendy music and stylish interiors. Try Kamasutra, the Waves, Hard Rock Caf.
Offering a lot more than just a plate of food and beverages, Balinese restaurants and eating establishment are very proud of their distinct dining atmospheres.
Rows of sophisticated bars and restaurants, pubs and cafes, coffee shops and more casual dining places abound in just about every favorite destination of the island such as Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Benoa, Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur.
New eating places are emerging in Canggu. ""Haute-cuisine"" can even be found in remote places like Pemuteran in North Bali and Manggis in Karangasem, East Bali, at luxury hotels.
Bali is not just a cultural haven but is also a culinary paradise for food lovers around the world.
In the past, people came to Bali just to enjoy its natural beauty and to experience its cultural richness. Now, they also come for its mouth-watering food and to experience its restaurant culture. The island boasts hundreds of eating establishments offering homemade Balinese food, Asian food, Western cuisine and Mediterranean food, Indian and Mideast food and many other types of local and international dishes.
Bali has become a global village with people coming from across the world. No wonder there are many European, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants.is a very unique place with a very wide opportunity for any chef to explore their potential in preparing their best creations,"" Markus Krickelberg, chairman of Bali Culinary Association, a non-profit organization of local and international chefs in Bali, once told The Jakarta Post.
When people visit Bali and eat out at one of the island's many restaurants, they may discover a new experience and atmosphere that can influence every part of their being.
""Cooking is a very complicated process for a chef involving his mind, feelings and artistic skills,"" he said. When preparing food for their clients, good chefs may explore their very best talents to satisfy their clients. Visiting a restaurant is like a journey to an artistic place that pampers your palates, your hearts and minds. (The restaurant) should not consist only of a line of tables and chairs with cold white plates and napkins. When you dine out in a restaurant, you have to have great feeling, great atmosphere with innovative chefs and delicious cuisines,"" Krickelberg recommended.
Many top restaurants in Bali meet this ""criteria"", meaning that you will undoubtedly enjoy eating out in such places. These types of eating places are popular among those who like international cuisine.
Bali also offers its guests authentic home cooking. The best place to taste real Balinese food is in a Balinese household, where mothers are Bali's best cooks.
Nasi Campur (rice served with assorted steamed vegetables, meat, fried fish and chili), Lawar (grated coconut mixed with spices and meat) are favorite local dishes.
Almost every market and roadside warung (food stall) serves these dishes. But if you are worried about hygiene, a lot of warung-style cafes and restaurants cater to those who want to taste Indonesian, particularly Balinese, dishes.
If holidaying in Bali, it is recommended that you visit one of the many popular restaurants to taste the best food the island has to offer. Most big restaurants accept major credit cards, with some offering attractive discounts. You have a plethora of choices. What you need now is to follow your heart and your palate.
