So we weren’t exactly sticking to a strict budget when we arrived in Seminyak, given it was the start of our South East Asia adventure. It was our turn to splurge, indulge and try the best of the local spots, which we’d heard so much about. The places below where we reckon you should eat and drink in Seminyak didn’t disappoint.
Ginger Moon
Having just arrived in Seminyak, starving after a long flight and without too much prior planning, we stumbled upon Ginger Moon, and we’re glad we did. It seems Bali does good Asian fusion, a mix of everything from around Asia presented in a modern style and very easy to eat. As recommended by the menu, we chose a couple of dishes to share and loved all the choices we made. Located on ‘eat street’ in Seminyak (the main dining street), we’d recommend you stop and eat.
Corner House
Breakfast wasn’t included in our accommodation, so we began the tedious task of looking for somewhere to start our day, which at the start of our trip, needed to begin with coffee and as you know, looking for coffee, without having your coffee isn’t always fun. Corner House, as the name suggests in on the corner of the main street in Seminyak, so we didn’t have to walk too far to find this place. Looking like something off Ponsonby Road in Auckland, we stumbled in, took a seat and were greeted by people who knew how to make coffee…and pancakes. Pretty western, we weren’t putting ourselves out there and experiencing ‘the real Bali’, but who cares the coffee was good and so we went back.
MAMA San
When we told our Airbnb host we were heading to Mama San for dinner, his response was ‘oh, Fine Dining’. This made us second-guess our dinner choice as we weren’t dressed or planning on working our way outside-in with our cutlery in Bali, wanting a more relaxed vibe while on holiday. But I’m happy to say, Mama San, while classy and elegant was a comfortable and relaxed dining experience where the food measured up. A menu with modern Asian options and a great selection of wine and cocktails, something we definitely enjoyed. We hadn’t booked a table, so were seated in the upstairs lounge area but could still chose from the mains menu. We chose a selection of dishes, which included the Pork Belly and Beef Rendang and were not disappointed. Only recommendation, would be to book a table before hand, and check the dress code (there is one) so you don’t miss out.
Motel Mexicola
After seeing photos of this place on other blogs and instagram, we had to go here. Its bright colours, geometric patterns and the call of Mexican food couldn’t keep us away. With all the usual Mexican delicacies and a few different options, we settled on the De Pollo Quesadilla and Chorizo Rollo, but would maybe try something different if we were to go back (and we would). The cocktails went down a sweet treat and I’d tell you to give the Paloma Blanca a go. Even if you think Mexican food is a wee bit cliché at the moment, think of all the photo opportunities for instagram and give this place a try.
Potato Head Beach Club
Potato Head feels like the place to go if you want to be seen in Bali. With its bar, restaurant space and infinity pool overlooking the beach, it’s the perfect place to have a cocktail or two and catch the afternoon rays. They served up a good margarita or two and the staff were professional and happy to please. We didn’t stay long here as we were didn’t have our swimwear with us, and too be fair didn’t really want to take our clothes off amongst the crowd, but if your accommodation doesn’t have a pool, we’d recommend this one. Oh, and did we mention the lawn?! It’s a little further away than the other bars in Seminyak, so take a taxi or Uber, and follow the long driveway, through the security checkpoint and make your way into this modern looking venue.
Ku de ta
We headed here late afternoon after a hectic day visiting Kuta, (then leaving Kuta not long after arriving) and spent the evening on the steps of Ku de ta, watching what turned out to be one of those magical sunsets that make you remember why sunsets are so magical. The cocktails and Bintang are good (although not necessarily cheap), and the staff here are pretty attentive, so only watch out would be to maybe not drink as many berry daiquiris as I did and mix it up just a little. This place has dining and swimming options too, but we enjoyed it a little more than Potato Head as it seemed like a slightly older crowd and maybe not quite as ‘cool’.