Every night the firepits are cooking tomorrow's brisket and pulled pork. You'll find BBQ that's low and slow... Texas style here at Smokehouse. Try all the meats and stock up on sides, it won't disappoint. Get in early as it often sells out.
MOTEL MEXICOLA (Seminyak, Bali)
Motel Mexicola
Jalan Kayujati No 9
Petingenget Beach
Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 736688
LELLO LELLO GELATO (Seminyak, Bali)
Imagine a life without gelato? That's right ... you can't!
*Sadly Lello Lello Gelato is no longer open*
Lello Lello Gelato is the sweetest little gelato shop in Seminyak. The good folk have been operating for over six months now and always scoop with a smile. You can tell that Lello has been a long labour of love. Gorgeous little sayings adorn the walls, beautiful mosaic tiles lay cool under your feet as you peer into the length of the freezer bursting with bright colours and seductive folds. With plenty of room to lounge about, you choose your weapon, find a pineapple cushion and snuggle on in.
Flavours range from traditional Stracciatella (vanilla and choc chips) to the stunning flavours of local fruits, see the pretty hues of my scoop of Dragon Fruit below. You can dream away the afternoon with a bowl of Mojito or Gin & Tonic or drop in for an outrageous dose of Green Smoothie (yes, gelato - parsley included) after your morning yoga.
Coconut, Tangerine & Mint + Dragonfruit
A true taste of Italy, with a Messina twist, on the busy streets of Bali. They even serve a shot of water with your gelato to cleanse the palette. Next time I am definitely going to stop in for a roti at their pop up curry stall and end the night with a gelato degustation. Life just ain't complete without gelato.
The gorgeous little curry pop up at Lello Lello. Next time I am definitely hitting up a serve of roti.
BALI BAKERY (Seminyak, Bali)
Smack bang in the middle of Seminyak, you will find Bali Bakery relaxing under a thatched roof. A bakery come lazy eatery with a typical 'Eat Street' menu, heavy with Australian influences. The servings are generous, the service is friendly and boy do they offer some fine traditional Indonesian fare.
Gado gado is an Indonesian staple and I crave it when I need a decent dose of fresh veggies. Each warung serves their own variation but its common to just find a plate of blanched and raw vegetables with a dollop of peanut sauce. Bali Bakery's take comes with potataoes, fried tempeh, tofu, vegetable rolls and a boiled egg. The hefty serve of peanut satay sprinkled with fried shallots was just made to dunk in a welcome serve of krupuk (fried crackers).
I usually arrive home from Bali thinking I didn't chow down enough Mi Goreng. It is so easy to get swept up in the romance of modern eateries, and forgetting the dishes that Bali has to offer. The Mi Goreng at Bali Bakery is one of the best, a healthy serving of chicken, crispy vegetables and the yummiest pickled chillies you will ever find. Forget the oily noodle boxed variety. When it comes to traditional Indonesian fare, Bali Bakery knows how to deliver.
THAI CORNER (Seminyak, Bali)
Hungry in Bali? Rule number 1: if the restaurant is not full of people, it is best not to eat there.
I am glad that we rode past Thai Corner last night, a little shack on Jalan Petitenget bustling with happy faces. Whilst it was empty for lunch, our quest for rice noodles was made that bit easier. Pad Thai with all the good stuff for about $3.
SEA CIRCUS (Seminyak, Bali)
'Sea Circus is not an actual circus*. It’s also not on the sea. It’s kinda near the beach… and probably as entertaining as a circus. OK, Sea Circus is an odd name. But it’s a really good restaurant, bar & coffee den thingy. So there.'
Sea Circus will have you dreaming of pastel coloured coffee cups with gorgeous notes of fortunes long after you say goodbye to those balmy nights.
This colourful gem is one of my absolute favourites in Bali. The pretty rainbow window panes welcome you in with the bright décor begging you to nestle in all day long. They offer a simple menu for breky, lunch and dinner, delicious cocktails and bangin’ good coffee by Five Senses.
I tucked into corn fritters with feta, chili jam and rocket with a side of avocado. So refreshing to not be lining up at some buffet eyeing off strange looking bacon. The 'rocket fuel' was the Danny Zucko of ice coffees, lovingly cold dripped over eight hours.
Vibrant chevron stripes and quirky touches adorn every inch of this merry eatery. You just can't help but make you fall in love, especially when you leave with a happy tummy.
Complimented by friendly staff and great food, you would rather stub your toe on the wonky Bali pavement then miss out. Make sure Sea Circus is your first stop on your next Bali adventure.
Sea Circus
22 Jalan Kayu Aya [Oberoi Rd]
Seminyak, Bali.
Tell your taxi: next to Bodyworks
Phone: +62 361 738 667
Check out their Facebook page!