Just back after 18 days - try and get over there with the kids and wife at least every 18 months and thought I would give a few of my recommendations for restaurants. There are lots of bad places to eat in Bali but also so many great places as well so just choose carefully and find something you like. Street food is great but with 3 little kids not always practical. Here are a few of the places we tried this time.
Rumours - just as good as always. They have renovated since last time we were there (late 2008) I actually preferred the way the place looked before but can never fault the food, drinks and service and great value.
Ultimo - had a couple of great meals here - desserts not outstanding but the rest of the meal was great. Try and get a table outside - we did and worth the short wait at the bar. Better still tell them you want a table and dash across the road to new bar called Divine Wonderland - great cocktails and kind weird decor (think Alice in Wonderland theme) probably best mojito's we had in Bali and we had a few!! ps try the eggplant entree prob best dish we tried there
Ku De Ta - still great. $$$$ for Bali pretty much on par with Aussie prices but breakfast also great value. if you have kids take them for SUnday morning breakfasts put on special kids stuff and good fun. have a dip in the sea and come back to your table for a great breakfast - set breakfast is only about $16 AU think it cost about $80 for 5 each time we had breakfast there for 5 of us including a few bloody mary's for myself. service and setting outstanding.
Pearl - you gotta try this place!! young French chef called Jeremy who is very welcoming and the perfect host. romantic setting and quality of food beats alot of other higher priced places in Bali we have tried before eg Living Room, Ma Jolie (crap). food is amazing - must have the creme brulee but I think everything for dessert is pretty much awesome. off Jalan Double Six in Legian at the Pearl Hotel.
Beach House at Echo Beach - was a bit underwhelmed with this place when we arrived(never been before) but it kind of grew on me throughout the night (had plenty of arak!!) great band and Sunday night is an institution there so get there early - not great for kids but a fun night out.
Bali Bakery - had breakfast couple of times here and not bad not great - staff not really friendly and service pretty average for the price.
Maccaroni - always go here and was pleased that its still good after all this time. kids love it here and gnocchi is great.Acroos the road from the memorial.
First time we had gone to Safari Park and it was great - kids loved it just get a driver and go early we got there at 9am and kids had prob 2 hours with all the animals by themselves before the crowds arrived which was great. heaps of tigers to pat, monkeys to hold etc
Anyway planning next trip....