Now for all the other places we got to try.
Celcius - Centro Department Store, Discovery Mall. We'd spent the day at Waterbom Park and the late afternoon shopping in Discovery, so were pretty exhausted. Celcius is right at the back corner of Centro, looking out over the ocean. There is a lovely balcony, so if you can get there to watch the sunset, I would recommend it. The most amazing Pad Thai I have ever tasted, and Chicken Breast with vegies for my partner. The service here was very professional. Total 110,000 ($15).
Mini - in the main drag through Kuta, just south of the memorial, on the opposite side of the road. We had met a couple at our hotel and they took us here one night. It's kinda like Jimbaran Bay where you choose your seafood, but they have one price per item (i.e. all snappers are 1 price, all prawns are 1 price, etc. it doesn't go on weight, so best to pick out the biggest one you can). We selected 2 large snappers, 4 HUGE prawns, and a large plate full of mussels. They were BBQd for us and we chose some authentic balinese rice dishes and vegetable dishes to accompany. Along with quiet a few bintangs and wines. Total 300,000 ($41). Not bad for a seafood feast.
Mamas - also on the main drag in Kuta. My partner is originally from Austria, so was keen to get an authentic schnitzel just like mama (excuse the pun) used to make. The schnitzel was served with chosen sides of mash, rice and cabbage. A tender beef stroganoff was the other dish. And some garlic bread to start off with. Total 136,000 ($18).
Bumbu Bali - Benoa. The couple we met at our hotel wanted to go here as one of them had been years ago. They also run cooking classes. We negotiated a cab for 50,000 to take us. I can't tell you the specific dishes, but it ended up being quiet a Balinese feast. The food was delicious but if you don't like spicy food, be warned. My partner was a lather a sweat. Total 270,000 ($37). The setting of this place is quiet magical. Although I think Sate Bali would give it a run for it's money in the food stakes. The couple we went with actually ate at Sate Bali later in their holiday and apologised for dragging us over to the other side of the island after they realised they could get just the same (if not better) quality just up the road.
Last but not least Cafe Moka in the main drag at Seminyak. We love the laid back feel of this place. We also love watching all the ex-pats drop in to pick up supplies. They have a notice board advertising rental properties and items for sale. It's fun to browse through it. I always choose from the tapas menu here. Chicken Teriyaki in a pastry case, Crab Balls, Calamari, Seafood Soup, Beef Stew. Total 177,00 ($24). You can't leave this place without taking some of their cakes. They have a very impressive display cabinet and their eclairs are to die for. In fact, on our last night, I caught a cab down there just to buy one last one before leaving.
And that's it.
A final word. These are my opinions and probably won't match everyones as we are all different. I hope you get something from my suggests. We've only stratched the surface of restaurants on offer at this beautiful island. I can only hope that I continue to sample many more.
Leanne