Uni Restaurant
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The Urchin boys are back on the Indonesian dining scene with a brand new venue in tow. Uni launched late last year and is the first restaurant from the combined efforts of Urchin’s former star chef Steven Skelly and drinks guru Nicolas Lento.
The design-savvy new 70-seater in the heart of Berawa is a self-described ‘casual fine diner’ that has been crafted in a collaboration between Steven and Design by Design Assembly. The artwork which lines the walls is a part of another special collaboration, this time with French artist Yaz and his collection Fair Le Off. As for the food, an amalgamation of Asian inspiration and contemporary techniques, the menu is a foray through Japanese flavours (among others) and sophisticated dishes to match its equally sophisticated tipple.
Locally sourced seafood and vegetables are heroed and prepared with Japanese and French influences in a modern style. Step aside molecular gastronomy, the focus here is on delicious flavour combinations that simply work and taste amazing. And the result is simply brilliant. Two different menus are available - an a la carte and a tasting option. Both are awash with Asian-inspired flavours.
We loved tasting our way through Uni’s menu. The dish of coddled egg was a luxurious start to our dining experience. 65 degree egg encasing dripping yolk was layered with sea urchin and topped with caviar. Just magic.
The snapper carpaccio was similarly delicious. Delicately sliced and topped with fern tips, dill oil and fennel pollen, this was a restrained and elegant dish which highlighted the freshness of the fish.
The crab lasagna was a crowd pleaser which had us fighting over the last morsel. Think layers of al dente pasta sheets adorned with sweet crab meat, soft herbs and a ginger emulsion.
For mains the roasted snapper served with pickled carrot, almonds and sherry vinegar was simply beautiful and wonderfully balanced. The fish was cooked to perfection, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through.
Dessert time continued to please with a stunning cheesecake served with honey and a thoroughly modern dessert of custard apple, strawberry granita, yoghurt chiboust and meringue.
The drool-worthy fare at Uni is partnered with an experimental drinks list, which includes an impressive array of sake, low proof cocktails, as well as wines that have been sourced from around the globe. Natural wines have recently made their way to Uni too – an exciting offering that is hard to come by in Bali.
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Phone: +62 811-3883-371
