Jamie’s Italian Kuta Beach by Jamie Oliver

Amazingly it’s been over two years since everyone’s favourite cheeky chappie chef , Jamie Oliver threw open the doors to the Bali branch of his famous Italian eatery down on Kuta Beach.
An instant hit from day one, Jamie’s Italian Kuta Beach is going stronger than ever, proving popular with pretty much everyone – from locals and expats to tourists both domestic and international. Expect hearty, healthy, homemade Italian grub from the bright and easy to navigate menu, like antipasti entrees and cured meat plank to artisan pizzas and of course, pastas. Completing the picture are a selection of carnivorous mains, super salads and a smattering of authentic Italian dolce.

Aussie Head Chef Scott Solomon helms up the kitchen with a passion for flavours and freshness, and makes sure that all the boss’ recipes hit the tables exactly as they should. Rustic, homey and comfortable, there are plenty of places to sit, with exposed timber tables and eye-catching colour schemes that make for a super stylish dining experience.

Since my last visit, the menu has had a few slight tweaks to include a few more vegetarian options, so with that in mind a few mates and I share out a few meat-free starters to get the ball rolling, including the Spinach and Ricotta Croquettes (85k++), the Tomato Bruschetta (74k++), the Truffle Flatbread (85k++) and the deliciously smoky Baked Mushrooms (90k++). Washing all that wonderfulness down is a round of Pineapple & Lemongrass Martinis (120k++), which get the nod of approval from all – hey, it is past midday after all.

For our mains the order reads one wagyu beef-filled Ravioli Con Carne (155k++), an imported Aussie Herby Lamb Steak (225k++) – chargrilled on the bone with roasted peppers and pine nuts, and a Simple Baked Lasagne (160k++), all of which are bursting with the freshest flavours and absolutely bang on the money in terms of proper Italian home-cooking. We also indulge in the Porkie Pizza (165k++) split between us – the artisanal salami and smoked pancetta are particular highlights.

Somehow there’s still room for dessert, so out comes an Orange Polenta Cake (65k++), a Vin Santu Tiramisu (90k++), the Raspberry Rippled Pavlova (85k++) and the Amalfi Lemon Meringue Cheesecake (90k++) to really top us off in style. A class act from start to finish – as you’d expect from Mr. Oliver, Jamie’s Italian Kuta Beach is a must if you’re after real Italian in Bali.
Dan Ashcroft