Starfish Bloo at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak

With it’s über chic atmosphere and contemporary twist on traditional Bali culture, W Hotel has become the destination of choice for the trendy jet setters of Bali looking to eat, drink, work, rest and play at a venue that is quite unlike anything else on the island. The ‘wow’ factor is undeniable, from the hip and happening lobby, across the multi-layered pools designed to echo Bali’s famous rice paddies, right down to the stylish WooBar where cocktails to die for are in abundance.
Beachside signature restaurant Starfish Bloo epitomizes the W ethos of pure luxury and absolute service, coupled with a unique aquamarine concept and of course, mouth-watering food courtesy of new head chef Ashley Garvey. Australian born Garvey joins the team at W having proved his mettle in the kitchens of such luminary Noosa Heads restaurants as the Michelin starred Bernado’s and Season, and is hungry to inject his own brand of Pan-Asian cuisine into the menu at Starfish Bloo.

The restaurant itself is like a kind of undersea lair, with bubbling fishtanks dotted around between huge wicker cages that surround each table to resemble lobster pots. Splashes of turquoise further enhance the sub marine feel, boosted by the proximity of the crashing waves on Seminyak beach within close earshot.
As you’d expect from W, the industrious waiting staff make sure that your every whim is catered to, with efficient service and a genuine enthusiasm for friendly conversation that goes far beyond the ubiquitous cheerful Bali smile.

My Starfish Bloo experience begins with a breezy chat with Ashley over a Ginger Cooler (85k++) about some of the new creations he’s added to the menu, before being sent out a selection of his favourites for a friend and myself to check out. First up from the starters is the wonderfully light and tangy Carpaccio of Hamachi & Salmon (155k++) with Japanese shallot dressing, local herbs and salmon eggs. Meanwhile my buddy tucks into the Lobster Roll (190k++) – a New England classic that has been given the Starfish Bloo touch thanks to its toasted brioche roll and kewpie mayo dressing.


Next to set our taste buds alight from the larger dishes section list comes the Wagyu Brisket Buns (210k++) – a butter soft chunk of Rendang beef, all ready to be rolled up into soft savoury pancakes, kind of like an Asian burrito. We’re also lucky enough to sample Garvey’s new spin on a Thai Green Curry, which has yet to be put on the menu. The authentic Thai recipe and cluster of fat, juicy prawns ensure that this one is sure to be a hit.


From the sweets menu we try out the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Marquise (95k++), and the White Chocolate Mousse with Passionfruit (125k++). They are both exquisite examples of how to elevate desserts to something approaching art – particularly the latter, which involves immersing the white chocolate mousse into liquid nitrogen, resulting in an incredibly creamy texture.
Despite our lunchtime gluttony, a glance back through the menu shows that we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s on offer at Starfish Bloo. With separate lunch and dinnertime menus crammed full of other delectable treats such as oysters, sushi, sashimi, curries and prime cuts and more, there is something for everyone at this Seminyak modern classic.
Dan Ashcroft
Starfish Bloo at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak
03613000106 | www.starfishbloorestaurant.com