Livingstone, 10,000 Google Good Reviews: Myth or Epic Fail?
qponx
2026-02-01
Wondering if Livingstone in Bali lives up to its 10,000+ Google reviews? This article explores the massive, modern cafe, revealing why it's a local favorite. While main dishes can be a hit-or-miss, its legendary Baker's Scrambled Egg Croissant and exceptional coffee are definite must-tries. Get the inside scoop on the best times to visit and what to order for a fantastic experience at this famous Petitenget spot, ensuring you don't miss out on the good stuff.
Every time I pass by Petitenget, I can't help but notice this huge white building. Livingstone, the OG of Bali's influencer cafes, a quick check on Google Maps reveals over 10,000 4.8-star reviews[1], it's incredibly popular. Half of my friends rave about it, while the other half complain. My curiosity is piqued, so today I absolutely have to come and check it out myself!
Super Spacious, But the Vibe is Unexpectedly Chill
Walking in, I was truly struck by how"big" it is, with incredibly high ceilings and a strong sense of space. Surrounded by greenery, the design is very modern, not at all the small and pretty Instagrammable style, but rather a grand and comfortable feeling[2]. The air conditioning inside is strong, a blessing for those who fear the heat; there's also an outdoor smoking area where you can Nongkrong while watching the street. Although people come and go, because the space is large enough, it doesn't feel noisy at all. Instead, it has a vibrant urban feel, very suitable for bringing a laptop to work or meeting friends for a chat.
I went straight to the point and ordered a few of their legendary signature dishes:
- Baker's Scrambled Egg Croissant🥐: This is an absolute must-rave! The croissant is baked so flaky it crumbles, and the butter aroma explodes. The scrambled eggs inside are super generous and have that moist, tender texture, not dry, lumpy scrambled eggs. One bite, and you get crispy, savory, soft, and tender – the layers of texture are amazing, Mantap![3]
- Coffee☕️: As a coffee addict, their coffee is truly exceptional. I tried the Petitenget Blend, and it was very smooth, clearly a place that takes coffee seriously[4]. No wonder some say it's"Bali's Melbourne coffee" standard.
- Pastries🍩: Bread lovers will go crazy here! An entire counter is filled with freshly baked croissants and donuts. The almond croissant[5] has perfectly toasted almond flakes on top, and the filling's sweetness is just right. The prices are also reasonable, a croissant is only 25k-32k Indonesian Rupiah[6], which is good value for money.
Let's Talk Real, It's Not All Rainbows and Unicorns
Alright, now that I've praised it, let's talk some truth. Their biggest issue is"inconsistent" quality control.
The Indonesian fried rice (Kampoeng Fried Rice) I ordered this time was flavorful, the portion was generous, and the accompanying chicken leg was very tender[7], so it was quite good. However, I've heard more than one friend complain that the main dishes they ordered, such as earlier versions of fried rice or Eggs Benedict, were bland, and the chicken was as dry as a mummy[8], making it feel like two different chefs were cooking. So, ordering main dishes might be a hit or miss.
Also, service varies. During peak hours, when it gets crowded, the staff can get a bit flustered, and ordering and serving might be slow. Prices are mid-to-high range in Bali, and if you happen to order a"minefield" dish, you might indeed feel it's not worth it.
[Veteran's Guide]
Finally, a few practical tips for my friends who are planning to visit:
- Don't go during meal times! Peak hours are explosively crowded, and the experience will suffer. Either go early, or during afternoon tea time. If you want to play it safe, book in advance[9].
- If you're afraid of the heat, sit inside! There's a constant flow of people near the entrance, and with the door always open, the AC escapes. If you want to Chill comfortably, make sure to choose a seat further inside[10].
- What's the safest way to order? Mindlessly go for their croissant series and coffee, you basically can't go wrong. You can try the main dishes, but keep a calm mind and don't have too high expectations.
- Parking is super convenient! No need to worry at all if you come by car or motorbike, they have a huge parking lot, which is an Anjay-level advantage in the Seminyak area!
- Must-order: Baker's Scrambled Egg Croissant [1]. Flaky croissant, moist scrambled eggs. Crispy, salty bliss in every bite!
- Not your average IG spot! This high-ceiling, plant-filled [2] space has a Chill urban vibe. Perfect for a laptop day.
- Bali's Melbourne-standard coffee [3] + a toasted almond croissant [4] (just 25k-32k IDR [5]) = heavenly pairing!
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