Who says Uluwatu only has Bintang and Nasi Goreng? This French restaurant is truly Mantap!

Every time friends come to Bali, they clamor to go to Uluwatu, as if there's nothing else here besides surfing, visiting temples, and drinking Bintang. Anjay! This time, I refused to believe it, following a spot on Google Maps with 8000+ reviews and a 4.9 rating, and turned into an unassuming alley... And I was blown away.

The 'Little Paris' Hidden in an Alley

Stepping inside, it's a completely different world, it's like a different dimension compared to the dusty road outside. The pool shimmered, surrounded by meticulously maintained tropical plants and stylishly designed tables and chairs. The air carried a sophisticated yet relaxing 'chill' vibe. The guests here were also quite well-dressed, it felt like instantly switching from island mode to a chic urban channel, perfect for a date or a ceremonial dinner with the girls! ✨

Great Taste, Not Just Pretty Looks

I originally thought that places with such good ambiance might have mediocre food, but I was completely proven wrong. We ordered some seafood appetizers; the oysters were so fresh, like they were just pulled from the sea, with the salty freshness of the ocean, a squeeze of lemon juice, one bite, absolutely amazing. For the main course, I went for the steak, ordered medium-rare, the doneness was perfectly controlled, crispy on the outside, with an enticing pink inside, and incredibly juicy. My friend's grilled fish was also stunning, the skin was crispy, but the flesh was so tender it melted in your mouth. Their cocktail menu was also very interesting, not the kind that just fools tourists, you could sit down and nongkrong for a whole evening. 🍹

A Few Honest Words...

Of course, no one is perfect, and neither are restaurants. To be honest, the prices here aren't cheap; expect to spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of Indonesian Rupiah per person, your wallet might hurt a bit 🥲. Also, because it's so popular, the staff might be a bit overwhelmed when it gets busy, and as for the serving speed... just be a bit 'Zen' about it. Anyway, the ambiance is so good, spending more time chatting isn't a loss.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Must-Visit Guide

Finally, here are the key points for those of you girls who want to go for it!

• Reservations are a Must: You absolutely must book in advance! You can book directly on Google Maps, don't foolishly walk in, 8000+ good reviews are no joke, chances are you won't get a table.
• Best Time: Evening is the most beautiful time to come, you can capture the gradual light change from daytime to when the lights first come on. The seats by the pool are the most photogenic, you can try requesting them when you make your reservation.
• Outfit Suggestion: Dress beautifully! This place is definitely worth pulling out that special dress from the back of your closet. Too casual beach shorts and flip-flops might feel a bit out of place.
• How to Get There: The address is in the Pecatu area, south of Uluwatu. Just search for the restaurant name Gooseberry French Restaurant directly on Gojek/Grab and you'll find it, don't be scared by the small alley, walk boldly in!