Billy Ho Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Bali

This was our best meal in Canggu! I don't say this lightly, and I apologize in advance to others who may have had a different experience. I find that context is everything with these reviews. Your context may differ from mine, and your resulting experience may differ as well. That being said, let's begin. Dress code: I inquired about the dress code because I hate being under or overdressed. Being Bali, I still opted for shorts and thongs (with a collared shirt). This was a good choice because folks were super casual, so we fit right in. As we entered the restaurant, we noticed that the crowd was sparce. Usually, this is a bad sign, but given that many flights had been canceled due to a volcanic eruption, I dismissed the crowd size.

We were seated in a booth next to the front window and had a commanding view of everything. Being that this is a sushi restaurant, I was a little skeptical and told my wife that we should just order a few things to see how we go, and she agreed. I wanted a cocktail, but everyone that I had on this trip was dreadful. I told my bartender this as I inquired about their ability to make a standard margarita (their cocktail suggestions did not move me). He assured me that their bartender was up to the task. A few moments later, our drink order arrived, and BINGO... THAT is how you make a cocktail!

The nigiri platter was fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning. It was so good that we ordered a second one! Our tempura mix was lightly fried crispy and was served with 3 different sauces. The edemame was... well, edemame. The pork and leak skewers were juicy and smoky. Did I mention that I ordered another drink? Hahahaha.

I fully understand that service and quality of food can be impacted by the volume of customers, so I have no idea what this place would be like with a packed house. But on my visit, it was great... Even better than most of the sushi we get in Brisbane for a more...

I was told on good authority Billy Ho is THE hottest ticket in Canggu right now. Opened post-COVID in the first week of February let it be known that Billy Ho simply exudes sex appeal and style. While we arrived without a booking, we were greeted by possibly one of Balinese’s most beautiful models in a long flowing white tee and serious knee high boots. She smiles and gives me a look that says “everything will be ok” as I beg for a table at this lush establishment.

We are parked at a high table at the side of the restaurant that allows us to view the entire restaurant and what they are eating. People watching is my favourite and most rewarding hobby. As I do suffer from a serious case of FOMO I never want to miss out on what the good options to select are. I make that know to our wonderful waiter Yoga who is a sheer delight. Back home, he’s someone I totally would be friends with. He points out, the already most popular menu items with ease and I simply follow his direction starting with Billy Ho’s twist of an Old Fashioned cocktail which is called a PB Old Fashioned. It’s kind of peanut butter in taste and served with two random gummy bears, those lollies kids would eat.

Somehow this all makes sense as I fall head over heals in love with Billy Ho. The menu is a laundry list of items divided into Dim Sum, Sushi, Nigiri, Small Plates and Large Plates. We ordered around 7 items and it’s really hard to pick a favourite as I liked (no I LOVED) everything which included Scallop & Prawn Dumpling, Prawn Dumpling, Flame Torched Salmond Tornado, Dynamite Spicy Salmon Roll, a very refreshing Cured Scallop and Aged Amberjack, Karaage Chicken Lollipop and Yakitori Chicken. And I rarely order dessert but even I surprised myself with the Cookies and Cream parfait.

My advice,...

I came in for dinner after a friend had recommended the place to me. After we were seated, the lady explained that it was a food-sharing concept...meaning you order a bunch of stuff to be shared amongst your friends. Sort of like tapas. The menu was Asian fusion...a bit of Chinese/Japanese/Korean. We ordered the Octopus Kimchi to start, the Steamed Grouper and Black Angus Beef as mains, and the Trio of Rice to share. The Octopus Kimchi were way overseasoned...from the very first bite it was unbearable salty. The Black Angus Beef was a nice idea...the Yuzu and Eggplant balanced out the Beef, but the flavors were so strong that after one or two bites I had enough. The Steamed Grouper was decent and Trio of Rice just ok. Determined to end with hopefully a nice dessert, I ordered the “Es Krim Potong” (Block of Ice Cream). It came with layers of Roti and it was definitely a generous portion. However when I had a bite, it was definitely NOT ice cream, it was a block of cold chilled cream-like mousse-like something, the consistency and texture was not to my personal liking. Overall the food was not suitable for my palate. Perhaps it was really intended for foreigners who are looking for a...