Cerita Manisan — Restaurant in Bali

A couple of friends recommended this restaurant to try whenever visiting Ubud, last night my husband and I went there for an impromptu dinner and we experienced the WORST SERVICE EVER!!

We came in at 8.30PM (I previously checked on their IG that they close at 10 PM). When we got there, nobody greeted us. There were probably around 5 tables that were occupied, so the restaurant wasn’t incredibly busy. I then came up to one of their staff asking for a smoking table for 2. The guy just said “Oh you can sit anywhere, every table can smoke”. Then we went to find ourself a seat at the outdoor area at the back.

We ordered our food and beers, our orders came and we enjoyed our dinner. The ambiance was nice, great music and food was amazing. About 30 mins into our meal (around 9.10 PM), one of the waitress asks if we have finished our meals, we were confused as we only have gotten through half of our meal and we’re still chewing our food. We told her that we haven’t finished yet, and she reminded us that last order is at 9.30 PM and asked whether we wanted to order anything else, we said no.

We continued eating and around 15 mins later, another waitress (different one from before) came up to our table and asked whether we’re done with our meal. We haven’t answered yet (as we’re still chewing our food!), yet she proceeds to clear the table! We asked her why are you in such a hurry to clear our table and she answered that it’s because last order is at 9.30 PM - which didn’t make sense to us.

And around 9.40 PM, they brought in the bill for us, without us asking. We were the last table there, and all the staff was starting to clear the area, already packing up the tables and chairs, taking out the trash bags etc, despite their closing hour is at 10 PM. I paid my bill and communicated my concerns on their terrible terrible service to the first waiter and she apologized for the inconvenience. I asked for the supervisor or manager but they said there was no upper management in charge at that time.

None of the staff asked how our meal was and all they were concerned about was us finishing our meals quickly so they can close up! We felt like we had to eat in a hurry, which completely ruined the experience for us. The ambiance and food is great but their service is TERRIBLE....

This is the epitome of what you would expect from Ubud, Bali! An exceptionally designed and curated experience from the moment you walk in down the wooden planks flanked by a growing rice field coaxed down towards an inviting rustic Indonesian meets Mexican-esque open air restaurant. Every aspect of this restaurant is well thought out. Seating is orientated for a private dining feel, whilst still accommodating for large groups. This restaurant becomes majestic at night with dimly lit corners creating eye catching architectural design with interior design elements making you feel like you are in a place miles away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Ubud streets. The food and cocktails are exceptional, fusing Indonesian cuisine with exceptionally executed dishes. It isn't easy making simple dishes incredibly memorable, but this place does it! The cocktails are incredible, and the food will leave you amazed at how the chefs, interior designers and the architects have created a spectacular way to celebrate the incredibly deep Indonesian culture from everything from food to the multiple cultural touch points that make Indonesia and Bali a stunningly spectacular place. So many places in Ubud are culturally sanitised for, frankly, an offensively arrogant westerner traveller who only wants bland, western style cafes, but Cerita Manisan defies this western intrusion of beautiful Bali by celebrating EVERYTHING that is Indonesia, from the gorgeous 70's Indonesian lounge music, to the use of volcanic indonesian stone wall art, wood carvings, rice fields, EVERYTHING about this place is empathically and lovingly thought out by a team of people who REALLY know what they are doing from the design of spaces, atmosphere, interior design and of course the food and drinks. Sure, you can visit the multitude of westernised, sanitised and culturally disconnected restaurants and bars in Ubud.... But why would you come to indonesia/Bali and ignore the cultural depth this country has to offer? Do yourself a favour and eat and experience Cerita Manisan at night. A depth of culture celebrated. Perfectly executed. The best restaurant I've ever been...

A Hidden Gem with Delicious Indonesian Cuisine at Cerita Manisan

I recently stumbled upon Cerita Manisan, a hidden gem tucked away behind Pison with a picturesque walk through rice paddy fields. The experience was truly delightful, and the standout feature was the incredibly delicious Indonesian food they serve.

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance. The menu at Cerita Manisan showcases a wide array of authentic Indonesian dishes, and each one is a true culinary delight.

One dish that left a lasting impression was the fried duck. It was cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. The flavors were well-balanced and truly showcased the essence of Indonesian cuisine. I highly recommend trying the fried duck for a truly memorable dining experience.

Another dish that stole the show was the fried rice. It was packed with aromatic flavors and perfectly cooked grains. The combination of ingredients created a harmonious blend of savory goodness that was simply irresistible. And let's not forget the fried mashed potatoes, which were an unexpected surprise and an absolute delight! They added a unique twist to the meal and were incredibly tasty.

The overall dining experience at Cerita Manisan was enhanced by its idyllic location. The walk through the rice paddy fields added a touch of tranquility and natural beauty to the outing, making it a truly memorable journey.

The team member is also very friendly and the place is clean.

Whether you're a fan of Indonesian cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, Cerita Manisan is a must-visit. Their dedication to providing excellent food, warm hospitality, and a charming atmosphere create an experience that is both delicious...