Cilantro Ubud — Restaurant in Bali

DO NOT take the trip here!! I honestly don’t know if we came on a day where the real chef wasn’t here or all these reviews are fake. It’s a bit far outside Ubud center by the time you get through all the traffic. First red flag was that there wasn’t a soul in the whole place. This is by far the WORST MEAL we’ve had in Bali! Our margaritas arrived first in martini glasses. Whatever tequila they used didn’t smell like tequila and the drinks tasted AWFUL (later they told us it was Japanese tequila). Straight alcohol and some lime squeezed in a glass, no sweetness at all. The beef on the cilantro burger I ordered was charred, dry and completely tasteless. The bun was soggy and flavorless. The menu said there was spicy mayo in the burger, there was none on it. I had to get up and walk back to the kitchen to ask for some. My friend’s shrimp tacos came completely cold. The meat and tortillas were ice cold. Not even room temperature! When we tried to tell them and asked for them to heat it up, they argued with us and tried to explained the tortillas were in the fridge and the salsa on the tacos made the shrimp cold. My other friend’s chicken burrito bowl was very average, but at least it was edible. She only had a few bites. Their “homemade” tortilla chips were bad too, it seemed they were store-bought. Definitely not fresh, they were a very stale. The guacamole was decent though. Service was pretty bad in general, they never came to check on us and besides taking our order, hid in the kitchen the whole time. I had to get up and walk...

The first time I came here few months ago didn't end up with me eating because they had big groups and they were so overwhelmed. Owner was kind to give us the drinks for free since they don't know how long they can get the food out. 2nd time with friends I finally tried the tacos. I really liked their beef tacos (with the crispy one), their nachos was okay. Today I came back and ordered the beef tacos and Jalapeño poppers I really liked it, excited about the fact that they can make Michelada which is rare to find, ordered and I think it can be better.

The staff didn't allow us to sit in the long table because it was reserved but the other tables were quite sunny yet when we left 1hour later those reserved tables were still empty, so I think the staff can actually inform when is the reservation and if we can use the table until which hours. So they can communicate it better.

I like this place food better than the other tacos place in Ubud. So...

If you are looking for good Mexican in Ubud, look no further. Definitely give this place a try. It's over of the closest in flavor i can compare to Tex Mex restaurants I frequented in Chicago. That kind of flavor had proven difficult to find in Asia, but they pull it off here. The place is very nice, just the right amount of classy without looking too pretentious, and retaining that local Balinese flair. It has adequate parking, but mostly for motorbikes. It is quite easy to reach and find, and there is a very convenient ATM outside. It is next to the main road, but the road itself is pretty quiet as it is far from the busy tourist areas. The service was excellent as well, and when I had an inquiry, the owner responded pretty quickly to my Whatsapp message. Best of all, the price is on the low end for Mexican food in Bali. That makes it one of the best taste to cost ratio restaurants, and I will definitely come back when I have a taste for...