Manhattan Kitchen & Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Bali

Wow! Canggu Bali is a string of pearls, and along its narrow roads one pearl stands out leading to the famed Batu Bolong beaches. Manhattan Kitchen & Cocktail Bar is a three-month old venture from proprietors Yannick (yes, after tennis Noah fame and from French Guiana) and Indian partner Abhi (originally from the state of Bihar, India with some San Antonio, Texas connections) after transforming the pre-existing Konsep Lounge. The staff is attentive and nice - a winning combination. The atmosphere is chic, modern, while not being over the top. Subdued lighting, low tables, and free flowing drinks are an extension of the beach-sit, relax, refresh yourself, and feel the positive vibes flowing through. The space is not crowded-which on a small island understandably is the norm. It allows for public intimacy - in conversation and affections. But I'm here for the food. And it does not disappoint. The bar is well stocked from my sitting vantage. The best way to describe it is an Indo-Mediterranean-Asian fusion. Poke, fettuccini, and goreng are on the menu. This much I can say, the salads and Indonesian food are on point. Time, care, and attention to detail are what is really on the menu. Two salad courses and an Indonesian dish I had were truly, truly exceptional. Their 'A game' included an asparagus salad with shaved almonds, warm Feta, and the slightest drizzle of olive oil. The shaved almond allowed for that nuanced nut flavor on the tongue. While the warmed Feta took the edge off the sharp, salty flavor allowing the eater the true opportunity to appreciate its softer side along the pleasing asparagus flavor. The normal crumpled pebble version usually laying atop the greens like spewed magma on the land after an eruption can be overpowering - over the top, pungent, and pushing any other flavor off the fork. The presentation allowed for a nice aromatic, delicate flavor that allows you to truly taste its subtle flavors along with its companions. The mixed green salads was evidence to the same thought and care - the Indonesian kitchen staff behind the doors were thinking. Not just 'B game' throw in the bowl and mix mix. There were at least six types of greens, micro included, and some regional exotic plants I did not recognize (going beyond my layman's knowledge quite easily). The dressing volume was light and the seasoning was also subtle, sweet with the slightest spice after taste. My firsthand knowledge of their menu also extends to Indonesian food. Well known by some, new to me. Some of us travel to discover, right? On this trip, I wanted authentic Indonesian - I got it. Nasi goreng with tempe (sorry, I'm vegetarian or 'Tidak makanan ayam/gaging') and tahu (tofu). Someone else will need to try the ayam (chicken) or gaging (meat) dishes. Again, the nasi goreng was well-prepared. The tempe was not overcooked, lightly battered. Along with the nicely prepared nasi, three dipping sauces - soy, green, and red. In my old age, I stay away from the heat these days, but the soy and green were perfect accompaniments. On two other nights I tried the mie goreng (fried noodles). Top quality as well. The noodles were prepared perfectly accompanied with Balinese fresh produce greens and tomatoes. I don't eat chilis and informed the kitchen staff. They pivoted with ease providing the sambal mata version of sambal (with minimal chilis and more shallots and garlic). Yannick and Abhi are often in the dining room. Hiding nothing, they're both there to greet patrons with warm, broad smiles and quick handshakes. Abhi's vision for Manhattan is a cocktail cum eatery that is warm and inviting allowing for patrons to just merely hang out. They're hitting the mark. The Indonesian kitchen staff is firing on all cylinders. The waitstaff were at their best: Alit, Reagan, Ari, Nita, Malan, et. al. If these things are not what you're looking for ... then I think you might be looking to eat with barbarians. Haha. Manhattan was my favorite Bali eatery. Blessings and terima kasih (Indonesia), suksma (Balinese), and...

A very interesting place that feels like someone cozy living room but hardly a dining room. That being said it is best for a drink and a snack at a time. Spend time here not necessarily consume your whole meal here. This place is a concept that it wasn’t comfortable for a full dining experience. Best for pre/ post/ light dinner drink with bits. It is an elegant, chic, and a cozy place to hangout and have a nice conversation over a cocktail.

The food was better than the service. I don’t even know where things began to breakdown cuz this experience doesn’t come often in Canggu.

The table wobbled and it was an easy fix even for the customers but that send the staff to want to move us to another table and beyond which we declined. (We already picked the largest table with 2 dining chairs because the rest on the mezzanine are sofa chairs with coffee tables or high chairs with cocktail tables. We were planing to dine properly). We taught her how to fix it with napkin. The manager/ owner came to calm the waitress down over the paper napkin and that worked well. She’s calmed.

The beautiful steak plate was almost as big as the tiny dining table. Either the plates were too big or the table size just didn’t work. We couldn’t fit 2 sharing plates along with the main course plate. The food came out quickly and the waitress started getting upset when she couldn’t fit the appetizers and the sharing plates on the table while the main course was coming. I told her to hold the rest of the order. She hovered the plate above the full table as she said she had input it to the system properly. This poor thing wasn’t trained properly. The waiter whom we met 1st had long disappeared by now. He couldn’t even get the drink order right.

Then the medium steak came out totally rare but well charred on the outside. This must be a special night for the solo waitress (waiting on 3 tables) who apologize for the rare steak. She pleading 2x,”I am sorry. I checked and I already input medium in the system. It wasn’t my fault. “ We told her that’s ok, we’ll pay for the mistake as long as the kitchen, not her, cook another proper one for us. The second steak came out perfect. The food in general wasn’t bad and all is ok. The octopus dishes were tender and pleasant.

We really felt bad for the staff and decided to get a drink elsewhere after dinner. Should’ve done it the...

From the moment I stepped into Manhattan in Bali, I felt transported—not just to another place, but to another feeling entirely. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Canggu, this gem is a beautiful fusion of urban elegance and tropical charm.

What truly made my visit stand out was the warmth of the owner, who greeted me personally with genuine kindness and enthusiasm. There was nothing rehearsed about the welcome—it felt like arriving at an old friend’s stylish home. That first impression set the tone for what would become one of my most memorable dining experiences in Bali.

The ambience is effortlessly chic—think New York loft vibes layered with Balinese soul. Cozy corners, tastefully curated art, mood lighting, and music that hits just the right note made it a space where I could easily lose track of time. Whether you're there for a casual dinner, romantic date, or an evening out with friends, it caters beautifully to every occasion.

Then there’s the food—and wow. Every dish I tried was a masterpiece. Bursting with flavor, beautifully plated, and clearly crafted with passion. The menu is a delicious mix of global comfort with upscale twists. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Stir fried beef pasta, and the signature cocktails were perfectly balanced, dangerously drinkable, and Instagram-worthy to boot.

The service? Impeccable. Every staff member I encountered was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and always smiling. There wasn’t a single moment where I felt overlooked or rushed. It’s rare to find a place that nails down service, style, and substance so seamlessly.

In a destination overflowing with trendy spots, Manhattan in Bali doesn’t just follow the wave—it sets the standard. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s an experience, a vibe, a place you want to return to again and again. I feel like I cheated the restaurant, so affordable!

Highly, highly...