Pescado Bali Pererenan — Restaurant in Bali

Not Very Spanish

Pescado got a 4.6 rating on Google reviews and we are still wondering why. The restaurant looks nice, staff smile on arrival and and then that’s it.

The service was friendly, but largely ineffectual. Although there were only 4 customers in the restaurant, we waited a long while for a server to ask us if we were ‘ready to order’, having not asked if we even wanted any drinks.

Wanting a bit of variety, and not to fill up on paella (minimum order is for 2 people), we ordered about 5 dishes from the cold and main plates side of the menu. Sadly all the food came to the table too quickly, giving no time to rest between dishes. 3 hot plates came at once so was cold by the time we could get through.

Having travelled quite a bit in Spain, we were expecting big flavours and textural contrast. What we noticed most about the food is it all pretty bland, fairly heavy, and all soft textures - overly creamy and no crunch to balance it out. The organic tomatoes were the best dish but had a creamy dressing. The barramundi was nicely cooked, served on cauliflower puree that again was overly creamy. The piquillo peppers were very mushy in texture, filled with soft fish puree and the tomato based sauce was bland, nothing in the dish showed any hint of spice, garlic, Spanish paprika, nothing. The tataki tuna on a bed of mashed potato and was ok, but nothing hinted at a Spanish influence in the seasoning, and some of it was too tough to eat as it had large tendons still going through it.

Finally all was done and empty plates filled the table, the service stopped entirely. While there were a few more tables than when we were seated, the staff had plenty of time to walk around while ignoring us and to chat to each other. We waited at least 10 minutes and still no one came to the table - Not to clear, or ask if we wanted another drink, a dessert or our bill. We finally got up and went to the bar to pay. 950,000 IDR/$100 AU for this experience is far too expensive for food that is below average in flavour and texture and the lack of service.

I am glad we did not order the paella as I expect it would have been just as disappointing. Save your money...

The moment you step into Pescado, you’re greeted by an inviting, open-air dining space with rustic décor and views that overlook the ocean. The design is modern yet cozy, with an emphasis on natural elements like wood and stone, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Whether you choose to dine by the bar or enjoy a table outside with sea views, the atmosphere is both relaxing and refined.

Food: The menu at Pescado is a seafood lover’s dream. Their freshly caught fish and seafood are the stars of the show, prepared with Mediterranean flair. The grilled octopus is tender and flavorful, a standout dish that pairs beautifully with their fresh salads. The tuna tartare, with its balance of textures and flavors, is another highlight, as is their signature whole fish grilled to perfection. For those who prefer non-seafood options, Pescado also offers excellent pasta and meat dishes.

Their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through in every bite, and the use of Mediterranean herbs and spices adds a special touch to each dish. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the presentation is beautifully done, showcasing the restaurant’s attention to detail.

Service: The staff at Pescado Bali are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Their warm hospitality adds to the overall experience, making diners feel welcome and well taken care of. The service is efficient without being rushed, allowing you to enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace, which is perfect for the serene beachside setting.

Drinks: Pescado’s drink menu complements its seafood offerings well. Their selection of wines, particularly whites and rosés, pair wonderfully with the fresh fish. The restaurant also offers a range of cocktails, with a few inspired by tropical flavors. The refreshing Pescado Spritz is a crowd favorite, especially during Bali’s...

After a WONDERFUL experience at the Pescado Sanur Beach, we were excited to try the location in Canggu / Perereran. Sadly the two experiences were not the same. The staff was friendly and attentive - but that’s where the similarities ended. The garlic prawns were nice, but not as garlic-y as I would expect. Tasty, but a 6, not an 8 like the Sanur location. The tuna tataki was… dry… and just not prepared as well as we expected. I had the barramundi stuffed peppers which had a sauce reminiscent of velveta and was… questionably barramundi. If I were to guess, I’d say crab… that was a swing and a miss. All in all, a “good enough” experience so far, but what earned it a 3 on my rating was the water pitcher. It’s contents DISTINCTLY tasted like sangria. I can take the food not being as good as other places, but the hygiene is a non-starter. The water pitcher earned a 1, but the good staff and passable food brought it up to the three you see here. Wash your dishes… seriously. It’s...