WOODS PERERENAN — Restaurant in Bali

Went here for the live piano Christmas Eve dinner. While the vibes and atmosphere were very pleasant for this special evening, the food fell short…..amongst other things. We dined at 7:30pm and it wasn’t too busy then so no excuses really.

The tuna dish had a beautiful presentation but no prominent profile. Tasted very flat.

The steak though on the pricy side for Canggu, just did not do it. I believe it was in the 800rp range for 100g? Served on a below room temp plate, not a board not a warm dish plate but a cold-ish plate….the steak did not have any charred sides or anything. More lukewarm. Mind you this was our only main so it’s not like it was waiting for other dishes to come out at the same time. Our plates were below room temp too but this might just be me nitpicking at this point….

We asked for a rare but got a medium rare. Steak had quite a few tendons (half the steak, which my friend weren’t all that fussy about and ate around it) but even after letting our server know at the end of our meal, nothing was done but ‘will feedback, so sorry’ (Service otherwise was great) They pride themselves to serve the ‘finest cut’, if diners think otherwise, a complimentary dessert at least? A discount maybe if you see leftover tendons on the plates? Not to mention the butter ‘dressing’ served on the side for steak was cold and melted/ not room temperature….just why?

The mocktails and the pecan pie was lovely though.

Overall very clumsy for what the establishment sets out to be. The restaurant gives off elevated but unfortunately, elevated was not what I had experienced. The area where I was seated had a lot of mosquitoes too…they could have at least gotten that under control.

The bill came up to about 100usd for two. Two mocktails + 1 large water, 1 starter, 1 main + 2 sides and a dessert. For the amount of money I paid that night, it was lackluster and forgettable. I had wish I picked a better restaurant for this occasion. Writing this review makes me angry that I paid so much money in Canggu for steak with tendons lol

If vibes and flowers on food are the main focus, this could work. For a proper dining experience and food, there are better options on...

We chose this place because it looked amazing online—and we were absolutely delighted by the atmosphere. It was such a pleasant place to sit and enjoy ourselves, and overall the vibe was fantastic.

Unfortunately, the service was a big letdown. It felt very sad and disorganized. We didn’t even receive cutlery until after our food had already arrived. The dishes came out at completely different times, and drinks trickled in afterward with no real coordination. It seemed like five different staff members were serving our table, none of whom really knew what the others were doing. One moment it was tea, another moment a random dish—everything just felt chaotic.

My food had already gone cold by the time I finally got my utensils. Then we received a shakshuka with egg whites that were completely raw—not undercooked, but still transparent and slimy. We had to ask for it to be sent back to the kitchen. The staff didn’t even seem to understand what the issue was, which was surprising. Yes, the yolk should be runny, but the white definitely should not be a clear, gelatinous mess. So first the kitchen failed on a basic cooking technique, and then the service team had no idea how to respond.

Even asking for salt and pepper turned into an ordeal.

All that said, we really liked the place and would love to come back. But some serious staff training is needed if the service is going to match the level of what the venue itself offers—especially with such an interesting and promising menu. It would be a real shame to let poor execution ruin such a...

Woods Pererenan offers a tranquil escape from the bustling heart of Canggu. The café’s design harmoniously blends natural elements, featuring abundant wood textures and lush greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

The menu is diverse, catering to various dietary preferences with a range of healthy and indulgent options. During my visit, I ordered the Moroccan Shakshuka, a delightful brunch dish bursting with rich flavors. The Woods Berry smoothie bowl was both refreshing and visually appealing, making for a perfect mid-day treat. I also chose the Citrus Green Tea to accompany the food, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which provided a soothing and healthful complement. The presentation of each item was as impressive as the taste!

The ambiance is both relaxing and charming, with the soft jazz music playing in the background that add to its vibrant yet laid-back vibe. It’s an ideal spot for both casual dining and working remotely, thanks to its serene environment and thoughtful design. 

Incidentally, the café can become quite busy during peak hours; arriving early or making a reservation is advisable.

Edit: I was informed that leaving a five-star review would entitle me to a free coffee. This condition felt somewhat coercive, as I was asked to adjust my initial 4-star rating accordingly, and the server took a picture of it. This practice left a somewhat bad taste...