Sandikala at Amankila — Restaurant in Kecamatan Manggis

🌅 Amankila Restaurant – Breathtaking Setting, Heartbreaking Meal

Amankila is undeniably stunning. The tiered infinity pools tumbling toward the bay, the sweeping view, the gentle sea breeze—it's the kind of setting that stays with you long after the meal. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. A hostess greeted us the moment we stepped out of the car, and security was tight, complete with a mirror sweep beneath the vehicle. Every staff member was warm, kind, and professional. I felt taken care of.

Given that the cheapest room at Amankila runs over $1,400 USD a night, I expected the food to match the level of everything else. Unfortunately, my main course was among the worst meals I’ve had in Bali—and perhaps the most disappointing in years, especially given the price point (1,875,500 IDR / ~$113 USD for two people).

Here’s what worked:

The truffle potato wedges were fantastic—perfectly crispy, oven-baked with a light touch of truffle and parmesan. Delicate, flavorful, and genuinely memorable.

The staff’s response to my complaint was respectful. They replaced my meal without hesitation.

But here's what didn’t:

I ordered the mahi mahi in red coconut curry expecting a fresh, delicate fish experience. What arrived was uneven: some bites were tolerable, but others had that turned, muddy flavor reminiscent of poorly stored catfish. I've eaten fresh mahi mahi here in Bali recently, so I know it can be done well.

The rice served with the curry was undercooked—crunchy in that unpleasant, raw-grain way.

The replacement dish—grouper in the same curry—was better, but still fell short. The potato was green (as in sprouting, not just undercooked), and the snow peas hadn’t been de-strung, making them chewy and difficult to swallow.

The Kaffir lime “ice cream” (actually more like a sorbet) was shockingly bad. The flavor reminded me of rancid macadamia nuts. I never knew a sorbet could taste off like that.

💔 All of this was deeply disappointing in contrast to the venue’s elegance and the warmth of the staff. I left feeling deflated—like I’d been on a luxurious yacht that somehow served canned tuna.

Not all the food is bad. But if you’re going to spend over $100 USD expecting a premium culinary experience, I recommend being extremely selective with your order—and perhaps lowering...

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and attentive gestures from the staff, who demonstrated a genuine desire to ensure our comfort.

Their professionalism and grace were evident in every interaction, creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. What stood out most was their consistency—there was absolutely no discrimination between local guests and expatriates.

Each diner was treated with the same level of respect, care, and attentiveness, embodying the true spirit of Balinese hospitality, which has become increasingly rare in modern luxury establishments.

Dining at this resto was an unforgettable experience that combined flawless service, breathtaking ambiance, exquisite plating, and exceptional food quality. As someone deeply invested in luxury hospitality, I appreciated their unwavering commitment to inclusivity—ensuring both locals and expatriates feel equally valued and welcomed. This level of attention to detail sets a high standard for fine dining in Bali.

I hope Amankila continues to uphold its reputation as one of Bali’s finest dining destinations while preserving its humble approach to hospitality and inclusivity for years to come. It is truly a shining example of what luxury dining should...

Stopped by Sandikala for brunch, mostly drawn in by the views (because the Google reviews weren’t exactly raving about the food for the price). But I figured a light brunch won't hurt.

This place thrives on spectacular views and top-tier personalised service. The scenery is absolutely stunning, the kind of view that makes you pause mid-bite.

We were served by Ibu Mayani, who was kind, demure and attentive. She made us feel genuinely welcomed. She even took our photos like a paid pro photographer, minus the bill ;)

The views were unreal. The pizza was forgettable and they could work on the drinks, (flavor was bland i told my wife i could make something like that myself) but i didn't mind it, the service and the vibes more than...