Asri Dining by Samanvaya — Restaurant in Kecamatan Sidemen

Okay experience, wouldn’t go out of my way for it. I’m an solo traveller and in-house guest staying at the Samanvaya in their second-highest room category (Joglo villa, 5.5 million IDR/night). This is my last night in Bali and first time visiting in Sidemen (been coming to Bali for close to 15 years and first time visiting Sidemen, long overdue!). So this was my only night during my stay to dine at Asri.

Upon booking the villa, I made a reservation for 7pm the night of my stay. I was hungry a bit earlier so came by at 6:30pm to see if it was possible to be seated early. The entire indoor section was empty and about half of outside was. Almost all tables were marked “reserved”. The terrace definitely had a nicer ambiance, particularly at sunset. Staff brought me to a table inside, which was empty and thus had a bit of a weird vibe, so I asked if I could sit on the terrace.

I was a little disappointed to be brought to a table (without a “reserved” sign) in the back corner, despite having made a reservation in advance. I’m not sure how tables are allocated, but again I was a little disappointed as a guest in one of their highest room categories. Other solo female travellers will be able to relate, but it’s not the first time I’ve gone to a restaurant and been seated in the back/at a bad table. It was just a bit disappointing as it was my last night in Bali and I was looking forward to dining at Asri after seeing so many positive reviews. You can tell a lot about a place based on how they treat solo diners (and to be fair, not all places in Bali or really anywhere else are like this, especially now that solo travelling is becoming more common).

I asked staff if it was possible to sit at any other table on the terrace, but was told “no, they’re reserved”. I mentioned I had a reservation and was told “these are for other guests”. Again, not sure how these are allocated, especially for 2 seater tables, and given that I arrived early and would be out early. I was then asked “is this table okay?” a few times, but I didn’t really know what to say since I was told I couldn’t sit anywhere else outside. So I just said it was fine. After a few mins I decided to move inside, as the table was a bit uncomfortable.

As for the food, I really enjoyed the NZ Sauv blanc; I read an article that the owners are Kiwis and it’s nice to have a nice wine option on the menu in Bali!

I ordered the crudités as my starter and the Nasi campur as my main. The crudité plate was good; tzatziki was a bit watery but everything else was good. Nasi campur wasn’t amazing and I’ve had better at other mid-range restaurants in this price range. Maybe swap in some rendang, gado gado, and/or curry soup? I felt the flavours were a bit bland.

Service was alright; after finishing my meal and confirming I was okay for dessert, I waited about 15 mins for my bill before walking up to the counter only to be told to sit down and wait for it to be brought over.

I do appreciate the 12+ policy as it makes for a more relaxing atmosphere. There are many upscale restaurants and even cocktail bars now in Bali that have pivoted to family-friendly or do not enforce an age restriction. As evidenced by many reviews here, this will undoubtably annoy many parents who want to bring their kids to places that are not kid-appropriate, and expect other diners (and their bored kids!) to deal with it… but I do appreciate this policy and think it’s good the owners enforce it, for those of us who go to places like this for a calmer and more refined dining experience.

Overall I think Asri has a lot of potential. Maybe just a few tweaks to the menu, and improved training to accommodate in-house guests who have reserved in advance (e.g. perhaps by offering a nicer table but advising that the next reservation will arrive in 1.5 hours).

Overall I don’t think this is amazing value for money based on the food quality. And I don’t think I’d be back though or recommend it to family or friends. A glass of wine, appetizer and main for one person was...

We vacationed at the Samanvaya Resort for one week and ate at this restaurant everyday either for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. The dining options here are vast and delicious and we never felt bored. The Asri restaurant at Samanvaya Resort is a quintessential experience that is equally beautiful as it is delectable, offering traditional Balinese flavors as well as some popular international options for travelers including Pizza, tacos, and french fries just to name a few. Some of our favorite dishes that we tried were as follows:

Breakfast: Nasi Goreng Seasonal Smoothie Bowl Classic Omelette Sweet French Toast

Light Bites and Refreshments: Fish Tacos Fish Bites Clean Green Smoothie Tropical Berry Smoothie Lechee & Lime Fizz Cocktail

Dinner: Tofu Balinese Curry Hot Coal Grill Prawn Pad Thai Chicken Rendang Grilled Snapper

I would be remiss if I neglected to spotlight the incredible staff that works at this establishment as well. Every single person that we met during our 7-day Sidemen visit was incredibly warm and welcoming and lived locally in this beautiful area. We had the pleasure of speaking to many of the staff members and learning a little bit about their life in Bali, their local community, and their customs.

We especially enjoyed the special attention and touches from Ogik and Asih! Ogik helped to indulge our curiosity and taught us some key local greetings and explained the naming process in the Balinese culture which truly enriched our time in Bali. Thank you Ogik! Asih was the very first face to greet us as we walked into the restaurant and her smile made us feel immediately welcomed. She became a trusted resource to help us choose what to eat on many days we dined in, thank you Asih! Between Asih, Ogik, Agus, and every single staff member that greeted us, waited on us, and conversed with us - thank you!! You ALL are amazing people and each one of you made our dining experience even more memorable.

This restaurant and resort is a true treasure in Bali that is not to be missed! The food is great, the service is great, and the environment is gorgeous. I highly recommend this restaurant and resort to everyone interested in visiting the beautiful Sideman...

Absolutely repulsive. The worst food I've ever been served in Bali -- maybe ever, in the entire world. Yes, it's really that bad. It's a complete sham. Wholly inedible. A starving Bali dog would pass it by.

Ordered sate lillit, gambas pil pil, and grilled balinese chicken as starters. (If a Bali restaurant can't cook these - wow - big problems.)

The complimentary bread was stale. We had to practically beg to try all of the three varieties -- split between 2 people. We should have left at that point. But i so wanted to believe the good reviews.

Asked for the sate " la la" "pedas" -- spicy. The server was shocked we knew these words and said " but that means spicy!" Uh, yes? (How else would sate lillit be served?!) Clearly, the sate was pre-made and par cooked. Flavorless. Not spicy. As to texture it was minced into an inedible paste -- not crushed and chunky like it should be. Not made to order. Served cold. I ate one bite. Disgusting.

The "grilled" chicken was, at best, boiled. In reality, it was raw. Unfit for human comsumption. Again, ate one bite. (I completely believe the reviewer who said they got salmonella eating here.)

The shrimp was, at least, cooked. The quality of the produce was abysmal. 1 star.

We asked for the bill and left. The staff asked about the problem -- but they already know -- they couldn't even look us in the eye when we told them it was disgusting. They must know it. They wouldn't feed it to their family. The bosses are serving less than dog food. The poor staff -- its not their fault.

No discount was offered or given. (And we didn't ask for one -- its not really about they money. But they were sure happy enough to take it.) We just wanted to leave in time to find real food elsewhere.

IF the food had been edible, the prices are very reasonable for the gorgeous venue. But it's not edible -- it's a total scam.

How this place has a single 5 star review is astounding. They must be paying for them -- its a huge thing in Bali.

Tldr: don't eat here. Take a photo (the interior designer did an amazing...