Craved — Restaurant in Kuta

So, this meat eater, a vegetarian, and a vegan walk into Craved, and the restaurant owner says, “Welcome! We have something for everyone!” Well, I’m happy to report, that’s exactly true!

We chose Craved for our dinner because we each have our own distinct dietary preferences but share an undeniable passion for great food. Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere. The warm, rustic decor made us feel right at home, while the lively buzz of fellow diners created a welcoming ambiance that sparked our appetites.

I had my heart set on the Beyond Meat burger since I hadn’t had one in ages, but to my surprise, it was no longer on the menu. Instead of feeling disappointed, I decided to embrace the unexpected and ordered two pasta dishes: the Pesto and the Arrabbiata. While I was hoping for a splash of protein options to add, I appreciated the range of pasta they had—it showed the kitchen's commitment to craft and creativity.

My dining companions also found dishes that made their taste buds sing. Stephen, the dedicated meat lover of the group, couldn’t resist the BBQ Ribs. He devoured them with delight, exclaiming how tender and flavorful they were. The rich smoky glaze had him reminiscing about his favorite BBQ joint back home!

Meanwhile, Nick, our resident vegan, enjoyed a sensational vegan bowl that was bursting with vibrant veggies, grains, and house-made sauces. He couldn’t stop praising its robust flavors and great textures, which showcased the chef’s ability to whip up comforting, plant-based fare without feeling heavy or undermined by its lack of meat.

Both Stephen and Nick ordered the same smoothie, but they had clever variations—one was vegan, and the other, a creamy blend. They both chimed in unison about the refreshing taste and how it perfectly complemented their meals. I, on the other hand, opted for a classic lemonade. While it didn’t quite make me forget about the delicious fruit blends I had sipped in Bali, it was nonetheless crisp and thirst-quenching.

What struck me the most about Craved was its ability to cater to such diverse tastes without sacrificing quality or flavor. The service was immaculate—attentive and friendly without feeling invasive. Our server offered insightful recommendations and patiently answered our many questions about gluten-free and vegan options.

Overall, Craved is the perfect spot for groups with wildly different diets, having successfully created a menu that honors the taste and preferences of each individual while simultaneously offering a lively and enjoyable dining experience. It was a night filled with laughter, great conversations, and unforgettable flavors, and I can’t wait to return and explore more of their creative offerings. Don't just walk into Craved; make sure...

I really like the food here but there are some serious issues with the kitchen. Several months ago, I came and ordered the mushroom bowl. There was a humongous worm in my bowl that was clearly visible and when I showed the waitress, she said that it must have been hiding in the vegetables. The worm was so large, to me, it seems like they did not even wash their vegetables. To make matters worse, when I got the bill, they tried to make me pay for the bowl and it was only taken off the bill when I refused to pay for it.

Tonight, I thought I’d try one more time and I ordered the same mushroom bowl through Gojek. As I was eating, I bit into something hard and pulled out a literal piece of metal wire out of my mouth. Attached is a picture of the wire that was in my food.

I am shocked that this place is still in business given the lack of cleanliness in the kitchen and customer service. I will never go back to this...

Amazing hanger steak!

I've walked by this place many times and it always looks empty and so I never stopped. I gave it a chance today and the food is quite good. I'll be coming more often.

I had their hanger steak with truffle fries. The steak is amazing cooked to perfection and sliced correctly. The truffle fries were perfect, just a dash of truffle oil because that's all it takes. I had the lemon lime tart for dessert and again quite amazing.

The one disappointing thing was the milkshake, like so many places in Bali the concept of ice cream, milk and blender is complicated. Instead they cheap out like so many do and load it up with ice. No thanks I didn't ask for a water shake. Some places will deny that they use ice but you can see the nice chunk of ice in mine that didn't get blended. Normally I would deduct a star for this but the steak was so amazing I can't give...