Jackson Lily's by Ginger Moon — Restaurant in Kuta

We have dined at Jackson Lily’s on previous trips to Bali. Unfortunately the experience gets worse not better. On previous visits service was slow but we enjoyed cocktails while we waited so it wasn’t so bad. On this occasion the cocktails were left wanting. There was a happy hour deal, 2 cocktails for a discounted price, the waitress said I had to order both cocktails at the same time to get the deal, I asked if it was possible to get the second after I finished the first cocktail, apparently not, there was no movement on that. Received my cocktails, tried to save one from being diluted by melting ice while drinking the other. I ordered my favourite Lychee Mojito and was sadly disappointed, it didn’t come out in the typical long glass but was in a shorter enamel cup, packed tightly with ice. When I removed most of the ice there was barely any drink left.

While the staff were pleasant the service wasn’t great. There was almost an hour wait for our food. I ordered T/bone steak cooked medium with a side salad. I’ll start off by saying the salad was leafy greens with a pleasant dressing. The accompanying sauces, weren’t as pleasant. The steak was over cooked with lots of grissle and fat, By the time I had finished the half chewed inedible meat was equivalent to half the steak. Really disappointing meal. The manager asked how my meal was and I politely told her, her response was that she would inform the kitchen, however, she did come back and offer a dessert. The dinner was expensive by Bali standards and I have had more enjoyable meals at smaller warungs. In comparison another local restaurant in Seminyak has a Thai beef salad for much less that puts this restaurant to shame. I know where I’ll be dining in future. P.S. I didn’t think it appropriate to post a pic of half chewed meat.

EDIT: Thanks very much for your reply to my review. While some of your reply may have been true, some parts were very inaccurate. When the cocktails were ordered the waitress did not say it was too busy to hold one of the cocktails back, she was adamant that they had to be served at the same time. The restaurant was not terribly busy, there were two small groups and one larger group in the restaurant at the time. As for there being no steak left, as I previously stated, there was plenty of unedible steak left on the plate. Frankly, you can make all the excuses you like but on the night our experience was left wanting and the fact that you embellished the truth says a lot about your ethics so we will not be returning to your...

I visited this place with my girlfriend, and when we sat down, we were asked if we’d like to start with water. Naturally, we agreed. As a foreigner, I’m used to tap water being complimentary in restaurants, and many places in Bali, like Eden Hookah Club in Seminyak or Lusa by Suka in Berawa, even offer free refills of mineral water. I understand that Bali may have different norms, and charging for water is common—but here’s the issue:

We were served two half-glasses of water, barely 300ml in total, without a bottle. It seemed like such a small amount that I assumed it was complimentary. However, when the bill arrived, I was shocked to see we were charged for two (TWO) Balian water bottles at 50k each, plus service and tax. This didn’t sit right with me. Even the smallest Balian bottles are 330ml each, which should have filled both glasses completely. For all I know, this water could’ve been tap water or a cheaper brand like Cleo. Without a bottle to verify, there’s no way to know.

On top of that, the food was far from impressive. I ordered a burger, requested it medium, and received a patty that was completely overcooked. For a burger priced at 280k (plus service and tax), I expected much better.

Overall, this was a deeply disappointing experience. I won’t be coming back.

PS: Since they edited their reply, I'll not let these lies stand. First: we didn't get asked if we want sparkling or still water. We simply got offered: "do you want to start with a water?" That's it. We were served still water in 2 miniature glasses. So no, we didn't choose sparkling water - for sparkling water I'd actually understand the extra charge if we received the bottle. Second: The cost for food and drinks in your restaurant is higher than average on entire bali, even for western high end cuisine, way higher than the other 2 examples I mentioned above, yet they somehow manage to give free still water with unlimited refills and don't rip you off by putting 2 Balian bottles 60k each on the bill that could've been aqua galon water from a water dispenser. It's about principle and common sense for me, which you clearly don’t have.

You can build your own opinion about this place, but just from reading their reply, even insulting unsatisfied costumers saying they have communication problems - when clearly the staff does - and how blatantly they lie is a dead give away to me that I will absolutely NEVER come...

My wife, daughter and I booked for dinner and sat upstairs by the window. Nice view of the street but away from the noise. Attractive decor and pleasant setting. My wife and I ordered the dumpling for entree, then the butter chicken for main for me, my wife nasi goreng and my daughter the margarita Pizza. We commented at this point the lack of attention we were receiving. Our drinks arrived and immediately after my daughter's main course - her Pizza! She started to eat rather than it get cold. Then my wife and my entree arrived and the waitress looked puzzled to see a main course on the table, but said nothing. The Maitre de wandered by and made a comment and apologised, but it would have been nice to offer a complimentary drink or desert in acknowledgement of their error. Getting another drink or any attention from the waitresses was near impossible. The four of them stood at a counter facing the wall reading and writing, what I don't know? When they moved around they kept their heads down and avoided catching the eye of customers. There were 4 looking after 10 tables yet they struggled to get around. The table next door grew frustrated and started waving and clicking their fingers. I share their annoyance. Our main meals arrived and were underwhelming. My curry lacked the aromatic flavours one expects, and could have come from a jar. The accompanying rice was dry and at an additional cost. Since when does a curry not come with rice in Bali? My wife's rice was fine, but my daughter's pizza was tasteless an oily. Which she finished 15 minutes before our main course arrived. The only reason I gave it 2 stars was that the venue was nice and the chocolate eclair lovely. Please head another 2-300m north, there are some nice...