Coral Cafe l Nusa Penida — Restaurant in Nusa Penida Subdistrict

Coral Cafe – Did we discover a gem on the tourist map of Nusa Penida? A small cafe we stumbled upon on our first day on Nusa Penida. The place caught my attention due to online reviews, though there were only about 130, which isn't much. This is likely because the cafe opened only mid-year. The photos and reviews were encouraging, so I decided to try a few dishes over the past few days. I won’t comment on the desserts – that’s not my area. After several days on the island, I was looking for a spot that offers more than the standard menu, hoping for light dishes based on fresh ingredients in a friendly atmosphere.

This will be a long review, but it's worth sticking around!

Upon entering Coral Cafe, I immediately felt a relaxing atmosphere. The place is decorated in a tropical style, with light boho and marine accents. The interior features numerous plant decorations and comfortable wooden furniture made from natural materials, complemented by pleasant lighting. It's perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach or for coworking. The internet works quite well. The cafe has an air-conditioned section and a patio overlooking the beach and surrounding water. The calming ambiance invites you to stay longer, especially in the evening.

The service at Coral Cafe was very friendly and polite. We were warmly greeted from the moment we walked in, and the waitstaff knew the menu well, gladly recommending what to try. Importantly, water arrives at the table for free! The menu at Coral Cafe is diverse, blending international cuisine with local Balinese touches. It's worth noting that it’s a cafe, so the menu is relatively short by Asian standards, but everyone will find something they like. The chef I spoke with is someone who knows what they’re doing – this is not by chance. The additions are well-chosen, without unnecessary details. I’ll tell you about a few items from the menu that really impressed me.

First, something that might seem obvious – fries. They are made from fresh potatoes, not pre-packaged products soaked in oil. They offer “dirty fries” and sweet potato fries. Someone might say: “Oh, that sounds heavy.” Surprise! The fries are not greasy; they are topped with crispy bacon and served with a homemade sauce – something between chili mayonnaise and sambal. They are crispy, likely double-fried. Now let’s move on to three options from the house specials: beef burger, laksa, and beef brisket. It’s clear the chef has spent considerable time training outside Indonesia. The technique and timing for each dish we tried were impeccable. Most importantly, there’s consistency – a quality that all food establishments should strive for.

Burger

The beef in the burger was juicy, about 150–200g, cooked medium. Nothing drips or spills from the bun. The toppings are thoughtfully chosen and simple. I love a fried egg in a burger, and the bun is perfectly toasted. This is an ideal meal option before a party.

Laksa

As a lover of Asian cuisine, I must say that the laksa at Coral Cafe is a successful blend of Betawi laksa from Jakarta and the spicier version from Singapore. Note: the dish is spicy, but you can ask for a less spicy version. The coconut milk base softens the heat, creating a creamy backdrop for the bold spices. Each spoonful is a perfect combination of creaminess and a spicy kick in the background. The soup also features their homemade fried chicken, which is a flavor you can't miss.

Beef Brisket

Konro Bakar with beef brisket is a must-try for meat lovers. The brisket is first slow-cooked to achieve perfect tenderness, then grilled over an open flame. It’s served with a smooth peanut sauce akin to satay, with kecap manis and garlic. The dish is complemented by light coconut rice and a fresh vegetable salad.

Unfortunately, aside from the fries, I didn’t take pictures of brisket, or burger – they disappeared too quickly! But I believe you won’t be disappointed.

Coral Cafe is a cafe, not a full-fledged restaurant, but it serves exceptionally well-prepared dishes. Good coffee, light and...

I recently enjoyed a delightful dining experience at this restaurant, where the welcoming staff greeted us with radiant smiles that instantly made us feel at home. The ambiance and food exceeded my expectations, earning a solid A+, 10, or 5-star rating—whichever you prefer! We began with delectable bites of macaroni and cheese balls and batagor (crispy fish cakes). The menu hinted at a chili kick, so for you meer mortals who might shy away from spice, these might not be for you. However, for spice lovers, it’s a fantastic flavor combination!

For the main course, we indulged in the Nasi Bakar (fish and rice wrapped in banana leaves) and Konro Bakar (beef brisket served with a peanut sauce that has a delightful little kick). Both dishes were tender and bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced in spice. Plus, they offer an extra spice oil for those wanting to turn up the heat!

Drinks and desserts received double thumbs up! The chai latte, matcha iced drink, Penida favorite, honey lemon iced tea, and mochaccino were all fantastic. They generously serve tall glasses, ensuring you savor every sip. Each drink was a harmonious blend of sweetness that allowed the true flavors to shine. The Dada Gulung—a soft warm pancake with shredded coconut—was an exquisite final treat.

This restaurant is a gem, and I will undoubtedly revisit and recommend it to friends and family...

Me and my family came here for dinner. 3 of us are vegetarian.

We had:

Potato and peas croquettes: (V) Very tasty! Even ordered a second portion of it. Truely lovely! Delicious sauce with iy!

Gado-Gado: (V) Mildly flavoured variation of the traditional baliense dish. Just that the dish comes with boiled eggs and shrimp crackers, so for pure vegetarians, you should mention to exclude those.

Vegetarian Nasi Bakar: (V) Excellent taste! Even ordered a variation without mushrooms and they remembered the specification requested!

Spiced Grilled Chicken: (NV) We expected a hot spicy chicken, but we were pleasantly surprised with a more cinnamon based spice mix!

Homemade Focaccia: (V) This was an eggless bread, baked to perfection.

Drinks:

Monkey the dragon: Dragon fruit and banana smoothie. Very flavourful and a perfect enegery booster without caffeine.

Honey Lemon Iced Tea: Lightly sweetened tea with a touch of citrus.

Chai Latte: We ordered it with a liitle ginger, perfect replacement Indians craving chai!

Dera helped us with selecting the food, she was great and helped us identify all the dishes.

Our only recommendation would be to add more vegetarian/vegan dishes...