I never thought dining out could feel like a game of “Will I eat, or just sit here and hope?” But that’s exactly the experience I had at Barbao.
My friend and I arrived around 3:30 PM — a perfectly reasonable time for a late lunch or an early dinner. To be considerate, we asked the waitress upfront if they were still taking food orders. She confidently said yes. So, we placed our order for the usual menu items — nothing complicated, nothing special.
Our drinks arrived shortly after. We waited for the food. And waited. And waited some more. Until it became painfully obvious: the food was never coming.
Here’s the twist: our food order had been canceled — without any notice. The reason? They were getting ready to close. Not that they informed us, of course. We were left completely in the dark, sitting there like contestants in some sort of silent prank show.
And this brings me to the big question: If the kitchen was closing, why accept the order in the first place? And once they decided to cancel it, would it really have been that hard to simply let us know? Basic communication — you know, that small thing that separates restaurants from vending machines.
Even worse, the staff seemed fully aware we were waiting… and chose to say nothing. The indifference was loud and clear. It’s as if keeping customers uninformed is part of their brand identity.
Barbao uses a “order first, eat, then pay” system. Thankfully, we hadn’t paid for anything yet — other than our wasted time and misplaced expectations.
I don’t normally write reviews like this, but this experience deserved one — not out of spite, but because this level of service shouldn’t be normalized. Especially not from a place that seems to take pride in its concept and ambiance.
To Barbao: I hope this serves as a reminder that honest communication isn’t optional — it’s the bare minimum.
And to future diners: unless you enjoy awkward silence and hunger pangs while watching your drink sweat, there are definitely better places out there that value your time, appetite, and...
Read moreBarboa Bali was such a great find in Canggu. From the moment we walked in, it had a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The design is simple but stylish, with lots of greenery, natural textures, and open space that gives it an easy tropical charm. It feels like the kind of place where you can come in the morning for a coffee, spend an afternoon with friends, or enjoy a laid-back evening meal without ever feeling out of place.
The food was excellent. The menu offered a nice balance of healthy, fresh options and heartier choices, and everything we ordered tasted flavorful and thoughtfully prepared. Ingredients felt fresh and the presentation was appealing without being over the top. Drinks were also a highlight, from good quality coffee in the morning to refreshing cocktails later in the day. Prices were fair for the quality, especially given the comfortable setting and the care that went into the dishes.
What stood out most for us was the energy of the place. Barboa has a social yet relaxed vibe that makes it easy to spend time there. It is lively without being loud or overwhelming, and the staff contribute to that by being warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. They checked in often enough to make sure we were taken care of but still gave us space to just enjoy ourselves.
Barboa Bali captures exactly what makes Canggu so appealing. It has good food, great drinks, and a stylish atmosphere, but it keeps things approachable and welcoming rather than trying too hard. It felt like one of those places you could come back to multiple times during a trip and have a different experience each time, whether that is coffee, brunch, or a night out with cocktails. An easy five-star spot in the heart of Canggu. The only constructive feedback I would give is that the Tempe was quite dry and flavourless, I’d recommend...
Read moreThis spot in Canggu instantly became one of my favorites! 🌴✨ The atmosphere is super relaxed yet vibrant
the kind of place where you can spend hours without realizing it. The staff are genuinely kind and welcoming, always making you feel like a friend rather than just a customer.
The food is absolutely delicious fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Whether you’re coming for a late breakfast, sunset drinks, or dinner with friends, everything feels spot on. And the cocktails! Perfectly mixed and definitely worth trying. 🍹
What I love most is the mix of great vibes, amazing service, and quality food. It’s not just a place to eat.. it’s a place to enjoy, connect, and make memories. Can’t wait to come back! thank...
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