Merah Putih — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

Located in Seminyak, Bali, #MERAHPUTIH comes highly recommended by our driver, Mr Putu from the village of Kayana. Upon entering, despite its humble facade, the restaurant surprises with its extravagant yet sustainable design, offering Indonesian fusion cuisine.

The culinary experience at #MERAHPUTIH exceeds expectations in terms of taste, freshness, and presentation. We began with a selection of crackers accompanied by four types of sauces, each with varying levels of chili heat, and a flavorful chicken soup. The almond-crusted cracker was particularly outstanding.

Our main courses showcased the culinary prowess of the kitchen. The soft shell crab, served atop a fresh mini salad and garnished with green micros, delighted with its crisp texture and tangy dressing. The charred grilled fish was remarkably juicy, tender, and impeccably marinated, enhancing every bite. However, the fried duck stole the spotlight with its exquisite presentation, layered garnishes, and accompanied by a special sauce. The succulent and tender duck, fried to crispy perfection, was a true culinary delight.

We added rice with coconut and lemon grass that added flavours exceptionally

Fresh drink of orange with hebiscus was well balanced with the sourness.

For dessert, we indulged in a chocolate mousse accompanied by sweet caramel and vanilla flavors, topped with caramel popcorn. The manager kindly recommended this delightful treat, joining us to appreciate the culinary experience. Special thankyou to you.

The service at #MERAHPUTIH was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff ensuring a delightful dining experience. The ambience was equally impressive, with a well-appointed decor and cleanliness maintained to a high standard. Notably, the interior pillars diverge outward, forming a unique ceiling structure that facilitates the natural flow of rainwater, adding to the restaurant's charm.

In terms of value for money, portion sizes and pricing were reasonable, offering an overall exceptional experience. The menu variety catered well to different dietary preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

While the restaurant may appear as a hidden gem, it would benefit from upgrading its entrance to match the exquisite interiors, attracting more visitors to experience its culinary delights. Additionally, the unique internal structures that enhance rainwater flow add to the restaurant's special charm, making it a truly memorable dining destination...

Instagrammable setting, mid food, and a vibe tailored to a Western crowd

I came to this restaurant because of the glowing Instagram posts—and yes, it’s visually stunning. The high ceilings, lush architecture, and moody lighting create a beautiful ambiance. But overall, the experience didn’t live up to the aesthetic.

I arrived about 30 minutes late, and they let me keep the table, which I appreciated as a solo diner. I ordered two small plates, both of which came out within five minutes—lukewarm, which was disappointing. When a waiter asked how everything was, I said it was “okay,” but that clearly didn’t register as a concern. Later, I clarified that the pork belly was just fine—nothing special—but the crispy duck was extremely dry and oily, and I couldn’t eat it. I asked to move to the bar, and they accommodated me.

The cocktail menu overall was just okay. The Flavors of Indonesia flight was the highlight—pricey, but a creative and thoughtful way to explore regional ingredients. Still, not enough to warrant a return visit.

While sitting at the bar, I couldn’t help but notice the crowd—it’s very clear this place caters to a certain kind of tourist. If you’re someone looking for a sanitized, luxury-adjacent escape from the Bali chaos—motorbikes, street stalls, and heat—this will probably hit. It’s designed to feel more like you’re in a trendy restaurant back in the U.S. or Europe. If that’s your vibe, you’ll probably enjoy it.

But if you’re someone who travels for authentic, flavorful, elevated local experiences, or you have a strong palate and an appreciation for real fine dining, this won’t meet that standard. The service is polished in appearance, but the food and depth of experience just aren’t there.

Come for the view. Maybe try the cocktail flight. But set your expectations accordingly—it’s more about the look of luxury than the...

I visited Merah Putih with high expectations, given how many of our friends back home have raved about its ambiance and cuisine. Unfortunately, my only truly positive remark is reserved for the gado gado. I absolutely loved MP's rendition of this traditional dish – the slightly runny quail egg combined with the satisfying crunch of the lettuce wrap and peanut cracker created a truly delightful bite.

However, the other dishes we ordered, supposedly their best sellers, were a significant letdown. We tried the fish, pork, and beef cheek.

The grilled snapper with papaya salad was particularly disappointing. For such a large establishment, you'd expect the fish to be cleaned more thoroughly; finding scales was off-putting. Furthermore, the papaya salad and fish didn't harmonize; they felt entirely separate. The fish itself was also bland. Honestly, this was the most subpar ikan bakar I've ever had.

I was genuinely excited about the pork after the waiter's description, anticipating a delightful interplay of tenderness between the pork belly and baby back ribs. Instead, it was a tale of the dry and drier, far from the succulent experience I'd hoped for.

As for the beef cheeks, it's widely known that this cut should be incredibly tender when cooked properly. It's hard to mess up, but MP managed to, and quite spectacularly at that.

Overall, while I appreciated the ambiance and can see why people might come for the famous cocktails. The service levels were poor, especially when compared to other highly-rated restaurants. For the hefty price tag of 1.2M IDR, there are truly a lot of better options out there in Bali. As a protein fanatic who has endured many dry and flaky chicken breasts, I'm genuinely impressed – I've found a similar chef than myself, and...