El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in West Nusa Tenggara

We made a reservation for a table for three at El Bazar in Kuta Lombok for October 23, 2023 and it was our first visit to this restaurant.

From November 2022 to July 2023, El Bazar restaurant was temporarily closed for major renovations. Everything has been overhauled, both interior and exterior. The restaurant has been given a chic Mediterranean appearance, with many details paid to the choice of color, furnishings, ornaments, lighting and appearance. In our opinion, very successful and feels very atmospheric.

I first took a tour of the restaurant. The restaurant is divided into a number of rooms, each with a unique atmosphere. The tables can easily be arranged to accommodate larger groups, both on the terrace and inside near the kitchen. This is located at the front of the restaurant and the guest has a direct view of the 'open flame' barbecue, the pizza oven and can witness the skills of the various chefs who are busy with the works of art that are being prepared.

Further back is the bar and a real wine room. In this wine room you will find a variety of wines from home and abroad. If you have any questions about the wines, please contact the staff. A little further on there is a kind of courtyard with a fountain in the middle. Tables for guests are situated around the fountain. The fountain creates a rustic atmosphere. A staircase leading up provides another space where guests can sit and have a view of the fountain below.

We opted for a sweet white wine and a toast was in order as we had been married for four years that day. Our starter was the 'Grilled Moon Scallops' and 'Freshly Baked Bread'. The scallops were super fresh, delicious and adding a fresh lime flavor to a single scallop made it wonderfully fresh too. Three types of fresh bread and a delicious sauce for dipping, we couldn't get enough of it.

All three of us chose something different as a main course so that we could share with each other and taste several dishes. The “Grilled Fish of the Day”, the “Wagyu Tokusen Skirt Steak”, “Truffle Tagliateli Porcini” and as a side dish “Potato Puree”. We had the “wow” experience with all three dishes. Everything was super tasty and prepared exactly according to your wishes. The portions were sufficient for us. We agreed that all three main courses received top marks. The puree also tasted delicious and had a good texture. For dessert the Baklava and the Pavlova. Both desserts were super delicious and are known to be sweet, but everything in balance. The combination with ice cream was very tasty.

What was very nice is that the dishes were served at the same time during the various courses of the dinner. This allowed us to start the treats together. The friendly, pleasant and helpful employees make an evening like this complete. We thank everybody who made this an unforgettable evening with some nice surprises.

For us, a visit to restaurant “El Bazar” is a “must” on our (or your) next visit to Lombok.

Nurul,...

El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant Review

Nestled in the heart of Lombok, El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors and island charm. The vibrant decor, characterized by colorful tiles and cozy seating arrangements, immediately sets a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Upon entering, the friendly staff greet you with warm smiles and are quick to assist with any requests. The menu is diverse, featuring a range of dishes from fresh salads and hearty mains to delectable desserts. Each plate is thoughtfully prepared, presenting a beautiful fusion of taste and presentation.

One standout dish is the Moroccan tagine, which is rich in flavor and cooked to perfection. The seafood options are equally impressive, boasting fresh, local ingredients that highlight the coastal influence. For vegetarians, the falafel and hummus platter is a must-try, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

The beverage selection is extensive, with a variety of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and a well-curated wine list. The homemade lemonade is particularly refreshing and pairs well with the spicier dishes on the menu.

What truly sets El Bazar apart is its ambiance. The combination of indoor and outdoor seating allows for a versatile dining experience, whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends. The outdoor garden area is a peaceful oasis, perfect for enjoying a meal under the stars.

Service is consistently attentive without being intrusive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.

In summary, El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant is a gem in Lombok, offering delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful setting. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you...

I first visited El Bazar 8 years ago and it left such a great impression that I had to come back. Happy to say it’s still one of the best rated and most memorable restaurants in Kuta.

They’ve updated the decor and improved the service — so big congrats to the team and owners!

What we ordered: We started with the baba ganoush, then ordered the local grilled fish of the day (as we were told that ordering the whole fish would take around 45 minutes — and we were already hungry!), and the Sumbawa wild prawns.

As mains don’t come with sides, we also got couscous and cauliflower.

Food quality: Absolutely delicious — especially the baba ganoush, which was a standout. Portions are on the smaller side, though.

Drinks & wine: We only had water during our meal, but it’s worth mentioning that El Bazar has a great wine selection — one of the best we’ve seen in Kuta. Ideal if you’re planning a proper dinner experience.

Price: This is one of the more expensive restaurants in Kuta. We paid around €60 (approx. 1 million IDR) for dinner — very much expensive European prices. (Note: wine not included in our bill.)

Atmosphere & service: Beautifully decorated with a choice between indoor and outdoor seating — we sat outside.

The service is professional and very attentive, with dedicated greeters and multiple waiters.

Only odd thing: for this price range, having to go to the cashier to pay felt a bit off.

Practical info: Card payments accepted Tables are quite close together, which feels a bit cramped for the price point Menu and staff speak English

Overall: A consistent classic in Kuta — perfect for a special dinner or if you’re craving Middle Eastern–Mediterranean flavors in a...