Another good dining option in Ubud, Bali is Honey and Smoke, an authentic wood-fired bistro grill with a menu designed for sharing. This relatively new establishment is the creation of renowned Scottish celebrity chef Will Meyrick, who drew inspiration from modern Australian cuisine during his time down under.
Located on Ubud’s bustling Monkey Forest Road, Honey and Smoke is a two-story establishment. The downstairs area with open sides, has a lively vibe, that faces the busy street, making you feel like you are part of the action. Please note it is loud and warm, and you may smell all the aromas from the open kitchen. Alternatively, you can retreat upstairs to a quieter space, where the old folk go, where the space is designed to mimic the interior of a 1920s train carriage, complete with luggage racks filled with vintage suitcases. While the decor may not entirely transport you back in time, the air-conditioned upstairs offers a peaceful dining experience.
Using charcoal and wood-fire enhanced the flavors of the dishes, which extend far beyond steak. The menu is diverse, featuring dishes like grilled scallops adorned with chili butter, dried mint yogurt, and sumac. Or, a charred broccoli salad with pumpkin seeds, barley, and goat cheese. We also enjoyed tempura zucchini flowers with thyme, rainforest honeycomb, whipped goat cheese, and lemon sauce. We also tried homemade fusilli pasta in a cherry tomato sauce with basil, fried eggplant, olives, and burrata. The chef is known for pushing the culinary boundaries while using local ingredients. We enjoyed our wood-fired grouper served with charred kale and miso beurre blanc.
To complement the food, Honey and Smoke offers a selection of classic and signature cocktails and a list of imported wines. The servers could have been more attentive, which was unusual for Bali. The overall meal was enjoyable, but nothing memorable. It provided an alternative to on-property dining and gave us the chance to explore the charming, bustling town of Ubud. If I returned, I’d try it for lunch rather than dinner. Honey and Smoke is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Happy dining,
Shanea
08/31/2024
