Vikki L.
Google
🌅 Amankila Restaurant – Breathtaking Setting, Heartbreaking Meal
Amankila is undeniably stunning. The tiered infinity pools tumbling toward the bay, the sweeping view, the gentle sea breeze—it's the kind of setting that stays with you long after the meal. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. A hostess greeted us the moment we stepped out of the car, and security was tight, complete with a mirror sweep beneath the vehicle. Every staff member was warm, kind, and professional. I felt taken care of.
Given that the cheapest room at Amankila runs over $1,400 USD a night, I expected the food to match the level of everything else. Unfortunately, my main course was among the worst meals I’ve had in Bali—and perhaps the most disappointing in years, especially given the price point (1,875,500 IDR / ~$113 USD for two people).
Here’s what worked:
The truffle potato wedges were fantastic—perfectly crispy, oven-baked with a light touch of truffle and parmesan. Delicate, flavorful, and genuinely memorable.
The staff’s response to my complaint was respectful. They replaced my meal without hesitation.
But here's what didn’t:
I ordered the mahi mahi in red coconut curry expecting a fresh, delicate fish experience. What arrived was uneven: some bites were tolerable, but others had that turned, muddy flavor reminiscent of poorly stored catfish. I've eaten fresh mahi mahi here in Bali recently, so I know it can be done well.
The rice served with the curry was undercooked—crunchy in that unpleasant, raw-grain way.
The replacement dish—grouper in the same curry—was better, but still fell short. The potato was green (as in sprouting, not just undercooked), and the snow peas hadn’t been de-strung, making them chewy and difficult to swallow.
The Kaffir lime “ice cream” (actually more like a sorbet) was shockingly bad. The flavor reminded me of rancid macadamia nuts. I never knew a sorbet could taste off like that.
💔 All of this was deeply disappointing in contrast to the venue’s elegance and the warmth of the staff. I left feeling deflated—like I’d been on a luxurious yacht that somehow served canned tuna.
Not all the food is bad. But if you’re going to spend over $100 USD expecting a premium culinary experience, I recommend being extremely selective with your order—and perhaps lowering expectations just a bit.
