La Dolce Vita in Petitenget!

Da Maria Bali - Italian Restaurant Seminyak

Drawing on Capri’s heritage, Da Maria Bali turns out as an elegant Italian-inspired 60’s classic courtyard restaurant of The Amalfi Coast with a modern touch. Located at the top of Jalan Petitenget, the latest creation of Australian Restaurateur Maurice Terzini, in collaboration with Adrian Reed from Motel Mexicola, is the new kid on the block to the busy street, helping the area to become a top food destination and a neighborhood hit for cocktails.

No need to consult with a wardrobe stylist when prepping for a classy date night at Da Maria. Just come as you are - neat tough, as always! -, slide into an orange leather banquette and let the undulating lighting, the sound of the fountains, blue-stripe covered walls and excellent drink list and wine list loosen you up. From there, the food will put anyone in the mood.

The Lounge

The ambiance is energetic and hip, but the menu is based in solid Italian home cooking with plenty of robust and satisfying options, and an all-embracing cocktail and wine list. To start with, we have been recommended for a Granita Al Caffe made of vodka, Da Maria artisanal Caffe Liqueur and Revolver Espresso, strong enough to wake up any sleeping beauty! And an old timer cocktail, but rarely seen in Bali, a Negroni with its teasing sweetness and slightly bitter finish. The vermouth is twisted in-house, as well as some other liqueurs, which make it genuine and unique.

Granita Al Caffe

Having our taste buds fully open and excited after those drinks, the Assaggini (house starters) were opportune. Roasted Asparagus with anchovy butter and parmesan. It's got anchovies on it, but there's nothing fishy about this savory, sweet-sharp springtime side dish.

Roasted Asparagus with Anchovy Butter & Parmesan

The Beef Carpaccio, on a bed of smashed tomatoes, generously covered by Pecorino cheese and Black Olive bits, was as invigorating as the superbly ripe Melon topped with perfectly sliced Parma Ham, thin just enough as it should.


Beef Carpaccio



Parma Ham with Melon

If you like your cheese soft, then you must try the Burrata Insalata! At first glance it might look similar to a fresh ball of mozzarella, but the real charm of burrata — and what sets it apart — is what's on the inside. Burrata has a solid outer curd made from fresh mozzarella, which is formed into a hollow pouch, then filled with a soft, stringy curd and fresh cream. It has a milky, buttery flavor that's is rich without being too indulgent. The real magic happens when burrata is sliced open and the creamy insides spill out. It blends pleasantly with the salad of Cherry tomato, Roasted peppers, Black Olives and Italian dressing.


Burrata Insalata

As a real Italian repast can’t go without pizza, we chose the classic Antica Margherita and the Salami with Artichoke and Fior di Latte, another Italian semi-soft fresh cheese made in the style of Italian mozzarella with cow’s milk, used for almost all pizza. The pizza here is a serious focus, far from being taken lightly. The dough is naturally fermented for 24 hours following Neapolitan artisan techniques and cooked in local lava stone ovens combining gas and Coffee tree wood. Honestly, the best pizza we ever had in Bali and beyond.

Lava Stone Pizza Oven



Pizza Antica Margharita

For Secondi we have been presented with a Roasted Snapper with Rocket salad. The crispy skin was striking by its simplicity thus elegant.


Roasted Snapper with Rocket Salad

From the wood-fired grill we choose the King Prawns. Spatchcocked then grilled on the shelves, completed with Chilli, Black Olives and Mint. The crustaceans were moist and tasteful. Unfortunately, we were too full to try the Porchetta but will be back for sure to taste this slow-cooked over coals deboned pig marinated with herbs and spices. Mouthwatering isn’t it?


Spatchcocked King Prawns

As my partner in crime can’t escape dessert, the Da Maria Tiramisu grabbed her attention! For the newborn, it’s a popular coffee-flavoured Italian custard dessert. It is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavoured with cocoa. Frothy, toothsome, opulent! Despite my stomach crying for no more, I’ve opted for the Apple Crostata, a thin-cut-apple tart on puff pastry and vanilla ice cream atop. Sugary just enough to end this Felliniesque feast.


Da Maria Tiramisu

Da Maria also offers, at the entrance, a massive bar counter, ideal to socialize and an outdoor patio with its fountain and lovely swings, to admire the stars’ above or the party goers hitting the dance floor after 10.30pm to the sound of house’s DJs. For those a bit peckish in late hours, the Pizza oven is ablaze until 2am. Blurring the lines between restaurant, bar and club Da Maria operate daily from 5pm and Sundays from 11am. Going to Da Maria it's like plunging into La Dolce Vita, a journey through time, past and future!


The Bar


Dining Area

Experienced by Dine & Wine Bali in November 2017