[Bali] Italian food might not be your first choice when visiting Bali.
If you’re happen craving for some Italian cuisine from handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas to breads, pay a visit to Uma Cucina – located in a laid-back town of Ubud (at COMO Uma Ubud), known for its lush greenery, craftments and paddy fields.
With open pavilion, high ceilings and two outdoor terraces, the interior was designed to utilize with the surrounding, allowing air to flow freely and offers rustic and homely feel.
Uma Cucina is also known to use locally sourced produce for their dishes.
With some complimentary assorted bread to begin with, the Italian-styled bread pieces were fluffy and rich with herbs.
As it was their sixth anniversary and was recommended to try their Anniversary Set (IDR 395k, SGD39.50) a four-course menu which consisted of Fritto Misto, Tiger Prawns, Char Grilled Tonkuzen Sirloin, and Strawberry Tarlet.
The Fritto Misto turned out to be great start for the course, with lightly battered zucchini stuffed with mozzarella.
The pieces were crisp on the outside, almost molten on the inside, served with refreshing tomato and basil salsa.
The Tiger Prawn was fresh and quite evenly-grilled. While I was not the biggest fan of eggplants, I thought they nailed in achieving a smooth and tasty puree.
This was served with wheat salad, added with hints of lemon juice for some acidity.
As for the Char Grilled Tonkuzen Sirloin, the meat was cooked just the way I like it, medium rare, juicy and well-seasoned too.
The accompanying salsa verde deserved the love too, though portion was smaller than I had expected.
As for the Strawberry Tartlet, it was pretty way to end the set, with glazed strawberries placed on top lemon and ricotta tart.
Good combination of sweet and sour.
While the “Anniversary Set” was reasonably priced, it could have been improved portion wise.
Still not that full, I decided to order other dishes such as Black Ink Linguine (IDR 150k, SGD15) and Red Snapper (195k, SGD19.50).
For the linguine, the pasta was al dente (a plus point), black ink was not too heavy yet it enhanced the texture of the pasta, squid slices were firm and chewy.
Great ideas with chopped tomatoes that added “freshness” to the pasta. Overall tasty with generous portions.
The Red Snapper was thick, juicy and fresh, skin was fried till crispy which give a “crunchiness” texture to the dish.
I liked how they cooked it with capers which bring out the tangy “lemony” flavor to the fish.
For dessert, I prefer something citrusy, not too sweet and I was asked to try Semifreddo (IDR 75k, SGD7.50) happened to be Uma Cucina’s most popular dessert.
Loved the sourness from the passion fruit puree and mango slices, some bitterness from the ginger crumbs.
As for the Chocolate Nemesis (IDR 75k, SGD7.50), the flourless chocolate cake tasted like any average chocolate cake.
Texture was on the dry side, and some cream or ice cream would have help balance out that ‘rough’ texture.
If you are planning to chill out or simply having a casual dining, Uma Cucina is the place you want to visit with great ambience, prompt services and affordable price tag. Can possibly be one of the best Italian restaurants in Bali.
Uma Cucina
Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.21, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Tel: +62 36 197 2448
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10:30pm
Google Maps – Uma Cucina
* Written by DFD͛’s Jakarta Food Correspondent @iknowhowtoeat who loves exploring NEW food places in both Indonesia and Singapore. DFD pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
