Santana Brasserie brings seriously good Latin cuisine to Berawa, Bali

It seems there’s a new happening venue cropping up in Bali every other week, especially in the new happening areas like Berawa and Canggu. Fortunately for us, stylish and spacious restaurant and speak-easy Santana Brasserie Latina opened its door on the night we arrived in bustling Berawa and, boy, did this place deliver on the hospitality front.

The staff, all sharply dressed and always with a smile, are quick to tend to your needs. The space itself – with 50-foot high ceilings – is airy and cool and looks like it could have served as a hacienda once. The decor is clever, keeping things minimalist in three-quarters of the interior, and decorative – but not too cluttered – along one wall only. This makes for a nice aesthetic point of difference to many of the Latin-themed spots you’re used to seeing in Seminyak or Legian.

Rather than worry if you’re going to trip over a statue of the Virgin Mary or some spiky artwork, space takes precedence and there’s room to swing a few cats in this smart joint.

Then there’s the food. My god, what glorious food – far more adventurous than the average Latin fare. You can snack on Tostada de Salmon, each dotted with a delectable chipotle aioli (AUD18), Bao de Langosta – which translates to lobster in bao buns, dressed in a delicious mango salsa (AUD23), or Chicharron de Camaron – prawns with jalapeno pickles (AUD18).

Delectable bites: the Tostada de Salmon.

For mains, you might like to try 15-hours slow-cooked ribs with a pineapple chili sauce (AUD18.50) or wagyu beef with dollops of chimichurri, a piquant sauce, on the side (AUD350 a kilo but believe me a fraction of this amount is enough to satisfy if you’re dining degustation style).

Vegetarians aren’t left out, with dishes on offer ranging from humble guacamole (though the best I’ve tasted, ever) to wild mushrooms and seafood options aplenty.

Desserts don’t disappoint at Santana, with the Triple Leche cake a must-try.

The drinks list goes on forever but among the tens of different cocktails and mocktails, my favourite was the Batida de Pina (a dressed-up pina colada that goes down way too easy, AUD17).

Santana is soon to open their side room which will serve as a speak-easy lounge, and the venue also offers private rooms upstairs for a more intimate dining experience.

If you’re wanting something unique and fresh in your next visit to Bali, take yourself to Berawa and be sure to check out this very cool venue before there are lines snaking around the corner, like all them other once-hip places had once upon a time.

Antonino Tati

Santana Brasserie Latina is situated at 84 Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Berawa, Bali. Bookings on 0811-399-894 or to book and view their full menu visit santanabrasserielatina.com.

SANTANA OPENING NIGHT SOCIALS:

Sophia Selina.

Alex, Ozlem and Ali.

Mauricio Alpizar and Mielle.

Antonino Tati and Ben Roccamante.

Kiara and Yucy.

Hostess with the mostess, Anita.