Editor’s note: Bali is now closed.
If you’ve never before tried Indonesian food, Bali is an ideal place to start. Chic decor and a welcoming vibe make this an approachable place to dine; a full bar and some expertly concocted drinks make waiting for a table a rare pleasure.
The food itself is novel to American tastebuds, richly spiced without being overwhelming or particularly spicy hot. You’ll see familiar elements from Thai and Chinese cooking creeping into the corner of the menu, but for the most part, the stews, curries and grilled beef items are refreshingly unusual. Consistency of cooking is excellent — a broad sampling of items revealed no clinkers and a few soaring standouts.
In terms of price, service and atmosphere, Bali compares most directly to Americanized Thai joints such as Amazing Thailand, Tum Rup Thai or True Thai. That said, the Indonesian flair is highly unusual, and worth seeking out.
BEST BET: Start with the lumpiah, a superbly executed take on a classic eggroll, and try the daging rendang ($13.75), a deeply spiced beef and potatoes dish stewed in coconut milk — it manages to be both familiar and exotic, stimulating and comforting all at the same time.
Bali
Indonesian on Eat Street, Minneapolis
1410 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612.354.3302
HOURS:
Sun-Thu 11am-2:30pm 4:30pm-12am
Fri-Sat 11am-2:30pm 4:30pm-2am
BAR: Full
RESERVATIONS/RECOMMENDED?: No
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN: Yes and Yes
ENTREE RANGE: ($8-13)