The awe-inspiring setting of Bali’s first aquarium restaurant is an experience you must revel in at least once on your next visit to the island. Koral weaves a compelling and unforgettable dining experience, whether you come during the day for a family lunch or at night for a romantic rendezvous.
Nestled within The Apurva Kempinski Bali in Nusa Dua, the restaurant’s enormous aquarium is home to thriving marine life. From your leather upholstered seat, indulge in the ocean’s spectacle where manta rays, sharks, clownfish, and shimmering schools of fish playfully swim under your gaze. A team of impeccable waitstaff is on standby to attend to your special occasion. Amid this underwater splendour, delight in a gastronomic experience by a recently appointed executive chef with a Michelin pedigree.
Leading the first aquarium restaurant in Bali
“Growing up surrounded by an abundance of natural resources, like fresh fish from local rivers and diverse forest products, deeply influenced my culinary perspective, emphasising the use of fresh and natural ingredients,” says executive chef Jean-Baptiste Natali about his upbringing in Champagne, France.
He opened his restaurant, Hostellerie la Montagne, in 2001 and was awarded one Michelin star when he was just 27 years old. It retains the star until today. Bringing more than 30 years of experience as a chef and consultant in luxury hotels and restaurants across the globe, Natali’s deeply rooted French techniques and global perspective add a flavourful and sophisticated flair to Koral’s new menu. The terroir’s tropical fruits, nourishing vegetables, earthy mushrooms, and fresh seafood are proudly flaunted in every perfectly executed course.
Leading a team of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s culinary artisans, he is now driving the transformation of Koral into a dining destination of excellent cooking worth a detour while eagerly anticipating the arrival of Michelin when they include Indonesia in the prestigious guide.
Feasts to remember at Koral restaurant in Bali
Indonesian guests will find the eight-course Zen tasting menu scrumptious, textural, and aesthetically captivating. Artfully weaving locally grown produce, premium delicacies, regional flavours, and French techniques, find dishes such as Caviar (caviar-topped coconut jelly, chive, and crème fraiche served in a tin with potato churros), Mushroom Lobster (plump lobster ravioli served with earthy porcini, shiitake, and button mushroom sauce), and a deceivingly subtle but delicious Dry-Aged Snapper served with smoked cauliflower and onion consommé.
“This menu was born from a moment of meditation, representing a perfect balance of classic and modern culinary styles,” adds the chef. Koral also offers a five-course Experience menu, a six-course Gourmet menu, and a six-course Vegetal menu that boasts the island’s fresh produce, aromatic herbs, tangy dabu-dabu sambal, and rich betutu spice paste. From banana blossoms to mangoes to Hokkaido scallops, Natali’s exploration of the island’s terroir and regional cuisine is ready to impress.
Koral at The Apurva Kempinski Bali Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Bali 80361, tel: +62 361 209 2288
