Restaurant Review: Billy Ho – Asian Boteco Fusion Returns to Canggu, Bali
I was excited to visit the reopened and revitalised Billy Ho, an iconic Bali dining destination that had been closed for three years due to the pandemic. Led by renowned chef Will Meyrick (who also spearheaded the wonderful Buzzo, Billy Ho reinvents Japanese fare like no other. This time, Chef Meyrick’s vision was to create a sophisticated late-night Asian Boteco destination in Canggu, fusing the best of Asian cuisine with a lively social atmosphere. Chef Meyrick has also teamed up with the talented Tom Lavery to reinvigorate the kitchen and set the tone for Billy Ho’s exciting return.
As one of Bali’s most respected culinary figures, Chef Meyrick has made it his mission to explore and perfect the art of modern Asian dining. Billy Ho is no exception, offering a unique and vibrant culinary experience that takes you on a journey across Asia’s rich food landscape.
A Culinary Journey Across Continents
The food at Billy Ho is nothing short of phenomenal. From the very first bite, you’re transported on an adventurous journey, starting in Japan, detouring through Italy with a surprising Indian twist, and ending with a classic Chinese Peking Duck. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, balancing bold flavours with delicate nuances and showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients.
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to explore the menu, I highly recommend trying their Feed Me menu. For 550k++ per person (minimum 2 pax), with an optional wine pairing for 430k++, it’s a fantastic way to sample the best of what Billy Ho has to offer. The Feed Me menu includes standout dishes like the flame-torched salmon, pork miso gyoza, sesame squid, and pork and prawn toast, along with hearty options such as tempura whole fish and wagyu ribeye steak. For dessert, you will be treated to something sweet and satisfying to complete your experience.
We began our journey with the flame-torched salmon tornado drizzled with a lava sauce, tobiko and furikake—a burst of flavours that set the perfect tone. The prawn siew mai was tender, beautifully elevated by red tobiko, soy glaze and a touch of truffle oil.
Another standout was the grilled Hokkaido scallop, served with miso butter, yuzu kosho sauce and green shallots—a delightful blend of textures and umami-rich flavours. The segue to Italy with the burrata was an unexpected treat, paired with charred grapes, wood-roasted tomatoes, black vinegar XO dressing and chapati for a playful twist.
Surprisingly, the char-grilled belacan octopus was a personal highlight. The tenderness of the octopus, paired with the green shallot and peanut dressing, was absolutely divine. Even for those who might not favour octopus, this dish is an eye-opener.
We ended with the dry-aged tuna san choy bow, which featured a hint of truffle, shiitake mushrooms and a subtle Sichuan spice. And though we had ordered pescatarian, my guest thoroughly enjoyed the signature Peking duck—a testament to Billy Ho’s diverse offerings.
Every dish was light yet packed with big, bold flavours and we found ourselves savouring every sauce to the very last drop.
The Cocktails
Of course, Billy Ho wouldn’t be complete without its creatively crafted cocktail list. A few standouts include the Peanut Butter Bourbon and Strawberry Bitters Old Fashioned, a bold take on a classic, and the refreshing Miso Berry Bliss, made with pomelo gin, vanilla syrup, citrus, and miso foam. The Sicilian Vesper with passionfruit cordial and cranberry soda offers a tropical twist, while the Billy Ho Chilli Margarita with Sichuan chilli mix brings a fiery kick. For those with a sweet tooth, the Tiramisu Martini combines date syrup and tiramisu foam, making it a dessert in a glass. With such innovative creations, the cocktail menu alone is enough to draw you in for a few drinks and some small bites.
The Space and Atmosphere
With the statement entrance setting expectations for a more high-end restaurant, I found the dim lighting and bronze accents were in contrast to the lively, high-energy vibe the space cultivated. The service was incredibly friendly, from the security at the entrance to the host, staff and bar staff, who always had a smile, making you feel relaxed and at home.
The space has a vibrant social feel, with communal tables and intimate nooks, perfect for groups or couples. Music from Purple Disco Machine and Crazy P added a great dynamic and the buzzing crowd created a high-energy vibe.
For me, it felt more casual and low-key than expected for a place with such extraordinary food, but this would never stop me from coming back again and again.
A Sweet Finish
We finished our meal with two creative desserts. The chargrilled pineapple skewers, an unusual but clever balance of sweet, tart pineapple, sorbet and crunchy rice crisps, was the real winner. Though the Oreo white chocolate parfait was delicious, it could not quite outshine the pineapple’s unique blend of textures and flavours.
Would You Add it to the Wishlist?
Where Billy Ho truly shines is in the food. Chef Meyrick has once again proven his culinary genius, offering a menu that blends comfort with adventure, tradition with innovation. Whether you opt for the Feed Me menu or go à la carte, you’re guaranteed a dining experience full of surprises.
If you’re seeking a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience with some of the best Asian fusion flavours Bali has to offer, Billy Ho should be at the top of your list.
For more information visit billyho.co
