Buzo Bali: Where Italian Soul Meets Japanese Flair in the Heart of Seminyak
Nestled among the bustling streets of Seminyak, Buzo Izakaya e Birra, created by renowned chef Will Meyrick, presents a fusion of Italian-inspired and Japanese-influenced dining that makes a memorable impression from the moment you step inside. My journey through Buzo was marked by a warm greeting at the door and a gracious smile from the security staff as we left, satisfied and content.
The Interiors
The ambiance strikes you immediately — cathedral-like domed ceilings, Venetian washed walls and a grand arched windowed entrance that draws you in. The contrast of gold accents against deep, moody lighting sets the tone for an intimate dining experience. Leather Chesterfield banquettes and high seating create a buzzing vibe near the entrance, while darker tones and a wall lined with wine bottles offer a cozy, upscale atmosphere.
Buzo’s design is sophisticated but not pretentious, with warmth and elegance in every detail, from the stunning bronzed tiles at the bar to the playful mix of hexagonal floor tiles and wooden accents.
It’s the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The space is a real feast for the senses.
The Food Journey
Of course, it wasn’t just the interiors that had me hooked; the food was divine. Buzo is a place where Japanese izakaya flavours meet the rustic heart of Italian cooking in beautiful and unexpected ways. We opted for the chef’s selection, eager to see what surprises were in store. And wow, did it deliver.
Hosted by Shannon, with her cute dimples, the service was such a delight as we kicked off with cocktails — a Buzo Negroni (my favourite, of course) infused with jasmine-infused gin and a Pomelo Sour that danced lightly on the palate. Paired with our first bites, fluffy homemade sourdough with sundried tomato and katsuobushi butter, the flavours were as bold as they were balanced.
From the bar snacks, the pickled octopus with its punchy yuzu, dill, and chilli combo was delightful. Then came my favourite: the salmon tartare, where the crisp rice cake texture complemented the delicate salmon, balanced perfectly with avocado, chilly mayo, kabayaki sauce, and furikake — definitely a standout, pushing the Japanese flavours to new heights. The melt-in-your-mouth scallop, lifted by a homemade fermented chilli bean sauce and truffle sprinkles, was delicate and luxurious.
From the pasta menu, the spaghetti prawns with light bisque and fried breadcrumbs delivered a cheeky unexpected spice kick. As a seafood lover, I couldn’t resist the grilled whole fish, its crispy capers and lemon butter sauce perfectly balancing against the richness of fried parsley. A light rocket salad with pecorino was the perfect palate cleanser before we rounded out with dessert — chocolate and orange sorbet, an irresistible mix of textures and flavours that had me scraping the bowl.
Why Buzo Should Be on Your List
Chef Will Meyrick has created a true gem with Buzo, blending the street food essence of Japanese izakayas with the depth and warmth of Italian cooking. The menu, full of surprises, feels carefully crafted yet free-spirited — much like the interiors.
For those looking to escape the more traditional Indonesian fare and explore something inventive, Buzo is the place to be. Whether it’s a date night, a gathering of friends or a solo indulgence in culinary artistry, the experience will linger long after the last bite.
So treat yourself. Walk through those arched doors, ask the team to order against your loves, and bring your appetite. You’ll be walking out, much like I did, grateful for every delicious bite.
Buzo Bali is bound to be a mainstay in Seminyak for years to come. Definitely add this to your Bali Wishlist.
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