I spent so much of my childhood in this neighbourhood that walking back through it now feels a bit like flipping through an old photo album; familiar corners, same vibe, and that nice feeling that not everything has changed. It’s comforting, in a way, to see some of the same restaurants still around – quietly standing the test of time.
And if you know, you know…some places, they evolve, but never lose their charm. Not trying too hard, not chasing trends – just naturally keeping up, staying relevant in their own way, while holding on to what made people fall in love with them in the first place. One of them is SKAI Bar & Grill, formerly known as SKAI Beach Club. And yes, as the name suggests, the concept’s had a bit of a glow-up.
Don’t worry though, the iconic beachfront pool and those outdoor seats we all love are still very much there (I know, some memories are just too good to let go of). It still carries that same laid-back, by-the-sea energy that made it such a favourite in the first place. But now, there’s a cosy indoor extension with 34 seats – perfect if you’re into that open-flame, grill-side kind of experience that SKAI Bar & Grill is leaning into.
There’s also a new terrace that low-key feels like a secret garden – very much an evolution of the OG SKAI vibe. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, lush greenery everywhere, and laser-cut screens that look dreamy during golden hour (warm, dappled light kind of situation). The seating is all hand-woven in soft driftwood greys and sandy taupes, tying everything back to the natural beachy colour palette (my bright pink outfit would really pop here! hehe). So yeah, anyway – new space, same soul.
Now onto the food – because this is the even more interesting part. Picture all that calming seaside ambience paired with their heroes on the menu; tender cuts with za’atar, citrusy sumac, a touch of smoky paprika. Simple, but so good. Add in the sea breeze, some greenery, and soft lantern light overhead… it’s seaside dining, in Bali, but with a slice of Eastern Mediterranean twist.
At the heart of it all is an open kitchen. You get to watch the chefs fully in their element, working the fire and charcoal. There’s something quite satisfying about seeing it all happen right in front of you.
This is where SKAI’s signature cuts come in; Angus tenderloin, grass-fed MB3+, pork chop Pata Negra Ibérico, and more. And if you’re someone who likes to choose your cut properly, you’ll appreciate this: the dry-aging chamber is now on display too, beautifully laid out on rustic maple boards. Take your time, have a look, and pick exactly what you’re in the mood for.
The kind of spread that feeds the soul
All in all, SKAI Bar & Grill, and this new expansion, is such a lovely addition to Legian’s dining scene. It’s one of those spots that feels familiar, but in the best, refreshed kind of way – like coming back to something you love, but better than you remember. And the fact that it’s located at Padma Resort Legian, a resort that holds so many beautiful memories for me, just makes it even more special to me! 🫶🏻✨
SKAI BAR & GRILL 🥩 Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean 💰 Price range: From 250K/ person ⏰ Opening hour: Mon-Thu, 12pm-11pm/ Fri-Sat, 12pm-12am, Sun, 12.30pm-11pm 📍Address: Jl. Padma no. 1, Legian, Kec. Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali
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