The best prelude to an evening at Bene Italian Kitchen is when you approach from the sophisticated, warmly lit lobby lounge when the breathtaking colours of the horizon set in contrast with the cool lighting of the pool and the glass-bordered rooftop terrace above the restaurant. Enter the main dining room to enjoy soothing interiors with warm-toned parquet flooring and views to the pool and ocean afar through floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can also opt for alfresco dining out on the poolside tables. Cold towels presented in small jars infused with the soothing scent and a sprig of fragrant rosemary help you refresh before your dinner – a herb used quite a lot in Chef Renzelli’s garnishes and dishes.

The menu items are listed in eloquent Italian, and luckily subbed in English. For starters, there’s the Insalata di Polpo con Patate e Asparagi, or octopus salad with potatoes and asparagus at IDR 58,000, which seafood lovers will simply adore, and the Pomodori Con Riso, or tomato stuffed with risotto and cheese sauce that offers a rich and creamy sensation to the palate, reasonably priced at IDR 48,000. Freshly baked buns, rolls and breadsticks come served with an assortment of dips, namely pesto, Provencal olive tapenade and sun-dried tomatoes.

Onto the mains, you have a choice of wholesome pastas and pizzas. Pizzas come out of the stylish oven in traditional Italian thin-crusted style with a wide choice of different toppings, and available in 48cm family size for fun sharing. Great pastas at Bene Italian Kitchen include the Ravioli Verdi di Patate e Funghi, piquant ravioli stuffed with potato, porcini mushroom and Parmesan with a dash of tomato sauce, at IDR 98,000. The Penne Cipollotti e Salsiccia con Piselli, or pasta with Italian sausages, onion, peas, parmesan cheese and parsley is delicious to the last penne tube, and the Penne con Zucca Funghi e Salsiccia comprising tuna and tomatoes at IDR 114,000 is a great seafood lover’s alternative.

The plates that the dishes are served on feature beautiful Roman floral patterns, specifically designed for Bene Italian Kitchen, and which partly give the dining experience its visual appeal. To end the meal, the wonderful traditional Italian dessert of Girello al Caffe Con Crema Pasticcera, a rolled sponge cake with pastry cream is a treat hard to resist, garnished with a sliced bright red strawberry.

Wine pairings are available with over 100 varieties of fine Italian wines, stewarded by the title holder of ‘Best Indonesia Sommelier 2014’, Pamor Budi, who can recommend the ideal wine based on your preference and menu selection. Great drinks to try include the Bloody Bene, the restaurant’s own take on the classic Mary, and there’s the cool Italian White Sangria that is also perfect for sundowners on the rooftop terrace. Prices start from IDR 79,000 per glass, and when you head up for the Sunset Bene Rooftop Treat, you’re in for a 25% off any drinks during sunset hours between 17:00 to 19:00.

• Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 17:00 -22.30
• Location: Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta
• Tel: +62 (0)361 846 5555

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