The Frommer’s call it “a place to see and be seen” but I prefer to call it a cuisine sanctuary. If you want to have a lunch without any hullabaloo of the Kuta’s crowd while still have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanted view of the beach and a nice breeze without any unnecessary obstruction from a structure called “wall”, La Lucciola is just the place for it. La Lucciola is on walking distance from Hotel Oberoi, but for visitor with vehicle, the parking area appears reasonably safe for such a public area, as security guards abound! After crossing the canal by an old wooden bridge, you are at the La Lucciola Beach Club! Strolling along the stone path, in the midst of the well-manicured grounds, you wind your way around to the restaurant’s front entrance. For lunch then you will also be faced with the rear view of a line of deck chairs from those enjoying their sun & surf, as well as a little sustenance, on the beach.

La Lucciola is perched right on the edge of the beach. An enormous open, thatch-roofed building, with dining on two levels. The upstairs section has a nice breeze that is almost inevitable. The large bamboo furniture seems to suit the place and the occasion.

For lunch a variety of entrees, very mixed in origin and style, often suffice for a pleasant and relaxing meal. A pair of King Prawns with thin chips of Sweet Potato stuck all over them, always remind me of Sydney’s Thai chef, Prasit, and his famous king prawn and taro dish. Maybe there is a connection. A Meze is a touch of Greece. Italian-style pastas abound, as well as a variety of salads from many origins. The Chicken and soba noodle salad, with a soy and sesame dressing, a perfect light snack.

La Lucciola not just excellent for lunch but perfect for dinner. On your visit in the evening, you will be walking between the oil burning torches that edge the pathway.

For dinner, a wide selection is always available on the menu, Caramelised Onion and Anchovy Tart Tartin, a bit mushy but very tasty, and delightful little Filo Pastries, of minced lamb and fetta cheese, served with minted tomato yoghurt are excellent entrees. A Grilled Fillet of Beef with roasted sweet potatoes and mustard butter is superb. Likewise Char-grilled Lamb Cutlets with parmesan mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, are perfect. The seafood specials, calamari and a unique prawn and snapper pie, is tops, in addition to a complement of good pasta and traditional Italian fare can not be resist.

La Lucciola also has an adequate wine list, with wines from Australia, California and Italy, plus one special wine from New Zealand, a Caramelised Onion.

Last but not least is a private dining space for a small group called ‘The Firefly Room’. The name ‘Firefly Room’ has been based on an inspiration drawn from the life of firefly. Perched atop the trendy open bar with a ceiling bejeweled by small ferry-lights, the ‘Firefly Room’ is the epitome of style. Spectacular views from every angle and fine table settings make it an ideal setting for tropical brunch meetings, board lunches, cocktail parties and elegant dinner gatherings.

I think a further explanation on La Lucciola is unnecessary, the only suggestion I can give is “reserved a place there and enjoy the magic of La Lucciola”.

La Lucciola

Address:
Jl. Laksmana (Jl. Oberoi), Temple Petitenget, Kerobokan

Phone:
261.047

Open:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 7 days

Bookings:
Advisable

Parking:
Open Parking area, with security [pay a small donation to temple].

Credit Cards:
Amex, MC, Visa

Food:
Mediterranean

Wine:
Adequate selection

Service:
Excellent.

photos are taken from

http://www42.tok2.com/home/lucca/masami/Restaurant/lalucciola/Lalucciola.htm

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