On Instagram, Manina tells keen visitors to follow the smell of bakso (Indonesian meatballs) in one of the busiest streets in Seminyak. This will supposedly lead them to a Cendana meatball hawker, who will then show them the red door entrance of the town’s new speakeasy.
Manina is the latest from 8 Degree Projects, the Bali-based hospitality and lifestyle group that also houses Bo$$man Burger and Sisterfields Cafe. They’re utilizing the unused space of fine-dining restaurant Bikini, which has been temporarily closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide an “elevated experience” of a speakeasy bar with a new array of tasty cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologist Arey Baker and scrumptious mouthfuls inspired by Bikini’s menu.
One look at their menu and we’re already intrigued, with cocktails selections such as Kintamani Coffee Negroni (IDR140K), a mix of dry gin, sweet vermouth, campari, charcoal, and Kintamani coffee; and The Gaijin (IDR140K), featuring Japanese gin, yuzu black tea jam, lemon juice, egg white, and absinthe. There’s also Gulf of Mexico (IDR130K), which mixes a seaweed-infused tequila silver, chili honey, lime juice, and nori salt.
We think that a good drink is incomplete without delicious bites, and the options at Manina will not disappoint. The speakeasy offers per piece servings, offering varieties like Beef Rendang Empanada (IDR18K) with Sambal gel and coconut cream, Babi Guling Croquette (IDR20K) with Bumbu mayo and Puffed Pork Skin, and Mongolian Beef Taco (IDR18K) with nori, spicy mayo, and master stock caramel.
With ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in place, Manina only opens on Fridays and Saturdays, from 4pm to 10pm. They have a 40 pax seating capacity, though opening hours may change depending on official regulations.
FIND IT:
Jl. Kayu Cendana No. 6, Seminyak
Open Friday and Saturday, 4-10pm
US$1: 14,450
