In the shore side village of Canggu, where Batu Blong dips towards Old Man’s Beach, stands Fishbone Local – a contemporary eatery and bar that captures the seaside state of mind.
Just a short stroll up from the waves, the restaurant has a clear focus: simple, precise preparations of the finest and freshest seafood available. The market list menu rotates daily, taking its cues from Balinese beachside barbeque, but calls upon other coastal cultures for inspiration too. One day you may find pan-seared barramundi with sambal alongside a Vietnamese-style slaw or a bowl of edamame, while the next may offer beer-battered fish and chips, swordfish tikka skewers or a tuna poke.
As for the drinks, the bar keeps things short and sharp with a compact list of beer and wine, but the cocktails play a leading role. No-nonsense takes on timeless classics are the name of the game, trading minimal sugar for maximum refreshment. Native ingredients like kaffir lime, pandan, and pomelo bring new life to spritzes, gimlets, Marys and Margaritas, while soft drinks, young coconuts and kombucha are also on offer.
At the very heart of Fishbone Local’s ethos lies a commitment to stewardship and fair trade. The restaurant has partnered with Bali Sustainable Seafood, a social enterprise company based in Denpasar, to not only minimise the ecological impact on our oceans, but to also ensure the economic livelihood of local fishermen and their communities through improving market access and development.
Sustainability seeps into the dining room’s sleek design as well. Recycled materials accent the 100-seat restaurant, whether it’s the timber tabletops, fishing net menu baskets or repurposed crab trap light fixtures. Much like the food, the whitewashed walls, raw concrete, exposed brick and generous outdoor area reflect the natural surrounds with an effortless, casual elegance.
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
