Mamasan Bali, styled Mama San, is a modern Southeast Asian restaurant at Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.135, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, on Seminyak’s Kerobokan edge. Opened in 2011 by chef Will Meyrick, it translates regional street-food traditions into shared restaurant plates. Travelers come for curries, whole fish, Vietnamese lunch specialties and cocktails in a two-level dining room inspired by 1920s Shanghai.
What to Expect at Mamasan Bali
The cooking moves between Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore rather than following one national menu. Order for the table: something crisp to start, a salad, then a curry or clay pot with rice. Current menu highlights include prawn toast, chicken khua kling taco and turmeric crispy whole fish; chocolate parfait provides a different finish from the spice-led savory courses. Plates arrive as the kitchen prepares them, so expect an overlapping, shared meal rather than synchronized individual courses. Vietnamese lunch specials add a reason to visit before dinner.
The warehouse-style interior mixes a double-height volume, leather seating, marble-topped tables and a large painted portrait of the restaurant’s namesake. Its theatrical Shanghai references feel quite different from Seminyak’s beach-club aesthetic. Cocktails and wine support the evening service, while the afternoon has its own attraction: Vietnamese-style coffees made with Bali beans, including phin drip, egg coffee, orange and coconut variations, offered daily from noon to 5pm. For vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free dining, discuss specific dishes with staff; fish sauce, shrimp paste and shared preparations make ingredient-level questions important.
- Turmeric crispy whole fish: A centerpiece suited to sharing alongside rice and smaller dishes.
- Chicken khua kling taco: A contemporary format drawing on southern Thailand’s intensely seasoned cooking.
- Prawn toast: A crisp starter that fits the restaurant’s informal, overlapping service style.
- Vietnamese coffee selection: Afternoon choices range from phin-dripped coffee to rich egg coffee.
- Shanghai-inspired dining room: A large portrait, leather seating and two-level layout give the space its distinctive character.
Mamasan Bali at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.135, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Seminyak–Kerobokan border, near Jalan Kayu Aya |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: all-day dining noon–10:30pm; bar noon–late; Vietnamese coffees noon–5pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge; à-la-carte dining, $$; consult current menus for rupiah prices |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No rail or metro service; taxi or ride-hailing drop-off on Jalan Raya Kerobokan; arrange parking guidance with the restaurant |
| Official Website & Phone | Mama San official website; +62 818-0612-6700 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official booking page for dinner, especially for a larger party; group menus and private-event arrangements are available. Noon suits a meal followed by coffee, while an early dinner leaves more flexibility for onward travel. Smart-casual clothing fits the room better than beachwear. Review the current menus before ordering, and check tax, service charges and accepted payment methods when booking. Drinks and several shared courses will raise the bill beyond a simple lunch.
Jalan Raya Kerobokan is a busy road, and Bali has no passenger railway or metro stop to use here. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest approach; allow extra time around dinner and avoid assuming curbside parking will be available. The upper level involves stairs: request downstairs seating and confirm entrance thresholds and toilet access directly if using a wheelchair or stroller. Nearby pairings include the restaurants and shops of Jalan Kayu Aya, about five minutes away, and Purpa Fine Art Gallery on Jalan Mertanadi or Nyaman Gallery on Jalan Basangkasa, roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Pavements and crossings require attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
Dining runs daily from noon to 10:30pm, with the bar open until late. Choose lunchtime for Vietnamese specials and afternoon coffee, or reserve an early evening table for dinner.
How expensive is Mama San, and should I reserve?
It falls in the $$ dining tier, with food and drinks charged individually rather than an entry fee. Advance reservations are advisable for dinner and groups; check the official menus for current rupiah pricing.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for shared starters, mains and drinks. Add time for dessert or a leisurely coffee, particularly when dining with a larger group.
Is the restaurant suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Shared dishes work well for families, though ask which preparations can accommodate milder tastes. Wheelchair users should request downstairs seating and confirm the entrance and restroom arrangements before reserving.
When planning your Bali travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Bali, pair this stop with standout local spots including Barbacoa, CitraLand Waterpark, Arcadia, and Boy'N'Cow (nearby).
