BALINEWS.ID – Nestled on the sun-soaked cliffs of Bali’s southern coast, Bartolo has quickly become a darling of the Asia-Pacific dining scene. Just three years since its debut, the French-Italian-inspired bistro is garnering widespread acclaim from some of the region’s top lifestyle and travel publications, a testament to its refined European aesthetic, elevated comfort food, and commitment to hospitality.
Among the highlights, Travel + Leisure included Bartolo in its Tastemakers 2024: The 25 Best Restaurants in Indonesia, calling it “a slice of Europe in Uluwatu.” The Urban List dubbed it “a cheeky neighborhood haven,” while delicious.
Australia praised its sleek atmosphere and share-plate-driven menu, stating “nowhere in the region does aperitivo better.” Online guide Honeycombers also honored Bartolo as one of Bali’s 25 best, celebrating its fusion of “European piazza vibes” with Bali’s tropical energy.
The man behind the vision is Rafael Nardo, a Brazilian-born hospitality veteran with a deep passion for service.
“Bartolo was born out of a desire to return to what I truly love: service-driven, personalized hospitality,” said Nardo.
After years in Bali’s fast-paced dining scene, he sought to create something more intimate, a bistro where European charm meets Balinese soul.
Designed to evoke the feel of a European street corner café with a view of palm trees, Bartolo’s minimalist aesthetic, locally sourced ingredients, and thoughtful presentation embody its unique identity.
“The clean cut, the minimal presentation, and the local sourcing that’s the essence of what we do at Bartolo,” Nardo added.
Led by Executive Chef Austin Milana, the menu celebrates seasonal French-Italian comfort food, amplified by Indonesian produce and bold flavors. Signature dishes include pici cacio e pepe with cavolo nero and truffle, rich beef bourguignon, and entrecôte with Café de Paris butter.
Lighter options like polenta croquettes, local clams in lemon butter, and charcuterie boards make for perfect aperitivo pairings.
The bar is just as much a draw as the food. With a focus on natural wines, creative cocktails, and a standout spritz menu, Bartolo brings a sense of relaxed sophistication to Uluwatu.
Highlights include the signature Bartolo Spritz (featuring Limo aperitivo and mint), a black salt margarita with smoked honey, and the Calamansi Paloma, a tropical twist on a classic.
Beyond the menu, Bartolo has carved out a strong presence in the local community. Regular events such as Pasta Fridays, guest chef takeovers, and daily spritzer happy hours keep the bistro buzzing.
A recent standout event was a collaboration dinner with Brazilian chef Dario Costa and mixologist Vinicius Parra, which brought a bold seafood-focused menu to life for one night only.
“Everything that you get at Bartolo, it’s done well, sourced well, and served well,” said Nardo.
“Whether it’s the food, the wine, or the cocktails, the idea is simple: we want people to feel truly looked after,” he added.
Bartolo’s success has also inspired a sister venue, Lulu Bistrot in Canggu, which has made its own mark by landing on Prestige Indonesia’s list of the 30 Best Restaurants in the country. Together, both restaurants reflect Nardo’s dedication to high-quality, approachable dining with European roots and Indonesian warmth.
About Bartolo:
Bartolo is a French-Italian-inspired bistro in Uluwatu, Bali, founded by Rafael Nardo and led by Executive Chef Austin Milana. Known for its seasonal European comfort food, curated cocktail program, and neighborhood-style atmosphere, Bartolo has been recognized by Travel + Leisure, Urban List, delicious. Australia, and Honeycombers as one of the top dining destinations in Bali. The venue is also home to regular community-driven events and shares its ethos with sister restaurant Lulu Bistrot in Canggu. (*)
