Living on the island means being close to the sea. There’s a certain calm that the ocean brings, and Bali’s waters have always been a draw for surfers or for those who simply want to lounge on the beach without a worry in mind.
For Chef Luca Masini, executive chef of Byrdhouse Bali in Sanur, it’s his love for adventure and the sea that brought him to the Island of the Gods. His passion for surfing made Bali the perfect place to live, waking up early in the morning to catch the waves just after sunrise.
“I grew up in Tuscany which is close to the sea, so naturally, I like living close to the ocean. I love the freedom, that it’s laidback, people are less stressed out, and that every day feels like a holiday even when I’m working,” Chef Luca shares, giving a glimpse of his life on the island.
It is, indeed, an ideal carefree life, and his passion for the sea is reflected in his culinary creations at Byrdhouse, where Mediterranean-inspired dishes come to life—seafood dishes with Italian flavors, Indonesian favorites, and delectable starters. There’s a dish for everyone, from local to Western classics.
With a mix of western, local, and Italian flavors and Mediterranean inspiration, the menu offers something bold yet simple, with a touch of fresh herbs and spices sourced from Bali’s local farms. Guests can expect something familiar, and this is why Sanur residents, as well as travelers from all over, find comfort at Byrdhouse.
“I think people love dining here because the food is familiar and delicious. We try to be familiar in a way, but we try to serve these dishes with a twist, and I think this gives our own character on things.”
Dining at Byrdhouse evokes a certain comfort much like lounging on your own couch at home, only this time with the backdrop of nature and the calming ocean breeze, paired with welcoming smiles from the staff, and offerings that are familiar and appetizing.
At the deck, guests can find an array of casual nibbles, including Mediterranean Bruschetta, pork sliders, tartare, and skewers, as well as almost a dozen homemade pizza flavors to choose from. There’s also a massive indoor and outdoor dining area under the iconic curved bamboo structure, similar to a bird’s nest—hence, the name Byrdhouse.
Here, a separate menu is made available, which Chef Luca explains as “comfortable dining,” giving guests different options between the seaside menu and a sit-down dining menu. There’s also a more casual lunch menu that consists of burgers, sandwiches, and their homemade pasta made fresh daily with options like Penne, Spaghetti, and Tagliatelle. The lunch main courses feature mostly Indonesian favorites like Nasi Goreng made with a twist of squid ink.
Dinner takes on a more refined approach, with sections for Grazing and Appetizers, Gourmet Pizza, grills, and dedicated Western and Indonesian main courses. In the dinner menu, Chef Luca pays homage to his Tuscan roots with some dishes like the Rabbit Cacciatora Papardelle, and the Red Snapper Acquapazza, to name a few.
“We usually make the Rabbit Cacciatora like a stew in Italy, but I make it more as a sauce for the pasta. It’s a Tuscan dish and it is one of my favorite pastas.
“I like its strong taste with the kalamata olives, pecorino, and sauce. This dish has a lot of character yet quite familiar and simple.”
The Acquapazza is another recommendation from the chef. This traditional dish is lightly herbed but flavorful, highlighting the taste of freshly caught fish from Bali’s waters.
“Of course, the traditional is always best. What we do is play with the garnish, the presentation and different proteins that make it different.
Inspired by his childhood, as well as travels through London, Singapore, and Australia, Chef Luca continues to create dishes that are familiar to everyone, both Westerners and locals alike.
More than familiarity, it’s a welcoming gesture for those who want to spend a day in Sanur, enjoying hearty meals right by the beach. It’s the simplicity of the familiar—and in simple things that people find the most joy in life.
Byrd House Bali
Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228
