ZALI

Levantine bistro on Jl. Pantai Pererenan

On Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.152, in the heart of Bali’s trend-forward Pererenan, ZALI (souvent appelé “Zali from Beirut”) brings straight-up Lebanese comfort food to a street better known for smoothie bowls. Open daily from 08h00 to 23h30 (souvent jusqu’à minuit), it runs from slow breakfast light to late-night mezze and cocktails in a single, flowing day.

The concept is clear: Lebanese bistro built around sharing plates, backed by the team behind “Liza” in Beirut, and a kitchen certified sans porc et sans saindoux.

Food to share: hummus, saj & Lebanese breakfast

ZALI revolves around mezze and “food to share”. Regulars praise the hummus with spiced meat, smoky baba ganoush, crisp falafels and fragrant kibbeh, plus generous mixed plates with hummus, babaganoush and lentil soup.

House‑made saj bread is a star, appearing in spiced minced meat saj with sunny‑side‑up eggs, stuffed rolls with chicken and tzatziki, or as part of Lebanese breakfast platters with labneh, grilled halloumi, fresh fruits and vegetables. Reviewers on Google in 2024–2025 repeatedly call the Lebanese breakfast or Big Breakfast Package one of the most satisfying starts to the day in Bali.

All‑day dining, from brunch to happy hour

From early morning coffee and lattes (with homemade almond milk) to matcha, smoothies and juices like an “Intense Defence” beet-based blend, drinks get as many compliments as the plates. Later, mocktails, genuine cocktails and a happy hour slide the space into dinner mode.

Portions are often described as generous – falafel bowls, mixed grills, chicken bowls with tabbouleh – though a few guests find certain mezze small for the price if they expect stand‑alone mains. One TripAdvisor‑style review notes a disappointing Chicken Sumac, unevenly cooked then re‑fried, but this sits against a large volume of glowing feedback.

Atmosphere, terrace and design

Inside, the styling leans minimalist and chic, with white and blue tones that read clean and “Instagrammable”. Outside, a cozy terrace and leafy patio catch soft morning light and long, warm Bali evenings.

Guests mention both indoor AC seating and outdoor tables, with many choosing to sit on the terrace to enjoy “long Bali evenings” or calm brunches. Live music on some nights, plus a lively yet relaxed crowd, make it as suitable for a date as for a casual group dinner.

Service & hospitality: names you’ll remember

Service is repeatedly highlighted as a defining strength. Names like Emi, Surya, Fitri, Rizal, Mela and Rangga appear again and again in reviews, thanked for making solo diners feel like old friends and topping up tea before you notice it’s empty.

Several regulars say they eat here “a few times a week” or “almost every single day”, crediting consistently fresh food and genuinely warm, attentive staff. One loyal customer, however, felt hurt when a favorite unmarked table was retroactively claimed as reserved – a reminder that peak-time reservations can cause friction when communication isn’t crystal clear.

Pricing, crowd and practicalities

ZALI positions itself at a premium level for Bali. Some diners describe prices as “a little bit expensive” or “more like Europe prices and not Indonesia”, noting extras like being charged for an additional slice of bread even after ordering several starters and mains.

Others counter that 30 eur for 2 persons in Pererenan is fair, especially for halal food with imported ingredients and consistent quality. Almost everyone agrees on one thing: it gets busy. Expect a buzz at dinner, potential noise and full tables; arriving early or reserving is advisable.

Dietary choices, halal and who it suits

Beyond being sans porc et sans saindoux and described by guests as serving halal food, ZALI makes it easy to eat vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free or meat‑heavy without feeling limited. Cauliflower rôti, mezze platters, labneh, falafel bowls and shawarma plates sit comfortably alongside chicken rice bowls and mixed grills.

With its central Pererenan address, active Instagram (@zalifrombeirut) and expansion to Uluwatu and Abu Dhabi, ZALI feels more like a confident brand than a one‑off café; it will suit travelers and residents seeking genuinely Lebanese flavors, pretty plates and a polished yet personal atmosphere – and who are happy to pay a bit extra for the experience.