Izakaya by OKU: The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s Japanese Atelier Dining

Indulge in a brand-new culinary experience at Izakaya by OKU, The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s latest culinary venture serving authentic Japanese delicacies through a contemporary reinterpretation.

Opening in early July, Izakaya by OKU is the all-new signature Japanese dining destination at the newly opened The Apurva Kempinski Bali. The recently unveiled restaurant takes inspiration from the award-winning OKU Restaurant at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta and draws influences from the Japanese izakaya ─ Japanese hubs where people gather for meals and drinks after work.

A contemporary Japanese restaurant with an atelier concept, Izakaya by OKU showcases an open kitchen concept where guests can witness the skills and craftsmanship of the chefs at their finest. Beautifully designed with earth-coloured tones and wooden interiors with dimmed lighting, the restaurant can seat up to 60 people.

Leading the kitchen of chefs is Chef Deni Koswara who has over 15 years of Japanese culinary experience under his belt. Chef Deni has carefully curated an innovative menu inspired by traditional Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients. Several must-tries from the eclectic menu include the Karasumi Pasta ─ Bottarga, angel hair pasta and ikura or sea urchin; the OKU Karaage─ crispy chicken thigh, shichi-mi and balsamic teriyaki; the OKU Aburi Salmon Roll─ Tasmanian salmon and mayo, salmon roe and lumpfish caviar; the Truffle Gyu Don ─ char-grilled US prime short rib beef, truffle sauce and onsen egg sauce; the Saikyo Cod ─ Saikyo miso-marinated gindara, pickled baby daikon and kizami wasabi; and last but not least, the Mizu ─ water mochi, crunchy kinako and anmitsu sauce.

Diners shouldn’t miss out on the “Okukase”─ a tantalising five-course and seven-course Chef’s degustation menu perfectly paired with a selection of sakes and signature cocktails. The restaurant also houses a collection of traditional Japanese sake and shochu in addition to the inspired cocktails available, concocted by the resort’s sake sommelier.

Izakaya by OKU is open daily for dinner from 6pm – 11pm. For more information and reservations please call +62 361 209 2288 or email restaurants.bali@kempinski.com

Izakaya by OKU
at The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua
+62 361 209 2288
restaurants.bali@kempinski.com
kempinski.com

Brian Sjarief

Brian is an Associate Editor at NOW! Bali. He developed his central interest in the arts from an early age, pursuing his studies in Motion Pictures & Television in San Francisco with a focus on screenwriting. Through this long-held passion for film, he now channels his creativity into storytelling, be it written, visual or otherwise.