Hidden beneath an Italian restaurant on Jalan Labuansait, Uluwatu's golden mile, lies one of Bali's best-kept secrets: Notte Bali, a sophisticated speakeasy that rivals the most exclusive cocktail bars of London and New York.
The journey begins with an unmarked door and a discreet stairwell, leading to a dimly lit sanctuary of mixology mastery. Inside, plush carpets, private booths, and a sleek bar stocked with thousands of premium bottles create an atmosphere of refined elegance.
The Master Behind the Bar
At the heart of Notte Bali stands Taketo Utsunomiya, widely regarded as the most knowledgeable bartender in Bali. With decades of experience refining his craft, Taketo approaches cocktail creation with the precision of an artist and the passion of a true professional.
His cocktails are anything but ordinary - they're sophisticated creations that avoid gimmicks and excessive sweetness. Instead, each drink represents a carefully balanced work of art.
The Bespoke Cocktail Experience
Upon taking a seat at the bar, guests are welcomed with warm face towels and presented with an extensive menu featuring fine cocktails, mocktails, spirits, and wines. However, the true magic lies in Taketo's bespoke service.
'Barenting is not just about the bar. It's about tending to your guests. But you also need to know when not to talk,' Taketo explains, demonstrating his philosophy of hospitality.
He engages guests in conversation about their mood, preferred spirits, and flavour profiles, then creates custom cocktails on the spot with astonishing attention to detail.
Craftsmanship in Every Glass
The level of craftsmanship becomes immediately apparent when ordering classic drinks. For a dry martini, Taketo marinates olives in salt water for enhanced flavour and uses a perfume bottle to spray precisely measured vermouth into elegant long-stem glasses.
Even a simple bourbon and Coke becomes extraordinary. Taketo hand-shaves ice blocks into perfect cubes to prevent dilution, then blends Maker's Mark for sweetness with Bulleit Rye whiskey for sour notes, adding minimal Coke until achieving perfection.
His cosmopolitan transforms the typically simple cocktail into something remarkable, featuring Grey Goose vodka, hand-pressed cranberry juice, orange zest, and lime-skirted rims.
While drinks range from $20 to $30 each, they're generously portioned and represent exceptional value for the quality and expertise involved.
An Atmosphere of Sophistication
Notte Bali deliberately avoids theatrics and trend-chasing. You won't find influencers taking selfies or DJs dominating the soundscape. Instead, soft jazz and blues provide the background for genuine conversation and connection.
The space invites lingering - it's designed for unwinding, enjoying Cuban cigars, and savouring both company and cocktails after dark. This is a venue for serious drinkers who appreciate substance over style.
Located discreetly beneath an Italian restaurant on Jalan Labuansait in Uluwatu, Notte Bali represents the pinnacle of Bali's cocktail scene. For those seeking an authentic, sophisticated drinking experience away from the island's more tourist-focused venues, this hidden gem offers world-class mixology in an intimate, refined setting.
