If someone told you they braved a 40-minute scooter ride through Bali's notorious peak-hour traffic just to dine at a restaurant located in a shopping centre car park, you might question their sanity. My ex-wife certainly would, regardless of the culinary destination. Yet, here I am, ready to explain why this journey to Rosalina's Cantina in Seminyak was an experience worth recounting.
An Unexpected Culinary Destination
Rosalina's Cantina is a Tex-Mex eatery situated on the ground floor of Seminyak Square, right in the heart of Bali's bustling Seminyak tourist district, not far from the beach. The restaurant is co-owned by Australian entrepreneur Graham Bristow, who also runs Red Ruby, one of the island's most popular nightclubs. Given Red Ruby's reputation for packing in crowds seven nights a week, I was curious to see what Graham had crafted in the restaurant realm.
From the outside, Rosalina's Cantina features bright red and yellow neon signage and a faux-Mexican theme, resembling countless other Tex-Mex spots found globally. However, its scale is impressive, boasting over 200 seats, including an al-fresco dining area. This outdoor section, cleverly sectioned off in the car park, even includes a small stage for live performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Menu: Familiar Yet Affordable
The menu at Rosalina's Cantina offers the classic Tex-Mex staples you'd expect: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, tortilla soup, and tostada salad. It also branches out with sandwiches, burgers, steaks, chicken, and calamari rings. For a local twist, there's an Asian corner featuring nasi goreng, Indonesia's famous fried rice, and Tom Yam Gai, a traditional Thai soup.
During my visit, I sampled four tacos with shredded beef, chicken, fish, and pork. These were generously sized, loaded with guacamole and sour cream, and had a satisfying crunch reminiscent of a Violet Crumble. In terms of quality, they were comparable to what I could make at home using an Old El Paso taco kit, but without the hassle of shopping and cooking. At just $4 to $5 each, they cost about half the price of similar tacos in Australia.
I also tried a $30 steak with chips and veggies, which, to be honest, was fairly average. However, the dessert of churros served with chocolate and caramel sauce for $5 was absolutely delicious. The two margaritas I ordered at $10 each were exceptional, truly world-class in flavour.
Why Rosalina's Cantina Stands Out
So, what makes this car park restaurant worth the trip? First and foremost, the parking situation in Seminyak is notoriously difficult, often described as a nightmare for drivers. Even getting dropped off by a taxi can be stressful. At Rosalina's, you're already parked, eliminating this common hassle.
Secondly, co-owner Graham Bristow knows how to create an engaging experience. At Red Ruby's recent eighth-birthday celebration, the entertainment included extensive electric signage and an artist in an alien-like bodysuit painting fluorescent images on stage. The club's Halloween parties are legendary, with staff and dancers in elaborate costumes and the entrance transformed into a tunnel of horrors.
Rosalina's Cantina follows a similar ethos with daily promotions and family-friendly events. On Mondays, they offer $5 cocktails, while Tuesdays feature two-for-one tacos. Wednesdays and Thursdays bring a Mariachi band and sing-alongs. Fridays heat up with a DJ starting at 5pm and a cabaret show at 8pm. Saturdays include a mariachi band and a Balinese gamelan music and dance show at 4pm. Sundays, the busiest day, offer free face painting for kids, a sing-along with the mariachi band, and the Balinese song and dance show.
Additionally, on weekends, Tacomania takes over: all-you-can-eat tacos and all-you-can-drink margaritas for just $45. Next time I'm in Seminyak on a weekend, I'll definitely be taking advantage of this deal. They'd better be prepared for my return visit.
