MYKAZA Opens in Canggu, Serving Japanese Craft with a Balinese Twist
Canggu's dining scene has welcomed a fresh new player, and it is bringing together two cultures that might seem worlds apart but make perfect sense on the plate.
Located within The Arc House Canggu, MYKAZA has officially opened its doors, introducing a concept that fuses Japanese culinary artistry with the soul and flavours of Bali. More than just another restaurant in the neighbourhood, MYKAZA arrives with a clear vision: creating a space where great food, creative drinks, and genuine community come together.
Originally conceived as a contemporary Japanese izakaya, the concept evolved after Portier Hotels' F&B Director, Gerardo Barrientos, immersed himself in Bali's culture and culinary traditions. What emerged was something far more personal—a restaurant that uses Japanese techniques as a foundation while allowing local ingredients, traditions, and Balinese talent to take centre stage.
The result is a menu that feels both familiar and unexpected. Signature dishes include Babi Guling Dry Ramen, a playful reinterpretation of Bali's iconic roasted pork dish, alongside Katsu Bali Curry, Hamachi Miso Matah, and a Matcha-Miso Dadar Gulung dessert that bridges Japanese and Indonesian flavours in a surprisingly seamless way.
The drinks programme follows the same philosophy. Bali's rich culinary heritage finds its way into the cocktail menu through ingredients such as jamu, local spices, and Arak Bali. Creations like Spice of Island offer a distinctly local take on contemporary mixology, while the Bali Highball and a dedicated tea-based cocktail selection add further depth for those looking to sip their way through the island's flavours.
Behind the menu is a collaborative effort led by Gerardo alongside Head Chef Andy, Head Mixologist Agus, and a predominantly Balinese team whose ideas and cultural insights help shape the restaurant's identity. The approach ensures that MYKAZA feels less like a themed concept and more like a genuine cultural exchange.
The atmosphere follows suit. Set beside The Arc House Canggu's rooftop pool, MYKAZA embraces a relaxed, come-as-you-are energy that reflects the spirit of the neighbourhood. Whether you're dropping by for a casual lunch, sunset drinks, or a long dinner with friends, the space is designed to feel approachable rather than formal, with quality food and cocktails offered at accessible prices.
But MYKAZA's ambitions extend beyond the dining table. The team is already planning a calendar of community-driven events designed to turn the venue into a social hub. Sunday Set brunches, sake tastings, whisky and cigar pairings, and poolside gatherings are all in the pipeline, giving locals, expats, and travellers even more reasons to make it part of their Canggu rotation.
At a time when Bali's dining scene continues to evolve, MYKAZA enters the conversation with something increasingly rare: a concept that feels both globally inspired and genuinely connected to the place it calls home. Equal parts restaurant, gathering space, and cultural crossover, it is a new destination built around good food, good drinks, and even better company.
For Canggu's social crowd, consider this one worth adding to your list.