Ko Japanese Restaurant at InterContinental Bali Resort is one of the best places to go in Jimbaran if you’re in for some five-star contemporary Japanese dining. The restaurant is open for dinner only, and welcomes its guests to a calming realm of Zen, with a subtle blend of Balinese architecture and Japanese aesthetics. With a la carte menu selections alongside special sushi promos, Ko Japanese Restaurant presents signature favourites ranging from soba soups to sushi rolls and tempura, paired with great Japanese cocktails from a well-stocked bar.

Past well-manicured Japanese bonsai and stone gardens, subtly-lit hallways transport you to the three main parts of Ko Japanese Restaurant: its sushi lounge and bar, an adjacent cosy dining hall, and an action-filled two-section Teppanyaki area. The cocktail lounge is easily the most inviting corner of the restaurant, fitted with plush, bright and silky sofas from where you can enjoy your pre-dinner gatherings with a great ‘Tokyopolitan’ cocktail at hand. Glowing orbs hanging from the ceiling also help set the mood for dinner.

Proceed towards the dining hall to witness the ‘itamae’ behind his sushi bar, cutting and rolling the intricate pieces of raw fish and rice. Sashimi selections include a ‘chef’s choice’ with eight pieces each comprising two pieces of tuna, salmon, hamachi (a type of Japanese amberjack) and scallops, at IDR 205,000. Sushi rolls to order off the menu include the signature unagi special roll, at IDR 185,000, (shrimp tempura, tobiko, avocado, cream cheese and grilled eel on top). With a dab of ponzu, it offers a burst of flavour with every mouthful.