
The Frommer’s call it “a place to see and be seen” but I prefer to call it a cuisine sanctuary. If you want to have a lunch without any hullabaloo of the Kuta’s crowd while still have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanted view of the beach and a nice breeze without any unnecessary obstruction from a structure called “wall”, La Lucciola is just the place for it. La Lucciola is on walking distance from Hotel Oberoi, but for visitor with vehicle, the parking area appears reasonably safe for such a public area, as security guards abound! After crossing the canal by an old wooden bridge, you are at the La Lucciola Beach Club! Strolling along the stone path, in the midst of the well-manicured grounds, you wind your way around to the restaurant’s front entrance. For lunch then you will also be faced with the rear view of a line of deck chairs from those enjoying their sun & surf, as well as a little sustenance, on the beach.
La Lucciola is perched right on the edge of the beach. An enormous open, thatch-roofed building, with dining on two levels. The upstairs section has a nice breeze that is almost inevitable. The large bamboo furniture seems to suit the place and the occasion.
For lunch a variety of entrees, very mixed in origin and style, often suffice for a pleasant and relaxing meal. A pair of King Prawns with thin chips of Sweet Potato stuck all over them, always remind me of Sydney’s Thai chef, Prasit, and his famous king prawn and taro dish. Maybe there is a connection. A Meze is a touch of Greece. Italian-style pastas abound, as well as a variety of salads from many origins. The Chicken and soba noodle salad, with a soy and sesame dressing, a perfect light snack.