If you ever doubted that tourist mecca Bali cannot cater to the fine dining set then guess again, for there is a new restaurant in its midst.

Som Chai has just been welcomed to the northern part of Seminyak. The dining destination is themed around an innovative take on traditional Thai cuisine and specialises in after-hours eating and drinking.

The menu hosts dishes derived from a range of regional cooking styles and, in its own words, pays homage to the era of the first Kings of Siam. Behind the menu is chef Will Meyrick who has now long made Indonesia his home. Will has spent over fifteen years learning all he can about Asian cuisines, using his foodie discoveries to influence his latest venue. Woodfire stoves, charcoal fire grills and clay cooking pots are just some of the tools he uses to create the homemade ferments, fish sauces and shrimp pastes that punctuate the dishes available.

The interiors of Som Chai follow a similar twist on the traditional. The restaurant boasts a self-described steam punk Siam style that was created by Sarong Group’s team of designers. A moody palette of brown marble, dark wood, brass, black lace, smoked glass and strong upholstery set the mood for the space. Of course – thanks to the Thai influence – there is also plenty of gold, which includes the golden doorways that offer entry to the restaurant, as well as the gold-leaf-adorned portraits that frame the walls.

To accompany the 80-seat restaurant at Som Chai is a bar that has become renowned for its cocktails. Reminiscent of the drinking dens of Old Chinatown, the space is a sumptuous one that lies home not only to an impressive drinks list, but to a revolving door of resident DJs, live music and performance artists.