Bali has now long been a haven for Australians with a penchant for island life. But now the surfing and yoga hotspot is fast becoming a burgeoning dining destination too, thanks in part to the arrival of a growing number of Australia’s best hospitality groups wishing to expand into the growing market. Fishbone Local is the perfect example. Bordering Old Man’s Beach, the 100-seat casual restaurant and bar comes courtesy of a new hospitality supergroup that has formed from some of Sydney’s brightest food stars. Brett Hospitality Group is a Bali-based joint venture between founder and restaurateur Dominique Brett and venue developer Brant Bauer. Nathan Sasi of Sydney’s Mercado has recently also joined, named Fishbone Local group executive chef. Also in the mix is hospitality veteran Isabella Rowell, formerly of Icebergs Group who assisted in the opening of Seminyak’s Da Maria and Bondi Beach Public Bar closer to home. Fishbone Local is as its name suggests an ode to seafood. “I’ve always loved beach barbeque,” says Rowell of the restaurant’s inspiration, “and I jumped at the chance to bring a fresh aesthetic and perspective to a style of eating that never gets old, especially in Bali.” The restaurant focuses on share plates, with a daily rotating menu, all inspired by Balinese beachside barbecue. Pan-seared barramundi with sambal is served alongside a Vietnamese-style slaw and edamame, with beer-battered fish and chips, swordfish tikka skewers and a tuna poke also on offer. From personal experience you cannot go past the prawn toast and the fish tacos (washed down with a few margaritas of course). Sustainability and fair trade is also important to the group and its new venue. The restaurant has partnered with Bali Sustainable Seafood, a social enterprise company based in Denpasar, in an effort to minimise the ecological impact on the ocean and help to protect the livelihood of local fishermen. The sustainability mantra has seeped into the venue itself, with recycled materials used throughout the industrial dining space, from the timber tabletops to repurposed crab trap light fixtures. Fishbone Local is but the first venue for the Brett Hospitality Group, with the team shortly to turn their attention to all-day eatery Billy’s and the Asian-inspired Hawker. Fishbone Local 99, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali fishbonelocal.com

Sister venue to neighbouring Mason, Fishbone is an ode to fruits of the sea, particularly the sustainable kind. The restaurant is passionate about its footprint and boasts a partnership with Bali Sustainable Seafood to both help empower the local community, and lessen environmental damage. Aside from its social standpoint, the restaurant is well worth a visit for its seafood-heavy menu, dominated by dishes like steamed coral trout, and fish tacos paired with grilled pineapple and chipotle. Bali No.:99, Pantai Batu Bolong Street, Canggu; fishbonelocal.com.