CANGGU, BALI — A new dining destination is adding a distinctive cultural touch to Canggu’s vibrant culinary scene. MYKAZA, the signature restaurant of The Arc House Canggu, brings together Japanese culinary techniques and the spirit of Bali, creating a dining experience shaped by local ingredients, traditions and hospitality.

Located within The Arc House Canggu boutique retreat, MYKAZA is designed as a relaxed destination where guests can enjoy lunch, sunset cocktails, dinner and time by the rooftop pool while experiencing a menu inspired by both Japanese and Balinese culinary traditions.

For Travelling BALI Media, a recent visit to MYKAZA offered an opportunity to discover not only its food and drinks, but also the story behind the restaurant and its intention to create a deeper connection between Japanese culinary artistry and Bali’s local culture.

From a Japanese Izakaya Concept to a Bali-Inspired Restaurant

The original idea behind MYKAZA was to create a modern Japanese izakaya.

However, after moving to Bali and becoming immersed in the island’s culture, culinary traditions and local community, Gerardo Barrientos, F&B Director at Portier Hotels, saw an opportunity to develop something with a stronger connection to Bali.

Portier Hotels, the investor, developer and operator behind The Arc House properties, follows a philosophy of respecting and reflecting the destinations where its properties are located.

That philosophy became an important part of MYKAZA’s development.

Rather than creating a restaurant that simply replicates Japanese cuisine, the team wanted to combine Japanese culinary expertise with Bali’s identity, allowing local ingredients, traditions and talent to become an important part of the dining experience.

“MYKAZA is about creating an intentional space where culinary technique allows local culture to shine, bringing people together through great food, poolside drinks and genuine connection,” said Gerardo Barrientos.

The Story Behind the Name MYKAZA

Even the restaurant’s name reflects its philosophy of hospitality and cultural connection.

MYKAZA draws inspiration from the Japanese name Mikasa, combined with the familiar Mexican expression “Mi Casa es tu Casa,” meaning “My house is your house.”

The idea is simple: guests should feel comfortable and welcome as soon as they arrive.

Whether stopping by for a casual lunch, enjoying cocktails around sunset or sharing dinner with friends, MYKAZA aims to create an environment that feels warm, relaxed and approachable.

This philosophy also fits naturally with the atmosphere of The Arc House Canggu, where privacy, contemporary hospitality and a laid-back Bali lifestyle come together.

Japanese Techniques, Balinese Ingredients

At the heart of MYKAZA is a menu that respects both Japanese and Balinese culinary traditions.

Local ingredients play an important role, with Bali’s seafood, traditional spices, sambal, jamu, locally produced coffee and tea incorporated into dishes and drinks alongside Japanese techniques and flavours.

The result is a menu that does not simply present Japanese cuisine in Bali, but explores what can happen when Japanese culinary precision meets the island’s distinctive ingredients and flavours.

Among the signature creations are Babi Guling Dry Ramen, Katsu Bali Curry, Hamachi Miso Matah and Matcha-Miso Dadar Gulung.

These dishes demonstrate the restaurant’s approach to combining familiar Indonesian and Balinese flavours with Japanese-inspired techniques.

During the Travelling BALI Media visit, several menu items also attracted attention, including Bulung Wakame, Yakitori and Spicy Tuna, giving guests an opportunity to explore different sides of the MYKAZA culinary concept.

A Cocktail Program Inspired by Bali

The cultural influence extends beyond the kitchen.

MYKAZA’s beverage program also incorporates local ingredients and Balinese traditions into its cocktails.

One example is Spice of Island, a cocktail featuring jamu and Arak Bali, while the drinks menu also includes a Bali Highball and a selection of tea-based cocktails.

This approach gives the beverage program the same philosophy as the kitchen: international techniques and presentation combined with ingredients and flavours that are closely connected to Bali.

A Collaborative Culinary Team

Behind the menu is a collaborative team led by Head Chef Andy and Head Mixologist Agus, working together with the wider culinary team.

According to Gerardo, contributions from different departments are encouraged, with Balinese team members playing an important role in shaping the restaurant’s local flavours and cultural character.

This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that MYKAZA’s menu feels personal and authentic rather than simply following a predetermined concept.

It also allows the menu to continue evolving as the team discovers new ingredients, ideas and ways to connect Japanese culinary techniques with Bali.

An Intimate Dining Experience in Canggu

One of the things that Travelling BALI noticed during the visit was the relatively intimate scale of MYKAZA.

The restaurant can accommodate approximately 35 guests, creating a more personal atmosphere rather than the feeling of a large, crowded dining venue.

The restaurant is also located on the second floor, meaning its presence is not immediately obvious from the street.

For first-time visitors, this can make MYKAZA feel like a hidden dining spot within Canggu.

Once upstairs, however, guests discover a relaxed restaurant environment accompanied by a rooftop pool and views toward the surrounding area.

The combination makes MYKAZA suitable for different moments throughout the day, from lunch and casual dining to sunset drinks and evening gatherings.

Designed for Locals, Expats and Travellers

MYKAZA is intended to be more than a restaurant for hotel guests.

The concept has been developed as a destination for Bali residents, expatriates and international travellers, with an emphasis on approachable hospitality and quality food and drinks at accessible prices.

That local connection is particularly important in a destination such as Canggu, where the hospitality scene continues to evolve rapidly.

Rather than positioning itself solely as a tourist restaurant, MYKAZA aims to become part of the social and culinary life of the local community.

Building a Community Around Food and Culture

Looking ahead, MYKAZA plans to develop a series of community-focused events and experiences.

Upcoming activities are expected to include Sunday Set brunches, sake tastings, cigar and whisky pairing evenings, and poolside gatherings.

The culinary team is also working on the next evolution of the menu, continuing to explore new ways to bring together Japanese techniques, local ingredients and Bali’s cultural identity.

The goal is to create a destination where food becomes a starting point for cultural exchange, creativity and genuine hospitality.

“I hope we are remembered for proving that a business can grow internationally, thrive through genuine teamwork, and always remain rooted in a deep respect for every local culture it serves,” Gerardo said. “It is about creating a community that is authentic and intentional.”

Discovering MYKAZA with Travelling BALI

For visitors exploring Bali’s food and drink scene, MYKAZA offers a different perspective on Japanese cuisine.

Its identity is not based solely on Japanese food, nor is it simply a Balinese restaurant. Instead, MYKAZA explores the space between the two — using Japanese culinary techniques as a foundation while allowing Bali’s ingredients, flavours, people and culture to take an important role.

For the Travelling BALI Media team travelling from Jimbaran, the journey to Canggu took approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes by motorcycle, depending on traffic.

The trip also offered a reminder that some of Bali’s interesting dining experiences are not always immediately visible from the street.

Located upstairs at The Arc House Canggu, MYKAZA may initially feel like a hidden discovery. But once inside, its combination of intimate dining, Japanese-inspired cuisine, Balinese influences, cocktails and rooftop pool atmosphere creates a distinctive experience.

For travellers looking to discover Canggu restaurants beyond the ordinary, MYKAZA is a new destination worth putting on the list.