Head chef Patrizia Battolu and her team at Cucina
Cover Head chef Patrizia Battolu and her team at Cucina
Head chef Patrizia Battolu and her team at Cucina

At Cucina, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, head chef Patrizia Battolu reimagines the spirited warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen through a lens of tropical elegance.

The air at Cucina is thick with the evocative aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and the salty tang of butter. To dine here is to experience the Cacciuco, a robust fisherman’s stew hailing from the Livornese coast. A symphony of Balinese blue crab, tiger prawns, and clams is simmered in a spicy tomato and white wine broth, served with charred, garlic-rubbed bread to capture every drop of the sea’s depth.

Equally indulgent are the Tortelli di Granchio: handmade pasta parcels brimming with sweet, delicate crab meat. Each bite harmonises with the nutty richness of Parmesan and the velvety melt of Taleggio cheese, finished with a subtle warmth from dried chilli flakes. For those looking for a bovine delight, the Tomahawk arrives grilled to precision over an open flame. The bone-in ribeye retains a primal richness, served alongside rosemary-roasted potatoes and a choice of classic red wine or silky Béarnaise sauce.

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Tatler Asia
Savour the warmth of Italian cuisine at Cucina, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Above Savour the warmth of Italian cuisine at Cucina, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Savour the warmth of Italian cuisine at Cucina, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

Affectionately known as Mama Patrizia, the Sardinian-born chef began her journey in Southern Italy at just 14. Her leadership brings a profound sense of authenticity to Nusa Dua. For her, the secret to a great table lies in the soul of the market. She frequently explores local markets to source the freshest Balinese ingredients, marrying them with her way of cooking to create dishes that feel like a homecoming.

The restaurant’s social heartbeat reaches its crescendo during the Sunday Brunch. Here, the Italian focus expands into a global showcase, featuring live stations of French, Indian, and Japanese delicacies set against a backdrop of live music and a joyous afternoon. Whether for a leisurely weekend afternoon or a formal evening occasion, the dining experience at Cucina is defined by the luxury of the produce and the genuine hospitality of an Italian home.

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Tortelli di Granchio, one of the signature dishes at Cucina, Bali
Above Tortelli di Granchio, one of the signature dishes at Cucina, Bali
Tatler Asia
From seafood to pasta, Cucina Sunday Brunch is the place to be every end of the week
Above From seafood to pasta, Cucina Sunday Brunch is the place to be every end of the week
Tortelli di Granchio, one of the signature dishes at Cucina, Bali
From seafood to pasta, Cucina Sunday Brunch is the place to be every end of the week

Beyond the plate, Cucina functions as a cultural conduit, dissolving the boundary between the guest and the destination. Through Battolu’s eyes, every meal is an invitation to explore the world, anchored by a deep respect for the quality and freshness that define Mediterranean tradition. Among the white sands of Nusa Dua, the wafting aromas of the hearth remain constant, reminding diners that true culinary excellence is always rooted in the heart.

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Eve Tedja
Travel & Dining Editor, Tatler Indonesia
Tatler Asia
Eve Tedja

Since embarking on her career as a food journalist in 2012, she has penned hundreds of articles delving into culinary trends, chef profiles, and gastronomic destinations across Asia. Born and raised in Bali, Eve is dividing her time between Bali and Jakarta.