What happens when a flavour-driven London chef reunited with a maestro of Indonesian cuisine? A friendship and a menu, forged in fire at LUMA Canggu.
We’ve just had the opportunity to experience the rush at LUMA and here’s why you should too.
The Story
Chefs Cam Emirali and Kieran Morland aren't just business partners; they're longtime friends. Cam made his name at 10 Greek Street, known for fresh, seasonal menus and that unfussy, flavor-first approach that sounds simple until you realize how hard it is to execute consistently. Kieran, meanwhile, built his reputation in Bali at Merah Putih and Sangsaka, pioneering modern Indonesian cooking rooted in native ingredients and wood fire.
LUMA marks their reunion, combining Cam's European bistro background with Kieran's deep knowledge of Indonesian ingredients. The result? A menu that evolves based on what's actually in season, cooked over custom-built wood-fired ovens and charcoal grills that sit at the heart of the kitchen.
The venue itself transports you to a beautiful merging of cultures. Whitewashed walls. Arched doorways. Marble mosaic floors that catch light beautifully. It seats 140, which sounds large until you're actually there and it feels intimate despite the capacity.
Some nights they have acoustic sets or DJs, but during our visit the focus stayed squarely on food and conversation, background music present but not dominating.
The Menu
Starters arrived together. Beef shank and Asiago croquettes that somehow managed to be both rich and light. The kind of thing you order one of to share, then immediately wish you'd gotten two.
For mains, we had two dishes:
The duck confit came with mash, beetroot, and sprouting cauliflower. Simple components, but the execution elevated it beyond standard bistro duck. But the swordfish was the star for us, arriving with tomatoes, olives, and broad beans. A balanced combination that transported us straight to the Mediterranean.
For a sweet finale, the berry and mascarpone tart hit that sweet-tart balance that makes you understand why Italian desserts have the reputation they do. The mascarpone stayed creamy without being heavy. The berries tasted like actual fruit rather than just sugar delivery vehicles. And you can't end the meal without a good chocolate tart, topped with passion fruit and créme fraiché to bring it all together.
What's Next For Luma?
Building on its culinary success, the team behind Luma Canggu has introduced a new chapter: BAR LUMA, a taverna-style bar right on the restaurant’s terrace. Designed for easy, social moments, where you just want an impromptu negroni, this is little nook is perfect for people-watching and golden hour sips.
“Sip slowly, savor the moment, and let the good times roll,” notes Cameron Emirali.
Final Thoughts
LUMA isn't trying to reinvent dining or make bold statements. It's just two skilled chefs cooking the food they love, using excellent ingredients, in a space designed for actual enjoyment and meaningful moments over sharing plates.
The reunion of these two friends in a Canggu kitchen? That's working out pretty well for everyone who gets to eat there.
LUMA
Location: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.91, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Phone: 0811-3941-4999
Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 11 PM
Cuisine: Mediterranean Classics
Price Range: IDR 200,000 – 300,000++ per person (mid-range to upscale)
Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends & special events
Categories: Badung, Food & Drink, Things to Do
Emily Suryadi
Hello! I'm Emily, born and raised here in Bali. I'm all about exploring the hidden charms around the island I call home. From trendy spots, hidden corners, to a stretch of idyllic sand where sunsets seem to stretch on forever. Trust me, there's no shortage of eye-opening destinations once you touchdown in Bali.