Having recently been fortunate to dine at (and review) several Michelin starred restaurants in Europe, I was very pleasantly surprised to try this relatively new restaurant in Rote and to find it a worthy match for those examples of European culinary excellence. 81Palms has all the elements required of a top restaurant: a magnificent setting, well chosen furnishings, impeccable service and, of course, outstanding food. We enjoyed a couple of very tasty tapas to start followed by an excellent black ink seafood paella. Chatting with Chef Jose, it is clear that great effort goes into sourcing quality ingredients in a location without the supply chains available to outstanding restaurants in other parts of the world. The menu is relatively pricey for Rote but is worth the money and a bargain by an order of magnitude compared to the mentioned European restaurants. 81Palms is a very welcome addition to the burgeoning West Rote gourmet dining environment.

First trip to Rote for the family.
We initially stayed Ina small resort called Malole but then discovered 81 Palms.
Super overly done
Amazing food (for those familiar with asia, the owner and Chef was at Catalunia in Singapore)
Beautiful architecture and a great pool by the sea.
The hosts were better than perfect. We felt like staying at a friends place.
We enjoyed it.
We’ll be back

This place is just outside of the main stretch in Nemberala but that means only a 3-5 minute motorbike ride and it was totally worth it. I don’t normally write restaurant reviews so that’s how good lunch was here. The Spanish omelette and salad was divine so we came back two days later and I had the exact same dishes again. Next time I'm back on Rote I must try other options.... maybe. It did all look great! This place is owned and run by a Spanish chef and his lovely French? wife so you just know the food hygiene is up to scratch. Normally I don’t touch salads in Indo but I had no problem here. The beautiful setting just made the food that much more delicious! Sit back on the comfiest can lounge chairs (no exaggeration!) and soak up the views (and watch the occasional goat trot by too).