Chimi’s small and rustic open-air space comes alive from lunchtime on as hungry diners pile in for sausages, sandwiches, tapas, chicken burgers, and smoky grilled pizzas which are out of this world. And they cut zero corners, using a traditional Argentinian grill with moving parts and everything. “A charcoal wood grill is hard to control,” says Mariano. “But it makes all the difference.” 

The smell of sizzling meats and spices fills the smoky air and adds to the cool ambiance. Walking into the restaurant almost makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the heart of Argentina where grilling is basically a religion. You’ll even notice a hint of campfire smell in your clothes after you leave, which is highly likely to make you crave your next Chimi Cheese. 

Mariano, originally from Argentina, and Vivi, a Java native, initially met in Doha where they were both working in hospitality before moving to Bali and starting Chimichurri. Their doors opened in November of 2019, just months before Covid hit. Not ideal timing, of course, but the circumstances only fueled their fire. 

When indoor dining was restricted, Chimi brought its barbecues to unexpected locations, turning al fresco dining into a new kind of adventure. “For a period of time, they said that we couldn’t carry on accepting groups,” says Vivi. “So, we came up with the idea that if you cannot come to our place, we’ll come to you. We’ll bring our own grill and everything—I mean everything. People love the food, and they continue to support us wherever we are.” From catering events to serving up dishes beachside, the restaurant’s ability to innovate on the fly has been a testament to the owners’ adaptability. And, at the end of the day, the food is damn good. 

Chimi’s kitchen has floor-to-ceiling windows and sits right in the front of the restaurant—it’s the first thing you’ll notice when you walk up to the building. One look inside and anyone can see that commitment to quality is what lies at the heart of the restaurant’s success. 

Finally, the distinct atmosphere is one of the things that keeps people coming back for more. Chimi’s no-frills space has a warm, laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’re in your friend’s really cool backyard. Your friend who happens to grill up the best food in town. And the staff is great, too, so you’re always in good hands. 

When asked what it’s like to have really made it in the restaurant game, Vivi and Mariano emphatically express that they’ll never stop growing and learning from their customers. They understand that their most valuable asset isn’t just the amazing food that they serve, but it’s also their loyal customer base. And they listen. 

As for the expansion of Chimichurri? Don’t worry, it’s in the works. Keep an eye on their social for updates—you’ll find these guys on Instagram at @ChimiBali.