Taman is a two level half circle wantilan, encompassing a large water fountain that faces the garden setting. As soon as you are seated you immediately feel at home. The enthusiasm of the young staff only adds to the occasion as they do not intrude. There is live music twice a week, in the background, very 60's, and never grating.
This is a restaurant where you would enjoy the evening even if the food was found a bit wanting. Luckily that is not the case here as the food is both interesting and great value.
The Asian menu starts with an Asian Plate [spring roll, wonton, samsosa, prawn ball and a satay, one of the best I have ever had as it has large tender chunks of tender chicken liberally coated with a great peanut curry sauce] or the Lombok special Pelecing Kangkung [water spinach in a spicy chili sauce] followed by the famous Ayam Taliwang.
The Lobster and Prawn Soup is one of the reasons people return here regularly. Generous chunks of lobster and whole prawns compete with each other in a rich seafood soup heavily laced with brandy and cream. The Salad Nicoise is totally original with none of the required ingredients missing. Penne Putanesca is pasta in a rich tomato sauce with black olives and chilli, then sprinkled with capers and anchovies. An Italian classic!
Lamb Cutlets, from New Zealand, are grilled then covered with a mint sauce demiglaze. Australian Steaks are served with a variety of sauces; mustard, red wine, mushroom or pepper. Chicken Breast is roasted in the oven after being stuffed with a chicken and spinach mousse, then served in a rosemary sauce.
Seafood lovers are well served. The simple Fisherman's Basket contains fish, king prawns and calamari in a crisp batter, tartar on the side. Coconut Prawns are king prawns rolled in a coconut batter before being deep fried. They are served with a honey and lime dipping sauce. The Seafood Platter [minimum 2 persons] is a grilled baby snapper, baby lobster, king prawns and squid, with a garlic and lemon butter sauce.
Taman also offers some Indian dishes. Tandoori Chicken, coated in yoghurt and spices before being roasted in the flames. That wonderful Chicken Tikka Masala, combining tender chicken pieces with that unique flavour of Masala. Beef can be in Rogan Josh style [cardamom] or Vindaloo from the Portugese influenced Goa. Those extras at most Indian Restaurants; rice, naan bread, yoghurt riata and banana slices showered with dessicated coconut, are all included here in the main course price for the Indian selection, and never more than $8. What value!
All the usual Indonesian and local Lombok dishes are here as well. Pelecing Kangkung [water spinach] and Ayam Taliwang [grilled spring chicken] are both in Lombok's sambal ulek, hot and picquant. The wonderful local King Prawns are cooked with your choice of accompanying sauce; sweet and sour, oyster or sweet chilli.
All great value!
The friendly service and romantic atmosphere are just free extras.
