From alfresco dining as casual as the conversations between friends and family to refined dinners against sunsets that cast their orange glow onto sweeping rice fields, Ubud’s culinary landscape never fails to captivate epicureans.
It’s no secret that Ubud’s charm goes beyond the tree-flanked yoga sessions or treks along off-the-beaten paths between tiers of rice fields. Though never truly concealed from the public conscience, this region’s culinary landscape may not be as top-of-mind as Canggu’s Instagram-ready cafés, Seminyak’s chic eateries, or Nusa Dua and Jimbaran’s sumptuous seafood spread. Still, dining in Ubud is a marvel of its own, a distinct element that shapes Bali’s food culture, and these restaurants are proof of that.
Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomic Bali
Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomic Bali doesn’t use the shorthand of fusion or fine dining as a disguise. Instead, it lays everything out on the table, from the sustainably and locally sourced ingredients to co-owner Blake Thornley’s globally influenced techniques, which sing in harmony with founder Chris Salans’ purview that has since expanded beyond its humble beginnings in 2001. With nowhere to hide, the French-Indonesian food here shines brighter than ever, boasting a seasonal menu that takes the palate on a different journey upon each visit.
Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomic Bali
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361975768
E: info@mozaic-bali.com
W: mozaic-bali.com
IG: @mozaicrestaurantubud
Akar by K Club
Amid the tranquillity of Ubud’s dense forests, Akar by K Club arrives as a pocket of explosive radiance for those travelling to the Balinese highlands. Contained within the sprawling premises of K Club Ubud, this restaurant’s speciality isn’t just the steaks; although, with a special World Discovery Steak menu that boasts farm-to-table cuts of meat and star ingredients from around the globe, it would be remiss to stop by without sinking your teeth into one. It’s what comes after that truly sets the dining experience apart, as the lofty space lights up with an immersive laser show while dancers descend from the ceilings for a captivating end to your meal.
Akar by K Club
Jalan Raya Cebok, Tegallalang
Bali 80561, Indonesia
T: (+62) 81818126888
E: reservation@kclubgroup.com
W: kclubgroup.com
IG: @akarubud
Ayung Terrace
The allure of Ubud lies amid the towering shrubbery, slithering in between palm fronds and carried by the gentle flow of the river. Instead of trying to achieve novel bravado, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan leans into this commonplace draw, setting its main restaurant, Ayung Terrace, among the treetops for an alfresco dining experience that takes you as close as possible to an encompassing natural atmosphere without forsaking the comforts of modernity. Among its Indonesian fine dining spread, signatures like the pork belly Babi Guling and Lombok Lobster stand out, highlighting the robust colours of the nation’s culinary influences.
Ayung Terrace
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Jalan Raya Sayan, Sayan
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3612016000
E: reservations.bali@fourseasons.com
W: fourseasons.com
IG: @fsbali
Tangelo Restaurant
When Marriott International brought its Autograph Collection hotel to the verdant hills of Sebatu, a distinctive, soulful stay wasn’t the only thing introduced at Cicada Resort Bali Ubud. Along with the resort came Tangelo Restaurant, where this ethos of synthesising the locale’s landscape, heritage, and culture is reflected through expertly crafted dishes. Echoing the global origins of its clientele, the menu defies regional borderlines for creations that allow Atlantic salmon to rest atop jambalaya-spiced risotto with a bright jalapeño salsa verde on the side.
Tangelo Restaurant
Cicada Resort Bali Ubud, Autograph Collection by Marriott International
Jalan Raya Bilukan, Sebatu
Bali 80561, Indonesia
T: (+62) 8811111777
E: reservation.cicadaubud@autographhotels.com
W: marriott.com
IG: @tangelobali
The Puhu Restaurant
Any spot in Ubud is an ideal site for idle pastime, and The Puhu Restaurant doesn’t try to burden that with the pretence of flamboyance or unnecessary, elaborate garishness. This dining destination by Padma Resort Ubud instead turns to the sophistication between the verdant land’s quietude. Its setup supports this outlook, opening to the picturesque natural vistas fringing the resort, rainforests and all. Front and centre in the menu is Balinese cuisine, from a spread of shareable amikan (small plates) and signature mains to arak-based cocktails, highlighting the island in all its glory.
The Puhu Restaurant
Padma Resort Ubud
Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu, Payangan
Bali 80572, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3613011111
E: dining.ubud@padmahotels.com
W: padmaresortubud.com
IG: @padmaubud
Uma Cucina
The grandeur of its modern pavilion façade (designed by Yew Kuan Cheong and Studio Jencquel) and foreign-sounding ingredients listed under menu items may suggest otherwise, but Uma Cucina is deceivingly simple. At least, as simple as upscale dining could be. It’s still an upgrade from streetside stalls and hole-in-the-wall homespun eateries, but not so novel that diners come bewildered and end meals in confusion. What Uma Cucina offers is a faithful interpretation of rustic Italian cuisine, unburdened by pretentious flair. Explore an array of toppings on woodfired pizzas, robust sauces coating handmade pastas, and desserts that, instead of maximising one’s appetite, leave the palate refreshed and itching for second helpings of their favourite dish.
Uma Cucina
COMO Uma Ubud
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan
Bali 80561, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361972448
E: dining.uma.ubud@comohotels.com
W: comohotels.com
IG: @umacucinaubud
Spice by Blake
When word went around that Chef Blake Thornley, co-owner of Bali’s renowned Mozaic, is taking on the reins at this restaurant, excitement stirred. Spice by Blake debuted with much precedence, all of which are met with precision and flair under the visionary guidance of the New Zealand-born chef. The restaurant shares much DNA with its fine dining counterpart Mozaic, injecting it into an atmosphere that’s more casual and approachable while keeping the vibrant and artfully crafted experience. Straddling a line between French finesse and Indonesian cuisine, diners can find special touches on classic dishes; the Beef Cheek Rendang and Boneless Duck Rawon are among signature highlights.
Spice by Blake
Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 81234586169
E: info@spicebali.com
W: spicebali.com
IG: @spicebyblakethornley
Apéritif Restaurant
Upon entering Apéritif Restaurant, one would immediately realise the tone being set, whether through the neoclassical décor with shiny checkered floors, panelled columns, imposing archways, and ornate chandeliers. The open kitchen frames flitting chefs plating dishes that appear to be faithful recreations of artistic snapshots from epicurean magazines. Don’t let this setup deter you from making a grand entrance to this grande dame; the staff is more than ready to help any guest settle into the regal rattan chairs, and by that point, all that’s left to do is sit back and indulge in the glorious journey through its degustation menu, which pays homage to Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken’s European roots while still being anchored by its Indonesian locale.
Apéritif Restaurant
Viceroy Bali
Jalan Lanyahan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3619082777
E: res@aperitif.com
W: aperitif.com
IG: @aperitifbali
French Kiss
When French chef Stephane Simond conjures up the idea of ways to introduce the cuisine of his homeland to Ubud, his concerns lie beyond just flavours and palatability. Sure, it has to be authentic, but also unique enough to stand out from the regular bistro and patisserie carousel that Bali isn’t a stranger to. Backed by hospitality group Jeevawasa, French Kiss was born. True to its name, the ambience here teeters between sumptuous and delicate, romantic and playful. Though it still features a bistro setup for those with a penchant for tradition, the true face of this eatery is its first-floor live kitchen and open-air speakeasy bar that transports diners straight to the chic streets of Paris. Bites here are equally luxurious, whether you’re slurping on buttery escargot, indulging in a lip-shaped chocolate confection, or sipping some refreshing tipple.
French Kiss
Jalan Wenara Wana, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 82145588917
E: reservation@frenchkissubud.com
W: frenchkissubud.com
IG: @frenchkissbali
Muda By/Suka is one of the stellar ventures from the By/Suka team, presenting a refined yet casual restaurant ideal for groups of friends or couples looking for a contemporary dining experience with a unique menu and expertly crafted cocktails. The vibrant textures of the downstairs Joglo area come alive in the evening with ambient lighting and a relaxed jazz/house music backdrop. Upstairs, guests are transported to an indoor lounge area featuring guest DJs on weekends and an alfresco space perfect for casual sunset drinks.
The menu at Muda is inspired by the culinary traditions of Japan, China, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Designed for sharing, the menu includes small and large plates, and Muda’s signature Feed Me menu offers a six- or seven-course meal showcasing the best of Muda’s diverse and bold flavours. Highlights include cured red snapper sashimi with nam jim, kaffir and coconut gel; Cantonese steamed fish with Chinese olive fried rice, lap cheong and prawn; and coffee-rubbed black Angus picanha with tare jus, gochujang, and fresh kimchi. The dining experience culminates with a selection of desserts crafted by Muda’s pastry chef, providing a refreshing and balanced end to the meal.
