This November, The Cove Restaurant at Banyan Tree Bintan welcomes Puglia-born Chef Maurizio Bombini for two days of modern Italian cooking by the water. Expect handcrafted specialities and fresh seafood, with the South China Sea as the backdrop.
Puglia, the sun-baked heel of Italy’s boot, has always cooked with one eye on the sea. Now one of its own brings that coastal instinct to a very different shoreline. On 6 and 7 November, Chef Maurizio Bombini takes over the kitchen at The Cove Restaurant at Banyan Tree Bintan for two days of modern Italian cooking by the water.
Born and raised in Puglia, Chef Bombini grew up with the region’s culinary traditions, and they still guide every plate. His philosophy is refreshingly simple: let seasonal produce and the finest ingredients lead, then bring them to life with a contemporary touch. He has built a distinguished career across Asia, including plenty of time in Indonesia’s luxury dining scene, where he helped introduce authentic Italian cooking to a new audience. That experience gives him a rare feel for both countries, and diners at The Cove are in good hands.
For the occasion, he has created three set menus, served at lunch from 12-3.30pm and at dinner from 6-10.30pm. The three-course menu is priced at IDR799,000++, while the five-course and six-course menus come in at IDR1,200,000++ and IDR1,550,000++. Expect handcrafted Italian specialities and fresh seafood, prepared with a respect for tradition and a healthy dose of creativity. Drinks are charged separately, with an optional wine pairing and a curated drinks list on hand for those who want to make an afternoon or evening of it.
The setting does its part too. The Cove is Laguna Bintan’s signature sea-view restaurant, known for its contemporary European cooking and a relaxed yet polished mood. With the South China Sea stretching out beyond the tables, it makes a natural stage for a chef raised on the coast.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Maurizio Bombini to The Cove Restaurant for this special culinary collaboration,” says Rudy Oretti, Area General Manager of Laguna Bintan. “This event reflects our commitment to bringing world-class dining experiences to Bintan.”
Guests who would rather not rush home can turn dinner into a short island escape. Special stay packages with dining privileges are available at Banyan Tree Bintan, home to 70 villas with signature private pools, as well as at sister hotels Cassia Bintan and HOMM Laguna Bintan. With Bintan just 55 minutes by ferry from Singapore, it feels a world away without the long journey.
With seats expected to be in high demand, an early booking is wise. Reservations can be made online at banyantree.com/indonesia/bintan/offers/culinary-journey-2026. Alternatively, email btfbs-bintan@banyantree.com or call (+62) 770693100.
Two coastlines, one table. For two days in November, the flavours of southern Italy find a second home by the sea in Bintan, and they are well worth the crossing.
The Cove Restaurant
at Banyan Tree Bintan
Laguna Bintan Resort
Bintan 29155, Indonesia
T: (+62) 770693100
E: btfbs-bintan@banyantree.com
W: banyantree.com
IG: @banyantree.bintan
