A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ubud, Bali.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about my disclosure and affiliate policy here.

…

Looking for the best restaurants in Ubud? You have come to the right place! Honestly, I was not a big fan of Indonesian food in general when I first came here, but Ubud may as well have been on a different planet – the food options were amazing and I was sad not to get to eat everywhere I wanted. Or to eat certain dishes again and again. Yes, I’m looking at you, Gado Gado!

With that said, this is by no means a comprehensive guide to the restaurants in Ubud, but just a little overview of the places that I found and loved and some I cannot wait to come back for.

The best Ubud restaurants – according to me…

Best Indonesian Food in Ubud

Nusantara

I am always surprised by how many people who travel to a place like Bali but are scared to try street food. If you are one of them but still want to get a whole Indonesian dining experience you have to eat at Nusantara. 

It has been a firm favorite amongst the Ubud restaurant scene and is part of the Locavore family (more about those in a moment). Nusantara offers a unique take on Indonesian classics in a beautiful, modern setting.

The menu is organized by small plates and mains as well as sides, rices, and sambals. Each dish also shows where it comes from in Indonesia. If you think Indo has nothing to offer but satay and mie goreng you are in for a very pleasant awakening. 

Each meal starts with the most incredible “Berbagi Rasa” snack wheel accompanied by a cute card explaining what you are eating. Honestly, I wish I could have had a whole bowl of the crispy potatoes and peanuts. 

Then again, I got pacco tuna tartare from South Sulawesi and the most incredible mud crab with turmeric sauce, rice grilled in a banana leaf, cucumber with fern tips, and Sambal Cakalang with shredded smoked mackerel. I did order too much but tried my very best to put a dent in it. 

They also have a wonderful cocktail menu, both virgin and alcoholic, made from local ingredients. The Rujak 2.0 with Sidemen arak and kaffir lime chili cordial was one of the best cocktails I have ever had. 

• Find Nusantara on Google Maps

Lynked

Upstairs from Simply Social, you will find its sister restaurant, Lynked. Refined Indonesian classics are on the menu in an elegant setting. While you are sheltered from the noise and busyness of Jalan Raya Ubud, they have huge windows overlooking the town – best you come for lunch or before the sun sets!

Start with a craft cocktail because they are amazing. I had the Kunyit Asem, a gin-based cocktail with tamarind and turmeric, and egg white – basically a healthy breakfast in a glass. I also tried the  Smoked Pala Whitegroni. This wonderful, smooth version of a Negroni came with a lot of theatre. Let’s just say, it is not called smoked for nothing… They also have a great mocktail and healthy juice collection. 

On the food menu, you will find Indonesian dishes from all over the country. I especially appreciated that each dish not only had a description but also showed where it originates from. Perfect if you are in the mood for something new or want to try something other than a Balinese classic. 

I started with sate lilit, which, while from Bali, is made with fish and octopus here, something I have never had before. I also tried kerang bakar, grilled local scallops from Manado (I didn’t get any during my recent trip there, so I was excited). Local scallops are quite small, but this way you can order more – a win in my eyes!

Afterward, I had sate ayam, chicken skewers served on a little charcoal grill like the sate lilit, with a thick peanut sauce. My favorite, though, was the beef rendang done Sumatra style, with a side of corn fritters. While I usually don’t care too much for deep-fried food, these are not oily but instead crunchy and delicious – definitely a better side than ordinary rice. 

Lynked is also a great Ubud restaurant if you have a sweet tooth. The dessert menu includes dessert cocktails as well as Indonesian desserts you may not have tried before. I went for the klappertaart with rosella jam and mango sorbet. It turned out to be a dense coconut pudding tart that was delicious, not too sweet, and something I had never had before. 

Another Indonesian classic: their famous Reijstafel. This is similar to an Indian thali, offering small banana-leaf bowls with different favorites. 

• Find Lynked on Google Maps

Indus

If you are looking for a restaurant with a view in Ubud, you couldn’t find a better one than Indus. Self-proclaimed Ubud Valley Dining awaits, overlooking the Tjampuhan Ridge and offering some of the most stunning views of Mount Agung. 

Indus has been welcoming guests since 1998, so you know they must be doing something right besides offering those incredible views. The interior leading to a stunning terrace is classic Balinese, both elegant and cozy, with some of the friendliest staff I have come across. 

The menu offers modern Indonesian food with flavors of Bali and beyond. Indus is open for lunch (they even offer a two-course lunch menu for less than IDR 200k/ $12) and dinner, but it’s also very popular for sunset cocktails and snacks. From 4 pm to 6 pm, you get two cocktails for IDR 150k ($8,50) – that price is unheard of for any Ubud restaurant, view or not!

I tried the Cinnamon Mezcal Margarita and a Jamu cocktail, which was basically Jamu with gin. Jamu is Bali’s magic elixir, thanks to a lot of turmeric, and is usually drunk for breakfast or as a health shot. I’m not sure why no one else has thought about this amazing concoction with gin, but I became an instant fan.

The menu conveniently has small plates, salads & greens as well as bigger plates – perfect for sharing and trying a few different things. If you are not dining alone, I recommend the Indus Table, a set tasting menu for two with some of the chef’s recommendations. 

Alas, I was eating alone, so I had the very delicious lobster-prawn croquettes and the tuna dabu dabu* from the specials menu. They usually have specials for certain occasions, like the full moon, and I recommend you check them out. The tuna was cured raw tuna with a green chili emulsion and fermented dabu dabu liquid. I asked for a spoon to finish all the saucy goodness. 

* Dabu dabu is a spicy chili condiment from North Sulawesi

My bigger plate was the Indus lobster udon because if there is udon and/or lobster, chances are I will order it. It’s not the prettiest plate of food, but it’s definitely good enough to tide me over until my next trip to Japan. 

If you want to stay a bit more authentic, go for the beef rendang, seafood nasi goreng, or the fish curry. Whatever you choose, chances are you won’t go wrong at Indus for a memorable meal. 

• Find Indus on Google Maps

Spice by Blake

If you are in the mood for a modern interpretation of Indonesian food with some good cocktails and a relaxed setting, Spice by Blake is the place to go. Blake is Blake Thornley, also head chef at Mozaic, a Kiwi native with extensive experience with Indonesian flavors and, yes, spices. 

A gong will announce your arrival, but luckily this is more tongue-in-cheek than ceremonial – Spice offers a chilled ambience and you are welcome in your flipflops (or Birkenstocks in my case). 

While they do offer wines, I was immediately drawn to their cocktail menu with a mix of classic and Indonesian creations. Spirits like Jackfruit Gin and, of course, Arak, are featured. The Island Tribe reminded me of my favorite tiki bar in Da Nang, while the White Snapper with umami tomato soda and chili was wonderfully weird. 

The menu itself is simple enough and clearly divided into starters and mains – not a given amongst modern Bali restaurants. The motto throughout: classic Indonesian dishes reinterpreted and with Blake’s personal spin. The rendang croquettes, corn fritters, and pork belly slider are scrumptious and morish, while the cured kingfish with pomelo and rujak sauce and coral trout are light and fresh. 

And while I can’t speak for all the mains, the star is definitely the beef cheeks braised in rendang spices. Honestly, I doubt I will ever have a rendang that can compare to this. Beef cheeks are just such a good cut for a curry, plus kenari nuts added a wonderful hint of freshness and crunch. 

All in all, a meal to remember and luckily just a quick Grab ride away, wherever you stay in Ubud.

• Find Spice by Blake on Google Maps

Warung Mek Jewel

Do you know the Local Tongue? It was one of my favorite foodie websites where chefs share their favorite eateries in the city they work in. You will usually find a few cool spots but most importantly local hangouts where you can find the best authentic food. This holds true for Bali as well: while most recommendations evolve around cool Canggu restaurants I also found Warung Mek Jewel in Ubud.

This place is as authentic as it gets and is known for its Nasi Ayam. It is not far from town and while the rice paddies it overlooks are not the most scenic, it is still a nice area. I don’t actually know if they have a menu as I was simply offered Nasi Campur with chicken (the infamous ayam) and all I got to decide was my spice level. 

The restaurant is usually full of Indonesians, always a good sign, because the food is just that good. On the plate: rice, some noodles, shredded coconut, urab (blanched mixed veggies), a satay, boiled egg, sambal matah, and that infamous chicken. The chicken made Mek Jewel famous and for good reason. They are happy farm chickens and the lady of the house tells me they are using special wood for cooking – you can taste the smokiness and without having eaten enough Nasi Campur to know for sure, I know this is one of the best. 

Also: if you are looking for a cheap meal in Ubud this might be just the place – a plate is Rp 25k.

• Find Warung Mek Jewel on Google Maps

Check out this Ubud food tour for more authentic Balinese dishes

Warung Mendez

My first meal in Ubud became my favorite. Gado Gado at Warung Mendez. A warung is basically a small, usually family-run cafe and you can find them all over Bali. But not all warungs are created equal.
Warung Mendez is on Jalan Penestanan, an untouristy street, a 20-minute walk from Jalan Hanuman, one of the main areas in Ubud. I stayed at an incredible Airbnb there and Warung Mendez was literally the first place I saw leaving the house in search of food.

OMG. Sorry, but really – OMG. Their Gado Gado comes raw as a salad with a piece of fried tofu slathered in peanut sauce and a poached egg on top. I ate the same dish for the next 3 days in a row. How I managed not to eat it for lunch AND dinner I do not know.

• Find Warung Mendez on Google Maps

Liap Liap & Folk

The newest family member of the Bisma Eight clan is Liap Liap in front of their pool restaurant Folk. Here you will find anything grilled and some great options that go far beyond your regular Satays.
The portions are huge and made for sharing. You must try the quail. I am usually not a fan of eating meat from the bone especially not when they are that tiny but man, that quail was good. Make sure to ask for extra pickles! I may or may not have told the chef that I liked his pickle which promptly made me blush and put my foot in my mouth but his pickles are truly so good.

If you are keen for a swim head to the backyard where the Folk Pool & Garden is located. The menu is a bit more basic – poolside dining is the name of the game here – and not as good. But the setting is amazing and perfect to cool off on a hot day in Ubud. You can either pay for a daybed which comes with towels, water and snacks or simply kick back in many of the sun loungers around the pool with a cooler of beers or pose with a cocktail on a swimming beanbag. Mind you, the crowd is unrowdy and chilled – even on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Check out their program as they have open-air movie nights too.

• Find Liap Liap on Google Maps

Mads Lange at Capella

I got to spend an entire afternoon at beautiful Capella Resort and honestly didn’t want to leave – seems like the perfect place to spend a honeymoon in the jungle, far away from everything.

Their restaurant Mads Lange (the best restaurant in Ubud with a view!) offers various cuisines and is a great choice if you are keen to try some local dishes in style. All of their produce is free-range, organic, and of course, locally sourced. 

If on the menu, I recommend you go for the Rijsttafel, an array of classic Indonesian dishes which are served family-style and are perfect for sharing. Otherwise, try the lobster wontons and the puffed taro crackers with peanut to start with, and head straight to their Nasi Goreng afterward. This one is special, as it is served with a tiger prawn and wagyu beef satay. Another dish I would choose again: eggplant parmesan. I know it may sound like an odd choice, but their chef is Italian and wow, it shows in this dish!

Find a tent at Capella

The restaurant, as well as the spa, is open to outside guests and Capella offers a shuttle a few times per day from Ubud center that you can use. Mind you, I highly recommend you book a room as well!

• Find Mads Lange on Google Maps

Great Ubud Restaurants for every day – From Fun to Fancy

Simply Social

The town is buzzing, and Ubud’s center has no shortage of restaurants. Simply Social is at the heart of all of them and not far from Ubud Palace. It is the perfect location if you want to soak up the vibey atmosphere without getting run over by a motorbike. 

At the front of the restaurant, they have two table counters with rocking chairs, facing the street – perfect for people-watching and solo diners. In the back there are more tables that get progressively quieter, though quiet is relative – Simply Social is always lively. 

The restaurant has been around for years and offers a mixed menu of breakfast classics, Asian tapas and international dishes. It is an all-rounder where everyone will find something yummy. Usually, such a menu would deter me a bit – because can you really make good sushi and good pasta? But yes, Simply Social can! 

I was seated next to an Australian couple who had been here years ago and loved it so much, they wanted to return. After their meal, I asked if it lived up to the memory, and their beaming smiles and empty plates said yes. 

I went for the salmon rolls and Tokyo hummus made from edamame, both delicious and a great way to start a meal. Afterward, I went on to satisfy my seafood cravings with the salmon in buttermilk roe sauce. The salmon was divine, but the star of the meal was a little herb side salad. 

If you can find space, I definitely recommend you don’t skip dessert. I am a huge lover of bread pudding, and Simply Social has upped the ante – croissant pudding. It is delicious and even better than a regular bread pudding because croissants are better than bread, and there were no raisins in sight.

• Find Simply Social on Google Maps

Locavore to Go

Everybody who knows anything about food and restaurants in Indonesia will mention this place: Locavore. Local, modern cuisine and a tasting menu apparently worth splurging on. I didn’t manage to get a table in time, so I had to make do with their downscaled deli version – Locavore to Go.

After feasting on a prawn hotdog with edible flowers I knew I had to come back. On my second visit, I ate their waffles with duck eggs, bacon and hollandaise. And yes, I almost died. But I would have definitely gone to heaven because this dish is worth not eating anything for the rest of the day.

Judging by the decor you may think yourself in Brooklyn, not on a crumbling road on Bali. If you are keen to take some of their beautiful crockeries home, head next door to Kevala Home where their china comes from.

• Find Locavore to Go on Google Maps

Pica

Pica is a South American restaurant in the center of Ubud and has been around for 12 years. I never went until recently because I always assumed a South American restaurant would be very meat-forward. Also, from the outside it seems rather unassuming, and it is quite small – all part of its charm, as I came to realize. 

A semi-open kitchen, a few tables, and an almost zen interior await. Chef Cristian Encina and Monica Fernandez have put together a menu with some of the best dishes South America has to offer, with influences from Brazil, Peru, Chile, and many more. 

Of course, I had to start with a Pisco Sour, served with Brazilian cheesy bread puffs and caramelized onion butter. I usually don’t stuff myself with bread before a good meal, but these were impossible to resist. 

The menu is small and concise, and not as meaty as I feared. That said, if you are a vegetarian, your options are definitely limited. I am not, so I got to try an array of starters: baked moon scallops with parmesan, prawn empanada, and Peruvian taqueno with chicken. An absolute standout was the mahi mahi ceviche, which was more fruity than acidic, with an optional addition of prawns, octopus, or clams. 

And my favorite: beef cachapa. I had no idea what I was eating, but later learned that my new favorite dish was a sweet corn patty (not a fritter you usually find on Indonesian menus) with a piece of melt-in-your-mouth beef saltado on top. I recommend you order not one but two!

For my main, I went with delicious homemade duck ravioli that were everything you want in a pasta dish. If you want something even heartier, I would try the pork belly with date jus and chorizo next time, or the Peruvian paella. Also, if the crab toast is on the specials menu – run, don’t walk!

And do leave some room for dessert. While I pictured South American desserts as overly sweet, the mille-feuille with dulce de leche was anything but and very moreish. I liked my meal at Pica so much, I was back a few days later.

• Find Pica on Google Maps

Cantina Rooftop

Looking for the restaurant in Ubud with the best views? I say, head to Cantina Rooftop! And make sure to reserve a spot at the counter overlooking the river, the jungle, and Mount Lebah Temple. That said, after the sun sets, the inside is nicely lit and definitely a vibe thanks to low tables and cozy scatter cushions. 

First things first: get a cocktail. I recommend leaving the classics for another day and trying some from the not-so-classic-classics menu instead. The Lolita is a fruity gin-based sour, and the Bagatelle Margarita is perfect if you love passion fruit. The diners next to me went with the spicy coconut mojito, which looked more like a healthy daiquiri but was apparently very good. 

The food menu is a colorful medley of tapas from around the world: a few Indonesian favorites, some Spanish snacks, Mexican dishes, and a few others. Cantina is definitely a place where you don’t need to stick to the set order of starter, main, dessert. Still, sharing is definitely encouraged, and portion sizes, especially of the starters, are very generous. 

I started with chorizo croquetas (also available with spinach if you don’t eat meat) with black garlic aioli that were perfect with my cocktail. I also had the grilled scallops, drenched in miso butter and absolutely delicious. I also had the Oka, a Polynesian ceviche with coconut milk, which made it much milder than the often overpowering acidity of lemon juice. 

For mains, I went for fish tacos, but you can also get beef, pork, or cauliflower. A thoughtful note: you can choose corn or wheat tacos. While they may not quite reach the level of the tacos I have had in Mexico City, the batter was crisp, the fish was juicy, and the guacamole added just the right amount of freshness. 

They also have a few nice sides including cos lettuce hearts with Parmesan dressing and bread crumb gremolata – almost like a really cute Caesar’s salad! If you are still hungry, there is dessert, or in my case, a dessert cocktail: Lemon Cheers Cake. It was the perfect, not-too-sweet end to a lovely meal.

• Find Cantina Rooftop on Google Maps

Fold

Beloved pastry shop and cafe Fold has made it from Canggu to Ubud – hurrah! And I dare say, they have done it bigger and better. I have always loved Fold’s pastries and breads, but I found the Canggu setup confusing and uncomfortable. You order in one spot downstairs, pay in another, and then have to find a seat upstairs. 

Not so in Ubud. You either pick up at the counter and pay on the spot, or you sit down and order at your table. The place is spacious, nicely decorated, and they have a lovely courtyard as well. 

The menu is also bigger, and in addition to their usual pastries and breakfast staples, they have a whole lunch and dinner section with salads, sandwiches, savory galettes, and even pizza. I went for a Caesar salad after declaring that Fold in Canggu makes one of my favorite versions ever. It was quite different, and I think it was better. It included well-seasoned chicken breast, a deep-fried poached egg, and two thick slices of their amazing sourdough. It isn’t the healthiest salad, but it is so very satisfying. And after all, you go here to get some of the best carbs in Ubud.

• Find Fold on Google Maps

Honey and Smoke

Will Meyrick is no newcomer to the Bali restaurant scene and Honey and Smoke is one of his babys. Everything centers around the chargrill and as he says “Our food is blessed by the fire”. It is a blessing indeed but fear not if you are not a carnivore, there are plenty of veggies, fish, and seafood that get blessed as well on the menu. 

My first impression when I sit down: it looks like a fancy dining car on a train. And then I wonder if I am allowed to say that because maybe comparing a restaurant to a train is rude?! I shouldn’t have worried because the interior purposefully looks like a chic old-fashioned steamer train, remembering an era of traveling unfortunately long gone. Or so the manager tells me. 

While I am usually always one for wine, I decide to go for the cocktails instead, which turns out to be an excellent choice. My favorite is the Norihana Smoke but if you wanted something a little less ‘complicated’ (not everyone enjoys nori in their drink) go for the Yuzu on Passion, a grown-up and very sophisticated version of a Pina Colada. Either way, make your way up to the cocktail bar upstairs after or before dinner and just find your own favorite!

The menu is meant to be shared, always making it a bit tricky when eating alone and wanting to try everything. Definitely go for the lardo char-grilled prawns and the smoked pork & prawn sausage. If you wanted something with a bit more green, try the tempura zucchini flowers which are crisp, light, and decadent at the same time. Also, if you are not sharing with a whole group don’t over-order – their portion sizes are more than generous!

• Find Honey and Smoke on Google Maps

Hujan Locale 

In lieu of a table at Locavore, I made it to Hujan Locale – a beautiful restaurant with modern colonial touches and a menu to match. Old classics from all around Indonesia are modernized here and served with some killer cocktails.

I am really bad when it comes to ordering food especially if I really like a menu – this one is extensive and everything sounds drool-worthy so it took me about half an hour and a whole basket of their yummy bread/cracker selection. Taking my time paid off – the fish carpaccio and prawn curry were some of the best dishes I ate during my three months stint.

The only downside is that you will have to pay prices to match their international, cosmopolitan counterparts.

• Find Hujan Locale on Google Maps

Galle Club

As you may or may not know, I love Sri Lankan food. It is one of my favorite cuisines, and while I was busy planning my next trip to Sri Lanka, I needed something to tide me over. Just my luck – Galle Club in Ubud had opened its doors.

To be fair, it is not 100% Sri Lankan but rather offers a mix of Sri Lankan and South Indian food. No worries, we like Indian food as well… 

I went for a little lunch to check out the options. While I wanted nothing more than hoppers and curry, I ended up putting together my own meal from their dinner choices. They offer sharing plates, short eats, side eats, and mallungs – a term new to me but basically a Sri Lankan side dish of shredded vegetables.

I ended up getting the prawn pepper fry, which was served on sourdough, something I somehow missed when reading the description. While I wasn’t expecting basically a sandwich, it was delicious, but made my pol rotis a bit redundant. I also got the cucumber mallung with toasted coconut, lemon, and peanuts – one of the best salads/ veggies sides I have had in a while. 

I’d definitely come back to do string hoppers and curry, or the mutton paan rolls, though I don’t think they can substitute a visit to Sri Lanka proper. But if you are in Ubud and are craving something other than Mie Goreng, this is the spot! 

• Find Galle Club on Google Maps

Ropana 

Jalan Sugriwa runs parallel to Jalan Hanoman but unless you stay in the neighborhood, chances are you will never go there – it is residential in the best possible way. So I discovered Ropana by accident as it was close to my Airbnb and I was looking for a quiet spot to get some work done over coffee.

What I found was a lovely cafe in Ubud that should get a lot more business than it currently does (good for you as they don’t mind if you hog a table for hours). Especially coffee lovers have come to the right place as they really know what they are doing – they even have Vietnamese drip coffee on the menu! 

A lot of the dishes are also distinctly Vietnamese and while the banh mi wasn’t quite comparable to Madam Kanh’s they are really good. The best thing on the menu though is their curry Eggs Benedict. They come with the best pork belly bits I have had and are served on sourdough and not stupid muffins – yum!

Even if you are not staying in the neighborhood I say Ropana is definitely worth a little detour and for now, you will still be guaranteed to get a table here. 

• Find Ropana on Google Maps

L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina

Looking for the best pizza in Ubud? Me too! As you know I am a pizza snob and while Umah is a good choice if you are on a budget and in the area, sometimes you will want a bit more. 

I read rave reviews about L’Osteria for both their pasta and their pizzas and I can confirm the pizza definitely delivers. Make sure you have a reservation or come very early. I arrived before 6 pm, usually a good time to snatch a seat without reservation for me but the downstairs was already completely full and I was only given a table upstairs with the caveat that I had to be done by 7 pm. 

Pizzas are Neapolitan style, maybe not everyone’s favorite but the dough was yummy and the right amount of chewy. My pizza could have used a bit more cheese, but I am also a firm believer that a pizza can never have too much cheese so maybe don’t take my word for it. 

House wine is cheap(ish) at Rp 90k per glass and you get a Limoncello on the house after dinner as it should be with any good Italian restaurant. So while eating at Osteria is definitely a little pricey treat, I’d go again and try their Cacio e Pepe. 

• Find L’Osteria Ubud on Google Maps

Copper Kitchen & Bar at Bisma Eight 

I usually don’t care for hotel food, I really don’t. Even if the hotel overall is great the food tends to be mediocre and overpriced. But then again, I knew Bisma Eight was a little different from the get go. That notion got confirmed when I found chicken liver parfait on waffles on the menu of Copper Kitchen. Waffles for dinner!!

Find a room at Bisma Eight

In addition to a simple modern menu with Indonesian and international touches, the decor is beautiful: you are either sitting on the terrace surrounded by billowing curtains or inside which resembles a greenhouse. Windows everywhere which means you not only get a nice breezy but can also see the stars above you.
For those lucky enough to stay there, the breakfast is something different altogether. I will tell you more in a complete review soon, but let’s just say it, once again, involved waffles.

• Find Copper Kitchen on Google Maps

Milk & Madu

I was super excited to find a branch of my favorite Canggu restaurants, Milk & Madu, in Ubud. And their interior here is extra special – someone needs to call Wes Anderson.

A few years later, they still have my favorite dish: a lamb and falafel salad, and some great bowls. They also have a dedicated pizza section, and as a pizza snob, I will say – I am impressed. I tried their seafood pizza, which rivaled my favorite in Thailand! I especially appreciated the sizes: the small pizza is perfect for one, and I guess the large would be great for sharing with a side salad. 

In a previous review, I mentioned how nice it was that Milk & Madu in Ubud wasn’t very crowded yet, but unfortunately those days are gone. They are packed most of the time, so I recommend you come very early or very late. 

• Find Milk & Madu Ubud on Google Maps

Fine Dining Restaurants in Ubud

Arcadia

I must have passed by Arcadia countless times, but yesterday was finally the day I went inside. It sits at the bottom of Jalan Raya Ubud next to the Blanco Renaissance Museum and overlooks the ravine.

Upstairs you find a smoking counter with a view, and downstairs is the main restaurant. The best tables are definitely the ones with a direct view onto the river and the surrounding jungle. They kindly provide mosquito repellent if the setting is a bit too outdoorsy for you.

Arcadia’s menu is best described as international fine dining with some Indonesian touches. While you can order the set Feed Me menu with highlights from the kitchen, most diners go à la carte. Portion sizes are definitely on the smaller side, so I recommend you order more than you usually would.

I started with the prawn dumplings with chili XO cream, black caviar, and torched prawns. The prawn dumplings were succulent, and the XO cream almost tasted like hollandaise but with a gentle kick to it. I also had the scallop & miso-nori cod with corn purée. The scallop was perfection, and I actually wish I had more scallops instead of the cod rolls. If you are in the mood for something more Mediterranean, you can also get burrata and prosciutto, arancini balls, carpaccio, or a classic Caesar Salad. 

Mains also offer a nice mix of international favorites, plus interesting choices like a surf and turf with smoked beef short ribs, prawns, and béarnaise sauce, or a 12-day dry-aged duck with miso-potato foam. Definitely leave some space for dessert – I went with the August special, a delicious panna cotta with raspberry and beetroot sponge. It was good enough that I think it should become a permanent menu feature! 

The cocktail menu has classics as well as the cocktail archive, a nod to cocktail culture from the 20s and 30s. Most of the flavor profiles weren’t for me, but the Arcadia G&T is light and refreshing, and the perfect drink for a summer’s evening by the river. And of course, there is always a good old Negroni. 

• Find Arcadia on Google Maps

Mozaic

Looking for a fine dining restaurant in Ubud? Look no further because Mozaic is the place to go. It is unpretentious but chic, and you can choose between a full dining experience at their Dining Room or eat à la carte at the Tiple Room. And if you want to see Blake Thornley up close and in action, you can book the chef’s table. 

If you choose the Dining Room, there is a 6-course or 8-course menu on offer. And while I am not a vegetarian, I appreciated the option of a botanical menu. Especially in this day and age when more restaurants turn back from vegan/vegetarian options (looking at you, Eleven Madison Park), I love a fine dining restaurant that is inclusive. 

In addition to your food, you can choose between a wine pairing, a cocktail pairing, or the so-called Grape & Grain pairing that offers the best of both worlds. A lovely idea, I wish more restaurants offered. 

During your meal, you will change venues. I don’t know if that is an Ubud thing, but luckily, it was just twice and actually offered a welcome change of scenery. Dishes are also served according to the venue, i.e., the eel with foie gras snow needs theatre and an air-conditioned room, while the duck breast is served outside right next to the open fire where it was cooked. 

You do get a table arrangement that moves with you, full of herbs, spices, fruit, and veggies that are featured in the dishes. The staff will show you which ones you will have with each dish – a nice introduction into the world of Indonesian ingredients. 

So what else is on the menu? Of course, it changes seasonally, but honorable mentions go to the blue swimmer crab with laksa leaf gel, the lamb ragout and sweetcorn sponge, and the duck skull. While this wasn’t meant for eating, it was definitely a conversation starter, home to a very delicious duck croquette, and sign that Mozaic doesn’t take itself too seriously. So while it is perfect for a fancy night out, it is anything but another boring fine dining, and thank the restaurant gods for that!

• Find Mozaic on Google Maps

Locavore NXT

It is hard to put a dinner at NXT, the new venture of Locavore into a few paragraphs. Chefs and masterminds behind the family, Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah, call it rightfully “More than a restaurant. A localised rebellion.” It is not just a restaurant but a hub – a fermentation lab, a food forest, a lab sauna, a mushroom chamber, and three Wood Rooms for overnight guests are all part of the experience. 

And yes, apparently I wasn’t the first one to draw a comparison to the movie The Menu, but nobody minded either. I quickly realized that it was a lot less scary. Instead, people who are passionate about what they do. From Alfonso the creative mind behind many of the dishes to Serpico who is in charge of the beverages and the fermentors who work – as the name implies – in the fermentation lab. There is an ease and a palatable joy with the people working here. And while tropical brutalism reigns supreme when it comes to the interior there is also a three-legged cat, a Balinese door leading to the uber-cool mushroom basement, and whimsy around every corner. 

My stay started at the Wood Room, a perfect version of a cabin in the woods only overlooking the rice fields. Any dinner will start at a garden shed before you move to the bar area. More stunning views and the first snacks appeared. I ate “the whole banana tree” and we were off to a good start, even though bananas are my least favorite. Next was frog floss on casava bread before I was asked to follow staff into the basement. I don’t want to give it all away but let’s just say there is nothing ugly about the “ugly mushroom tea” and the evening quickly started to feel more like Alice in Wonderland. 

The menu at NXT is 20 courses with various pairing options. Most dishes are completely gluten and dairy free and produce is as local as it gets, much is grown on the premises or foraged all over Bali. 

Notable highlights were the chayote with ant eggs, something I only learned after I devoured the bowl, and the lobster with pineapple. There was the most amazing duck with rosella and an interesting dessert of sweet potato, tea leaves, and scoby. Though sticking to a hyper-local concept it was never to the detriment of the dishes tasting good. 

A special nod to the amazing old-school playlist. 

• Find NXT on Google Maps

You can simply book dinner at NXT or a package with a night or two at the Wood Rooms. You will also get breakfast and a tour of the hub, something you don’t want to miss. If you are staying longer than a night there are meals at the other Locavore premises included as well as a foraging experience. 

api Jiwa at Capella

If you are in the mood for something different than Indonesian head to Api Jiwa, the fine-dining Omakase restaurant at Capella Ubud. Omakase is a Japanese concept but that doesn’t mean the food is all Japanese. It simply means that what you will get is left up to the kitchen and the chef. Api Jiwa means “fire to the soul” and how soulful it is…

At Capella, it means a 10-course trip around Asia with dishes from Indonesia, Bali, China, and yes, Japan. You can choose between a wine pairing or a cocktail pairing option, or of course, order your own drinks to go with your meal. While they have some regular tables I definitely recommend getting a seat at the chef’s counter as this is the most fun. And no, don’t worry – nobody is going to chuck prawns at you!

But what you get is, as mentioned above, up to the chef and the menu at Api Jiwa changes every three months. For my meal, I got delights like local oysters, lobster and chawanmushi in an egg shell (I could have eaten that again for breakfast), cauliflower and curry, lamb sausage and “tea” as well as an amazing babi guling bao.

I went for the cocktail pairing as I found this more interesting and was definitely not disappointed. Whatever you go for, do order one of their amazing Jasmine Gimlets from the menu before!

Booking is necessary and dining time is set for 7 pm. 

• Find Api Jiwa on Google Maps

Embers

If you are in the mood for something Mediterranean look no further than Embers, part of the Bisma Eight empire, and at home at the Bisma Eight Villas. It is a modern yet earthy garden restaurant in Ubud where the concept of farm-to-table gets taken to a new level. 

Upon arrival, I first took a stroll through their little vegetable garden (the rest of their homegrown produce comes from just out of town) to soak up the atmosphere. If you come early enough the staff will be more than happy to show you around to discuss the differences between eggplant and brinjal. 

While I was hoping for a cocktail once I sat down I got offered a green juice straight from the garden first. Since it didn’t come with any celery, it was actually a great and very healthy way to start a meal. After I moved on to the cocktail menu – next to classics they make their own concoctions with flavors and cordials from the garden.

Book a room at Bisma Eight Villas

On the menu you will find favorites with a selection of pizza, sandwiches, and Indonesian classics during the day. In the evening the direction takes a distinct shift: local produce with Mediterranean flavors. Think carpaccio with pinenuts but make it Wagyu, burrata with Balinese tomatoes, roast butternut from the garden, locally caught fish with lobster foam, and truffled peas. And yes, in the evening you can order from both menus!

The service is incredibly friendly, always happy to give a recommendation, and very attentive. Whether you are coming here for a date night or dining solo, ask for a table right by the garden for the nicest setting. And no matter how full you are, do order the tarte tatin for dessert – I have only had better in Paris!

• Find Embers on Google Maps

Looking for a romantic dinner in Ubud? Check these locations:

Healthy Cafes & Vegan Restaurants in Ubud

Wild Vegan

The number of vegan restaurants in Ubud is almost endless. That said, I am not a vegan, which makes me an especially picky customer when it comes to vegan food. Ariel, owner of Wild Vegan, is also not vegan, which I think makes him the perfect, equally picky, person to run a vegan restaurant. 

Amongst a sea of vegan, raw, healthy places – you name it, he has managed to create a place where people don’t go “because they have to” but because they want to. Carnivores included. 

First up is Wild Vegan’s location on Jalan Sugriwa, a relaxed road as far as Ubud is concerned, but close to all the action. You enter through a freestanding Balinese door. Next to regular tables and Instagram-worthy tents, there are also sharing tables – if you choose to sit there, you are explicitly in the mood to meet and chat with others. What a nice idea!

The menu is an interesting one, and while all dishes are 100% vegan, there is no other dogma. Dishes are a mix of Western and Indonesian food, some raw and some cooked, with a big selection of sugar-free desserts. You either choose according to your mood or on something you want to improve upon, i.e., digestion, energy. All dishes are based on herbal medicine. The menu not only shows you the ingredients and macros but also the details of what a certain dish or drink is good for. 

I simply went by – give me the yummiest dish you have – and got the jackfruit rendang. I am a huge fan of jackfruit in all forms, and this was an absolute delight. And no beef was harmed or missed in the process of making this curry! I also liked the addition of a crunchy colorful side salad, something you usually don’t get with Indonesian staples. 

The drinks deserve a special mention at Wild Vegan, especially if you want to do something for your gut. Next to kombuchas and water kefir, you will also find a tepache, a Mexican drink made from fermented pineapple and nonalcoholic ginger beer on the menu. I recommend you try the Miniture Brew Tour. It is basically a tasting flight of all their fermented drinks and after you can choose a regular size of your favorite (tepache for me). 

And as always, do leave room for dessert. If there is any place in the world that knows how to do sugar-free yumminess, it is this Ubud restaurant.

• Find Wild Vegan on Google Maps

Alchemy

Waiter: “How was your pizza?”
Guy next to me: “Eh, oookay. Can I see the menu again?”

I am not surprised by his reaction because the guy looks like a typical buff meat-loving gym dude and he just ate a raw, vegan pizza at Alchemy. To be fair though, I think my reaction was similar during my first visit. I didn’t get the hype Alchemy received and was left feeling underwhelmed and hungry by the dish I had chosen. 

I have been back twice since and my ordering has gotten a lot better. First, I learned that I am not a fan of raw cuisine and that while I like vegan food, I am not a fan of vegan substitutes like papaya “salmon” and aubergine “bacon”. Any ingredient that uses quotation marks are not for me. 

But luckily Alchemy is not good raw vegan restaurant in Ubud for all those who like crystal water and a side of woo-woo with their cold soup but also offers healthy, yummy choices for everyone else. For me, these are their Asian/Japanese inspired dishes like their vegan sushi and the Poke Bowl as well as their desserts. They also have regular non-raw pizzas on the menu now if you are keen for a vegan pizza in Ubud.

In addition, they make great cold pressed juices and you can even get a green juice without the celery – just ask!

• Find Alchemy on Google Maps

Gluten Free on Bisma

Gluten Free is a bit unassuming, but since I ended up there a few times during my stay on Jalan Bisma, I thought it only fair to include them.

Their jamu is homemade and one of the best I have had, as is the Gado Gado which I had for breakfast a few times. 

As the name implies, their main game are gluten-free dishes. I tried the French Toast which was nice though, to be honest, I can’t speak to the quality of the gluten-free toast as I have little to compare it to. The dish was yummy though, and I am keen to go back and try their Eggs Benedict on rosti. 

• Find Gluten Free on Google Maps

kafe

I went to KAFE years ago, and then it fell off my Ubud restaurant radar for some reason. I am happy to say that I have rediscovered it! 

Let’s get one thing out of the way: KAFE is not particularly chic or Instagrammable. In fact, it reminds me a bit of a raggedy house from a children’s story – part of its charm for me. It pulls an odd assortment of customers, and I guess the equally odd menu is to ‘blame’. Healthy bowls, keto dishes, something Mexican, something Thai, lots of Indonesian fares, and in between treasures like a raw tuna sandwich and a weekly oxtail soup special.

Do order the tuna sandwich and have a lavender spritz – it is a wonderfully weird and yummy drink!

• Find KAFE on Google Maps

Yellow Flower Cafe

Yellow Flower came highly recommended and is a great option if you are looking for a healthy treat in Penestanan. The setting has an earthy boho vibe, maybe because there is one of Ubud’s favorite yoga studios, Intuitive Flow, right around the corner. However, the menu makes it clear: even non-yogi carnivores are welcome!

The café has two rooms with different seating choices from huge tables to hanging chairs and floor cushions, with the kitchen in between. I tried their homemade tofu nuggets (definitely not a starter portion) and nasi campur, but my favorite was the breakfast stack with corn fritters and poached eggs. 

Obviously, they have a myriad of healthy hot and cold drink choices, and I loved the fact that you could order jamu either as a medicinal drink or lite version with more coconut water. 

• Find Yellow Flower on Google Maps

What else to do in Bali? Check my Ubud Travel Itinerary with all my favorites.

Pin for later!