A Foodie’s Guide to Best Indonesian Restaurants in Ubud
Finding the best Indonesian restaurants in Ubud can feel overwhelming, right? You’re surrounded by countless options, from tiny warungs to fancy dining rooms, and you don’t know where to start. You’re not alone. You want to taste authentic flavors, like a rich, slow-cooked rendang or a perfectly spicy sambal, but you’re worried about picking the wrong spot. This guide is the solution. We’ve handpicked the top places that deliver a true taste of the archipelago. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for an unforgettable Indonesian meal.
Quick Tips for Dining in Ubud
Master the Sambal Test: Good Indonesian restaurants make their own sambal daily — if it tastes like bottled chili sauce, walk away
Follow the Motorbike Parking: Packed bike parking at warungs = locals approve, which usually means killer food and fair prices
Order Family Style: Indonesian meals are meant for sharing — order 3-4 dishes for 2 people to experience the flavor complexity
Timing Matters for Fresh Coconut: Hit places with fresh young coconuts before 2 PM when they’re still cold and sweet
Ubud’s Indonesian food scene ranges from dirt-cheap warungs to world-class fine dining. Hit local spots for authentic bumbu spice pastes and family recipes, but don’t skip elevated places that put modern spins on classics. Must-tries include nasi campur, bebek betutu, and anything with house-made sambal. Warungs cost under 50K, mid-range spots run 100-200K, fine dining hits 500K+. Follow locals, embrace the spice, share everything, and always ask for recommendations that’s how you eat like you belong here.
Top-Rated Indonesian Dining Spots in Ubud
THIS IS BALI
Our absolute top pick for an authentic Indonesian food experience in Ubud is THIS IS BALI. This gem perfectly captures the soul of Balinese and Indonesian cuisine, serving traditional dishes with an elevated touch that appeals to every palate. What makes it stand out is its unwavering commitment to authentic flavors while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that feels both local and accessible to travelers. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric tells you you’re in for something special. Their Nasi Campur Bali is a masterpiece—a beautiful platter showcasing a variety of small, flavour-packed dishes that give you a true taste of the island on one plate. We found their Sate Lilit to be the most tender and flavourful we’ve ever had. It’s the ideal place for anyone seeking the best Indonesian in Ubud without the fine-dining price tag.
💰 Average Price: Mid-Range (Mains from IDR 80,000 - 150,000)
📍 Location: Jl. Goutama No.2, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: The ultimate Nasi Campur, incredible Sate Lilit, perfectly balanced traditional flavors, and a warm, inviting ambiance.
Nusantara by Locavore
Nusantara by Locavore is a standout in Ubud’s dining landscape, offering a unique culinary journey that attracts food enthusiasts. Regularly highlighted and included in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, it is not just a prominent Indonesian restaurant in Ubud but also a leader in modern Indonesian cuisine. The core idea is straightforward: to honor the rich variety of the archipelago’s ingredients through a contemporary, fine-dining approach. The experience centers around multi-course tasting menus where each dish is carefully crafted. Picture a traditional Bebek Betutu reimagined as a refined duck confit, or a reinterpreted Gado-gado that redefines the conventional salad. It’s a memorable adventure for those who seek culinary exploration.
💰 Average Price: Rp 200.000+
📍 Location: Jl Raya Cebok, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Tue–Sat: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner only)
⭐ Highlights: Multi-course tasting menus, locally sourced ingredients, avant-garde culinary techniques. Reservations are recommended weeks in advance!
Mozaic
A true pioneer in Ubud’s fine dining landscape, Mozaic has been masterfully blending French culinary precision with the soul of Indonesian flavours for over two decades. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Chris Salans, this esteemed establishment offers a journey of gastronomic discovery in a lush, tropical garden. Mozaic is an institution that has played a pivotal role in placing Ubud on the global culinary map. The multi-course tasting menu is a creative dialogue between Western technique and Eastern flavour. You might encounter a classic beef rendang prepared with French sous-vide techniques for unparalleled tenderness, while retaining its iconic spicy, coconut-rich profile. It’s a sophisticated and romantic choice for where to eat Indonesian food in Ubud.
💰 Average Price: Premium (Tasting menus from IDR 1,200,000++)
📍 Location: Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: Enchanting garden setting, French-Indonesian fusion, extensive wine list, perfect for a special occasion.
Best Indonesian Food Ubud: The Traditionalists
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)
A true Ubud institution, Bebek Bengil, or the “Dirty Duck Diner,” has been a culinary landmark since 1990. It offers a quintessential Balinese dining experience, set amidst lush, green rice paddies. Its enduring popularity stems from a simple, time-tested formula: serving honest, traditional Indonesian comfort food in an atmosphere that is quintessentially Ubud. The star of the show is, without question, the Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck. This legendary dish involves a half duck, steamed with Balinese herbs and spices, then deep-fried to achieve an unbelievably crispy skin while the meat remains tender. It is served traditionally with steamed rice and a trio of fiery sambals. Dining here is about savouring the comforting, nostalgic flavours of Bali.
💰 Average Price: Mid-Range (Crispy Duck set approx. IDR 150,000)
📍 Location: Jl. Hanoman, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: The famous Crispy Duck, stunning rice paddy views, dining in private bamboo pavilions.
Warung Biah Biah
For an unpretentious, authentic, and incredibly affordable taste of Balinese home-cooking, Warung Biah Biah is an essential Ubud experience. This bustling local eatery focuses entirely on delivering the genuine flavours of the island in a simple, vibrant setting. It’s one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Ubud for experiencing true grassroots cuisine without breaking the bank. The menu concept is beautifully straightforward: you create your own Nasi Campur by selecting from a wide array of small-plate dishes displayed at the counter. Classic choices include a flavourful Ayam Betutu (spiced chicken) and crisp Tempeh Manis (sweet fried tempeh). Each portion is small, encouraging you to sample a variety of flavours.
💰 Average Price: Budget (Small plates from IDR 5,000 - 20,000)
📍 Location: Jl. Goutama Sel. No.13, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: Build-your-own Nasi Campur, incredibly low prices, authentic local vibe, perfect for budget travelers.
Clear Cafe
Where the vibrant flavours of Indonesian cuisine meet the global wellness movement, you’ll find Clear Cafe. This sanctuary-like eatery offers a menu that is both authentically Indonesian and unapologetically health-conscious. It has become a beloved spot among Ubud’s yoga practitioners, proving that traditional dishes can be nourishing for both body and soul. The menu thoughtfully reinterprets Indonesian classics with a healthy twist. You can enjoy a vibrant, organic Nasi Campur, where every component is fresh and mindfully prepared. They also offer lighter, coconut-milk-based versions of traditional curries that deliver rich taste without the heaviness. It’s the perfect place to experience traditional Indonesian cuisine Ubud through a wholesome, modern lens.
💰 Average Price: Mid-Range (Mains from IDR 70,000 - 120,000)
📍 Location: Jl. Hanoman No. 8, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: Health-conscious Indonesian food, organic ingredients, tranquil ambiance, extensive vegan and vegetarian options.
Warung Pulau Kelapa
Tucked away from the main thoroughfares, Warung Pulau Kelapa offers a genuine taste of the archipelago, focusing on homestyle cooking and fresh seafood. This unassuming, open-air eatery is a cherished secret among locals and in-the-know travellers, embodying the true spirit of a traditional warung. The menu is a celebration of classic Indonesian recipes, prepared with a noticeable dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The kitchen excels at seafood, with the daily catch often becoming the star. Imagine a perfectly grilled fish, its skin crisp, served alongside a trio of fiery, house-made sambals. This is where you find one of the most authentic Indonesian restaurants Ubud has to offer.
💰 Average Price: Budget to Mid-Range (Mains from IDR 50,000 - 100,000)
📍 Location: Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
⭐ Highlights: Incredible fresh seafood, amazing house-made sambals, authentic local warung experience, excellent value.
Recommendation Indonesian Restaurants in Ubud
Ubud’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of tradition and innovation. Our journey through the best Indonesian restaurants in Ubud reveals a spectrum of dining that goes far beyond just a meal. From the high-end artistry of Locavore to the comforting, time-honoured flavours at Warung Biah Biah, each place tells a unique story. What ties them together is a profound respect for authentic flavour. They show that whether it’s a modern, deconstructed rendang or a classic crispy duck, the soul of Indonesian cooking is always present. You are now equipped to choose a dining experience that perfectly matches your mood, budget, and curiosity.
Your adventure into authentic Indonesian restaurants Ubud is more than just about satisfying hunger. It is an invitation to connect with the local culture on a deeper, more flavourful level. It’s about understanding the delicate balance of bumbu (spice paste) and the warm hospitality that defines Bali. So, be adventurous. Let your taste buds lead the way and create delicious memories that will linger long after your trip has ended. The incredible world of traditional Indonesian cuisine Ubud is waiting to be discovered, one delightful plate at a time.
Indonesian cuisine is built around “bumbu”—complex spice pastes featuring galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, and chilies that create the signature layered flavors. Balinese food adds Hindu influences with pork dishes and aromatic herbs like kaffir lime leaves, setting it apart from other Indonesian regions. The magic happens through slow-braising in coconut milk, grilling over coconut husks, and the perfect sambal to accompany every meal.
Must-try dishes in Ubud:
Nasi Campur Bali - Mixed rice with multiple small dishes showcasing different flavors
Babi Guling - Slow-roasted suckling pig with aromatic spices (Balinese specialty)
Bebek Betutu - Slow-cooked duck wrapped in aromatic spices
Sate Lilit - Minced seafood or meat satay wrapped around lemongrass sticks
Ayam Betutu - Spiced chicken slow-cooked in aromatic herbs
Gado-gado - Fresh vegetable salad with rich peanut sauce
Rendang - Rich, slow-cooked beef in coconut and spice paste
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Indonesian food in Ubud unique compared to other cuisines?
Indonesian cuisine is built on complex spice pastes called “bumbu,” creating incredibly layered flavors. Balinese food specifically incorporates Hindu influences, featuring dishes like Babi Guling and unique herb combinations that aren’t found elsewhere in Indonesia.
How can I experience authentic Indonesian flavors without going to expensive restaurants?
Visit local warungs where families have been perfecting recipes for generations. Look for busy spots with high turnover—this usually indicates fresh, popular food. Don’t be afraid to try the daily specials or ask what’s recommended.
What should first-time visitors to Indonesian restaurants expect?
Expect bold, complex flavors with varying spice levels. Most meals are served with rice and multiple side dishes. The concept of sharing is central—order several dishes to experience the full range of flavors and textures.
Are there good options for dietary restrictions at Indonesian restaurants?
Absolutely. Indonesian cuisine naturally includes many vegetarian dishes like Gado-gado, tempeh preparations, and vegetable curries. Many restaurants, including THIS IS BALI, offer excellent options for various dietary needs while maintaining authentic flavors.
What’s the difference between a warung and a regular restaurant?
Warungs are small, family-run eateries that serve traditional, home-style cooking at very affordable prices. They’re often more casual but offer some of the most authentic Indonesian food experiences you’ll find.
How spicy is authentic Indonesian food, and can I request milder versions?
Indonesian food can be very spicy, but spice levels vary by dish. Always ask about spice levels and say “tidak pedas” (not spicy) if you prefer milder food. Most restaurants can adjust the heat level to your preference.
What’s the average cost of eating at Indonesian restaurants in Ubud?
Costs vary dramatically. A meal at a local warung might cost under IDR 50,000, mid-range restaurants like THIS IS BALI run IDR 100,000-200,000 per person, while fine dining establishments can exceed IDR 500,000 per person.
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