Finding the best Indonesian restaurants in Ubudshouldn’t feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but it can! With hundreds of warungs and dining spots scattered across town, you’re probably overwhelmed trying to figure out where to eat.
I’ve lived here long enough to separate the tourist traps from the real gems, and I’m sharing my top 3 picks from the Best Restaurants in Ubud that deliver authentic flavors, incredible atmospheres, and experiences you’ll actually remember.
These aren’t just places to eat—they’re where locals would take their foodie friends.
Quick Tips for Foodies
- Skip the Tourist Traps on Monkey Forest Road – The best Indonesian food is never where all the Bintang singlets congregate. Walk 5 minutes off the main drag and your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.
- Sambal Sniff Test – Real sambal should smell like it could wake the dead and make you sweat just from the aroma. If it smells like ketchup with attitude, keep walking.
- 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
- Cash is King (and Small Bills are Queen) – Bring small denominations. Nobody wants to break your 100K note for a 25K meal, and you’ll look like a total newbie.
These tips will help you navigate Ubud’s best Indonesian restaurants like a local and avoid common tourist mistakes.
Top 3 Best Indonesian Restaurants Ubud
#1 THIS IS BALI
THIS IS BALI revolutionizes traditional Indonesian dining with their unique stamp card concept where you literally stamp your choices to build the perfect nasi campur bowl. This interactive system makes dining here feel like a fun cultural game, while ensuring you get exactly what you want.
The restaurant’s design is absolutely stunning—clean white walls, soft pendant lighting, and handcrafted natural textures create an almost ethereal atmosphere that photographs beautifully from every angle.
Beyond the Instagram appeal, the food quality is exceptional. Their beef rendang slow-cooks for hours until it melts in your mouth., while their maple glazed tempeh offers a sweet-savory twist on traditional Indonesian protein.
Everything is prepared with 100% halal, MSG-free, organic local ingredients sourced directly from Balinese farmers, making it perfect for health-conscious diners.
The location near Ubud Palace and Monkey Forest makes it incredibly convenient, yet the high ceilings and open-concept layout keep it feeling spacious even during busy periods. With multiple rice options, traditional desserts, and that famous jackfruit curry, THIS IS BALI delivers an authentic Indonesian experience wrapped in modern elegance.
The stamp card system also eliminates language barriers, making it perfect for international visitors who want to explore Indonesian flavors without confusion.
- 💰 Average Price: 80,000-150,000 IDR per person
- 📍 Location: Jl. Goutama 2, Ubud (near Ubud Palace & Monkey Forest)
- ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM – 11 PM
- ⭐ Highlights: Interactive stamp card ordering, 4.85/5 rating from 12,000+ reviews, 100% halal & organic
#2 Hujan Locale
Celebrity chef Will Meyrick’s Hujan Locale takes traditional Indonesian street food and elevates it into refined culinary art without losing authenticity. The double-story dining space with rooftop seating offers stunning temple views while you sample dishes inspired by travels across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands.
Their ikan bakar dabu-dabu (grilled fish with North Sulawesi sambal) and tahu walik (deep-fried stuffed tofu) showcase regional recipes rarely found elsewhere in Ubud. The cocktail program brilliantly incorporates Indonesian spices, creating drinks that complement rather than compete with the bold flavors.
Service here is impeccable, with staff knowledgeable about every dish’s origin story and preparation method.
- 💰 Average Price: 150,000-300,000 IDR per person
- 📍 Location: Jl Sri Wedari No. 5, Ubud
- ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 12 PM – 10:30 PM
⭐ Highlights: Celebrity chef cuisine, rooftop temple views, authentic regional specialties, craft cocktails
#3 Nusantara by Locavore
Run by the award-winning Locavore team, Nusantara takes Indonesian cuisine to fine-dining heights without losing its soul. The sleek, minimalist interior lets the impressive food be the focus.
They specialize in regional dishes you won’t find on typical tourist menus, like ikan bakar dabu-dabu from North Sulawesi and Gulai Kepala Ikan that showcases the complex spice blending of Indonesian cooking.
If you’re a serious food lover looking to explore the depths of Indonesian cuisine beyond the standard nasi goreng and satay, put this place on your list!
- 💰 Average Price:200,000-350,000 IDR per person
- 📍 Location: Jl. Dewisita No.09C, Ubud
- ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 12 PM – 9:30 PM
⭐ Highlights: Award-winning chefs, regional specialties, fine-dining presentation, innovative techniques
Ubud’s Must-Try Indonesian Cuisine
Let’s be honest—walking into an Indonesian restaurant can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what half the menu means.
This guide breaks down the must-try dishes so you can order like a pro and actually enjoy what you’re eating instead of playing guessing games.
Main Dishes
Start with Nasi Campur, basically Indonesian comfort food on a plate. Rice surrounded of little portions of different dishes. Think of it as a sampler platter where you get to try everything without committing to a full portion. Many places now offer interactive ordering systems that make building your perfect plate super fun.
Once you’re hooked on mixed rice, dive into Rendang—that slow-cooked beef that practically melts in your mouth. It’s been called the world’s most delicious food, and honestly, once you try good rendang, regular stew just doesn’t hit the same.
For something lighter but equally satisfying, Maple Glazed Tempeh might sound weird if you’re not into plant-based stuff, but trust me—it’s got this amazing sweet-savory thing going on that even meat lovers obsess over.
When you want something fresh and vibrant, Gado-Gado is perfect—basically a salad that doesn’t taste like punishment, thanks to that rich peanut sauce.
Speaking of things on sticks, Satay brings that authentic brings authentic street food vibes – grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce that tastes different at every restaurant.
Don’t skip the classics either. Nasi Goreng isn’t your typical fried rice—the sweet soy sauce gives it this deep, almost caramelized flavor that’s completely different from Chinese versions. And when those surprisingly cool Ubud evenings hit, Soto Ayam is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Traditional Desserts
After all that savory goodness, Klepon are these little green rice balls that explode with palm sugar when you bite them.
Fair warning: they’re messy but totally worth it. For something more familiar, Pisang Goreng is just fried bananas, but somehow Indonesians have figured out how to make them absolutely addictive.
When Ubud’s heat gets to you, Es Campur is your salvation—shaved ice loaded with tropical fruits and sweet condensed milk. Think of it as the Indonesian version of a snow cone, but way more sophisticated.
Traditional Beverages
Speaking of cooling down, Es Teh Manis is sweet iced tea that hits different here—perfectly balanced and refreshing.
On the opposite end, Jamu are these traditional herbal drinks that taste like medicine but in the best possible way. Your body will thank you later.
Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss Kopi Tubruk—Indonesian coffee where the grounds just sit at the bottom. It sounds rough, but the unfiltered, intense flavor will convert you.
Understanding Indonesian Flavors for the Best Dining in Ubud
Here’s the thing about Indonesian food—it’s not just about how spicy something is. The best dishes balance sweet, sour, salty, and umami in ways that keep you coming back for more. It’s like flavor layering in expert mode.
- Coconut-based dishes like rendang are rich and creamy without being heavy. The coconut milk tames any heat while letting all those aromatic spices shine through. Pro tip: these dishes actually taste better the next day.
- Sweet-savory combinations are huge in Javanese cooking. That palm sugar and soy sauce combo creates flavors you’ve probably never experienced before. It sounds weird until you try it, then suddenly everything else tastes boring.
- Fresh, bright flavors dominate Balinese food—lots of lime, fresh herbs, and chilies that wake up your taste buds instead of numbing them. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel energized rather than sluggish.
- The smoky, charred flavors from traditional grilling methods are what make Indonesian street food so addictive. You literally can’t recreate these flavors with modern cooking—it’s all about that wood fire and charcoal magic.
Everything you Need to Know
What is the average price for a meal at Indonesian restaurants in Ubud?
Budget warungs serve filling meals for 25,000-50,000 IDR ($2-3 USD). Mid-range Indonesian restaurants charge 75,000-150,000 IDR ($5-10 USD) per person for quality food and nicer settings.
Upscale dining experiences with refined Indonesian cuisine run 150,000-300,000 IDR ($10-20 USD) or more. Drinks typically add 20,000-50,000 IDR depending on whether you order water, juice, or cocktails. These prices include generous portions—Indonesian restaurants don’t skimp on serving sizes.
Are Indonesian restaurants in Ubud halal-certified?
Many Indonesian restaurants in Ubud serve halal food since Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, but not all have official certification. Always ask staff directly about halal status if it matters to you.
Restaurants displaying halal certificates at their entrance have been verified by Indonesian halal authorities. Some places are halal-friendly meaning no pork or alcohol but lack formal certification. Vegetarian options are widely available and naturally avoid pork products.
What’s the difference between Balinese and Indonesian food?
Indonesian food represents cuisine from across 17,000 islands with vastly different regional styles. Balinese food is one specific regional cuisine within Indonesia. Balinese cooking uses more pork than other Indonesian regions since Bali is predominantly Hindu.
You’ll find unique Balinese dishes like lawar (spiced meat salad), babi guling (suckling pig), and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck). Balinese food tends to be more aromatic with herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime while relying heavily on spice paste as a base.
Do I need to book in advance at Indonesian restaurants in Ubud?
Popular Indonesian restaurants fill up quickly during dinner service, especially June through September (peak season) Upscale spots and award-winning restaurants require advance booking—sometimes days or weeks ahead for weekend dinners.
Casual warungs and lunch visits usually don’t need reservations except during major holidays. Booking guarantees you get a table and sometimes lets you request specific seating like views or quieter sections. Walk-ins work fine at mid-range places during off-peak hours.
What are the must-try Indonesian dishes for first-time visitors in Ubud?
Start with nasi campur to sample multiple dishes on one plate—it’s the perfect introduction. Beef rendang is Indonesia’s most famous dish and lives up to the hype with its complex spicy-sweet flavors.
Try satay skewers with peanut sauce for familiar grilled meat that’s distinctly Indonesian. Gado-gado offers a lighter vegetarian option packed with flavor from peanut sauce. Don’t skip traditional desserts like dadar gulung or klepon—they’re not overly sweet and provide the perfect ending.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Ubud
The best Indonesian restaurants Ubud offers aren’t about fancy marketing or tourist hype—they’re about authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and experiences that stick with you.
You’ve got three solid choices here, each with its own vibe. THIS IS BALI gives you interactive customization with stunning aesthetics, Hujan Locale delivers modern street food excellence, and Nusantara by Locavore showcases refined regional cuisine.
You honestly can’t go wrong with any of them, but I’d hit all three if your schedule allows. My insider tip?
Visit each at different times—THIS IS BALI for lunch when the lighting is perfect, Hujan Locale for sunset cocktails and dinner, and Nusantara for a special celebratory meal.
