As we stayed at the hotel in 2014, we dined twice at this riverside restaurant, which has a varied menu. Once we had more western styled food, the other time Indonesian fare, and found both delicious. The setting on the Ayung River is beautiful, service is very friendly and food is seriously good.

Swept Away: view of restaurant

3. Restaurant Kubu: at Mandapa Hotel, a Ritz Carlton Reserve (fine dining)

Sawah Terrace: Main Red Snapper Balinese Style

5. Restaurant Sweet Orange Warung: rice fields (quick bite)

If you are strolling through Ubud’s rice fields – highly recommended –, then do not miss this lovely Indonesian restaurant in a most beautiful spot. It is not only an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s town center, but also a place where you can have a delicious lunch (or an early dinner, they close up at 7 pm), inexpensively priced. Allow some time, service is a bit slow, but everything is prepared freshly and it is the perfect place to relax.

Sweet Orange Warung: Main Gado-Gado

UPDATE: second outlet at the centrally located Starbucks property

I am an ice cream addict and I usually check out if there is decent ice cream available everywhere I go. And imagine, I have been especially successful in Bali! Gaya Gelato produces one of the best ice creams I had in years. This is a must try if you are into ice cream. The ice cream is sold in closed containers – much better hygienically seen – and the selection is limited, also a plus point. The outlet in Ubud is a bit remotely situated. I have to admit that I did not succeed in actually going there, but I made up for this by visiting the Sanur branch on a daily basis. There are more shops throughout Bali, check it out on their homepage.

Gaya Gelato: Medium-sized cups of ice cream

While staying at the hotel a few weeks ago, we had a fabulous dinner at this contemporary Japanese restaurant. It offers izakaya style dining featuring small sampler dishes from sushi/sashimi etc. to steamed/grilled dishes. While service is friendly and helpful, the ambiance is somewhat cold.

Kuu: Starter Sushi Plate Deluxe (foreground)

9. Restaurant Soul in a Bowl (fine dining)

UPDATE: out of business

This is the only restaurant we found in Sanur meriting the label “stylish”. Food is good quality, well prepared and nicely presented. The menu is quite varied, from western food to Asian flavored dishes. The ambiance is cool, prices are a bit higher than in other restaurants in Sanur and service is friendly and prompt.

Soul in a Bowl: Main Herb Crusted Barramundi

10. Restaurant Graze at Maya Resort (casual dining)

We visited the restaurant on the occasion of our recent stay at the hotel. The restaurant caters for all needs, from all day breakfast and quick bites to more upmarket cuisine. Normally, this is not our cup of tea, but we had heard that the Australian Angus Beef Tenderloin is a highlight, which we can fully endorse. Whereas staff is eager to please you, the atmosphere is rather chilly.

Graze: Australian Thyme Crusted Angus Beef Tenderloin

This restaurant – next to Maya Resort – is a likable and unpretentious place! The menu features local favorites with a twist, which are well prepared, nicely presented and tasty. Location is nice, staff is hospitable and prices are inexpensive. As this Asian Fusion eatery is rather new, it is not that busy. Go there, it is worthwhile – although they do not serve wine …

White House: terrace seating

It is far from easy in this sleepy small town if you are in the search of seriously good restaurants, which are suitable for demanding travelers. Hotel The Damai – see my review – is supposed to have an acclaimed restaurant. We had dinner there twice in 2014. While we did not have a bad culinary experience there, it could not fully convince us.

14. Restaurant Le Jaenzan (fine dining)

UPDATE: out of business

The chef used to work at the above-mentioned Hotel The Damai. He has run his own restaurant for some years. Whereas we liked his creative cooking, we found the setting a bit underwhelming, it felt like in a barn. The menu offers quite a choice from western dishes to Balinese ones.