“ Ambience & Appearance Aperitif Restaurant in Ubud is an experience from the very first moment. The setting is grand, elegant, and truly unique for Bali. The interior resembles a luxurious colonial-style mansion - stylish and atmospheric. The bar has a powerful sound system, yet acoustics are well-tuned so conversations remain effortless. My Pandan Martini as an aperitif was a bit too strong without snacks. The canapés were fine amuse-bouches, but not what I would call a real pairing nibble. Evening Flow The evening was impeccably organized: from the welcome through aperitif at the bar to the curated tasting menu. While enjoying our drinks, we selected the Borderless by Aperitif - A Curated Journey from East to West (IDR 1.900.000++ per person). My husband opted for the Venison Wellington with Rendang sauce, which came at an additional surcharge. Menu & Cuisine The degustation menu was a true highlight. The opening canapés already set the bar very high. Each course was full of flavor and beautifully plated, with custom-made crockery and artistic presentation. The cuisine balanced Indonesian influences with European fine dining traditions at the highest level. The sequence of dishes was thoughtfully structured, with small bites at the beginning and end underlining the concept. Every dish except the main course was outstanding. The aged duck and venison Wellington were well cooked, but compared to the finesse of the other courses, slightly weaker. A real plus: generous portions for fine dining, and especially plenty of jus - not just a tiny drop, but enough to soak up with bread, Italian-style. By the end we were truly full of joy . It is surprising that Aperitif does not yet hold a Michelin recommendation – not a star (since Michelin is not active in Indonesia), but at least a mention, as comparable restaurants in Bangkok are recognized. Wine & Pairing The wine list is impressive. We chose the 2022 Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc “Plot 101” from Marlborough, New Zealand – an excellent match for the courses, highlighting freshness and elegance. Service & Hospitality The service team was professional, warm and attentive without ever being intrusive. The sommelier clearly knew his craft, and overall we felt very well taken care of. Points of Criticism - No closing conversation or check-out from the sommelier or hostess who had guided us through the menu. - Music was exclusively Sinatra-style swing - too loud and unfitting for a modern fine dining setting. Lounge, smooth modern jazz or Brazilian (e.g. Jorge Ben, Airto Moreira) would fit much better. - The strong jasmine scent sometimes overpowered the aromas of the dishes. In Europe guests are often advised to avoid perfume for this reason. - The wall art distracts rather than complements the room. One painting with crooked chairs and a table looks absurd, while the oversized piece opposite feels cramped with almost no margin to the wall edges. Conclusion Despite these small critiques, Aperitif delivered a magnificent evening full of culinary highlights – a fine dining experience unlike any other in Bali and one we will definitely remember. Thank you! I would love to receive an reply from the Apéritif as well please ”

“ We had a wonderful night at Aperitif with my husband Tom and our very good friend Mark. From start to finish, the experience was flawless. The food was outstanding — every course in the degustation was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. The wine pairing was spot on, elevating the whole dining experience. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, striking the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth. And the bar? Incredible. The bartenders were not only a lot of fun, but also extremely knowledgeable. We could have stayed there all night just talking cocktails and spirits! A truly memorable evening — highly recommend for a special night out in Ubud. ”

“ An Evening of Culinary Perfection at Aperitif! From start to finish, our dining experience at Aperitif Restaurant in Ubud was nothing short of exquisite. It wasn't just a meal; it was a full sensory journey that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best high-end restaurants anywhere in the world. We opted for the full tasting menu, and every single dish was a masterpiece. The attention to detail was incredible—from the intricate decorations on each plate to the masterful preparation of every sauce and component. The food was elevated even further by the staff. Our waiters were absolutely phenomenal, providing insightful explanations for each course that deepened our appreciation for the culinary artistry in front of us. The service was unparalleled, a benchmark not just for Ubud but for fine dining globally. The atmosphere was excellent, and the experience began with a truly breathtaking moment: enjoying canapés with a phenomenal view of the mountain. Honestly, I cannot find a single thing I didn't love about our time here. The only thing to note, and this is a highlight for true food lovers, is that this is a long food experience. By the end, we felt like we had completed a delicious marathon. It’s a dinner meant for those who are ready to fully commit to a long, decadent, and truly memorable meal. We were so happy we did it, but be prepared to take your time and savor every moment. ”

“ Fancy dishes presenting a delicious combination of flavors, especially those ones bringing notes of the Balinese tradition. Nice set of wines well preserved. All is nicely presented by a talented staff. The location is nice even if I imagined a more luxurious atmosphere… P.S. prepare to spend way more than what showed in the menu if you aim for special dishes, caviar, or wine. ”

“ We had a wonderful dinner at Apéritif. The service was warm and attentive, especially thanks to Christopher, who made us feel very well taken care of throughout the evening. The food was delicious, and the tasting menu was a real treat, beautifully presented, thoughtfully put together, and more than sufficient for us. A lovely dining experience all around. ”

“ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Apéritif is a truly exceptional gastronomic experience. Chef Nic Vanderbeeken leads an immaculate team that delivers not just outstanding food, but also an exquisite culinary journey. The menu offers a unique blend of traditional Balinese flavours with refined twists on classic European dishes. Each dish is thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, with textures and flavours that both challenge and delight the palate. The wine and champagne list is extensive, carefully curated and balanced with selections from all over the world, offering options at every price point. There are plenty of choices to perfectly complement each course – whether you choose the pairing menu or select your own glass or bottle from their impressive range. I was fortunate enough to dine during a Friday lunch sitting. The restaurant’s presentation is just as memorable as the food, featuring a sophisticated monochrome design with a modern European–French influence that flows seamlessly through to the bar and terrace. Personally, the standout dishes for me were the King Prawn and the Venison Wellington, Chef Nic’s signature dish – both absolute must-tries. Aperitif is not just a meal, it’s an immersive culinary journey that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking the very best of fine dining in Ubud. ”

“ Aperitif was from start to the end a amazingly unique experience. It’s a special place for any celebration full of elegance and charm. Every dish is beautifully served, such a treat for both the eyes and the taste. The flavours are rich and creative, mixing local and European influences. I asked for gluten free bread, and it was delicious. The staff is very kind and friendly, and makes you feel truly welcome. Each dish tells a story, and every detail is nicely made. The Bar it’s cozy and stylish, with a fun billiard table. Aperitif isn’t just a meal, it’s a full sensory journey ”

“ Apéritif made our special day truly unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to create a romantic atmosphere — beautifully decorating the table, surprising us with a thoughtful bouquet of flowers, and even writing a heartfelt card. The staff were exceptionally kind and attentive throughout the evening. They not only delivered amazing service but also happily took plenty of photos for us, helping capture memories we’ll cherish forever. The combination of fine dining, warm hospitality, and their personal touches made this one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve ever had. Highly recommended for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion in Ubud! ”