Apéritif Restaurant - Fine Dining in Ubud, Bali

If Bali has a fancier restaurant than Apéritif, we haven’t found it. NB, as part of the Viceroy Hotel, this place has the only helicopter pad we’ve seen. Notice also Art Deco motifs merging with a colonial fantasy of Bali in the 1930s, when it was still ruled by the Dutch. Black and white tiles are typical of the era, okay, but the pattern also alludes to Balinese Hinduism, which acknowledges good and evil as equal parts of life, and life works best when in balance. We reserved an early table to take advantage of ambient light before sunset, but it was hardly necessary. Apéritif is well lit to feature the extraordinary cuisine. This is fine dining with nothing held back. The menu follows the phases of the moon, and all the plates are also shaped like the moon. The staff are marvelously well-trained and in typical Balinese style willing at all times to pause and explain what’s going on. The wine collection is world-class, and considering transportation and taxes, prices are very reasonable, but after a couple of fascinating cocktails that blended classic expressions with Balinese accents, we chose the wine pairing, which was magnificent, both in selections and in the pairings themselves, which were remarkably intelligent, not to mention synergetic. Sommelier Jean-Benoit Iselé has taken full advantage of APÉRETIF’s extraordinary cellar and doubtless collaborated closely with chef Nick Vanderbeeken to evoke every possible nuance. I’m running out of words, but this experience brings to a close our quest for authentic Bali. The power of this ancient anomalous civilization, now almost completely subsumed by tourism, has been raised to pure art here at Apéritif, absent apology, but glowing with respect for the very best.

This was honestly one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. From start to finish, everything was pure perfection. The staff were so kind and attentive — you can really feel how much they care about creating a special evening for every guest. But the food… absolutely incredible. Every course was a masterpiece, beautifully presented, perfectly balanced. Every single dish was a surprise in the best possible way. You can tell that so much thought, creativity, and passion go into every single dish. Each plate felt like a little journey on its own, both visually and in taste. The 7-course menu was a real culinary adventure and the wine pairing made it even more special. The wines were truly unique combinations I’d never have imagined, yet they matched the dishes flawlessly. It’s definitely worth adding the pairing; it elevates the entire experience. It’s rare to find a place where every detail, from the service to the plating to the final bite, feels so intentional and refined. I left completely amazed and already can’t wait to come back.

Had the most wonderful time celebrating my friend's birthday at Aperitif. We booked the private dining room, and every arrangement was perfect. The food was exquisite, the service was impeccable, and the venue itself is stunning. The manager was incredibly helpful and friendly during our WhatsApp communication in the lead-up to the event. A truly special touch was the personalized menu they created for us with our names on it, finalized after we made our choices upon arrival. It's these extra details that show how much they care about creating a unique experience. I cannot recommend Aperitif highly enough for a special occasion. Thank you for making our celebration so memorable.

Our experience dining at Aperitif Bali was incredible! Furthermore, the service provided by the lovely staff took the experience to another level. A special shout out to Ayu, our table concierge. She was attentive, explained the menu very well, and made us felt truly special. The menu was a gastronomical adventure worthy of its setting and location. We tasted dishes that were adventurous, complex, delicate, yet tasted so familiar to our Indonesian palates. The drink list is nothing short of remarkable. If you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere else in Bali. However, it’s the little things that make this experience such a memorable one for us: We were the only lunch reservation that day and they opened just for us. They had a selection of steak knives from different countries and they wanted us to choose one for our Venison Wellington dish. I have been to a lot of restaurants all around the world, but this is the first time ever, where I had to choose my own knife! They printed our chosen 7-course degustation menu with our names on it as a memento for us to take home. It was our wedding anniversary that day and they served a special anniversary cake for us, together with a beautiful handwritten card signed by the entire kitchen and floor staff, including the chefs! It’s truly a 5-star dining experience and we highly recommend dining at Aperitif Bali to elevate your Bali culinary journey, whatever the occasion.

Apéritif in Ubud is not just about dining, it felt like stepping into another world. From the very first welcome until the last sip of wine, everything was orchestrated with such grace that I almost forgot I was in Bali and not somewhere in a European culinary dream. The service team made me feel like I was the only guest in the room, attentive but never intrusive. Each dish was more than food, it was a story on a plate. My favorite part was how every flavor unfolded slowly, like a surprise that kept me curious from start to finish. I’ve eaten at many fine dining restaurants, but this one left me with goosebumps, the kind of experience you replay in your mind long after it’s over. If I had to describe it in one sentence: Apéritif is where art, passion, and taste come together under one roof. Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

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 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!