Api Jiwa at Capella Ubud

What stuck me most about this experience, is how incredibly thoughtful every moment was. The space is unapologetically Balinese, with intricate wooden buildings hiding behind trees. Each space a new area to discover with exquisite antiques. Just like the areas, each dish was a discovery, intricately layered and balanced. Chef Arvie’s menu showcased the best it Bali and Indonesia, with no pretentiousness. We felt like we were guests, sitting at his table at home whilst being led through the subcontinent. The quality of the food showcased was outstanding, and I simply cannot wait to be back for the new season. For a conscious, delicious tasting menu, in a truly natural setting - look no further.

We ended up at Capella quite unexpectedly — we were just looking for a nearby restaurant with good reviews. And what an incredible surprise it was! The service was outstanding: the staff spoke excellent English, kept up a warm and engaging conversation, and made us feel very welcome. The food was absolutely delicious — we ordered burrata, mushrooms, a wonton soup, and a salad, along with different drinks. The kombucha was simply amazing. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, all served simultaneously and in line with high European standards. They even offered to accompany us on a walk around the grounds, but since we were expecting rain, we had to leave a bit earlier. Still, it was a fantastic experience. A truly wonderful place — highly recommended!

Stunning restaurant surrounded by jungle, with a beautiful setting and truly amazing customer service. We went for a friend’s birthday celebration, and the whole evening felt very special. The food was good and reasonably priced for a high-end food tasting experience. However, we were expecting more, perhaps stronger Balinese or Indonesian fusion elements, bolder local spices, and more layers of complexity in the flavors. Still, it was a memorable evening, and the hospitality really stood out by the restaurant manager.

Had such a beautiful evening at Api Jiwa Ubud! The food was incredible — fresh, flavorful, and cooked right in front of us over an open fire. The team was so kind and made us feel completely at home. One of those unforgettable Ubud moments

If you’re looking for a dining experience that will surprise you without hesitation: Api Jiwa is the place. I could stop here, because the truth is simple — this restaurant is excellent. But if you want to understand why it’s worth sitting at this table and letting yourself be guided, keep reading: every detail deserves to be told. Api Jiwa — which means “fire of the soul” — is no coincidence. The open kitchen, the aroma of the grill, the slow yet steady rhythm of service create an atmosphere that goes beyond nourishment: it envelops and engages you. Chefs Arvi, Agus, and Ega bring to life a journey that is anything but ordinary: built on contrasts, on local ingredients transformed with precise technique, on flavors that are both bold and delicate at the same time. The credit does not belong to the kitchen alone. What makes the experience truly memorable are also the smiles and professionalism of Surya and Era, who manage to make every guest feel at the center of genuine, never artificial, attention. In a place where the nature of Ubud seems to quietly flow into the restaurant, the service becomes a bridge between those at the table and those who create the dishes: discreet, precise, human. Api Jiwa is not your typical “resort restaurant”: it’s a journey that takes its time to tell Bali’s story through fire, flavors, and the people who safeguard them. It’s not an experience to be rushed, but one to savor like you would a special moment: slowly, with gratitude.

Utterly unimpressed with the restaurant. The chef tries, some dishes are not bad, some are solid, but nothing really shines. Given the wonderful setting - in what is probably the best hotel in Ubud - I expected more. Passable.

I booked the omakase at API Jiwa not knowing it would be a special Four Hands collaboration between Chef Arvie and Chef Maxie. So it turned out to be a very happy coincidence! The food was really good, and made great by the passionate explanations by both chefs who are clearly obsessed with their craft. Their camaraderie was also very entertaining, and they made sure to engage with each and everyone of us to get feedback on the food. It was a very nice and intimate setting considering the table can only seat about 10-12 people a night. The food was pretty amazing 🤩. My favorites were the tuna tartare with tapioca ikura, the crab with those cute little tartlets and Chef Maxie's really bizarre dessert that had ice cream with all manner of herbs & spices but somehow it all came together beautifully! We were so full by the end of the night. It's a little far away from the city center but well worth the trip. If the weather is good, try to arrive before it gets dark so you can explore the grounds a little before dinner. It's located in an interesting resort that has this luxury safari camping style.

The omakase at Api Jiwa was outstanding. The quality and care of each dish was extraordinary. The chef was present and he explained each dish. Ingredient selection favors local produce but style is Japanese. I believe this place will be getting Michelin stars. Cocktails and desserts were also great. The star of the night for me was a grilled mochi entree covered with sweet chili sauce and dried bonito flakes. It was created by the chef earlier in the day as a variant to a dessert.