Ubud, Bali — Once famed for its laid-back warungs and sunset seafood shacks, Bali is undergoing a culinary evolution — and it’s being driven by a new wave of luxury-seeking travelers. This article explores fine dining in Bali and why the culinary landscape has changed.

The Indonesian island, long known for its spiritual charm and budget-friendly appeal, is now home to a burgeoning fine dining scene that rivals some of the world’s culinary capitals. Fueled by a steady rise in high-net-worth tourists and an increasingly globalized hospitality sector, Bali has redefined what it means to dine on the Island of the Gods.

A Shift Driven By Wealthier Tourists

Tourism remains the backbone of Bali’s economy, accounting for nearly 60% of regional income, according to the Badan Pusat Statistik (Central Bureau of Statistics). But it’s not just backpackers and yoga enthusiasts fueling the local market anymore. Over the past decade, Bali has seen a significant increase in affluent visitors, with luxury travel bookings to the island increasing by over 40% between 2016 and 2023, according to data from Statista. “The average spending per visitor has dramatically increased,” notes Nyoman Astika, a senior tourism analyst based in Denpasar. “We’re seeing more travelers who want Michelin-style meals, sommelier-curated wine pairings, and sophisticated venues — and the market is responding.”

Warungs and White Tablecloths

Ten years ago, dining in Bali meant savoring babi guling from a roadside stall or catching the day’s catch grilled over coconut husks in Jimbaran. While these authentic experiences remain a beloved part of Balinese culture, they now coexist with chef-driven tasting menus, experimental gastronomy, and imported wine cellars.

In districts like Seminyak, Uluwatu, and particularly Ubud, high-end restaurants are flourishing — often integrated into 5-star resorts or set in standalone jungle estates. A rising class of international chefs have moved to Bali, inspired by its organic produce, year-round growing season, and creative freedom.

Apéritif Restaurant – A Fine Dining In Ubud

One establishment that encapsulates Bali’s fine dining revolution is Apéritif Restaurant, located in the verdant hills of Ubud within the award-winning Viceroy Bali resort. Led by Belgian Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, Apéritif offers a sophisticated eight-course degustation menu that blends European culinary techniques with Indonesian flavors.

“The goal is to bring Indonesian ingredients to the level of fine dining sophistication found in Europe,” said Vanderbeeken in an earlier interview. “Bali gives us the inspiration — and the setting — to do just that.” The restaurant’s lavish 1920s-inspired interiors and jungle views are matched only by its deep wine cellar and bespoke cocktail program from its adjoining Pinstripe Bar. It’s no surprise Apéritif Restaurant has been hailed as one of Southeast Asia’s top restaurants by Tatler Dining and Condé Nast Traveller.

A Culinary Boom Across The Island

Apéritif is just one of dozens of high-caliber restaurants that have emerged in recent years. Restaurants like Locavore (also in Ubud), Sundara in Jimbaran, and Maurice Terzini’s Da Maria in Seminyak have drawn global attention for pushing boundaries and redefining Bali’s place in the fine dining ecosystem.

Supporting this boom is an increasingly sophisticated supply chain. Bali now imports high-end ingredients like French caviar, Japanese wagyu, and Italian truffles — while also celebrating local produce like tamarillo, turmeric root, and cacao beans from the island’s highlands.

The Numbers Tell The Story

The numbers back up this evolution. According to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index, Bali ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing luxury travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023. Furthermore, TripAdvisor and TheFork have reported a 23% increase in searches for fine dining restaurants in Bali year-over-year. Tourism authorities also report that the average spend per international visitor in Bali has increased from $1,100 USD in 2015 to over $1,850 in 2023, with a large percentage allocated to dining and wellness experiences.

What’s Next For Bali’s Dining Scene?

As Bali continues to welcome a more upscale traveler demographic, its fine dining scene is expected to expand even further. Rumors circulate about Michelin Guide’s growing interest in Indonesia, with Bali likely to be one of the first regions considered for future inclusion. In the meantime, local chefs are making waves in the international arena.

Restaurants are hosting cross-cultural chef collaborations, participating in global food festivals, and garnering critical acclaim from top-tier publications. Yet amid this gastronomic growth, Bali’s best restaurants remain grounded in a deep respect for local culture and ingredients — an ethos that ensures the island’s culinary rise is not just fashionable, but sustainable.

From beachside nasi goreng to jungle-side dégustation, Bali has become a haven for the discerning diner. As the island sheds its backpacker-only image and embraces its role as a luxury destination, fine dining is no longer an exception — it’s part of the experience.

For travelers seeking world-class cuisine with a view of rice terraces or coastal cliffs, Bali is no longer just a paradise — it’s a palate-pleasing pilgrimage.