Apéritif Restaurant – Premier Fine Dining in Ubud

Experiencing some fine dining during your Bali holiday is an experience you must include on your itinerary – because let’s be honest, there’s only so much Nasi Goreng and Chicken Satay you can eat before you crave something a little different.

If fine dining in Bali is on your radar, consider Apéritif Restaurant for a memorable culinary adventure. Here’s where you can take some time to appreciate exquisitely plated masterpieces in an elegant atmosphere, in the heart of Ubud.


About Apéritif Restaurant

Sophistication and class meets international fusion flavours. Since its opening in 2018, this restaurant stands out as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Bali for a reason.

Apéritif offers the timeless elegance of fine dining in the 1930’s, with a modern cuisine that can be appreciated by just about anyone. From your first bite to the final taste of sweets, the 7-course journey will leave you both impressed and wishing you hadn’t eaten earlier that day.

Apéritif Restaurant - Fine Dining at Viceroy Bali Ubud
Source @viceroybali

Emphasis on award-winning here. Apéritif Restaurant has earned some prestigious awards over the years, including #50 on World Best Places Star Restaurant in 2019 and World Luxury Restaurant Award’s Best Fine Dining Cuisine in Asia in 2021 to name a few.


Apéritif Restaurant Ubud Location

Apéritif Restaurant is located within the grounds of Viceroy Bali, a 5-star luxury resort in Ubud known for its surrounding landscapes and world-class service.

The location is just outside of central Ubud, making it a perfect destination if you’re staying in Ubud or just visiting for the day. Apéritif’s exact location on Google Maps is Br. Nagi, Jl. Lanyahan, Petulu, Ubud.

Apéritif Restaurant Ubud Location
Source: @aperitifbali

Your fine dining experience at Apéritif is hosted in a massive colonial-style mansion. Picture sophisticated vintage charm with a hint of modernity – high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, luxurious furniture in a spacious dining area.


Dining at Apéritif Restaurant

Expect a variety of degustation menus at Apéritif Restaurant. These menus feature an innovative blend of international cuisines with local Indonesian influences.

The cuisine is prepared by a talented team led by Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, with over 20 years of culinary experience under his belt – many of which were spent at renowned Michelin-starred establishments in various nations.

Apéritif Restaurant - Fine Dining Chef Nic Vanderbeeken
Source @aperitifbali

The Signature Degustation Menu was quite the notable experience for myself. It’s essentially an exhibition of Apéritif’s most popular dishes inspired by recipes around the world, and a great choice if it’s your first time dining here.

Your evening starts off with a pre-dinner drink (an apéritif) which can be enjoyed at the dinner table or at Pinstripe Bar. You’ll have a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic – both of which are a refreshing way to ignite the taste buds.

Apéritif Restaurant - Fine Dining Canapes and Starters
The mind-blowing Charcoal Puffs!

This 7-course feast starts you off with a series of Canapés – Cured Red Snapper, Chicken Liver Mousse, and the Smoked Charcoal Puff. That Charcoal Puff is something out of this world. The burst of flavours take you through quite a trip with just a single bite. One of the many highlights of the evening!

Throughout the dining experience, you’ll be served several more courses by a handful of different staff who are all very friendly and quite knowledgeable with the food they’re serving (they’re not just responsible for bringing food to your table – they know their stuff!)

Apéritif Restaurant - Fine Dining in Ubud

You’ll have 3 choices for the main course – Opu Fish, Venison Wellington, or Kagoshima Waghu A5. Personally, I usually feel like venturing into the wild side and opt for the Venison Wellington with Rendang sauce – a hint of gamey flavour that’s complimented by Apéritif’s twist on Indonesia’s signature sauce.

Apéritif Restaurant - Venison Wellington Fine Dining Ubud

The dining journey is then wrapped up with a couple rounds of dessert at just the right portion sizes that seriously look like they belong in an art gallery.

Degustation menus are available for both vegans and vegetarians at Apéritif Restaurant. These feature delicious plant-based meals that are equally elegantly plated as their meat counterparts.

In terms of price, Apéritif’s Signature and Avant-Garde Degustation Menus will set you back IDR 1,900,000++ for a 7-course dinner. The lunch menu is set at IDR 1,500,000++, while the vegetarian and vegan menus are IDR 1,250,000++ each. All of which, in my experience, are reasonable prices for a fine-dining experience.


Wine at Apéritif Restaurant

What’s fine dining without a glass (or bottle) of quality wine to go along with the food? Whether you’re a wine aficionado or “someone who likes the red one“, sneaking in a cheeky glass could make the evening a bit better.

Apéritif Restaurant - Wine Pairing
Source @aperitifbali

Apéritif offers an impressive selection of wines – boasting over 180 exclusive wines in their collection. Take a world tour with vintage or new wines from France, Italy, Australia, and a few gems from Indonesia.

The in-house sommelier at Apéritif is Jean-Benoit Issele, or simply JB, a wine enthusiast with experience in Paris, Dubai, and Hong Kong. You will likely be greeted by JB and his iconic mustache at the reception if you have a reservation.


Pinstripe Bar

Visiting Pinstripe Bar after dinner at Apéritif is like going for a well-deserved victory lap. After all, you just indulged in one of the best fine dining experiences in Ubud, why rush back to reality?

Pinstripe Bar is located within the same building to the left of reception (from entry). Here is where you can escape into a time period from a hundred years ago and appreciate a moody, vintage charm.

Solera Barrel Aged Negroni (left), Jack & Rose (right)

Sink into a plush car and let the night burn slowly with one of Pinstripe’s immaculate cocktails whipped together by their head mixologist, Panji Wisrawan – who won the Campari Bartender Competition in 2019 for his “Jack & Rose” cocktail (Titanic, anyone?).

If you’re old-school and prefer to stick to the classics, I suggest going for their signature Solera Barrel Aged Negroni, a serious potion that reminds you to take your time with every sip.


How to get to Apéritif Restaurant

Book a private car and driver to take you to Ubud for the day. You’ll have the freedom to explore Ubud’s best destinations before your dining experience. My driver will pick you up from your hotel or villa in an immaculately maintained, air-conditioned SUV, and take you to all the attractions in Ubud and for your dinner at Apéritif.

Alternatively, if you’re only planning on visiting Apéritif, consider booking a private car and driver – half day hire. Your driver will wait for you as you enjoy your dining exprience.

If you’re already renting a scooter in Bali, it’s a simple ride to Viceroy and Apéritif. Remember to take you time while navigating Ubud’s unpredictable traffic and wear your helmet! There’s spacious parking available for your scooter.

Should you plan on continuing the night with some drinks at Pinstripe Bar, I highly urge you to avoid drinking and driving. Book yourself a car and driver beforehand, or kindly ask one of the staff to order you a taxi or assist you with a rideshare app. Don’t ruin your wonderful evening with a silly, avoidable mistake.


Attractions near Apéritif Restaurant

Apéritif is located just a few kilometers away from a handful of Ubud’s most iconic attractions. This is perfect if you’re just visiting Ubud for the day from Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and other areas in South Bali.

Saraswati Temple - Things to do in Ubud Bali

Ubud Palace3.8 km away – One of Bali’s historic attractions that takes you back into the past. Traditional performances every night at 7:00 pm.saw

Ubud Art Market – 3.9 km away – Just across from Ubud Palace. Highly recommend visiting if you’re on the hunt for souvenirs or gifts for family and friends back home. Read more about Ubud Art Market.

Saraswati Temple4 km away – The Ubud Water Palace. An Instagrammable location with a lotus pond in the front. A must-visit for photos.

Blanco Museum4.8 km away – an art museum dedicated to the life and works of Antonio Blanco. Recommended for art enthusiasts. Read more about Blanco Renaissance Museum.

Ubud Monkey Forest5 km away – 27 acres of sacred land inhabited by thousands of monkeys. One of Ubud’s most sought-after destinations.

Read my complete guide on things to do in Ubud, which includes some of the best attractions and hidden gems to visit – ancient temples, picturesque waterfalls, vast rice terraces, and other Ubud-esque activities.


Final Thoughts about Apéritif Restaurant

This isn’t some generic review about some random fancy fine dining spot in Bali. It is a memorable experience from the moment you arrive at the door, to the final bites, to the last steps before you exit.

Apéritif Restaurant offers a culinary escape that effortlessly blends innovation with indulgence and wraps it all up beautifully with impeccable service and sophisticated ambiance – making it an ideal restaurant for a romantic dinner (fellas, hint hint), intimate celebrations, or an evening shared with friends and family.

Make yourself a reservation, put together an outfit that will turn some heads, and brace yourself for an unforgettable night of fine dining in Ubud.

Summary and Information


FAQs about Apéritif Restaurant

What to wear to Apéritif Restaurant?

I recommend dressing for the occasion. This is a fine-dining experience that should be complimented by a smart casual outfit or something a little fancy for the evening. Do not wear singlets, flip-flops, or swimwear.

Do I need to make a reservation?

For the sake of convenience, I suggest making a reservation. You can book your reservation at Apéritif through WhatsApp at +62 813-5326-6678, or directly on their website.

When is the best time to visit Apéritif?

You can enjoy their lunch menu from Saturday to Wednesday, serving at 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Dinner menus are available nightly from 5:30 pm until 11:00 pm.

Are there vegan or vegetarian options?

As I mentioned above, there are both Vegetarian and Vegan degustation menus available for you to enjoy a 7-course plant-based dining experience.

Can children eat at Apéritif Restaurant?

There is no special children’s menu at Apéritif Restaurant. It is recommended that you bring children over 10 years old who can appreciate a fine dining experience.

Do I have to stay at Viceroy Bali to eat at Apéritif?

Although it’s located within the Viceroy property, Apéritif Restaurant is open for anyone to make a reservation and dine. You do not need to stay at Viceroy to visit Apéritif.

How much should I tip?

There’s not much of a ‘tipping culture’ in Bali. But I do recommend tipping at a fine dining establishment, especially since some of your experience is very dependent on the quality of service you receive. It’s common to leave a 18% – 20% tip to show the staff that you appreciate the evening.

Is Apéritif Restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire restaurant is very spacious and can easily be accessed and navigated by wheelchairs.

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