Gabriel French Bistro — Restaurant in Bali

Gabriel French Bistro is a new restaurant in Ubud with a French owner, aiming to provide a Parisian fine dining experience. I visited during the soft opening period, after the owner invited us on the Ubud streets to try his new restaurant.

All in all, the restaurant can become great but it has some details to improve until then.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is fantastic. It’s very pretty, there is nice French music playing in the background, not too loud, not too silent, just right. Unfortunately most of the plant decorations are plastic which would really not be necessary in Bali. The waiters are all very friendly with good etiquette for a nice dining experience.

The food: First, I received an Amuse Bouche which was a nice touch. It was an egg with egg cream, some crispy, bread, some salmon and a touch of caviar (not sturgeon). It came at room temperature. Given the raw fish, caviar and egg cream, it would have been nice to be served cold. Taste-wise it was ok.

As a starter I ordered the gnocchi and lobster gratin with sabayon. It was delicious. It is also a good portion. However, it would have been nice if it had been served hot, not just warm. Still, the taste was fantastic.

As a main, I had the tenderloin. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. I ordered it medium with the bearnaise sauce. The bearnaise was great, definitely a highlight! The tenderloin was over cooked - at least medium well. All in all the piece of meet was quite tough for a tenderloin and dry. Hard to tell if it was because of the quality of meat (I was told it’s local beef) or because it was over cooked. The tenderloin was also not trimmed to be squared off. It was thick at the middle but ever thinner at the side which didn’t help the overcookedness and dryness. It came with a small salad and crispy thin fries. Making the fries so thin and crispy makes them special, by the time they were served, they were almost fully cold. This could have been avoided, had the dish the fries came in been heated beforehand.

Nit-picks: The main dish, came out almost immediately after I finished my starter. This made the experience feel rushed. If you come to eat at Gabriel, you want to have a nice evening, relax and enjoy. It would have been more enjoyable to have some time in between dishes, at least 5 minutes. 350ml of water cost 15k.

Would I come again? I don’t know. Had I had different/better main meal, I would definitely come back, since the atmosphere is nice and my starter was absolutely delicious. But when you pay more than 300k (incl. taxes) for a single dish in Indonesia, you expect it to...

If you're in Ubud and looking for an authentic French dining experience, Gabriel is the place to be. This charming restaurant offers a delightful escape into the heart of French cuisine, and it does so with remarkable finesse.

The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the French onion soup. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, it was a true testament to the culinary skills of the kitchen. Each spoonful was a comforting blend of caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese, making it an unforgettable starter.

What truly sets Gabriel apart, though, is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home from the moment we stepped in. The owner, who personally greeted us, shared his passion for French cuisine and ensured that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

For anyone visiting Ubud, Gabriel is a must-try. Whether you're a fan of French food or simply looking for a memorable meal, this restaurant delivers on all fronts. Highly...

We had dinner in this place, knowing that is a brand new concept. We are a group of 4 of us with different nationality - However I'm a French on. I'm picky when talking of food, and if i must say, there is pure Frenchy taste as you can expect in a French Bistrot. The menu is not extensive as other restaurant has to offer, proving to me that all meals served is Fresh and transformed with talented chef. My Friends was blow up of the quality and Taste of their meals. The Ambiance is cozy with (of Course) the French standard music play list, Ayu will make sure that you feel great, the kitchen team will ensure their partition - just wonderful meals. We will back again and again to this restaurant for sure. Another nice touch: one of my girl friends get a red Roses upon our departure, feeling the Paris Romantism - Pure French Touch. Congrats to all the staff to make us comfortable, from service and Kitchen. I recommend this restaurant...