RINCA Restaurant — Restaurant in East Nusa Tenggara

Review of Rinca Restaurant

I had the opportunity to dine at Rinca Restaurant, a restaurant much talked about for its breathtaking views and elegant decor. The ambiance of the place is indeed its crowning glory. Situated at the heart of the hotel, the restaurant offers a panoramic view that is nothing short of mesmerizing. The interior decor complements this natural beauty with tasteful, modern aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting.

However, despite the visual feast, the culinary experience left much to be desired. The variety of dishes available was surprisingly limited for a buffet, with a stark lack of options for vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs. The quality of food was underwhelming as well; many dishes lacked flavor, and some seemed to have been sitting out for longer than ideal.

The service at Rinca Restaurant was a mixed bag. Some staff members were courteous and relatively prompt, but overall, the service lacked the attentiveness and warmth you'd expect from a restaurant of this caliber.

In conclusion, while Rinca Restaurant scores high marks for its stunning view and decor, it falls short in the critical areas of food quality and variety, as well as service. It's a place worth visiting for a drink perhaps, to soak in the view, but as a dining destination, it unfortunately does not meet expectations.

The food on the second day breakfast got exponentially better, they had Nasi Hainan set which the flavor was good. The service has also increased in quality.

Here's an updated review for Rinca Restaurant at Ayana Komodo:

Mixed Experiences at Rinca Restaurant - Beautiful Views but Disappointing Culinary Journey

Having visited Rinca Restaurant at Ayana Komodo for the third day in a row, I was eager to try their special Mie Ayam. Unfortunately, my anticipation quickly turned to disappointment. The first serving included an unwelcome addition of a hair strand, which necessitated its return. While the Sous Chef's prompt apology was appreciated, the replacement dish fell short in terms of flavor.

Moreover, other items on the menu did not live up to expectations. The siumai lacked the finesse and taste one would expect from such a dish, and the fettuccine was notably dry. Similarly, the char kwetiau was unremarkable and lacked the savory punch one would anticipate from this usually flavorful dish.

Despite these culinary missteps, the redeeming feature of Rinca Restaurant remains its breathtaking view. The stunning scenery almost compensates for the lackluster meal experience. However, for a restaurant of its standing, one expects both exceptional food and ambiance. It’s disheartening to see such a gap in the quality of the food compared to the beauty of the location.

In summary, while the views at Rinca Restaurant are undeniably spectacular, the food on my third visit was a letdown. Future guests might visit for the scenery, but I would advise tempering culinary expectations.

Please note that this review is based on your specific experience and is subjective. Restaurant experiences can vary widely based on a...

There’s something magical about waking up to the gentle waves of Labuan Bajo, knowing that the first stop of the day is Rinca Restaurant. The morning sunlight floods through the open space, illuminating a buffet spread that feels endless—from freshly baked pastries to a vibrant selection of tropical fruits, and of course, local Indonesian breakfast favorites.

I started with a warm bowl of Soto Medan, a rich and creamy coconut chicken soup that was deeply flavorful and comforting. Paired with a plate of freshly cut dragon fruit, it was the perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing. As a coffee lover, I appreciated how strong and aromatic the local Flores coffee was—bold enough to jolt me awake but smooth on the palate.

Dinner at Rinca was an entirely different experience—elegant yet relaxed. I opted for the Lobster Risotto, and let me tell you, it was pure indulgence. The creaminess of the mascarpone blended perfectly with the fresh seafood flavors, while the shimeji mushrooms added a wonderful earthy note. The Nasi Goreng Kampoeng was another highlight—fragrant, packed with umami, and topped with a perfectly fried egg.

With attentive service, diverse flavors, and stunning ocean views, Rinca made every meal feel like a special occasion. Definitely a must-visit when staying at AYANA Komodo!

📍 Would I return? Absolutely. Breakfast or dinner, Rinca delivers an experience...

I highly recommend staying here! As many of you might know, Labuan Bajo can be extremely hot—especially for someone like me coming from another part of Asia. Our previous accommodation didn’t really help with the heat (for example, the room temperature wasn’t great, and there were very few shaded areas around the hotel). The restaurant was really niceee!!!

Here, it was completely different. The room temperature was perfect, and you could find umbrellas everywhere so you could walk around comfortably under the shade. The service was also amazing—we even received a handwritten letter from Frida on behalf of the crew on our last day!

Everything was smooth and well-organized from the moment we arrived. Just a heads-up: room service can come more than once a day. If no one answers after three rings of the doorbell, they will open the door. In our case, we didn’t respond (assuming it wasn’t housekeeping since they had already come), and someone opened the door—haha! But it was all good.

Honestly, this was the best stay ever. I really recommend...