The cave by Chef Ryan Clift at The edge — Restaurant in Kuta Selatan

HONEST IN-DEPTH REVIEW:

MISSED opportunity!!!

We struggled through this. Visually, each course looked like it belonged in an art gallery, but taste-wise, it was a complete letdown. Textures were confusing, combinations clashed, and several bites were genuinely unpleasant. We did the 10-course tasting with drink pairings, nearly 400 USD per person, and left feeling robbed.

To be clear, the atmosphere was stunning. The service was excellent. Polite, efficient, and professional. But that only got us so far.

What was missing was cohesion. There was no story, no narrative, no cultural relevance. You are dining inside a literal cave in Bali. How do you not draw on that in your menu? There were no tie-ins to Bali, no sense of place, and no culinary journey. Just a string of visually complex but flavor-clashing dishes that felt more like a tech demo than a meal.

This could have been something special. Instead, it felt like a high-budget tourist trap focused on Instagram over substance. No connection between the food, the space, or the price tag. Just rapid-fire courses with no soul. Skip this one and put your money toward a real culinary experience in Bali.

The drinks were a further disappointment. While the food attempted visual artistry, the pairings were standard pours with no presentation, no creativity, and no effort to match the tone or flavor of the courses. Mid-shelf wines and basic cocktails were served with zero flair or explanation. It felt like an afterthought. Shockingly, they charged almost more for the drinks than the food itself. An absolutely baffling decision given how little value it added.

If the menu had drawn inspiration from the cave setting, it could have elevated the entire experience. Here are just a few concepts that could have reinforced the theme:

Echoes of the Earth: Charred maitake, black garlic soil, smoked celeriac foam. Drink: The Smoking Caveman: A smoked Manhattan with truffle rye and black cherry reduction.

Flame in the Hollow: Fire-roasted Wagyu, ember beetroot, bone marrow bordelaise. Drink: Molten Core: Barrel-aged Negroni with charred orange and volcanic salt.

Crystalline Silence: Pandan crémeux, nitrogen dragonfruit, coconut tuile, charcoal crumb. Drink: Quartz Mirage: Pandan vodka sour with coconut milk and...

After an excellent day spent poolside at One-Eighty in a VIP Cabana, I couldnt have been more excited to dine at The Cave.

A 9pm, 10 course meal is not my usual dining routine, but I had managed my ‘intake’ throughout the day at the pool. And was suitably ready to eat some fine food. And cocktail/wine pairings.

Let’s start with the venue. It’s a literal cave. Found when the above resort property was being developed. Beautifully lit. Expertly architected. Impressive in every sense.

The ‘dining room’ is a platform, suspended within the cave. With what I took to be cocktail style seating in a semi-circle around the perimeter of the cave interior. Beautiful.

I took my seat, with my guest, only to sink so deeply into the seat that I was literally seated just above my shoulder level. On asking the staff, the resolution was to sit on a cushion to be able to dine comfortably. Terrible start.

The menu being 10 courses over 2hrs became a chore. With a dish or drink pairing being served every few minutes. Allowing such little time to enjoy the experience. It became such an annoyance. I dont want to sound like a spoilt so-n-so. But a dining experience for me also involves conversation with those dining with you.

The food. Prepared expertly. Presented in such a wonderful way. With world-class ingredients. But for me. It lacked coherence. Maybe I missed the point. Or maybe the point was just the best of all ingredients. But I was looking for a gastronomic narrative that I didn’t find.

Don’t get me wrong. Some standout dishes for sure. But overall experience did not match the rather expensive cost. Maybe just not for me. YMMV.

It would be remiss to not mention the light/projection show. It was pretty cool if I’m honest. Provided a bit of theatre. But once again - the ‘narrative structure’ for me wasnt there. An excellent underworld experience, but somehow just a bit disjointed.

Summary. For a tad under AU$900 for 2x diners I just didn’t feel the experience, food or service provided, justified that cost. Maybe my expectations...

Absolutely Beautiful Experience. We made a reservation for this amazing experience many months in advance however misunderstanding was made about our reservation, I didn't pay the deposit correctly which then 24hrs prior forfeited our booking. I was extremely disappointed as this was a mistake and A Special Moment/Occasion for me and my beautiful wife-to-be. Thankfully we were able to rebook the same day (Wednesday) a week later....

Moving onto the actual experience from arrival to the cave dining even afterwards you won't be disappointed.

On arrival (we went earlier then requested to experience the amazing views and surroundings) The welcoming from staff was exceptional. They showed us into a gorgeous wine cellar, through wooden doors. The ambience was breathtaking, views of the ocean through the windows. The waiting staff inside were excellent with service and answering many of our intriguing questions. We highly recommend the grazing platter with a glass or two of their many wine and cocktails selections, don't worry gents, they give you an amazing selection of whiskey choices and cigars too.

Once our time in the actual Cave Restaurant arrived, we did climb many stairs. Yes there are many many stairs unfortunately not for anyone with difficulties. We went to the top, only then to be led into the Cave area down a winding spiral staircase.

Once again, exceptional service and presentation. Each course we had was a mouth watering experience. The flavours bounce around in your mouth. We chose the 7 x courses.

In between each course a breathtaking experience of lighting and music on the Cave walls... It's difficult to find the right words to explain but definitely worth seeing this amazing show.

Advise to future dining patrons : Turn Off Your Phones except when recording the lighting show on the Cave walls. Actually experience it, don't sit on phones ignoring the experience... You can be on your phone another time!

Book in advance and don't forget to pay your deposit.

Enjoy yourself, it may be costly but...