Akar Ubud by K Club — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

We came to Akar with no expectations at all, literally looking on google for somewhere to fulfil my partners craving for a steak...

Sadly, I was left underwhelmed from the get-go. We were surprised but not concerned to drive 20min out of town to get to the 'number one restaurant in ubud'. But we were more surprised and annoyed to be told to wait for 5 to 10min in the lobby of the hotel while they contacted the restaurant to see if they would dain to accept us, which they eventually did.

We then walked down to the restaurant through the one T intersection that simply doesn't have a sign, to finally arrive at the restaurant to then be asked to fill out a form giving them our whatsapp and email while we read the sign saying that by entering we apparently consented to be photographed, videoed and used in advertising and social media... not a good start given we just wanted a nice dinner together and were now hungry and far from home.

After being forced to wait while they checked if they had room, we discovered that, in reality, the restaurant was half empty. We were both immediately unimpressed by the overly loud music better suited to a nightclub than a fine dining restaurant. We were also pretty surprised by the arrogance of the nightclub style light show spectacular that panned out across the forest in the adjoining hillside... It was so out of place and felt so arrogant and inappropriate in such a beautiful remote location. Remarkably hedonistic and intrusive and very unpleasant for the local wildlife, certainly far from the eco-friendly claims of the establishment.

We then ordered dinner. While we were overall unimpressed, I want to be fair in my review and be clear that everything we ordered was definitely good, well cooked, well presented, and delicious. In saying that, though, one of our two mains was forgotten, we also didn't receive napkins, the right cutlery or even tissues, which was all a bit disappointing. We ordered a burata salad to share, which was delicious, using some innovative local herbs. The burata was however a little old, so not bursting with creaminess like it should be, but this was made up for by the delicious char-grilled tomatoes with aged balsamic and herbs that really stood out in the salad.

My partner then ordered the organic grass fed Australian steak with mushrooms and mash as side dishes. The steak was perfectly cooked and came pre-sliced with a range of delicious dipping dukkahs and a yummy herbed butter, though these were in minuture portions that were sadly insufficient The mashed potatoes were simple but yummy as were the mushrooms. I ordered the Land Journey, a dish of three meats that sounded interesting, frustratingly though the waiter seemed to forget my order, which is pretty fundamental and disappointing when there are only two guests ordering two mains...

So with one meal not coming at all, we shared the Australian steak, which was delicious and at 300grms was large enough as a small meal for two and provided the excuse to order two deserts instead of sharing. We were surprised that they only had six deserts and five were chocolate. So we ordered the salted caramel brule and the orange chocolate tart, both of which were delicious. Most notable was the smoked crumb below the ice cream,which was spectacular.

We ordered 4 cocktails that were hit and miss, by far the best being the spicy secang and ginger drink.

A side dish of sambals and crackers came free.. with disappointingly mild sambals and stale (masuk angin) crackers.

Finally, I was very disappointed by the fake bamboo structure. A steel tube building pretending to be more environmentally friendly than it was.

Overall. Zero for environmental credibility and poor attention to detail on customer service. We came out feeling undervalued and under-respected. In fairness the food was delicious and the location unique, but the light show on the local forest and the sound show were arrogant. Not sure how Aksr gets number one on TripAdvisor for Ubud. But sadly, this either says something about ubud...

My initial review for this restaurant put the food at 2 star (service and atmosphere were 5 star). They reached out as we are staying at the resort to try again. I was reluctant but we had a chat and they convinced me. I’m extremely critical about food as I cook a lot so I expect fine dining to be better than my cooking. FYI I’m from the uk but African / Arab mixed with my wife from Hong Kong. We love to eat world food. All cultures.

Their Indonesian food is fantastic. The best I’ve ever had. Their grilled food is good. What I personally didn’t like was the mains but they are working to improve on it and also expand the menu. The Indonesian food was so unbelievably good that I took the review up to five stars as the chef clearly has the skill so I’m assuming our initial visit was an off day.

My verdicts are below and the reasons for before and after. I’ve kept the original feedback for transparency.

Starters which led to my initial rating glass noodles starter - this was nice grilled octopus - this was just ok. Add the lemon or it’s a bit meh.

Starters on my new visit Chicken Soto with glass noodles. This was by far the best chicken Soto I’ve ever had. You have to try this. It’s very light and full of flavour and depth. I also have this for breakfast so it doesn’t bloat me up.

Mains on my first visit Lamb - this wasn’t nice. The lamb felt over cooked. No depth in the flavour. The potato it came with was baked well though. I’ve fed this back and they are working to improve. Wrapped sea bass - this was average. We’ve had this elsewhere so knew what to expect.

Mains on my new visit Beef rendang - best I’ve ever had and the beef was extremely tender and full of flavour. Highly recommend. Chicken bututu - this was nice but it’s all about the rendang. This is spicy for those that can’t handle so ask to reduce it. It’s full of flavour and a great local dish. The skin was both soft and crispy at the same time. I know. Can’t explain that!

Sides Baby corn - this was really nice Yellow rice - I took one bite and didn’t eat the rest. Really didn’t like this. Rice is my main staple so I was a bit annoyed. Mushrooms - this was good.

Sides on new visit Salad and sautéed spinach. I’ve never had a sautéed spinach like this. Usually spinach makes my mouth itch but this one is different. Worth a try. Chicken satay - this was served on lemon grass skewers. Nice idea as it gave a cool citrus flavour to the already tender satay. My wife said it was the best she’s ever had and she’s now full!

Cocktails were fantastic. Pictures attached.

It’s a fine dining restaurant so expectations are high. For something like this, I would expect and demand consistency. I usually don’t give restaurants second chances as I’m reluctant to have a second bad experience in food but they redeemed themselves over breakfast with amazing chicken Soto, nasi goreng and Mie goreng.

The second visit was worth it and I really hope they continue to improve.

Again to be clear, service and atmosphere were always 5 star. The only change was moving the food from 2 star to 5 star to reflect the outstanding second meal. Well done to the team for the come back.

By the way, go to celebrate a birthday if you want a….treat ;). Just let them know and don’t tell your partner for...

Akar @ K-Club isn't just food, it's an experience. Exquisite dishes & impeccable service dance with awe-inspiring aerial shows, creating a soul-soothing haven of Balinese magic. Must-visit for unforgettable culinary & entertainment!

A Culinary Journey Soars at Akar Restaurant in K-Club

Nestled within the lush haven of K-Club, Akar isn't just a restaurant – it's an experience for the senses. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped by a warmth that transcends the Balinese sunshine. The staff, a vibrant team of smiles and genuine hospitality, ensures every step of your culinary journey is met with impeccable service and infectious good cheer.

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate:

The menu at Akar is a love letter to fresh, local ingredients, meticulously crafted into dishes that are both artfully presented and bursting with flavor. Each plate is a symphony of textures and tastes, with unexpected pairings that ignite the palate and leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or a vegetarian seeking plant-based delights, Akar's diverse culinary tapestry has something to tantalize every taste bud.

Where Gastronomy Meets Entertainment:

But Akar's magic extends beyond the confines of your plate. As twilight paints the sky, the restaurant transforms into a stage for awe-inspiring aerial and contortion performances. Witnessing these gravity-defying feats while savoring your meal adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to the evening, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

A Haven for the Soul:

Akar isn't just a place to indulge in culinary delights; it's a sanctuary for the soul. The lush greenery surrounding the restaurant, the gentle soundtrack of nature, and the warm, inviting atmosphere create a space where you can truly unwind and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.

More Than Just a Meal:

For me, and I suspect for many others, Akar has become more than just a restaurant. It's a haven of delicious food, impeccable service, and unforgettable entertainment. It's a place where laughter mingles with the aroma of exotic spices, where memories are made with every bite, and where the soul truly finds solace.

If you're seeking a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary, then Akar at K-Club is a must-visit. Come for the food, stay for the show, and leave with a heart full of warmth and a memory that will linger long after the last bite.

Final Verdict:

Food: Exceptional, innovative, and bursting with flavor. Service: Impeccable, friendly, and genuinely attentive. Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, and infused with the magic of Bali. Entertainment: Awe-inspiring and adds a touch of whimsy to the evening. Overall: A must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable culinary and entertainment...