Begawan Biji Restaurant — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

As someone who's lived in Ubud for over a decade and dined at countless high-end restaurants worldwide, I rarely give glowing recommendations. But Begawan Biji has completely won me over, earning every bit of praise I can give.

Located about 30 minutes from central Ubud, this place is absolutely worth the trip. From the moment you arrive, you're struck by the sheer beauty of the setting. Perched among rice fields and lush gardens, it offers breathtaking views that make you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. The restaurant itself is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern design, using reclaimed wood and antique furnishings to create an atmosphere of understated luxury that feels both authentic and connected to nature.

But it's the food that truly sets Begawan Biji apart. Simply put, it's some of the best I've had anywhere in the world. They use an open-fire cooking method that brings out incredible flavors in their locally-sourced ingredients. The pork chops were a revelation – I usually avoid ordering them, but these were hands down the best I've ever tasted. The mushroom BBQ skewers and wagyu beef were also standout dishes. Even the desserts impressed me, with a beautifully balanced tangerine and ice cream creation being a particular highlight.

The attention to detail here is truly astounding. Every aspect of the dining experience has been carefully considered and executed to perfection. The furniture is not only beautiful but exceptionally comfortable, with plush cushions that invite you to settle in and savor your meal. The plating is nothing short of artistry, with each dish presented on carefully chosen dishware that complements the food beautifully. From the carefully curated plates and cutlery to the perfectly designed lighting, everything works in harmony to enhance the overall experience. I always judge restaurants by their bathrooms, and Begawan Biji's are some of the best I've seen – impeccably designed and maintained, further showcasing their commitment to excellence in every detail.

Service is equally impressive. The staff operates like a well-oiled machine, providing attentive but unobtrusive care. They seem to anticipate your needs before you even realize them yourself, which is remarkable for a relatively new establishment.

In all my years here, there are only two restaurants I wholeheartedly recommend to friends, visitors, and clients. Begawan Biji now tops that very short list. It's not just "good for Bali" – it's exceptional by any standard and would stand out in any major food city worldwide.

Whether you're a local, an expat, or a visitor, if you appreciate truly great food and memorable dining experiences, do yourself a favor and visit Begawan Biji. It's become my new go-to spot for both personal meals and impressing clients. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's my new favorite restaurant in...

Begawan Biji is without doubt the best restaurant I have eaten at in Bali and one of the most special restaurants I have been to anywhere in the world.

The setting is breathtaking, surrounded by rice fields and built on principles of true sustainability. The team took us on a farm tour, explaining how they grow their own vegetables, herbs, and produce while supporting local farmers. Their whole approach is mind blowing: chickens provide manure for the crops, ducks keep the insects away, water is recycled through tanks, and nothing goes to waste.

And the food… honestly, words don’t do it justice. Every dish was layered with texture and flavor, crunchy, silky, spicy, fresh, like a party in your mouth with every bite. Highlights for us included the Sissoo Spinach with soybean mousse and hibiscus, the Tuna Satay Gorontalo, the Heirloom Tomato Salad, and the perfectly cooked Java Wagyu Tenderloin with cassava leaf and kemangi oil. Every sauce was balanced and bold, sticky, sweet, spicy, umami rich.

The rice deserves a special mention. They are deeply passionate about it and harvest in the traditional Balinese way. We chose the nasi uduk with coconut and it was absolutely perfect, fragrant and delicate, the ideal companion to the rest of the meal.

Desserts were just as extraordinary. The Mansur Rice Pudding with coconut ice cream and lime zest was hands down the best rice pudding I have ever had, while the Begawan Giri Honey delivered layers of mousse, tang, and crunch, every spoonful alive with texture and contrast.

Even the palate cleanser at the end showed their creativity and ethos. A papaya lemon sorbet was topped with caramelised lemon skin, sticky and toffee-like. They explained that it came from the same citrus they use in their cocktails so that nothing is wasted. It was the perfect finish and a small example of how every part of the farm is connected and respected.

The staff were warm, thoughtful, and clearly so proud of what they are creating here. I cannot believe this place is not booked out every single day. If you are anywhere near Ubud, do not miss it. Begawan Biji is truly magical, a once in a lifetime...

Knowing that Begawan Biji is the latest labour of love of Bradley and Debora Gardner, who created the celebrated Begawan Giri estate, I expected nothing less than perfection in style, ambience and quality of offerings steeped in the most authentic Balinese and Indonesian cultural traditions possible. Begawan Biji is not a mere restaurant, it is a true Balinese experience par excellence in every way. For those who miss the pristine Balinese countryside of two decades ago, much of which has been sacrificed on the altar of tourism development, you can regain this at Begawan Biji, which is set amid lush paddy fields, many of which are part of an organic regenerative revolution spearheaded by the Begawan Foundation, tangerine orchards, vegetable farms and coconut groves, affording restful and quiet vistas from both levels of the restaurant. The restaurant itself is built of reclaimed wood, bamboo, and trimmed by stonework and ancient friezes from the couple's private collection. It is slightly understated in design, to allow art pieces and bespoke furnishings to come to the fore. The food is principally modern Balinese cuisine, with accents drawn from South East Asia and further afield., curated by talented Chef Andrew. The flavours are delicate but complex, with the option of enhancement with a variety of muscular sambals. Standouts were the black pork sate with Balinese peanut sauce, a tofu infused falafel with charred eggplant, and a very simple but delicious fried rice, a short nutty grain from their own paddy fields, with hints of ginger flower and garlic - simply divine. The crowd favourite dessert didn't disappoint - a tangerine mousse encased in orange tinted white chocolate, looking every bit like real orange skin, with a side of lime sorbet. Go to Begawan Biji for the food, for the ambience, for the cultural immersion, but most of all, to...