Kubu at Mandapa — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

My experience at the restaurant was good but not anything great. The ambience and design is beautiful. Upon booking we were told table has 2 hour time limit because of the first and second seating. They only have availability for the 9:15pm seating in the cocoon, so we booked for 4. We were told that Marriott Gold members receive 15% off which was a super bonus. The night started off great but it should have been a red flag when our drinks took 20 minutes to be delivered. From there the multiple course dinner was slowly and I mean SLOWLY delivered to our table. It wasn’t busy at all there were 3 other tables that evening. Two of us ordered a la carte, my main course came out cold and 10 minuets later my friends dish came out piping hot (they forgot her order apparently) by this time we were well over 2 hours into the night. There were still several dishes to be served for the 2 that had the tasting menu. I’m not sure what was happening in the kitchen but it must have been a disaster behind closed doors. It killed the experience we were supposed to have. Waiting 15-20 minutes in between each bite sized dish at a 5 star establishment is just not ok. I will say the staff was great. It wasn’t their fault. 3+ hours into the dining (that we had been warned was a 2 hour limit) we finally just asked for the dessert courses and check all together. We had to ask twice. I can’t over exaggerate the time on this. After sitting and waiting 2 hours for the main course to be served cold I was exhausted and not even hungry any more. We were polite about the situation because again, not the servers fault I don’t think, but we were all just over the entire experience. Upon finally receiving the check we gave the our Marriott number, as we normally do, and they told us that because we weren’t guests at the hotel we were unable to get the discount. We have used this feature of Marriott many times both staying with them and not. Just a few days prior we used it to dine at Fire in Seminyak, though we were not staying there.

I mean overall I get it, if that’s the rule there that’s the rule, but they could have at least made an expectation after a serious sh*t show of the dinner experience they just allowed for us to have. Big disappointment on the experience, food was not prepared as well as it should have been. Hot dishes were served cold. But staff was excellent. I’m not sure who this falls on but just more or less here to review my time here.

The restaurant itself is romantic cozy and such a Bali vibe. A nice place for date night or a something special. If it was a normal dining experience I’m sure it would have been out of this world amazing, but unfortunately for us we came on a night that the kitchen was seriously lacking and ultimately it ruined our dinner.

For $500+ I would have went to 5 other local Balinese restaurants, had a much more delicious meal served at a reasonable hour and been much happier. Instead we sat around annoyed for 3 hours waiting for our food to come. Kind of a drag. Again, I hate to complain over late food but it’s not like we don’t travel with Marriot or travel at all for that matter. We are Hilton Diamond members and frequent Marriott hotels as well so we just expected...

Tucked along the lush banks of the Ayung River, Kubu Restaurant delivered an unforgettable ten-course tasting menu that seamlessly marries Balinese tradition with sophisticated European flair. From the moment I arrived and nestled into one of their enchanting, birdcage-like domes—each offering a front-row seat to the gently rushing river just meters away—I knew the evening would be a feast for all the senses.

The menu began with a parade of artful dishes—vibrant bites of fresh garden produce, delicately poached lobster, and an ethereal duck consommé that practically melted on the palate. Each course was thoughtful and precise, highlighting locally sourced ingredients to their fullest potential. The culinary journey ventured from the delicate to the indulgent, yet never felt overwhelming. It was a masterful symphony of flavors designed to intrigue rather than overpower.

One standout course was the Java organic beef, which I chose instead of the Wagyu. I was curious to see if it could match the richness of its more famed counterpart—and it absolutely did. The beef was perfectly seared, yielding to a blushing pink center that revealed its succulence with each bite. Paired with smoked vegetables and a glossy reduction, it was a revelation of tenderness and expertly balanced seasoning. Quite honestly, it rivaled any prime cut I’ve encountered.

Throughout this epicurean adventure, Diane—my server and guide—elevated the entire experience. Her well-versed knowledge of both menu and wine list was truly impressive, and her genuine warmth shone through every interaction. She offered thoughtful suggestions, enthusiastically answered questions, and made me feel utterly cared for. In a setting as refined as Kubu, such attentive hospitality is gold.

Adding to the magic, a steady flow of refreshing cocktails and crisp Prosecco arrived at just the right moments, punctuating the meal with a touch of effervescence. Sipping a cool drink while soaking in the post-sunset serenity of the surrounding riverbank was a luxury in itself—one that felt both otherworldly and wonderfully familiar, thanks to the restaurant’s moderate whimsical vibe.

For anyone seeking an evening of culinary discovery that is luxurious yet intimately tied to its breathtaking natural setting, Kubu Restaurant is a can’t-miss destination. Their ten-course tasting menu brought me immeasurable satisfaction, from the first amuse-bouche to the final sweet morsel of mignardise. It’s rare to find a place where ambiance, service, and cuisine converge so elegantly, but at Kubu, they truly do. If you find yourself craving a dining experience that wows on every level, take a seat in one of their cozy domes, let the gentle river lull you, and indulge in the artistry unfolding on your plate. Kubu offers an evening that is nothing...

The Mandapa Ritz-Carlton is by reservation/s only. So, if you decide to come here for your Kubu dinner, let it be known that you will only be here for the dinner alone as you cannot be accepted into the other establishments as a walk-in customer unless you have already made prior reservations such as Ambar Ubud Bar or Sawah Terrace. That said, the staff there have definitely made sure to secure a slot at Sawah Terrace at the last minute while waiting for Kubu to open which is really nice of them.

Mandapa on its own is already beautifully and strategically managed being 1 of the 8 elegant and ultra luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reserves around the world. Truly a spectacular visit and most definitely one for the books.

Dinner was extraordinary. It was paced well and despite the staff being warm and accommodating, and would be more than willing to go the extra mile, they were not unnecessarily disturbing the dinner service by asking how the food was, etc from time-to-time. I find that more of a nuisance really since every dish is introduced anyway and that will be the chance to ask questions, albeit unnecessarily. It was simply a smooth and elegant execution of the Balinese cuisine, locally and sustainably sourced. I felt full without feeling bloated.

Although, given that everything is served at one dinner table and no chance of getting to know the chef or see the kitchen, I can say it is still a relatively small restaurant. Moreover, the little hut or nest makes it a bit suffocating as dinner progresses into the 4-hour service, despite that it looks chic and one-of-a-kind, and, to be fair, I really did want to be there, I would rather just have my table on the open dining area where you can breathe in freely and enjoy the bigger scenery of the Ayung River right in front of you.

For some reason, Payangan Beans/Egg Confit dish was the only striking and remarkable dish for me, the fusion of flavours and the creaminess of the yolk. I find that rather peculiar. I did enjoy the dinner overall but the meat/fish dishes were not exeptional. The amuse bouche didn't capture my expectation for that exciting introduction to the cuisine. Is it because the amuse bouche is much better served separately in the restaurant? And for the dessert, a sorbet and ice cream quenelle was not it for me as a finale.

However, that surprise birthday cake was thoughtfully prepared and there was so much soul behind...