SACRED RICE Restaurant — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

Not impressed. Only way I can describe our experience. We went at night, was hard to find entrance, no signage, then a long walk not well lit, used mobile phone light to see. You are walking a narrow path stepping across bamboo, concrete, bamboo concrete, through supposive rice paddy, probably not so bad in daylight. You arrive at a open deck with roof, table & chairs set above a the small made up rice fields probably again may look better during daylight. Now the important part, seated & handed menu's. Basically a drink menu with description of a 5 course Share Chefs Choice meal that changes daily depending on chef, at back some other options that we could not work out what they were so went for the 5 course meal. There was 4 of us So ordered drinks 3 chose a cocktail (can't remember name) a real minty green drink that was I'm told was delicious, refreshing. Next main meal. Get 4 plates, some light some black & cutlery. Well SHARE it was. 1st course, TWO large plates with TWO battered Prawns, to SHARE one each. 2nd course. Get new 4 plates, some light some black & new cutlery again. This time Black Pepper Chicken, a small dollop on TWO large plates to SHARE, so cut in half & SHARE. For three of us, the pepper was too hot. 3rd course. Again get 4 new plates, some light some black & new cutlery. This course another dollop, a Pork Dish a little larger but Ok, so cut in half & SHARE It tasted good but was a little chewy & not large enough portions for me. 4th course. Yet again get 4 new small plates, some light some dark & new cutlery. This was the best course a Beef Dish, tasted devine but again a dollop on TWO large plates, cut in half, SHARE again. Then if you got a dark plate it was hard to see what you were eating in the low light. Don't get me wrong the food is top quality & tastes good it's this SHARE thing & low light. 5th course. Hang on my wife & I need toilet break (will get back to that later). Return to our friends just about to finish two champagne glasses of desserts & as they put ours down they realise two different ones & meant to SHARE, that SHARE, low light problem again. Anyway how are you meant to share a dessert served in a champagne glass??

Now the other Problems

Drinks, having enjoyed their first drink so much we ordered a second round. Only to be served something that was completely different colour & taste. After notifying them they took them away (basically full untouched drinks) & we just had water, apologies all round TWICE. They ran out of coconut milk???

We were CHARGED for those drinks & we didn't realise until we were at our hotel going over bill.

Cost, total bill was for 4 of us $2,189,000IDR Thats like AU$55 each & in Bali that's a lot for not what you could call a fantastic meal & evening.

Back to the Toilets, my wife & I go across to the seperate building as another man comes out & says that one not flushing. So send my wife in to other toilet & I go in to not working one lift lid of system & no water, float stuck, release float & wait to flush previous occupants business. Next my wife say this one won't flush either, so finish my business & go next door do same there with float. Wash up & head back for desserts.

The SHARE Menu. Just didn't seem to work, would have been better to just have had a set Chef Choice Menu & seperate portions for each.

Now the Good Bits.

That first drink that they couldn't repeat was really special & refreshing.

El Chapo look alike, the main head waiter that night was a twin brother to the actor who played El Chapo in the Netflix series El Chapo. We even found a photo & all had fun especially the waiter.

The service that night was top notch, all staff brilliant even El Chapo. Feel sorry for the dishwashers for all those extra dish with each course.

Sorry we never took photos going in was to hard to find way let alone take photos. We just never thought during meal to take photos as to busy working out how to divide food. The only photo is while waiting for taxi going home, found this little...

Absolutely Breath-taking. Chef James Tan, having upped stix and moved his Australian culinary operation to nearby shores here in the world tourist attraction that is Ubud, Bali, has created an utterly mouthwatering unforgettable restaurant. From the moment your transport reaches the unassuming sign that innocuously reads his restaurant's name, to the breathtaking quaint walk amongst candle-lit lanterns strewn along a cobbled pathway that tantalisingly lead you amongst a beautiful rice field to a stunning wooden path..and lo and behold, you reach the Oasis that is his stunning creative genius, Sacred Rice. Everything from where we sat in this stunning ambience (a limited number of tables so wise to book in advance so you are not disappointed), to the filtered water with ice and lemon that is so generously poured, to the effortlessly simple home-grown menu...which for me being a vegetarian was an utter delight... James Tan delivers in bucketfuls: charm, sophistication, beauty and a filling flavoursome gorgeous menu ...made from his own substantial back garden ...to ensure every one who is treated to his menu, leaves, wanting much much more.. I want to write something bad, simply so that my party of ten & I can keep this incredible fantastic pan Asian fusion delight all to ourselves..but as I heartily told Me Tan, upon leaving his establishment, it's the very least we can do , to heartily advertise just how superb his restaurant is. Thank you & we will most definitely return. Mark &...

Sacred Rice: A Hidden Gem with True 5-Star Service

Tucked away in the lush surroundings of Ubud, Sacred Rice is a true hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. This is the best meal I have had in Bali. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—attentive, warm, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every detail was perfect.

The menu offers a well-curated selection of dishes designed for sharing, with both a tapas-style and chef’s menu available. They accommodated our request for no dairy or pork seamlessly, and the portions were just right—enough to indulge without being overwhelming.

We highly recommend the jeweled rice, a beautifully balanced dish that paired wonderfully with everything we ordered. The tenderloin was cooked to perfection, the barramundi was fresh and flavorful, and the BBQ chicken had just the right amount of smoky char. The chicken curry was rich and comforting, and the Chinese vegetables added a refreshing contrast.

Cocktail and wine pairings are thoughtfully considered, and the lychee martini was an absolute standout—smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. The setting itself is breathtaking, with views of the rice paddies that create a truly serene and romantic atmosphere.

Sacred Rice is a must-visit in Ubud for those seeking exceptional food, flawless service, and a setting that feels both intimate and special. Better than the Four Seasons! Highly...