The Grill @ LUXE by Agus Kartika — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

Overpriced and Overrated

I decided to take my wife to a nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day and wanted to try something new. She loves steaks, and this place seemed like a good choice. They offered a set menu for 3M IDR (without drinks and taxes).

Location & Ambience The restaurant is in central Ubud, but only accessible by motorbike. They arranged transport for us, but it’s not ideal for every guest. The building is in rice fields, which should offer a nice view, but the layout is strange. The first floor has an awkwardly placed restroom (the only one) with a fan inside. There’s also an empty space under renovation, partially covered by a banner. To reach the dining area upstairs, we had to walk through the kitchen, which made no sense. The dining area has 6–8 tables, is poorly ventilated (no AC, only fans), and music was oddly chosen for Valentine’s Day.

Service I booked in advance, confirmed the set menu, and was in contact about the transfer. We were the only guests, yet nothing was prepared upon arrival. The server insisted on explaining the à la carte menu for five minutes despite our pre-selected set. They also asked for our names and origin—just following a script. The restaurant layout meant staff couldn’t see guests at the far end, so we had to wave to get their attention. With "Lux" in the name and premium pricing, I expected better service.

It took 15 minutes to get bread. When it arrived, a waiter presented a bread basket and asked us to pick. When we suggested leaving the basket, he looked confused, placed one bun per person, and left. Later, when we asked for more, another waiter shakily placed each breadstick onto our plates one by one—it felt like a joke. Our wine orders were mixed up despite there being only two of us. My wife’s wine was chilled, mine was warm. At this point, we just wanted to drink and relax.

Food The amuse-bouche was a small piece of meat with vegetables and sauce—okay, but chewy, like steak trimmings. The mushroom soup was fine. The grilled langoustine and shrimp were decent (hard to mess up). The steak was fatty, and my wife felt unwell later. The sides were grilled vegetables (okay) and mashed potatoes, oddly topped with a heap of fried onions, which we barely touched.

Dessert was a "chocolate cube"—a chocolate candy, a chocolate cake, and something else chocolate. It was overwhelmingly sweet. My wife didn’t even try it. At the end, they offered drinks, but oddly, only vodka-based options (vodka with lemon, coffee, etc.), admitting that most guests refuse them. Probably just local arak. A glass of wine in the set would’ve made more sense.

Verdict We paid 4.5M IDR and left as fast as possible. For that price, Ubud has far better options with great service, delicious food, and live music. If this meal had cost 1M, I wouldn’t have complained. But why charge 4.5M when the wine cost maybe 700K?

The location is inconvenient, the space is uncomfortable, the staff inexperienced, and the food mediocre. Definitely...

My husband and I stumbled upon this restaurant yesterday when we were heading to another restaurant for dinner. We got really excited when we saw they offered Stark Beer, which we hadn't been able to try anywhere else because it was always sold out! It was so refreshing to enjoy something other than Bintang, as we're from the United States where hoppy craft beers rule supreme. We received excellent service, even while just ordering beers, and immediately made a reservation for tonight.

Although our server from last night had the day off today, he ensured that tonight's staff knew our names, that we are from California, and that we are on our honeymoon. My husband had an upset stomach when we arrived, and without missing a beat the staff offered him colloidal silver to settle his stomach (a natural remedy that I use at home!) and thankfully it helped, and he was able to enjoy our meal.

We had the Goat Cheese Spring Rolls to start, which was most thrilling for me because goat cheese is my absolute favorite and we haven't come across it elsewhere in Bali. The rolls were delicious, and served on a bed of lightly dressed arugula. This was also refreshing, because we have heeded the warnings about not eating raw fruits and vegetables while in Bali, but I feel very trusting of this restaurant and its staff, and really enjoyed the taste of freshness!

I got the Rosemary Scented Lamb Chops and Mac and Cheese, and my husband got the Waygu Top Sirloin and Truffle Mashed Potatoes. Everything was cooked and flavored to perfection, and we were only sad that we were too full to finish it all!

Every team member who greeted us was smiling, cheerful, and kind, and they presented us with a beautiful bouquet of red roses at the end of our meal, wishing us a very happy honeymoon.

The final delight of the evening was meeting Paul, one of the owners, as we were leaving the restaurant. He was friendly, informative, and such a gracious host to us.

As my husband and I are both former restaurant managers, we really take notice of all of the little things that can make or break a guest experience. We would recommend this restaurant a hundred times over, and wish that it wasn't a 24 hour series of plane rides away!

Thank you Paul, and your wonderful team, for making this such an enjoyable...

A Hidden Gem at The Grill, Luxe Bali

The Grill at Luxe Bali is truly a hidden gem, offering a standout dining experience that combines exceptional cuisine with a charming, secluded ambiance. Tucked away within the Luxe Bali resort, this restaurant provides a delightful escape for those seeking high-quality dining in a tranquil setting.

The menu at The Grill is a testament to culinary excellence, featuring a variety of expertly prepared dishes that highlight fresh, premium ingredients. From perfectly cooked steaks and seafood to inventive sides and desserts, each dish is crafted with attention to detail and presented with elegance.

The atmosphere at The Grill is both intimate and inviting, with a design that complements the resort’s sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. The restaurant’s secluded location adds to its appeal, creating a sense of exclusivity and tranquility that enhances the dining experience.

Service at The Grill is attentive and professional, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and dedicated to ensuring a memorable visit. Their warm hospitality contributes to the overall charm of the restaurant.

In summary, The Grill at Luxe Bali is a hidden gem that offers exceptional food, a serene atmosphere, and outstanding service. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a top-tier dining experience in a picturesque and private setting.

For more insights on top travel destinations, exceptional dining, and unique experiences, follow my account. I share detailed reviews and recommendations to help you discover your next perfect getaway and...