Apéritif Restaurant

Apéritif Restaurant is a fine-dining restaurant located in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The restaurant is known for its degustation-style menus blending international culinary traditions with Indonesian ingredients, as well as its colonial-era inspired setting. It opened in 2018 within the grounds of the Viceroy Bali resort.

Location and setting

Apéritif is housed in a colonial-style mansion featuring Art Deco elements such as high ceilings, black-and-white checkered floors, and large colonial windows. The venue overlooks the Petanu River gorge near central Ubud, providing a secluded and opulent dining environment.

Concept and cuisine

Apéritif follows a "Borderless Food" philosophy, integrating French techniques with Southeast Asian spices, Japanese umami, and Indonesian bumbu. Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken oversees the menu, which offers multi-course degustation options, including vegetarian and vegan alternatives.

Dining at Apéritif typically begins with cocktails and canapés in the bar, in the tradition of the European apéritif, before moving into the main dining hall for a curated multi-course meal.

Sustainability

The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing, partnering with Balinese farms, cultivating produce on-site, minimizing plastic use, and using solar-powered induction cooking. Food waste is reduced through fermentation and repurposing techniques.

Events and collaborations

Apéritif frequently hosts guest chef events and collaborations. In December 2023, the restaurant partnered with Chef Guillaume Galliot of Caprice, Hong Kong, for a four-hands dinner. Earlier in May 2023, Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier from Maison Dunand, Bangkok, presented a seven-course French haute cuisine menu at the restaurant.

Awards

Since its opening, Apéritif has received multiple awards and international recognition. In 2019, it was ranked among the World’s Best Places Star Restaurants, and in 2021 it was named “Best Fine Dining Cuisine in Asia” by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

Reservations and pricing

Apéritif requires advance reservations and enforces a smart casual or cocktail attire dress code. The standard dinner menu costs approximately IDR 1,900,000++, with vegetarian or vegan menus priced around IDR 1,250,000++. Lunch and special menus are available at different price points.