Terraces, Bamboo, and Infinity Views: Architectural Highlights of Ubud’s Restaurants

First, let’s be real, we’re all going to restaurants not just for their food, right? We’re there to feel the ambiance, take a few snaps, and just enjoy the design and surroundings. Otherwise, we might just order it from home. Now, if we’re talking about Ubud, oh, guys, this place isn’t just about rice terraces and art — it’s also home to some of the top restaurants in Ubud that blend architecture with atmosphere in the most magical way. From bamboo structures to terraces overlooking green valleys, these restaurants below know how to mix food with a view. Here are some of the highlights!

TIS Café Ubud

As a Balinese, I immediately get what they’re trying to convey from the name. TIS in Balinese means cool, fresh, or breezy, and yep, this place gives you exactly that. TIS Café sits right in the Tegalalang rice terraces, and the moment you walk in, you notice how much thought went into the design. Bamboo is used a lot, from walls to furniture, and there’s an open-air feel that makes it easy to relax and enjoy the view.

The infinity pool is kind of the cherry on top — it almost feels like it spills into the rice fields. Sitting here for a meal, you can take it slow, enjoy the breeze, and really feel connected to nature.

Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud

A true contender for one of the most romantic restaurants in Ubud, Swept Away sits right by the river, with bamboo décor and flickering candles at night. This riverside spot is all about those little private pods made from bamboo. You sit inside, a bit tucked away from everyone else, and listen to the Ayung River flow nearby. It’s not fancy, just a comfortable, open space that feels super calming.

The open design and natural materials make it easy to focus on your meal and the surroundings. Plus, if you’re a remote worker, this place is just perfect to focus and absorb a little bit of positive energy to gain more inspiration.

Apéritif Restaurant & Bar

If grand and elegant is more your style, Apéritif brings a completely different take on Ubud dining. Housed in a 1920s-inspired colonial mansion, it stands apart from the bamboo-and-rice-field theme. The vibe is formal but somehow still welcoming, making it one of the best restaurants in Ubud, Bali, for almost everyone who loves a mix of history, style, and culinary, for sure.

I would say this one is perfect if you’re on a date, you know, to impress them a little bit. First-time experience will always hold a special place in one’s heart, so make sure to do it right. What stands out the most? Definitely the eight-course degustation menu. They’re world-class, weaving together European techniques with Indonesian ingredients. Plus, every dish is served with theatrical precision, and you’ll take more pictures than you’re expecting.

Dragonfly Café & Gelato

If you’re looking for a more down-to-earth vegan spot among the many Ubud restaurants with a view, Dragonfly Café & Gelato is a great choice. Nestled right by the rice paddies, it has open-air bamboo seating that captures the real Ubud countryside vibe we don’t find so often now. You’ll see both locals and tourists hanging out here, enjoying fresh salads, smoothie bowls, hearty Indonesian comfort food, and of course, their house-made gelato.

You’re right. The gelato is a highlight, with flavors inspired by Bali like coconut, dragon fruit, and passion fruit, alongside timeless classics. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back with a coffee, cool down with a scoop, and just let the rice field breeze set a better mood. If you’ve been wondering where to eat in Ubud that feels casual yet authentic, this café offers exactly that.

Kubu at Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Dining inside bamboo cocoons along the river? You read it right, and that’s exactly what you get at Kubu! Not trying to be hyperbolic, but Kubu is the kind of place that makes dinner feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Set within the serene grounds of the lavish Ritz-Carlton Reserve, this restaurant is famous for its private bamboo cocoons overlooking the Ayung River. Imagine dining in a handwoven pod, with the sound of flowing water and flickering candlelight setting the mood, just imagine.

Couples often book Kubu for anniversaries or proposals because it’s intimate, atmospheric, and incredibly photogenic. For many, this is the definition of the best Ubud restaurants — not just for the Mediterranean-inspired dishes but for the setting itself. If you’re narrowing down your choices for dinner in Ubud, Kubu almost always comes up as a must.

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And just in case you’re curious, Ubud isn’t the only spot doing this well — if you’re heading south, you’ll also find some of the best restaurants in Uluwatu with their own clifftop views and breezy designs. Have fun exploring your next favorite restaurant!