Arcadia Ubud – A Dining Experience We Will Never Forge

Prior to being diagnosed with a gluten and dairy intolerance, my husband Joe and I were fortunate enough to experience dinner at Arcadia Ubud, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable meals of our trip. From the warm welcome and elegant setting to the beautifully presented dishes, every detail made the evening feel incredibly special.

Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, Arcadia offers a dining experience that feels both refined and relaxed. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or simply an evening of exceptional food, wine and cocktails.

For our meal, we chose the Feed Me Set Menu, allowing the chef to take us on a carefully curated culinary journey and he certainly delivered. I selected the Garden Menu, while Joe chose the Sea Menu. We paired each course with cocktails that perfectly complemented the flavours, making the experience even more indulgent.

The Garden Menu

My Garden Menu celebrated fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavours from beginning to end. The evening began with locally made burrata, torched artichokes, lemon jam, confit onion, artichoke vinaigrette and a delicate paprika-fennel tuile. There honestly aren't enough words to describe just how delicious this dish was. Every bite was fresh, balanced and bursting with flavour.

The next course featured roasted beetroot with creamy goat cheese, basil oil, walnuts and a parmesan crumble. The balance of earthy, sweet and creamy flavours was simply exceptional.

The zucchini blossoms, stuffed with ricotta, parmesan, lemon and thyme, were another standout. Served alongside roasted zucchini, feta and a rich caponata sauce, the dish was colourful, fresh and full of beautiful Mediterranean-inspired flavours.

Then came the mushroom risotto, and it was everything I hoped it would be rich, creamy and incredibly comforting without ever feeling too heavy. A trio of mushrooms, asparagus, parmesan, goat cheese and fragrant truffle oil created a beautifully balanced dish that I could happily have eaten all over again.

Dessert was a classic crème brûlée with perfectly caramelised sugar, served alongside candied walnuts and an almond-coconut biscotti. It was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable menu.

The Sea Menu

Joe's Sea Menu was equally impressive and showcased the incredible quality of fresh seafood.

It began with Japanese torched tuna accompanied by stracciatella, soy truffle, toasted capers, kombu oil, torched prawns and an ink sago wafer. Sophisticated, beautifully plated and packed with delicate umami flavours, it was the perfect way to begin.

The prawn dumplings arrived next, served in a silky chilli XO cream with black caviar and additional torched prawns. Every bite was rich, balanced and incredibly satisfying.

The third course featured perfectly cooked scallops alongside miso nori cod, sweet corn purée, smoked rice paper crisps and seared cauliflower. The combination of textures and flavours showcased the creativity and skill of the kitchen beautifully.

For the main course, the seared salmon was cooked to perfection and served with a buttermilk and dill sauce, asparagus purée, sautéed asparagus, crisp capers, fresh mint and dill. 

Dessert finished on a refreshing note with a tamarillo and lemon tart accompanied by fresh kiwi, torched meringue, orange jelly, caramelised almond crumble and a delicate honey tuile. Light, vibrant and beautifully balanced, it was the ideal ending to the seafood menu.

The Unexpected Surprises

One of the highlights of the evening was something we hadn't anticipated. Throughout the meal, the chef surprised us with several complimentary courses between the listed dishes. Every time another plate arrived at our table, it felt like a little gift.

These unexpected creations were imaginative, beautifully presented and absolutely tantalising. They added another layer to the experience and truly showcased the creativity, passion and generosity of Arcadia's talented kitchen team.

One of my favourite parts of the evening was sharing our dishes with each other. Being able to experience both the Garden and Sea menus meant we tasted such a wide variety of flavours, and it gave us an even greater appreciation for the thought and care that had gone into every course. Choosing a favourite simply wasn't possible because every dish brought something unique to the table.

More Than Just Dinner

Dining at Arcadia Ubud was so much more than simply enjoying a meal it was an experience. Every course was beautifully presented, every cocktail thoughtfully paired, and every member of the team made us feel genuinely welcome. The pace of the evening allowed us to slow down, savour each course and simply enjoy being together.

It is one of those meals that stays with you long after the final plate has been cleared.

If you're visiting Ubud and looking for an unforgettable dining experience, I cannot recommend Arcadia highly enough. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the Feed Me Set Menu is an experience worth savouring.

Joe and I have eaten at some wonderful restaurants over the years, but Arcadia left a lasting impression on both of us. The food, the service, the atmosphere and the attention to detail were all exceptional. In our opinion, it deserves to be recognised with a Michelin Star, and it's a meal we'll be talking about for years to come.

A Little Side Note...

If you have any dietary requirements, I highly recommend letting the team at Arcadia know before your visit. They are more than happy to accommodate food intolerances and dietary preferences, ensuring you can still enjoy the full dining experience without compromising on flavour or creativity.

Knowing this makes me even more excited to return in September, and I can't wait to see what incredible culinary journey the chefs create for us next.