The ingredient-driven menu at Locavore Restaurant highlights fresh fruits and vegetables – from organically grown vegetables to exotic fresh picks such as kemangi (lemon basil) and ‘galunggung’ wild berries used in signature drink recipes. The chefs’ shared passion has also brought them closer relationships with local producers, ensuring that the menu is made up of chemical-free, seasonal produce and meat from ethically fed animals.

Locavore is located on Jalan Dewi Sita – look out for the modest looking white walled restaurant just before Kafe Bunute and right across the road from Warung Citta Ovest. Taxis are recommended, or you can take a leisurely stroll if you’re staying within the central Ubud area.

This small but usually fully-booked restaurant serves fine, haute cuisine but in a relaxed dining setting. Inside, there are three seating sections: there is a lounge-like part at the far end; in the centre are several round recycled wood tables fit for four together with a single long table adjacent the bar, and the most privileged spot is right next to the open kitchen. Dishes are served directly by the chefs themselves and you can watch the action as each of your orders becomes nothing short of art on a plate. The service is delivered by a solid team who have in-depth knowledge of local ingredients and the menu, satisfyingly answering each of our questions.

From Locavore’s seasonal tasting menu we enjoy a hearty dish of compressed watermelon and pomelo segments served with watermelon gazpacho foam. The foam provides a very light and fresh sensation to the fruity pieces, and the pickled fennel and white borage bloom as garnish makes it a tempting sight.

Then the highlight of the treat comes in a pan-seared barramundi a la meuniere, sweet and meaty that balanced perfectly with the vanilla-infused potato mousseline and lemongrass beurre blanc. Our journey concludes with a sinful delight, a heavenly dish of passion fruit tart with Bedugul strawberries, passion fruit meringue, kemangi sorbet and a dash of strawberry gel.

Ideal for couples, and family and friends to share, Locavore Restaurant in Bali has a tasting menu with wine pairing, as well as five to seven-course degustation treats. If you are a rare lucky soul who got a seat without booking, last orders are at 21:00. Chef Eelke, Ray and their solid team take a whole day off on Sundays, and Mondays are for dinner only.