Locavore: Sustainable Indonesian cuisine with a European twist

True to the meaning of the term 'locavore', this restaurant is all about using local produces. Every single ingredient is sourced sustainably from various parts of the 18,307 islands that make up Indonesia. Even the glassware, plates and silverware used in the restaurant are made locally. Locavore won the best restaurant in Indonesia in 2017 and has secured a spot in the top 50 best Asian Restaurants consecutively for the past three years. They also recently won the 'Sustainable Restaurant in Asia' award.

The restaurant itself has set degustation courses, and you can choose between the 'locavore' (carnivore) or the 'herbivore' (vegetarian) option. Each option comes with a choice of 5 or 7 main courses (with or without beverage pairing). I was tempted to try the 7-course meal, but it is recommended to set aside 3 hours for this experience, and I couldn't do so as I had plans later in the afternoon. So I decided to try the 'locavore' 5-course meal without cocktail pairing.

AMUSE-BOUCHES

To my surprise, the 5-course meals started with 8 amuse-bouches. I won't go into much detail about each amuse-bouche to maintain an element of surprise as these dishes are not advertised on their menu. One particular dish that stood out to me as distinctive and intriguing is the Bloody Mary sorbet with the tomato consommé and sea salt. The dish was cold and warm at the same time - a visual representation of how creative the team at Locavore are.

Description: black rice blini topped with smoked egg emulsion and brown rice puffs, pickled eggplant topped with sesame seeds in a dashi broth, grilled mango marinated in passionfruit juice, warm bread with condiments and watermelon tartare in a crunchy cup topped with seaweed

MAIN DISHES

The menu for the main dishes appears to change every month with a few guest favourites in rotation. Every single dish is prepared with imagination and flair. My favourite main meal was the Gurita Bakar, which is perfectly grilled octopus paired with kluwak, Averrhoa bilimbi, timun tikus, coconut curry and pickled spring onions.

Gurita Bakar: Grilled octopus paired with kluwak, averrhoa bilimbi, timun tikus, coconut curry and pickled spring onions.

Burung Puyuh: Roasted quail breast with barbecued quail leg glazed with smoked pumpkin and charred pineapple gel, topped with smoked pumpkin.

Goat Tartare: Lightly grilled, burnt eggplant, pickled eggplant, kecombrang, fermented shallots and charred coconut milk.

Cabbage & Bacon: Whole cabbage roasted in bacon fat, bacon dashi, cashew sour cream, bacon shallot crumble and lacto-fermented onion powder.

Update:

As of May 2019, the restaurant offers a 6 or 9-course degustation menu. Please check the website to see the updated menu.

DESSERTS

Following the amuse-bouches and the main dishes, I was presented with a palate cleanser before two desserts and a platter of chocolates and sweets after desserts.

I was very impressed by the Rosella granita with Mangosteen, Bubur Sumsum and the Mangosteen ice cream. I love mangos and mangosteen so I may be a bit biased about the main desserts.

The chocolate and sweets were presented on a traditional Javanese game board called 'congklak'. While this was visually impressive, there was nothing special about these sweets. I would have honestly preferred a bigger portion of the main desserts instead.

Bubur Sumsum 2.0: Frozen rice porridge with fresh mangoes, crispy rice and mango vinegar

Mangosteen ice cream: Served on a husk with coconut flesh, nata de coco, coconut cream and lime zest

Chocolates and sweets served on a 'congklak'

Overall, I had a fantastic time at Locavore and I left Locavore with a full belly and a happy heart. I am impressed by the chef's dedication in using sustainably sourced locally grown ingredients to conjure sophisticated dishes with elements of Indonesian and European cuisine.

I would recommend getting the 6-course meal with or without the drink pairing as the 9-course meal would be a bit too much for an average person. The portions may look small by themselves, but you will be full by the time the sweets platter is served.

PRICES (as of May 2019) :

* I had the 5-course locavore option but the menu has been recently updated, and the prices below reflect this change.

Locavore Menu

6-courses: 895,000 IDR [Approx 89.35 AUD] or 1,395,000 IDR [Approx 139.25 AUD] with drink pairing.

9-courses: 1,195,000 IDR [Approx 119.35 AUD] or 1,845,000 IDR [Approx 184.25 AUD] with drink pairing.

Herbivore Menu

6-courses: 795,000 IDR [Approx 79 AUD] or 1,295,000 IDR [Approx 129 AUD] with drink pairing.

9-courses: 1,095,000 IDR [Approx 109 AUD] or 1,745,000 IDR [Approx 174 AUD] with drink pairing.

Prices are subject to 10% tax and 11% service charge.

CONTACT DETAILS

10 Jalan Dewi Sita,

Ubud Bali, Indonesia

Number: +62 361 977733

Website: https://www.locavore.co.id/

TIPS

The restaurant tends to get booked out months in advance particularly for dinner, so I recommend booking ahead of your desired date.
The dress code is smart casual but you can get away with wearing thongs/flipflops. However, alcohol-branded t-shirts, singlets and beachwear are not allowed.
The restaurant is flexible with dietary restrictions and allergies, but I would recommend emailing the restaurant in advance.
You will be charged if you are a no-show or late to your reservation by more than 15 minutes.
Allow yourselves at least 2-3 hours to enjoy this experience. If you don't have sufficient time or don't fancy set meals, I recommend checking out the Locavore Deli just across the street as they offer an a-la-carte menu.