NARI Ubud Review: Hummus, Cocktails and Temple View

NARI review—favorite hummus in Bali, wood-fired bread, BBQ chicken, jasmine vanilla cocktails, temple views, and warm attentive service.

NARI Review: Hummus, Cocktails, and a Temple View Worth Staying For

We went to NARI in the late afternoon with a simple plan: cocktails and chilling. Nothing heavy. Nothing complicated. Just a relaxing stop before the evening unfolded.

But as often happens in places that get it right, one drink turned into small bites… and small bites turned into a proper meal.

And wow—it was all so good.

From the food to the cocktails to the view of Pura Gunung Lebah, NARI delivered an experience that felt both refined and relaxed. It’s one of those places where you arrive casually and leave already planning your return.

First Impressions: A Space That Feels Special

Before we even talk about the food, let’s talk about the setting.

NARI is gorgeous. The design is elegant without being intimidating. It strikes that ideal Ubud balance—refined but still warm. You can dress up for the evening, or you can arrive slightly sun-kissed from exploring town and still feel perfectly comfortable.

And then there’s the view.

From NARI, you get a spectacular outlook toward Pura Gunung Lebah. It adds a sense of depth to the experience. You’re not just sitting in a restaurant—you’re sitting with a piece of Bali’s history and spirituality in the background.

I can only imagine how magical it must look at night when the temple lights come on. Even in the late afternoon, it was already beautiful.

The Unexpected Food Order

Originally, we came for cocktails. But once we saw the menu at NARI, we couldn’t resist ordering a few dishes to share:

• Hummus
• Wood-fired bread
• Barbecued chicken

It felt like light bites at first. It didn’t stay light for long.

Hummus: One of My Favorites in Bali

Let’s start with the hummus, because it deserves its moment.

The hummus at NARI is easily one of my favorites in Bali. If you’ve ordered hummus in different spots across the island, you know how common it can be. And unfortunately, how often it’s overly garlicky.

Not here.

The hummus at NARI was beautifully balanced—not too garlicky, not too heavy, just smooth, creamy, and flavorful. It had that perfect consistency that makes you want to keep dipping.

But the real twist? The crunchy potato on top.

It added texture in a way I didn’t expect. That crisp element gave the hummus a contrast that elevated it beyond the standard version. It wasn’t just good hummus—it was thoughtfully executed hummus.

If you’re going to order one dish at NARI, make it this.

Wood-Fired Bread: Bigger Portion, Please

The wood-fired bread came with super flavorful butter that instantly made you appreciate the simplicity of great ingredients done right.

The bread had that satisfying warmth and slight char from the wood fire. It was the kind of bread you tear apart slowly, dip generously, and try to stretch out for as long as possible.

My only complaint? The portion.

And that’s coming from someone who had eaten lunch two hours before arriving at NARI. That’s how good it was. I genuinely wished there was more.

When a portion feels too small, not because it’s inadequate but because it’s delicious, that’s a good sign.

Barbecued Chicken: Chef’s Kiss

The barbecued chicken was another standout.

The barbecue sauce was simply chef’s kiss. It wasn’t overly sweet or aggressively smoky. It had depth, balance, and just enough richness to complement the chicken without overpowering it.

The chicken itself was well-cooked and satisfying. It didn’t feel rushed or overly charred. Just clean, confident grilling with a sauce that ties it together beautifully.

At this point, what was supposed to be a casual cocktail stop had fully turned into dinner at NARI.

Cocktails: Delicate, Creative, and Balanced

Of course, we did start with cocktails—so let’s talk about them.

Jasmine Vanilla Cocktail

The jasmine vanilla cocktail was delicate and floral without becoming perfumey. It had that subtle elegance that works perfectly in a late-afternoon setting.

You sip it slowly. You take in the view. You relax. It’s that kind of drink.

If you enjoy cocktails that lean refined rather than overly sweet, this one at NARI is a great choice.

Coconut Pandan Cocktail

The coconut pandan cocktail was also excellent—especially if you enjoy coconut-forward drinks.

It wasn’t heavy or cloying. Instead, it had that smooth tropical character that fits Ubud’s vibe perfectly. It’s the kind of drink that feels indulgent but still balanced.

Between the two, I’d order both again without hesitation.

Service: Polished and Friendly From Start to Finish

One thing that elevated the entire experience at NARI was the service.

From our waitress to the valet staff, everyone was attentive and friendly. It felt genuine, not scripted. You can tell when a team takes pride in what they’re doing, and NARI has that energy.

Service was timely without being intrusive. Plates were cleared smoothly. Drinks arrived quickly. It all flowed naturally.

When dining at a place like NARI, good service isn’t optional—it’s essential. And they delivered.

Pricing: Fair for the Experience

Let’s talk about value.

Prices at NARI are reasonable and comparable to other fine restaurants in Ubud. You’re not paying street-food prices—but you’re also not being overcharged for the setting.

Considering:

• The quality of the food
• The creativity in the cocktails
• The temple view
• The attentive service

The pricing feels justified.

Final Verdict: A Must-Visit in Ubud

Overall, NARI is absolutely worth visiting.

What started as a simple cocktail stop turned into one of those meals you’re still thinking about later. The hummus alone makes it memorable. Add the wood-fired bread, barbecued chicken, creative cocktails, warm service, and stunning temple view—and you have a complete experience.

If you’re in Ubud and looking for a spot that offers:

• Beautiful scenery
• Balanced, well-executed dishes
• Creative yet refined cocktails
• Polished, friendly service

NARI should be on your list.

And yes—we’ll definitely be coming back to try more dishes.