Honey & Smoke Ubud Review 2026: A Culinary Gem in Central Bali

Dining in Central Ubud

My first attempt to visit Honey & Smoke was the night before. I arrived eager for dinner, only to find that food orders had already closed, and only drinks were available. Not wanting to just drink on an empty stomach, I decided to return the next day for lunch. The ambiance had already caught my eye, and the fact that I couldn't dine there initially only made me more determined to try it out!

The restaurant boasts two floors; the first floor offers a more casual atmosphere, while the upper level feels more like a refined restaurant. With a bar located on the second floor, I imagine the evening ambiance would be even more spectacular with the right lighting.

During the day, it was quite peaceful. There were no other patrons on the second floor, which was lovely. I particularly enjoyed being able to dine while looking out at the vibrant Ubud streetscape from the window seats.

When I first glanced at the menu, I honestly thought, "What is this place?" The dish names weren't immediately straightforward; they weren't simple, direct descriptions. Instead, they read more like culinary poems – "something with a hint of this, a touch of that, and a dash of the other!" It was certainly intriguing.

Despite the initially perplexing menu, I figured a place with such creative descriptions must be a true Ubud gem, so I confidently placed my order. For drinks, I opted for a refreshing Kura Kura Ale draft beer and a grapefruit-based beverage.

Our drinks arrived first, and while waiting for the rest of our order, I took the opportunity to capture some photos of the interior.

We arrived for a slightly late lunch, which might explain why the place was so wonderfully quiet. There was no one else on the upper floor, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to take photos without interruption. The only slight "downside" was that the staff seemed to have only us to focus on, which felt a tiny bit much at times!

Next up was the tuna pasta. I have to admit, this was a combination I'd never encountered before! While taste is ultimately what matters, it was certainly an unfamiliar pairing. However, just looking at it, it definitely didn't seem like it would disappoint.

This was the broccoli salad, which also looked quite appealing. And yes, it tasted as good as it looked!

Finally, this was a lamb dish – I've forgotten the exact name, but I do remember being asked if I was okay with spicy when I ordered it. And boy, was it spicy! I definitely found myself panting a bit between bites, but it was delicious.

While Balinese cuisine is undeniably delicious, Honey & Smoke is a fantastic spot to visit when you're craving something a little different. Its departure from typical Balinese dishes was precisely what made this Ubud restaurant so appealing to me.

We enjoyed it for lunch, but I can easily see it being a great place to grab a drink or two in the evening. Keep in mind that while it doesn't close early, as it's primarily a restaurant, food orders might wrap up before the bar does. It's always a good idea to check their hours if you plan on a late dinner.

You'll find Honey & Smoke conveniently located right in the heart of central Ubud.

I often wonder when I'll get to return to Bali, Indonesia. It's one of those destinations that requires a bit of planning, given the long flight times and the lack of direct budget airline routes. If only there were more accessible flight options, it would be much easier to revisit this incredible island. Nevertheless, Honey & Smoke proved to be a fantastic dining experience in central Ubud with a wonderful atmosphere!