I had heard a whisper about a restaurant at the new Raffles Hotel, which our concierge didn’t recommend- concierges rarely suggest other hotel property restaurants. Nonetheless, my curiosity was piqued, and since the hotel was right next door to the Four Seasons, we decided to give it a try. I am so glad we did. It became clear why they might not want to recommend it; the property is stunning.
Rumari Restaurant, located at Raffles Hotel in Jimbaran, Bali, took a decade to build, finally opening in 2022 after delays due to the pandemic. The hotel is the epitome of luxury, cascading down the hillside to the Indian Ocean. I arrived at night and couldn’t see the entire property, but what I could see was magnificent. The hotel features 32 oceanfront villas, each with a pool and garden.
However, I’m here to discuss Rumari Restaurant and its imaginative, contemporary cuisine by Chef Gaetan Biesuz. The restaurant offers a fine-dining menu of South Asian cuisine, showcasing bold, authentic flavours and sustainable ingredients with a modern twist, and inspired by local and international dishes. Chef Biesuz follows an 80/20 philosophy: 80% of the produce is sourced from the archipelago, with the remaining 20% imported from necessity.
The restaurant boasts panoramic sunset views over Jimbaran Bay, with beautiful teak wood and lush green foliage. While you might have to contend with hot muggy nights outside, there is also an option to dine inside their sophisticated and beautifully appointed dining room. The staff is warm, engaging, and extremely friendly, sharing stories about each fish. We were also fortunate to have the chef personally serve us as well, many times throughout the evening.
You can choose from an a la carte selection or several tasting menus. The flavour and texture combinations are exceptional. The house-made sourdough bread baked with ketak leaf and basil was excellent. There were numerous standout dishes including a sweet prawn with coconut and caviar, bamboo lobster with lentils and curry, catch of the day with pumpkin and turmeric, and a perfectly cooked and seasoned, juicy A5 wagyu lamb chop from the only sustainable farm in Australia.
The dishware and glassware are exquisite, and you can dine like royalty for a fraction of the cost of a comparable meal in almost every major city. Each dish is inspired by the authenticity of Indonesian cuisine, combined with bountiful local produce and preserving the authentic flavours of each creation. You can indulge in a 7 or 9-course tasting meal without feeling overly full, as the chef cooks with a light touch that allows you to savour the brilliance of the kitchen.
Rumari is the only Krug ambassador in Indonesia, and so naturally we enjoyed a glass upon arrival. The wine selection is impressive too with over 250 labels featuring classics and offerings from independent winemakers. I was happy to see the offerings of International wines. Rumari was also a recipient of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, having curated a selection of quality and diverse wines from across the world.
Rumari Restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a perfect blend of ambiance and culinary creations.
Highly recommended,
Happy dining,
Shanea
09/14/2024
