Honey & Smoke

Forget the standard Ubud rice-paddy dining. Right on the chaotic Monkey Forest strip, Honey & Smoke is doing something electric with open flames. Wood-fire grill meets Mediterranean-Middle Eastern soul. Discerning island foodies are quietly texting their friends about this spot—routinely crowning it the absolute best meal of their Bali trip.

The insider move? Skip the lively, street-level terrace. Book the reservation-only upstairs salon. It’s an intimate, air-conditioned escape where macaques literally swing past the glass before sundown. The kitchen leans hard into that authentic *kayu bakar* (wood-fire) char. Start with a massive mezze spread and wildly inventive tuna sashimi laced with dill. Then, go straight for the heavy hitters. Traveling carnivores are calling the rib-eye steak—drenched in a rich mushroom and brandy sauce—an absolute triumph. Add a side of char-grilled *ceciwis* (local baby cabbage) or the confit sumac snapper. Flawless plating. Fiercely welcoming service. Smoke-kissed perfection.