Plant Bistro: This Rooftop Italian Marvel Is One of Ubud’s Best Restaurants. And Yes, It's Vegan.
- Corey Jones
- Dec 2, 2025
- 2 min read
The Rooftop Manifesto
High above the lush treetops of Ubud, on a spacious and beautifully designed roof terrace, Plant Bistro offers a dining experience where the setting is not merely a backdrop, but a manifesto. The panoramic view of the jungle canopy—a vast, intricate ecosystem of green—serves as a visual metaphor for the very philosophy that drives the kitchen: a belief in the boundless abundance of the plant kingdom. It is this principle that animates the work of Chef Simona, whose menu is a confident and brilliant reinterpretation of global, and particularly Italian, cuisine. The presentation is superb, and the service, warm and welcoming, makes you feel immediately at ease in this stunning environment.
The mastery of Chef Simona's kitchen is most evident in its brilliant reimagining of Italian classics, where traditional flavor profiles are achieved through innovative plant-based technique.
Carbonara Scrambled Tofu: This is a clever act of gustatory alchemy. A rich, savory carbonara sauce envelops perfectly scrambled tofu, while smoky king oyster mushrooms provide a savory depth. The dish is finished with a dusting of sharp, bamboo charcoal "parmesan," creating a brunch offering that is both innovative and deeply satisfying.
"Don't Call Me Pepperoni" Pizza: This is, simply put, a triumph. The house-made plant mozzarella is the star—creamy, rich, and entirely authentic in its flavor and texture. Paired with a spicy plant-based salame and chili flakes on a crust that is perfectly baked, crisp, and chewy, it is a pizza that demands to be eaten to the very last bite.
The restaurant's Italian heart is also on full display in its remarkable selection of pastries and sweets. The pastry case is filled with temptations like the Cruffin Lampone, a croissant-muffin hybrid with a bright raspberry filling, and a range of Bombolone (Italian doughnuts) with luscious pistachio or Chantilly cream fillings. For a more classic experience, the Crespella alla Marmellata offers the simple pleasure of Italian-style crêpes with homemade jam.
From Pancakes to Puff Pastry
Even the simplest breakfast fare is given a refined touch. The Blueberry Pancakes are light and fluffy, served with a vibrant blueberry jam, a dollop of plant-mascarpone cream, and a scattering of crumbled nuts for texture. The meal culminates in a dessert that solidifies the restaurant’s fine-dining credentials: the Mille-feuille. A modern take on the French classic, it features impossibly flaky layers of puff pastry sandwiching a delicate vanilla Chantilly cream, all brought to life with raspberry and blueberry purées and a scoop of vanilla gelato.
The Verdict
Plant Bistro is a destination that ultimately transcends its labels. It is not a 'vegan restaurant' so much as it is a showcase for a singular and brilliant culinary vision. Chef Simona’s work is a compelling argument that the future of creative cuisine is vibrant, intelligent, and thrillingly inventive. This is not merely a high point for plant-based dining; it is a high point for dining in Ubud, full stop.
Blanco Museum Area, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
