The Future of Flavor: Why Locavore NXT is Ubud’s Ultimate Culinary Rebellion
In the heart of Ubud’s emerald rice fields, a «localized rebellion» is unfolding. For years, the original Locavore set the gold standard for Indonesian fine dining. But in late 2023, founders Ray Adriansyah and Eelke Plasmeijer closed their doors to birth something far more ambitious: Locavore NXT.
In 2025, this isn’t just a restaurant; it is a self-sustaining ecosystem that has redefined what «farm-to-table» truly means.
A Journey Through the «Nature’s Compass»
Dining at Locavore NXT is a multi-sensory odyssey that begins long before you reach the table. Guests are often led on a behind-the-scenes tour of the rooftop food forest, the subterranean mushroom vault, and the fermentation lab. Here, you witness best restaurants covent garden the «alchemy» of the kitchen—from koji-enriched misos to rare fungi like Lion’s Mane being cultivated on-site.
The signature «Nature’s Compass» tasting menu consists of 20+ courses that strictly exclude imported ingredients. You won’t find lemons, wheat, or dairy here. Instead, the kitchen utilizes:
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Citrus alternatives: Calamansi and fermented hibiscus for acidity.
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Indigenous proteins: Blue swimmer crab and local heritage meats.
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Innovative ferments: Transforming humble cassava and tempeh into complex masterpieces.
Sustainability as High Art
Locavore NXT recently secured the Sustainable Restaurant Award 2025 at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, making it the first to win the honor twice. The commitment is staggering:
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Circular Waste: An on-site waste center diverts over 98% of waste from landfills.
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Renewable Energy: 172 solar panels power the «tropical brutalist» structure.
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Regenerative Water: A worm-based sewage system filters greywater for the rooftop gardens.
The «Full NXT» Experience
For those who want to linger, the experience extends to The Wood Rooms—three exclusive guest cabins nestled in a reforested grove. Staying overnight includes an off-menu breakfast at the «Canteen,» where the team experiments with new flavors in a casual, morning light.
Why It Matters
Locavore NXT isn’t just «the best restaurant in Ubud» because of its accolades; it is the best because it challenges the global fine-dining status quo. It proves that luxury doesn’t require imported caviar or French butter. By looking inward at Bali’s own soil and traditions, Chefs Ray and Eelke have created a portal into the future of food.