Norii Ubud sits right in the heart of Ubud, an area known for its calm rhythm and laid-back lifestyle, perfect for travelers who want to slow down and unwind. While Ubud feels peaceful, its food scene is anything but boring, with diverse dining concepts, including Norii Japanese Restaurant on Jl. Sawah Indah, Gang Amarea No. 8, Peliatan.
In this article, we’ll share our honest experience dining at Norii Ubud. From the atmosphere to the food, here’s our real review after trying their all-day Japanese-style dining.
When We Visited and What Time Works Best
As an all-day dining spot, Norii Ubud gives you the freedom to visit anytime without worrying about strict meal hours. Still, timing matters if you want the experience to match your mood.
Mornings at Norii tend to be quiet and unhurried, making the space feel calm and intimate. As lunchtime approaches, guests slowly fill the restaurant until late lunch, then it eases again in the early evening before picking up during the main dinner rush.
If you’re wondering what to do in Ubud and prefer a peaceful dining moment, come around 10–11 AM or early dinner between 5–6 PM. For a more energetic vibe, lunch hours from 12–2 PM and dinner time around 7–9 PM are when the restaurant feels most alive.
Vibe and Space
Seating at Norii Ubud keeps things cozy rather than over-the-top, which works beautifully for long, relaxed meals. With comfy sofas and a yakitori bar area, this Japanese restaurant in Ubud, Bali feels welcoming and casual, even suitable for working or lingering. Just keep in mind that during peak hours, it can feel a bit less comfortable as the space gets busier.
Thanks to its large windows, the restaurant feels calm and slightly muted during the day, while evenings bring in warmer, dimmer lighting for a more dramatic, intimate mood.
If you’re aiming for content-worthy shots, grab a corner seat near the window, this spot has the best natural light and a lush, tropical backdrop that easily earns its place among the best restaurants in Ubud.
The Menu Explained
Norii Ubud keeps things refreshingly simple by serving one all-day menu, so you’re never limited by breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours.
Whatever time you drop by, the Norii Ubud menu always has something that fits the mood, making it an easy stop while deciding on other things to do in Ubud.
In the morning, you won’t find acai bowls, but there are satisfying sandwiches and light salads, paired with a solid drink lineup of smoothies, coffee, and tea. Lunch leans more filling, with comforting ramen, fried rice, plus a good range of sushi and sashimi.
Come dinner, the menu feels more complete with appetizers, mains, and desserts, complemented by signature cocktails, wines, and premium spirits, perfect for winding down after a day exploring Ubud.
What We Ordered
- Grilled Shiitake
This first course features the savory umami flavor of grilled shiitake mushrooms combined with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The addition of katsuobushi and scallions provides a distinctive smoky aroma and freshness.
The portion consists of two thick mushroom skewers, serving as a perfect appetizer to whet your appetite. The dish offers great value through its artistic presentation and use of premium ingredients. Served as two thick, satisfying skewers, it’s a light yet flavorful starter that sets the tone for the meal.
With its elegant presentation and quality ingredients, this appetizer feels right at home alongside the dining standards you’d expect near luxury hotels in Ubud.
- Pork Skewers (Yakitori)
A crowd-pleaser at what many consider the best Japanese restaurant Ubud has to offer, these pork skewers are juicy, smoky, and deeply satisfying. The grilled pork is coated in a rich Korean BBQ sauce, finished with a gentle kick of togarashi, and lifted by the nutty aroma of sesame seeds and fresh scallions.
Served on two hearty skewers, it’s filling enough to enjoy as a premium snack or a side dish. While it sits on the higher end of the price range, the quality of the meat and the beautifully crafted yakitori make it worth it for true Japanese grill lovers.
- Robatayaki Beef
A generous 200 grams of tender wagyu striploin is grilled using traditional robatayaki techniques, bringing out a rich, smoky depth in every bite. This dish is all about letting quality speak for itself.
Served with savory yakiniku sauce, charred seasonal vegetables, crispy garlic chips, spring onions, and a subtle touch of ichimi chili, it’s bold yet perfectly balanced. Hearty, comforting, and undeniably satisfying, this is the kind of main course that makes the splurge feel absolutely worth it.
- Yaki Ramen
This comforting bowl of yaki ramen brings big flavors and serious satisfaction. Chewy stir-fried noodles are tossed with salmon and shrimp, mixed with fresh vegetables, and finished with katsuo flakes and nori for an extra layer of umami.
Rich, savory, and filling, it’s a well-balanced main course that feels generous and rewarding, especially with premium seafood packed into one delicious plate.
- Green Tea Brûlée (Dessert)
A sweet and refreshing finish on the Norii Ubud menu, this dessert pairs creamy vanilla ice cream with rich matcha green tea ice cream, served in a crisp cone for a satisfying crunch.
Light, smooth, and not overly sweet, it’s perfect for cleansing the palate after a savory meal. Presented on a minimalist wooden stand, this dessert feels thoughtfully crafted and effortlessly Instagrammable, simple, elegant, and memorable.
- Shochu Highball
At Norii Ubud, the Shochu Highball is a light, refreshing drink that’s easy to enjoy at any time of day. Crisp, clean, and gently fizzy, it highlights the smooth character of shochu without feeling heavy.
Served simply and elegantly, it’s the kind of drink that pairs well with Japanese dishes and keeps the experience relaxed and effortless.
Best Orders by Mood
- Poke Bowl
If you’re after something light, fresh, and nourishing, this is one of the best picks on the menu. Norii’s Poke Bowl is packed with crisp vegetables like edamame, cucumber, red radish, and avocado, bringing plenty of fiber and natural goodness to the bowl.
Instead of heavy meat, it uses teriyaki tofu for a gentle, satisfying protein boost, paired with sweet potato teriyaki that adds a comforting sweet-savory touch. The result is a dish that’s full of umami flavor, yet easy on the stomach and perfect for a feel-good meal.
- Chicken Teriyaki Don
When a craving for something hearty strikes, look no further than the Chicken Teriyaki Don, it’s a reliable favorite. Juicy grilled chicken leg is glazed in a rich, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that feels instantly comforting.
Once you break the onsen egg and let it melt into the warm rice, every bite turns creamy, cozy, and deeply satisfying, exactly the kind of dish that hits the spot.
- Aburi Salmon Rolled
Gather your friends for the sushi selection, ideal for sharing, especially the Aburi Salmon Roll. Each piece brings a satisfying mix of textures, with lightly torched salmon on the outside and a hearty filling of kani kama, crunchy kyuri, sweet tamago, sansoku, and a touch of shredded tuna on top.
Served in eight generous pieces lined up neatly, it’s easy to grab one (or two) while still leaving room to try other dishes at the table.
- Sashimi Set
The Sashimi Set is a beautiful choice for a calm, mindful meal during your quiet time in Ubud. Featuring fresh cuts of salmon, tuna, and ebi, it highlights the pure taste and delicate texture of quality seafood without distraction.
Paired simply with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce, it feels light, clean, and satisfying, perfect when you want something nourishing that lets you slow down and enjoy the moment.
Drinks and Sweet Things
- Bubble Gum Club
If you’re in the mood for something fun, playful, and a little unexpected, the Bubble Gum Club is a must-try signature cocktail. Gin and fresh raspberry purée bring a bright, fruity base, while bubble gum syrup adds a nostalgic sweetness that instantly lifts the mood.
A squeeze of lemon keeps it fresh and balanced, and a few drops of Angostura bitters give it a subtle, grown-up twist. The result is a cheerful, sweet, and refreshingly easy drink to enjoy.
- Tropical Orange
Tropical Orange is a great mocktail choice when you want something refreshing and alcohol-free, especially after exploring a waterfall in Ubud. It brings together bright citrus flavors from grapefruit syrup, pomelo pulp, strawberries, and fresh orange juice, creating a sweet-and-tangy burst in every sip.
Finished with sparkling tonic water and a light layer of ginger foam, this drink feels fresh, playful, and gently warming, perfect for cooling down while still feeling a little special.
- Chocolate Lava Cake
End your meal on a sweet note with the Chocolate Lava Cake, a comforting classic done right. The cake is soft on the outside with warm, melted chocolate flowing from the center, delivering a rich and indulgent bite every time.
Fresh fruit salsa adds a light, sweet-and-tangy contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream keeps everything smooth and balanced. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll be happy to find at a Japanese restaurant in Ubud that knows how to finish a dining experience beautifully.
Pricing and Value
If you’re just ordering one main dish and a drink, expect to spend around IDR 200,000+. But if you’re in the mood to explore the menu, it’s safer to budget around IDR 500,000 per person.
For the best value, go for a light appetizer paired with a main course and a cocktail or mocktail. You’ll still feel full and satisfied without overspending. If you’re watching your budget, it’s best to skip the steak and focus on the authentic Japanese dishes instead, they offer a more memorable, restaurant-style experience for the price.
Service and Speed
The food comes out at a comfortable pace, not rushed, but not leaving you waiting too long either. It gives you enough time to relax and chat with friends, with dishes arriving in the order you place them. Drinks usually come first, and the wait for the first dish is around 10–15 minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant is.
What really stands out is the staff. They’re friendly, attentive, and happy to walk you through the menu if you’re unsure what to choose. They’ll also check for allergies in advance, which makes the whole dining experience feel thoughtful and well taken care of.
Practical Info
Since the resort sits at the end of a small alley, the road leading to it is quite narrow. If two cars meet from opposite directions, you’ll need to slow down and carefully pass each other. Once you reach the end of the lane, the resort opens up nicely.
Parking is available and fits around three cars and several motorbikes, so it’s sufficient without feeling crowded. If you’re traveling solo, getting there by motorcycle is the easiest and most convenient option.
If you’re visiting with a group, it’s best to make a reservation so the team can arrange the most comfortable seating for you. Coming solo or with a partner? Walk-ins are usually fine, though booking ahead is still a good idea if you’re planning a more intimate fine-dining moment.
To enjoy a quieter atmosphere without reservations, try coming between meal times, just before lunch or early evening, when the restaurant is in its calm transition phase.
Final Verdict
Norii is a great pick if you love food that’s hearty, satisfying, and comforting, with a few creative twists along the way. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, between lunch and dinner, when the space feels relaxed, and you can catch soft sunset light streaming through the large windows and open-air setting.
Overall, Norii earns a solid 4.5-star rating. The food scores 4.5 stars, mainly because vegan, vegetarian, and kids’ options are still limited. The atmosphere is a standout with a full 5 stars, warm, cozy, and rich with natural wood details, while value also gets 5 stars, thanks to generous portions at reasonable prices.
FAQs
1. Is it good for working?
It really depends on when you visit. The atmosphere is nice and comfortable, but during busy and peak hours, it can get quite lively, so it’s not the most ideal spot if you’re planning to work or stay focused for long.
2. What is best for lunch?
If you’re stopping by for a satisfying lunch, Norii’s steak, rice dishes, and dry ramen are solid picks that really hit the spot. Their sushi is also worth ordering, especially if you want something lighter but still flavorful.
3. Is it authentic or Japanese-inspired
Yes, the menu is deeply rooted in authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to dry ramen, yakitori, and comforting rice dishes. Everything is given a modern touch, even the steaks, which are seasoned with rich, flavorful yakiniku for a uniquely Japanese-inspired finish.
4. Do they have vegetarian options?
There are vegetarian options available, but most of the Japanese-inspired main courses are still meat-focused. If you’re vegetarian, the good news is that Norii also serves Indian specialties, and those come with a dedicated vegetarian section that offers more variety and satisfying choices.
5. How to order?
Ordering at Norii feels simple and familiar, just like dining at any casual restaurant. You pick a table, browse the menu at your own pace, and once you’re ready, the staff will come over to take your order and confirm everything before sending it to the kitchen.
