Bringing Bali’s rich heritage to life in a truly remarkable natural setting. Api Jiwa is a small-seating restaurant in this picturesque setting that provides discerning patrons with a lively and engaging farm to table experience in a natural jungle setting. Located at Capella Ubud, named “Best Hotel in the World” in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020.
Inspired by the Sanskrit word meaning ‘fire to the soul,’ the chefs at Api Jiwa offer bold flavors of refined Asian grill. Chefs will chargrill bite-sized portions on the charcoal grill right in front of diners — each morsel showcasing high-quality hand-harvested vegetables, spices, herbs & poultry from our neighboring farms, and the freshest seafood available from our regional waters.
At the helm is Executive Chef Nicola Russo, a seasoned culinary talent with a series of five-star brands and Michelin stars under his belt. Applaud the Asian omakase style; expect no elaborate menus at Api Jiwa. Instead, chefs tailor the culinary experience to the guest’s preference and explain all dishes personally to each diner, with items changing depending on availability, seasonality, and guest preference. Wow-factor desserts, plated with flair, will complete each culinary journey, that range between ten to twelve courses.
For the month of April, Chef Nicola Russo will feature signature Chawanmushi egg, charcoal smoke tenderloin with kimchi, and oysters sourced from Lombok, to name a few. Italian-inspired cocktails such as One Day in Pisa with Aperol, gin, lime, and orzata syrup, Buona Sera Signorina with vodka, italicus, and orange juice, and the classic Negroni Eleven are paired with the culinary offerings.
The interior of Api Jiwa is an art space filled with Dutch and Balinese antiques that transport guests back in time, modeled after an old-fashioned laundry and mudroom from the 1800s, with an open grill kitchen as the focal point and a dining counter that seats ten people, as well as a few private dining tables for two or four, making it the perfect destination for private group dining with friends, colleagues, or family in Ubud, where children above 12 years old are welcome to dine.
Originally from Pisa, Italy, Nicola Russo’s culinary career is inspired by his love and respect for the art of cooking, fresh ingredients, and nature. After graduating from the culinary institute Ipscat G. Matteotti, Nicola sought further opportunities to develop his creativity. He worked for several Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels during his apprenticeship. At the age of 33, he moved to Hong Kong for his first Chef de Cuisine role in the fine dining restaurant Tosca and received a One Michelin Star Rating in 2018 and 2019.
Now at Api Jiwa, guests have the chance to witness the culinary magic happening around the chef’s counter as Nicola Russo crafts a course-by-course journey through unexpected bites and exciting flavors, highlighting the best local produce from Bali.
Api Jiwa at Capella Ubud
Banjar Triwangsa, Jl. RY Dalem, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
