The restaurant serves distinctive Japanese and Latin cuisine, provides indoor and outdoor seating in beautiful green surroundings with views of the Ayung River and Strait, and has a relaxed and calm atmosphere ideal for dining with family or friends.
I enjoyed the calm and quietness of this far corner of Ubud. This restaurant is only a few minutes’ drive from the center of Ubud, but it feels like a lifetime away from the bustle and traffic of tourists. The views over the hills at Sayan were spectacular, with a sunset that offered the perfect luxury dining experience. I started with one of the best cocktails I have had in Ubud, a Machu Matilda. I say this was one of the best cocktails n Ubud because it was obviously made with quality liquor, whereas so many cocktails in town just seem to be thrown together with rail liquors. This Sayan House cocktail was easily made with precision, and I think love. Seriously, the description of the Machu Matilda stated it was made with Balinese love, along with basil, tamarillo, lime, vodka, and homemade ginger ale. The menu even set forth what kind of glass each cocktail came in, mine in a long-stemmed martini glass. I wanted to order a dozen more.
The menu at the Sayan House focuses on “wasabi and chili” a reference to their focus on a fusion of Japanese and Latin cuisine. The a la carte menu includes sections dedicated to both sushi and tacos, some of which are a blend of the two cuisines. The menu is all served in an open-air restaurant, with a cozy feeling.
After sipping on my Machu Matilda, I moved on to a king prawn and avocado rolled sushi, which was served so elegantly, that I was almost afraid to eat it. Then, I went bold, and ordered the Australian Wagyu sirloin steak, with freshly ground wasabi, which was grated tableside to my liking. I enjoyed crispy tempura fried vegetables and an aged soy sauce. I completed my meal with Oma’s apple pie with homemade gelato and cinnamon sprinkles.
The staff were also delightful and so well trained, for a moment I thought this was not luxury dining in Bali, but that was in some big city in the US. That was until I heard the chirps of the Balinese geckos and the rustling of the wind in the tall palm trees that surrounded us. It was a perfect evening of fine dining in Ubud, at the Sayan House.
