I ate the best T-bone steak of my life in Ubud, surprisingly not in Europe?
qponx
2026-02-01
Discover CHORA, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant in Ubud serving up a dining experience that rivals Europe's best. This spot is perfect for a special occasion, boasting a stunningly romantic courtyard and live jazz music at night. While it's a splurge, the authentic Greek flavors shine in its signature tender grilled octopus and a T-bone steak so juicy and flavorful it’s hailed as a must-try. It’s an unforgettable choice for a truly memorable meal in Bali.
Honestly, spending European prices on food in Bali was something I initially resisted. But this CHORA was really hyped up by my friends, with over 3800 reviews on Google and still getting a 4.9 rating, so I had to see what all the fuss was about.
The moment I stepped into that courtyard, I understood. The ambiance was absolutely perfect! The design is a very high-end modern Mediterranean style, chic and relaxing. The best part is, they actually have live jazz/soul music at night[1], with the lights dimmed and the music playing, I was already a third tipsy before even starting to eat, it's so perfect for a date... simply romance itself.
The dishes were even more of a showstopper. As soon as the signature grilled octopus[2] arrived, I knew this trip was worth it, the texture was so tender it was almost illegal, completely unlike the rubbery ones I've had elsewhere. What shocked me the most was the T-bone steak[3] my friend ordered; he exaggeratedly claimed it was"the best he'd ever eaten since birth", and I tried a bite of the well-done edge, and it was actually so tender and juicy it brought tears to my eyes! Anjay! I heard the owner is Greek[4], no wonder the flavors are so authentic, even better than some places I've eaten at in Europe, truly Mantap[5]!
Of course, my loyal followers know I don't just blindly praise things. To be fair, the prices are indeed not cheap; for two people, just ordering a couple of main courses and a glass of wine can easily hit 1 million IDR[6], your wallet will feel it. As for portion sizes, some people find them okay, but my friends with bigger appetites felt that for this price, they could give a bit more[7]. Oh, and a small heads-up: the Gnocchi was just mediocre, you can save your budget for the steak and seafood instead[8].
As usual, here are some practical tips for you 📝
In short, if you're looking for a place in Ubud to have a proper good meal and create a romantic atmosphere, this is absolutely a foolproof choice. Quickly @ that person who owes you a big meal!
- Book! Book! This place is super popular, you absolutely must book in advance via WhatsApp[9], they reply super fast, otherwise, during peak season, you'll literally wait forever.
- A must for anniversaries! If it's a birthday or honeymoon, be sure to mention it when booking! The staff are great at making things special, they'll likely send out a surprise dessert[10], ritualistic feeling achieved!
- Traffic reminder: Ubud town center traffic... you know how it is. During peak hours, taxis might get stuck halfway, so it's recommended to leave early, or just have the driver drop you off at an intersection and walk a short distance[11].
- Attention non-smoking friends! The covered terrace area is a smoking section[12], so if you mind the smell of smoke, remember to request a non-smoking seat when booking.
- Live jazz/soul [1] at night. Atmosphere makes you three parts tipsy pre-meal – romantic date perfection!
- Friend raved: T-bone steak[2] "best ever." Even a well-done edge was tender and juicy to tears!
- Greek owner [3] means authentic taste, even more Mantap[4] than Europe. Redefines Bali food expectations!
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