One of Bali's premier restaurants since its 2001 opening, Mozaic holds almost iconic status in Ubud. Its chef-owner Chris Salans and the restaurant's cutting-edge cuisine have earned a slew of mighty impressive awards: This is the only Southeast Asian restaurant incorporated into the prestigious Les Grandes Tables du Monde compilation, and Mozaic was named Indonesia's best restaurant by San Pellegrino in 2013. This fine-dining establishment (reservations are required) keeps it simple; it's dinner only, with just a choice of four six-course tasting or degustation menus. The cuisine is essentially modern French and global cuisine, using progressive techniques that incorporate Balinese and Indonesian ingredients. The results are a sensational East-meets-West fusion. Creations change regularly with the chef's whims and the seasonal availability of market-fresh produce (the ingredients here are the stars). At extra cost, each dish comes accompanied with meticulously selected wine pairings, from a wine list much-lauded by "Wine Spectator" magazine. I recommend the Discovery Menu for a more adventurous "local experience": Balinese core ingredients such as ginger flower, kaffir lime, and jackfruit prepared with Western techniques and refined presentation on a tray to see, touch, and smell.

Allow time for pre-dinner signature cocktails and outside-the-box tapas in the effortlessly chic Mozaic Lounge, with its crystal chandeliers and plush cream sofas. The main dining area, a totally open garden courtyard under the stars edged by palm and coconut trees, is impossibly romantic and totally dominated by couples (no children 12 or under are allowed). If it rains—which it often does in Ubud—diners head for the less exciting open-sided pavilion, adorned with abstract artworks.