Lemuria – The Lost City is one of Ubud’s more unusual dining concepts, part restaurant, part theatre, set in a jungle ravine above the river. This Lemuria restaurant offers a genuine dinner adventure unlike anything else in Bali. If you’re looking for something different from a standard dinner out, this is a strong contender.
Guests descend into what resembles an abandoned ancient city in the middle of the jungle, the concept of a lost Lemuria city brought vividly to life. At the bottom, you’re shown to your table: small wooden tables spread across a riverside field. The atmosphere is theatrical and well put together. Near the entrance there’s also a spot where you can have your hands painted, which fits nicely with the overall concept.
Once seated, a staff member explains the concept for the evening. You receive a welcome snack while the show is introduced. You’re then asked to pick a side, which determines where you’ll be seated for the main performance. You also receive a playing card and a QR code that lets you interact with and influence the show from your phone. A separate card determines your spice for the dinner.
The story at the heart of the evening revolves around a conflict between two groups: one rooted in spirituality and ancient tradition, the other drawn to technology and the modern world. It sounds abstract, but in practice it translates into an entertaining and well-staged performance. The side you chose at the start puts you right in the middle of it, and the QR code lets you actively influence how things unfold.
The show is highly interactive. Performers regularly pull guests into scenes, which keeps the energy up and makes the whole thing feel more like a shared experience than a standard dinner performance. It works particularly well for groups and families with children, who tend to enjoy being part of the action.
After the show, guests move to the food area. It’s a buffet-style setup with a wide selection of dishes, plus a live grill station where food is prepared fresh to order. The food is good and the choice is generous, with enough variety to keep everyone happy. The jungle setting and lantern light make the whole dining experience feel that bit more special.
After dinner there’s a second performance: a night show. It’s a nice addition and rounds off the evening well. Not something you’d necessarily expect, which makes it a pleasant surprise.
The staff are friendly and professional. They all speak good English and take the time to explain the concept clearly before things get started. The evening runs smoothly and feels well-organised throughout.
Lemuria – The Lost City is a solid choice if you want something beyond a standard dinner. The concept concept delivers a true dinner adventure with live entertainment, an unusual setting, and good food that together make for a memorable evening. Good for couples, families, and groups.
By Axel de Groot
