Six feet underground is a term often associated with the last stage of the life cycle, which is typically marked by grief and mourning. However, Chef Ryan Clift and the team at The cave by Chef Ryan Clift at The edge Bali have turned this expression on its head with their innovative and simply spectacular dining experience that’s enjoyed, well, six feet underground (in fact, 20 feet), bringing to life a food concept unlike any other in the popular tourist destination of Indonesia.

In May 2022, Clift opened the doors to The cave by Chef Ryan Clift, his newest culinary foray that fuses great gastronomy to create an awe-inspiring dining experience in one of Indonesia’s treasured caves. Despite only recently welcoming its first diners, The cave by Chef Ryan Clift has taken food lovers in the country by storm and is being met with rave reviews that leave readers ready to pick up the phone and make a reservation at this new joint.

The 22 seater-establishment serves a seven-course menu for both lunch and dinner sittings at defined times. Wine and cocktail pairing options are available. The two menu options (Classic or Vegetarian) are carefully curated by Chef Ryan Clift, who is the Culinary Director of the restaurant, alongside Head Chef Tay Chan Yong, with key ingredients freshly procured from around the world.

To this end, Clift and his trusted team redesign the menu each quarter to ensure guests dine on quality, seasonal ingredients, which adds to the bespoke nature of meals at The cave by Chef Ryan Clift. The first of the seven courses is a four-part snack. Guests can look forward to delicacies such as a savoury doughnut – a lightly fried brioche injected with mushroom puree, topped with a pickled mushroom and a slice of jellied mushroom dusted with white truffle dust, Hokkaido scallop, Tajima wagyu for meat eaters or nori cracker and carrot tartar on the non-meat menu, as well as other unique courses on their menu. All dishes are rich in Umami, low in fat and gluten, and finalized to perfection in the live kitchen in the cave.

Clift, who has over three decades of experience and is highly regarded across Asia and other parts of the world, comments: “On behalf of myself and the whole culinary team, it has been a privilege to work with the management and design teams on this unique dining experience. We are deeply honoured to receive such an award. We look forward to continuously pushing the boundaries of the Cave gastronomy in the months to come in this one-of-a-kind location on the beautiful island of Bali.”

Believed to be over 25,000 years old, the home of The cave by Chef Ryan Clift was discovered over six metres below ground in 2013. It was initially conserved and restricted to the public, but thanks to Clift’s history-making concept, guests are now welcome at the cave restaurant – the first of its kind in Indonesia.

It is a spectacular setting for a meal, with the plenty stalactites making for pleasant dining company. Decorated with a Balinese temple, soft colors, and lighting, the restaurant is lush and welcoming – making it ideal for the immersive experience that awaits guests.

With over 30 decades of experience, Clift has a string of accolades to his name, many of which are in recognition of his boundary-pushing work at Tippling Club, which he opened in Singapore in 2008. Tippling Club is known for its progressive, avant-garde cuisine and equally inventive cocktails, and is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Asia. The popular spot has established Clift as a creative culinary force who holds nothing back – meaning guests at The cave by Chef Ryan Clift will not be left wanting.

Recently, Luxury Lifestyle Awards announced The cave by Chef Ryan Clift as a winner in the category Best Luxury Fine Dining Experience in Indonesia.

“We are delighted and overjoyed for this recognition. The team has put so much love and sweat into getting to this place. The cave will strive to be better and more exciting in the future,” commented Head Chef Tay Chan Yong.

There is little doubt that the restaurant will contribute to Indonesia’s efforts to rebuild its tourism industry post the devasting impact of Covid-19, highlighting the value of the hospitality industry and the restaurant sector to tourist-dependant nations.

For more about The cave by Chef Ryan Clift, visit https://www.thecavebali.com