FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
The Future-Focused
Yet Authentic World of
Room 4 Dessert
April 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
Room4Dessert, a culinary gem brought to life by Chef Will Goldfarb and celebrated on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, elevates the ordinary dining experience. Located on the edge of Ubud, it is set within the Miyawaki Forest that was created by Will Goldfarb’s partner–Maria. This unique destination combines a restaurant with a hotel, an academy, and a powder room–a new concept. It will soon be 20 years since Chef Will Goldfarb and his partner embarked on the culinary journey with Nolita, NYC, where he opened a small, 8-foot wide, 75-foot long dessert bar. Today, in true Ubudian fashion, Room4Dessert is seamlessly integrated into the circular natural ecosystem of its surroundings.
R4D has always been more than a restaurant. It has evolved into a small village of its own, yet remains unpretentious at heart. The venue blends contemporary flair with traditional roots, creating a sensory experience that feels like visiting a friend’s home, timelessly elegant. The focus here is sharp–every ingredient, every dish, tells a story. It’s about celebrating what grows on-site, honoring those who bring unique creations to life, and embracing the community that surrounds them.
SIMPLE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
At R4D, the focus is never on corporate ideals, but rather on simple, guiding principles. This became evident during the pandemic when the team faced a choice: give up or cook through the challenges. The answer was clear–they stayed, cooking with heart and forging connections with the community. Each dish is a celebration of Bali’s traditional wisdom, restoring bonds through culinary artistry. Strolling through R4D’s garden speaks volumes about their values–more than words ever could.
ENCHANTING HOMECOMING EXPERIENCE
At R4D, the goal has always been to create an experience that feels both personal and unique. A classic approach, guests start with snacks in the garden, move inside for dinner, and finish with drinks on the terrace, belies the innovative flavors, techniques, and ideas within. What truly sets the experience apart is the team, many of whom have been there since the beginning. For them, R4D is more than just a restaurant–it is home. Their warmth and dedication to each guest create an atmosphere that feels welcoming and genuine, making the journey special beyond the food.
The food itself is ingredient-driven, focused on simplicity and using every last fiber of what is grown in their garden. Known as botanical modernism, the approach celebrates plants and incorporates ancient methods and teachings from Bali and beyond. From using medicinal plants to telling the stories of the ingredients and the people who produce them, every plate reflects a unique philosophy, connecting guests to the community, the land, and the stories behind each dish.
ANCIENT WISDOM: THE TRUE PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Truth is, the Balinese already embraced sustainable practices long before outsiders arrived. Chef Will recognizes, celebrates, and uses this as a guide to minimizing impact–especially observing the local women and men whose voices are central to envisioning a regenerative future. Their old-school, low-tech methods, relying on local materials and minimal investment, are the true sustainable solutions.
At R4D, the goal is to tread lightly–to blend into the natural landscape. The team focuses on planting over the building, prioritizing greenery over concrete, and drawing inspiration from Balinese culture. Their mission is to discover analog solutions in a digital world, remaining committed to engaging with nature responsibly behind every dish. This philosophy drives their daily work, encouraging respect for the community around them while inspiring others to do the same.
A TASTE OF TRADITION: HONORING LOCAL CULTURE
At R4D, instead of positioning themselves as gatekeepers, the team encourages guests to explore Bali’s rich traditions on their own. While the food is not Balinese, the team highlights the local community and ingredients, incorporating the spirit of Ngayah–working in harmony with the land and people–into everything they do.
This approach centers on healing through food, drawing on medicinal plant knowledge passed down through generations. It celebrates the culture through ingredients, meals, and the contributions of the strong Balinese and Indonesian women and men who run it. By supporting local, female-led businesses and embracing handcrafting traditions, R4D reflects a philosophy of letting go and working with nature, as seen in every dish they serve.
RESTORING THE LAND TO ITS NATURAL STATE
The Miyawaki Forest, which now blossoms where the north garden once stood, is emblematic of R4D’s journey in regenerative practices. Having started with a little patch of herbs in the backyard, the garden has grown to over 4,000 square meters in the last ten years. Just last year, they planted 320 native trees in a mere 80 square meters, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that aims to restore the land to its natural state. Alongside this, the Tanah Teba food forest grows aromatic plants for the restaurant using sustainable, traditional Balinese methods, focusing on environmental preservation.
R4D integrates responsibility into every facet from zero-waste cooking to upcycling buildings like Shelter Island and the Powder Room. Their approach maximizes resources and blends sustainable practices into daily operations–whether through making their paper or cutting glass bottles. Every experience, from a meal to a stay, offers a subtle yet magical immersion in their commitment to living within nature’s means.
A NEIGHBORHOOD CANDY STORE
A year or two ago, R4D introduced the Powder Room–a candy shop of sorts offering a taste of their creations in an accessible, affordable way. Every treat is made using natural ingredients, with no white sugar or chemicals, and follows R4D’s botanical modernist philosophy. From jamu-flavored sweets to natural wines, the Powder Room reflects traditional wisdom in each bite. Collaborating with local artisans like Arta Derau Ceramics and Ketut Kaping, and proudly led by women such as the whole of R4D–many of whom have been with the company since its inception–the venue transforms simple treats into extraordinary experiences.
OVERNIGHT MAGIC IN SHELTER ISLAND
Shelter Island is a homestay that Will and Maria lovingly restored after a nine-year wait. Designed as an extension of the R4D Universe, it offers guests a fully immersive experience–from dining at the restaurant and exploring the garden to enjoying an overnight stay in beautiful Ubud. It’s a space where visitors can relax, enjoy nature, and unwind in a tranquil Balinese village. Inspired by Will and his partner’s honeymoon on an island of the same name, Shelter Island blends the charm of Ubud with a touch of the French Riviera. With sustainable water solutions, natural fabrics, and local artwork, it’s a romantic retreat, offering a slow, conscious experience in a traditional setting.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AT THE R4D ACADEMY
As part of their commitment to the community, R4D believes in sharing knowledge through classes. Originally an extension of staff training, the academy was created to connect with the Bali community and beyond. Launched five years ago, the R4D Academy has since grown, offering courses on topics ranging from forest making and ethical foraging to traditional cultures and sustainable practices. The simple inspiration behind the academy remains–sharing knowledge and giving others access to what they’ve learned.
At R4D Academy, guests can expect an immersive, hands-on experience in a beautiful, joyful setting, starting with a stay at Shelter Island and a fresh breakfast at the Powder Room. Over the past decade, the academy has grown to offer in-depth learning on topics like pastry, the environment, and natural solutions, with a focus on making knowledge accessible. Scholarships are offered to the local community, bridging the access gap and providing opportunities for people from Bali and Indonesia to work with top chefs and explore sustainable practices.
AN ANALOGUE HEART FOR THE FUTURE
The journey of R4D has been remarkable–10 years in Ubud and nearly 20 since New York. The team remains focused on inspiring positive change and being role models within the community by doing what they love in an authentic, welcoming way. They aim to make people feel uplifted and comfortable, all without preaching. Will’s vision is to have R4D fully immersed in its environment, with tall trees growing (and outgrowing the venue), and to continue to celebrate the power of nature.
The passion at R4D remains in preserving and uplifting the community, making sure everyone who interacts with them–whether working, dining, or living nearby–feels valued. It’s the passion and love they bring every day that truly makes a difference. As R4D continues cooking, delighting guests, and creating magical moments, they remain committed to their analog approach amidst a digital world, hoping the restaurant’s spirit endures for decades to come.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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