Skip to main content

Chef Will Goldfarb Blends Food, Hospitality and Learning at his Experiential Banjar in Ubud

Globally renowned chef Will Goldfarb has taken the next bold step in reimagining culinary hospitality. What started as Room4Dessert, a restaurant serving avant-garde and innovative desserts in the vibrant strip of Ubud, Bali, has now transformed into an immersive sensory banjar.

The word banjar is village in the local Balinese dialect, and aptly fits what Goldfarb has tried to create. What used to just be the renowned Room4Dessert, Goldfarb’s fine dining temple of dessert, the banjar is now a home to a sweet shop, boutique lodging, and a culinary academy. The experiential village offers much more than just dining, where people can indulge, unwind, and learn. Aside from the legendary Room4Dessert, the village now includes the chic Powder Room for pastries and sweets, Shelter Island guesthouse inspired by the glitz of the Riviera, and the R4D Academy, a unique culinary school with a mission to restore community through food.

Room4Dessert

 

 

Room4Dessert, affectionately known as R4D, began its journey in New York City in 2005, redefining dessert with a  deliciously unexpected and innovative approach. Now located in Ubud, Bali, R4D has become an award-winning culinary destination for the past decade, offering an extraordinary finer dining experience that merges Indonesian local ingredients with bold, medicinal herbs and minimal refined sugar and salt, while maintaining circular self-sufficiency. Each dish embodies a creative alchemy, blending indulgence with creativity. Over the years, Room4Dessert has successfully provided an ever-developing, impressive menu that continues to impress guests. The 15-course tasting menu offers an extraordinary, immersive dining experience that transports guests on a multi-sensory culinary voyage mixed with a bit of fun and whimsy. Beginning with five exquisite savory snacks at L'hort, the experience unfolds with five sumptuous desserts in the dining room. It concludes with five delicate petit fours enjoyed on the terrace, ensuring each course is an unforgettable chapter in a culinary adventure. Impressively, the menu can be paired with non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, or natural wines to enhance this unparalleled dining showcase.

Powder Room

 

 

This stylish new shop brings Room4Dessert creativity to a quick and delicious concept, offering handcrafted sweet and savory treats inspired by the most-loved flavors. Each artisanal creation is made with local ingredients, vibrant natural colors, and alternative, health-conscious sweeteners without added preservatives. Guests are invited to savor these treats in the comfort of the casual seating area, paired with local blends of artisanal coffee or a refreshing glass of natural wine for a memorable, anytime indulgence.

Shelter Island

This boutique guesthouse captures the allure of the French Riviera during the glamorous 60s and 70s, bringing a dash of vintage sophistication to the heart of Ubud. Inspired by the iconic Sunset Beach Motel on Shelter Island, New York, the hotel is alive with bold colors and adorned with works by local artists, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Blending nostalgic elegance with contemporary comforts, it’s the perfect retreat for those seeking style and relaxation in an unforgettable setting. Shelter Island features ten uniquely styled rooms across seven distinct categories—Suite, Gallery, Twin, Family, Hudson, Pool, and Boutique—each offering a tailored experience designed for comfort and style.

R4D Academy

 

 

Founded in 2020 with a vision to rebuild the community through food, R4D Academy has expanded from a pastry-focused program to a diverse curriculum, offering everything from Zero Waste Cooking and Miyawaki Forest Design to Rustic Urban Thai cuisine. Featuring renowned friends and experts from around the world, the Academy brings new perspectives to culinary arts without losing sight of what Room4Dessert does best: creating extraordinary desserts and sharing expertise globally. With a focus on sparking innovation and fostering talent, R4D Academy also awards full scholarships to young, promising students from across the Indonesian archipelago, deepening its commitment to give back and inspire the next generation of culinary trailblazers.

Food Forest

Tanah Teba, the compound’s Food Forest, was created as a commitment to sustainability and a tribute to Balinese tradition. In Balinese culture, Tanah Teba, refers to “the empty field behind the house,” it is more than just a space; it’s an essential part of the home. It’s where organic waste is transformed, nourishing plants are grown to sustain families, enrich ceremonies and nurture the local ecosystem. At the Food Forest, this legacy is carried out by composting organic waste from the restaurants to fertilize the vibrant gardens that house various herbs and fruit bearing trees, including turmeric, taro, banana, rambutan, papaya, and durian. Here, every plant and every process reinforces our dedication to a balanced and sustainable environment.

 

 

“This banjar isn’t just about food—it’s about creating experiences that connect people and foster community. Whether through a beautifully plated dessert, an insightful workshop, or a relaxing stay at Shelter Island, everything here is designed to spark connection and inspiration,” said Chef Will Goldfarb.

The village embodies Goldfarb’s philosophy of merging creativity, hospitality, and education. Each element, from Room4Dessert’s innovative dishes to the hands-on experiences at R4D Academy, is designed to create a space where people feel connected, enriched, and inspired.With the R4D Banjar, Goldfarb offers a culinary experience that goes beyond dining. It is a place to immerse, connect, and learn. It is a complete destination for those seeking meaningful interactions with food, art, and community.

Capture your experience and share it with us on social media! Be sure to tag and follow us on Instagram @r4d_room4dessert @powderroom_r4d @shelterisland_ubud @room4academy_r4d or visit our website at https://www.room4dessert.com for more details or to make a reservation online.

Room4Dessert
Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
WhatsApp : +62 813 3705 0539
Website
Instagram