From dishwashing shifts at a French bakery in Canmore to cooking under Jordan Bailey at Aimsir and joining the French Bocuse d’Or team as commis, Cole Millard’s path has been steady, ambitious, and rooted in curiosity.
A Canadian by birth, Millard moved to Bali in early 2025, joining the kitchen at Locavore in March. Six months on, he’s settled into life in Ubud—splitting his time between the pass at Locavore NXT and exploring Bali’s dining, drinking, and lifestyle scene. Here’s his guide to the best of Ubud.
Let’s start close to home. Where do you go in Ubud for…
Breakfast when you’ve got time to ease into the day?
Rusters in Ubud is my go-to. I really enjoy their coffee program, and the bakery there consistently delivers the European-style quality I fell in love with while living in France.
Coffee—your go-to daily spot?
Suka Espresso is my daily choice. It has a great brunch menu, good coffee, and a central location. I often take visiting friends there as a first stop in Ubud.
A long lunch that always hits the spot?
Ocin Babi Guling dan Samsam, near Locavore NXT, is a favourite. I first went there in 2023 and still go back on weekends for tasty, great-value Indonesian food in a relaxed setting.
A laid-back dinner when you’re not in the mood to cook?
I love Nusantara, one of our sister restaurants, for its authentic approach to Indonesian cuisine. The set menu is ideal for sharing a wide variety of dishes, and Chef Putu does an incredible job showcasing flavours from across the archipelago.
A drink at golden hour?
Ambar at Mandapa is a standout. You’ll usually find Adi Saputra, the head bartender, or his second in command, Abi, behind the bar. They run a fantastic mixology program highlighting Indonesian ingredients. The service is some of the best I’ve experienced, and the open-air seating overlooking the valley makes it a perfect sunset spot.
A night out on the town?
Ubud isn’t much of a party town compared to Canggu or Seminyak. If I really want a late night, I might head down to Klymax Discotheque at Potato Head in Seminyak. That said, I usually prefer live music — Ambar hosts live jazz nightly at 6:30, and I often spend evenings there instead.
When you want to switch off or get inspired…
Where do you go to unwind or reset?
Most mornings, I go to Titi Batu before work. I use the gym, but they also have a pool, sauna, and steam room. It’s the perfect way to reset before heading into the kitchen at Locavore NXT.
What’s your favourite local escape for a day trip or weekend?
Uluwatu is my favourite weekend escape, with its dramatic coastline, beaches, and restaurants. For something closer to Ubud, Keramas is a great option, only 30 minutes away.
If friends are visiting from overseas, where’s the one “wow” spot you always take them?
The sunrise hike up Mt. Batur. When the conditions are clear, the view is unbeatable for such a relatively short hike.
Where do you go when you need a reminder of why you love living here?
Always the ocean. Spending a weekend at a beachfront spot, exploring restaurants, and watching the sunset reminds me why Bali is so special.
If you had 48 hours to spend in Bali, how would you spend it?
There are so many possibilities, and it depends on the priorities of the trip. Personally, I’d spend the first 24 hours in the Seminyak/Canggu area. I’d stay at Potato Head Suites, enjoy the beach club during the day, and watch the sunset. Dinner would be at Sangsaka, where Kieran Morland is cooking fantastic upscale Indonesian food, followed by a nightcap at Segno.
The next morning, I’d head to Barō Bakery for a couple of items and a coffee to take down to Pererenan Beach, just a short walk away. After that, I’d make my way to Ubud for the second half of the trip. At Locavore NXT, we have three cabins called the Wood Rooms, and if I were visiting Ubud, that’s where I’d stay to get the full-circle experience we offer at the restaurant.
From there, I’d check out the Sweet Orange Walk Trail before heading to Ambar for pre-dinner drinks and sunset, followed by dinner back at Locavore NXT. On the final morning, after breakfast at NXT and checking out, I’d head straight to Jimbaran Bay for a last lunch at one of the many beachfront seafood restaurants—or, for something lighter, a coffee at Imadji—before catching my flight.
And let’s finish of with some quickfire questions…
- Best sunset spot? In Ubud: Ambar. For Bali overall: Potato Head or La Brisa.
- Most underrated place to eat? Double Dragon Temple or Waroeng Adji in Ubud.
- Favourite shop or market stall? Kedonganan Fish Market near Jimbaran Bay—it’s a fascinating place for anyone who loves to cook, with an incredible variety of local seafood.
Looking for more Bali recommendations? Head to Bali Stays for our curated guide to the best Bali properties to book before your next trip.