Chef Maurizio Bombini's Puglia Legacy Takes Root in Bali's Fine Dining Scene

Since opening MAURI Restaurant in 2018, Puglia-born chef Maurizio Bombini has established himself as a defining figure in Bali's culinary landscape, bringing the soul of Southern Italy to the island's increasingly sophisticated dining culture. What began as a personal vision has evolved into a multi-venue restaurant group that celebrates Italian cuisine in all its authentic expressions.

From the Adriatic to Southeast Asia: A Chef's Journey

Bombini's path to Bali was forged across continents. His formative years unfolded along Italy's Adriatic coast in Apulia (Puglia), where he learned the fundamentals in his family's restaurant kitchen. His career subsequently carried him through prestigious European establishments before pivoting to Asia, where he held executive positions at The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Le Méridien Beach Plaza, and multiple Ritz-Carlton properties in Bali, including Il Ristorante at Bulgari Resort and Mandapa.

Each position refined his technical expertise, but Bali ultimately offered something unique: the freedom to establish his own culinary identity rather than execute another's vision.

MAURI: Where Transparency Meets Tradition

MAURI Restaurant, named after Bombini's childhood nickname, embodies his philosophy of authenticity married with modern technique. The restaurant's defining feature—an open, glass-encased kitchen—physically manifests this commitment to transparency. The menu bridges heritage and innovation, utilizing seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients while maintaining the integrity of Southern Italian cooking traditions.

The open kitchen reflects a transparent philosophy, while the menu communicates heritage and innovation

The restaurant has garnered consistent recognition from Wine Spectator annually since 2021, and holds the distinction of being Indonesia's first member of the Dom Pérignon Society—a status that underscores Bali's emergence as a destination for serious fine dining. This membership provides access to rare vintages and curated cuvées that significantly elevate the overall gastronomic experience.

Expanding the Italian Table in Bali

Rather than remaining singular in his vision, Bombini has established the La Famiglia Restaurant Group, which presents Italian cuisine through multiple lenses:

• BONITO Restaurant (opened 2022) offers a neighbourhood-focused approach centered on fresh seafood and communal dining principles
• ZIA TINA draws inspiration from the masseria—traditional Puglian farmhouse estates—presenting Southern Italian home cooking in an intimate, family-style format

This diversified approach allows Bombini to express different aspects of his culinary identity while serving various dining occasions and demographics within Bali's restaurant market.

International Ambassador for Italian Excellence

Beyond his restaurants, Bombini serves as an official ambassador for Illy, San Pellegrino, and Acqua Panna in Indonesia—roles that reflect his status within the country's hospitality establishment and his commitment to representing premium Italian brands.

As Bali's dining scene continues to mature and attract both international visitors and expatriate communities seeking authentic cuisine, Bombini's multi-venue approach and unwavering focus on quality have positioned him as a cornerstone figure in the island's fine dining evolution.

Originally published by NOW! Bali. MAURI Restaurant is located at Jalan Petitenget No. 100, Seminyak, and is a member of the Bali Restaurant & Café Association (BRCA).