Banjar means “village” in the Balinese language, and fits what the American pastry chef has tried to create.

Known for his experimental style and artistic presentation, Goldfarb has been a trailblazer in the world of modern pastry, often incorporating local and health-conscious ingredients into his creations.

The experiential village offers much more than just dining: It is a place where people can indulge, unwind and learn. Aside from the legendary Room4Dessert, the village now includes the chic Powder Room for pastries and sweets, the 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 began its journey in New York City in 2005, redefining dessert with a deliciously unexpected and innovative approach.

Now located in Ubud, R4D has been an award-winning culinary destination for the past decade, offering an extraordinary fine dining experience that merges 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, R4D has successfully delivered an ever-developing menu that continues to impress guests.

The 15-course tasting menu offers an extraordinary, immersive dining experience that transports guests on a multisensory culinary voyage mixed with fun and whimsy. Beginning with five exquisite savory snacks at L'hort, the experience leads to five sumptuous desserts in the dining room and concludes with five delicate petit fours on the terrace, ensuring that each course is an unforgettable chapter in a culinary adventure.

The menu can be paired with nonalcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages or natural wines to enhance this unparalleled dining showcase.

Powder Room

This stylish new shop brings the creativity of Room4Dessert 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 a 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 1960s and ‘70s, bringing a dash of vintage sophistication to the heart of Ubud.

Inspired by the iconic Sunset Beach Motel in Shelter Island, a town on New York’s Long Island, the guesthouse is alive with bold colors and adorned with the works of Balinese artists, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere.

Blending nostalgic elegance with contemporary comforts, it is the perfect retreat for those seeking style and relaxation in an unforgettable setting. Shelter Island features 10 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 that offers 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 promising young 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” that is more than just a space but an essential part of the home. It is where organic waste is transformed and nourishing plants are grown to sustain families, enrich ceremonies and nurture the local ecosystem.

At R4D’s Tanah Teba, this tradition is upheld by composting organic waste from its restaurants to fertilize vibrant gardens, home to various herbs and fruit-bearing trees including turmeric, taro, banana, rambutan, papaya and durian.

“Here, every plant and every process reinforce our dedication to a balanced and sustainable environment,” Chef Goldfarb says.

“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,” he emphasizes.

The village embodies Goldfarb’s philosophy of merging creativity, hospitality and education. From Room4Dessert’s innovative dishes to the hands-on experiences at R4D Academy, each element 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; a complete destination for those seeking meaningful interactions with food, art and community.