Uma Cucina Brings Back The Pasta Heist for Its 13th Anniversary

For 13 years, Uma Cucina at COMO Uma Ubud has brought the convivial spirit of Italian dining to the heart of Ubud. This September, the restaurant marks the milestone by bringing back a collaboration that proved a natural fit the first time around: The Pasta Heist, with Chef Diego Martinelli returning to the kitchen for a second edition from 21 to 23 September 2026.

Following the warm reception of the inaugural Pasta Heist in 2025, the three-evening collaboration reunites Chef Diego, founder of CIBO! Bali, with the Uma Cucina team. The result is a new menu that draws on the familiarity and generosity of Italian cooking, while introducing considered contemporary touches to classic dishes.

A meeting of two Italian kitchens

Born in Bologna, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Chef Diego Martinelli brings more than 25 years of culinary experience spanning Europe, the Middle East and Asia. His career includes time in the kitchens of Four Seasons Hotels, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts and Ferrari’s renowned Il Cavallino restaurant, before eventually bringing his expertise to Bali. Through CIBO! Bali, he continues to celebrate the food of his homeland, with handmade pasta, quality ingredients and the simplicity and generosity that define Italian cooking at its core.

For The Pasta Heist 2.0, that philosophy meets Uma Cucina’s own approach to relaxed, shared-table dining. Among the highlights is Tortellini al Ragù, where handmade tortellini is paired with traditional beef Bolognese ragù and nutmeg-scented béchamel, bringing a taste of Bologna to Bali. Seafood Linguine takes a different direction, combining artisanal pasta with seafood bisque, live tiger prawns, garlic and a touch of chilli.

The menu extends beyond pasta, with dishes that showcase the breadth of Italian comfort cooking. Vitello Tonnato pairs thinly sliced veal tenderloin with a velvety tuna sauce and crispy capers, while Tuna Crudo combines smoked eggplant, stracciatella and pistachio crumbs. The Bucatini Cacio e Pepe receives its own contemporary treatment with Pecorino Romano, pickled grapes, roasted almonds and fresh black pepper.

For those looking beyond the pasta, Braised Pork Belly arrives with pumpkin purée, red onion jam, seared broccolini and thyme jus, while Seared Barramundi is served with roasted asparagus, basil-whipped potatoes and caper and lemon butter. Desserts return to familiar territory with Tiramisu and a Hot Chocolate Lava Cake made with single-origin cocoa, salted caramel and fior di latte gelato.

A celebration around the table

More than simply an anniversary menu, The Pasta Heist 2.0 reflects what has shaped Uma Cucina over its 13 years: food designed to be shared, uncomplicated hospitality and the pleasure of gathering around a table. The return of Chef Diego adds another chapter to the restaurant’s story while celebrating the friendships and creative relationships that have grown alongside it.

The Pasta Heist 2.0 will take place from 21 to 23 September 2026, from 6pm to 11pm, at Uma Cucina, COMO Uma Ubud. The special menu will be available throughout all three evenings.

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For reservations, email dining.uma.ubud@comohotels.com or WhatsApp at +62 82147324042.