PUBLISHED December 5th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 04:25 pm
When most people think of visiting Indonesia for a holiday, they usually consider island destinations like Bali and Lombok or cultural hotspots such as Bandung and Yogjakarta. However, from our recent city getaway to Jakarta, we can tell you that Indonesia’s capital is home to an exciting food and beverage scene. Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience or to cafe hop, we’ve got you covered with our best recommendations for restaurants, cafes, and bars to check out in Jakarta!
Restaurants
August
Proudly raising the profile of the Indonesian capital on the global culinary map, August is more than it initially lets on – much like its name suggests. The brainchild of Chef Hans Christian and Budi Cahyadi, a seasoned hotelier and F&B professional, August delivers a first-class dining experience that has earned the admiration of Asia’s restaurant-goers. Two tasting menus are available, the Chef’s Journey 16-course Menu (IDR 1,500,000) and the Tasting 12-course Menu (IDR 1,100,000). Short on time or just want to dip your toes without the multi-course commitment? Their signature like Foie PB&J (IDR 300,000) and the Lamb Lion (IDR 450,000) are also available on the a la carte menu.
August is located at Sequis Tower – Ground Floor #03-02, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.Kav. 71, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190, Indonesia, p.+62 877 3800 0808. Open Tue-Sat 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed on Sun-Mon.
Daun Muda Soulfood
Discover the essence of Indonesian comfort food at Daun Muda Soulfood. Helmed by Chef Andrea Peresthu, the restaurant specialises in crafting elevated Indonesian fusion dishes. With a commitment to infusing fresh spices and authentic recipes, the menu is massive and is best enjoyed in larger groups so you can enjoy more. Every dish we tried was a hit, including the Aneka Kerang Rebus (IDR 150,000), fresh local shellfish steamed and served with a chili dip, the classic oxtail soup Sup Bontot (IDR 199,000), and Nasi Goreng Kambing (IDR 270,000) with tender lamb shank. Each offering is a flavourful journey and bound to ignite a deep affection for Indonesia’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Daun Muda Soulfood is located at 3, Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No.2a, RT.3/RW.2, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160, Indonesia, p.+62 822-9777-7136. Open daily 11am-10pm.
Restoran Beautika
Originally operating as a unique beauty salon concept that served authentic Manado snacks alongside beauty services, Restoran Beautika is now a local favourite for the bold and spicy cuisine of North Sulawesi. Beautika’s expansive menu features a myriad of Manadonese specialties like Ayam Rabe Rica, marinated shredded chicken with spices and citrus and Udang Woku – spicy prawns in an aromatic paste that includes chili, turmeric, ginger, and basil. If you can’t read Bahasa, simply head to the counter to pick your dishes to be enjoyed with white rice. Fair warning: do respect the number of chilis for the spice levels.
Restoran Beautika is located at Jl. Panglima Polim IX No.19A, RT.7/RW.6, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160, Indonesia, p. +62 21 7240845. Open daily 8am-8pm.
Bubur Cap Tiger
Nestled in the streets of Cikajang, Bubur Cap Tiger stands as a hidden gem for the perfect supper spot, captivating crowds through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media buzz. Specialising in Chinese-style porridge, simply select your porridge base – be it Plain (IDR 28,000), Chicken (IDR 45,000), or Fish (IDR 48,000) – and personalise it with classic toppings such as Salted Duck Egg (IDR 12,000), Marinated Tofu (IDR 12,000), or Chicken Intestines (IDR 28,000). Beverage offerings feature the unique Baby Corn Juice (IDR 25,000) or the classic Soy Bean Milk (IDR 25,000).
Bubur Cap Tiger is located at Jl. Cikajang No.34A, RT.6/RW.6, Petogogan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12170, Indonesia, p. +62 21 27083168. Open Tue-Fri 8am-2pm, 5pm-12am, Sat 8am-4am, Sun 8am-12am. Closed on Mon.
Cafes
Pison Coffee Senopati
Pison Coffee is a beacon for those in search of excellent coffee and exquisite food, anchored in a simple yet potent ethos that proudly highlights Indonesia’s abundant resources. From locally sourced coffee beans to the freshest ingredients, their commitment to quality shines through. Unwind in their contemporary and stylish interior, and explore their diverse drinks menu, featuring intriguing options such as the Taro Latte (IDR 38,000)—served hot or iced—and the Espresso Avocado (IDR 60,000). Hungry? Indulge in the flaky Kouign Amann (IDR 45,000) or dig into the Beef Mushroom Rice (IDR 85,000).
Pison Coffee is located at Jl. Kertanegara Jl. Senopati No.70, Rw. Bar., Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160, Indonesia, p.+62 21 27081698. Open daily 8am-10pm.
Gontran Cherrier
Founded by 4th generation baker Gontran Cherrier, this Parisian patisseries has since expanded globally, captivating taste buds with its traditional expertise and unwavering passion for pastries. Enjoy the celebrity baker’s signatures like the Pain au Chocolat, Sesame Honey Croissant, and Kouign Amann with a selection of fresh juices to classic coffees and teas. Or explore their hot food menu featuring both French and Indonesian flavours – think French Onion Soup (IDR 50,000) and Gontran Fried Noodle.
Gontran Cherrier is located at Jl. Ciranjang No.6, RT.9/RW.4, Rw. Bar., Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12180, Indonesia, p. +62 822-7895-5955. Open daily 8am-10pm.
Bars
The Cocktail Club
Bursting onto Jakarta’s vibrant cocktail scene in 2021, The Cocktail Club has consistently garnered praise, solidifying its status as The Best Bar in Indonesia. Located in the lively Senopati neighbourhood, the bar is led by Indonesian bar veteran Kiki Moka and sees a captivating drinks list highlighted by local ingredients and innovative flavour combinations. Delight your tastebuds with creations like the Eh High (IDR 150,000) or the Tomatini (IDR 180,000). For aficionados of timeless concoctions, The Cocktail Club also offers classics such as the Penicillin (IDR 150,000) and Irish Coffee (IDR 150,000).
The Cocktail Club is located at Jl. Senopati No.39, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190, Indonesia, p. +62 813-1888-2068. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-1am. Closed on Sun.
Pantja
Another entry on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, and located two doors down from The Cocktail Club is Pantja. Here, farm-to-table dining is interwoven with cocktails, music, and a lovely interior design. Explore their menu and indulge in selections such as the PFC (IDR 175,000), Pantja’s signature fried chicken, or savour their freshly made pasta. The cocktail menu at Pantja covers modern twists on classics and local ingredients, such as the invigorating Kaffir Lime Gimlet (IDR 140,000). Punch bowls, serving 10 to 12 portions, are also available for communal indulgence.
Pantja is located at Jl. Senopati No.37, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190, Indonesia, p. +62 21 5213010. Open Mon-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-12am.
BEBOP
While the name may conjure images of the Japanese anime series “Cowboy Bebop,” BEBOP transcends the expectations of a themed watering hole. Drawing inspiration from Japanese jazz bars, renowned for intimate spaces where regulars gather for music and cocktails, BEBOP offers more than just a themed experience. Sip on their variety of Japanese-inspired concoctions like the Umeshu Highball (IDR 140,000) or the cognac-based Hakone Sunset (IDR 140,000) with green tea and spiced syrup, as well as a list of shochu-based cocktails. BEBOP has special DJ nights twice a week so expect it to be pumping after dinner time.
BEBOP is located at Jl. Senopati No.61, RT.8/RW.4, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia, p. +62 851-8688-3808. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am.
Top Image: Daun Muda Soulfood