The Best Restaurants in Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta’s cuisine reflects, if not magnifies, its role as the melting pot of Indonesia’s many cultures. Geared towards the city’s energetic urban souls, the best restaurants have a unique take on eating as an experience and know how to satisfy not only the tastebuds but also the desire for exciting new perspectives and adventures. Whether you want to sample different dishes from the nation’s diverse ethnicities or feast on familiar international food, here are the best restaurants in Jakarta.

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Embracing Jakarta’s coastal geography at its best, this seafood restaurant serves the freshest of crabs, lobsters, and various fish. Location-wise, diners will be fêted on a stylish deck looking out to the ocean, brushed by the sea breeze and greeted by the glorious view. With the fish market concept, diners can choose their seafood straight from the aquarium, and talk to the chefs on how they would like to enjoy the meal. Due to the restaurant’s popularity, branches are opening up across Jakarta, but the seaside Bandar Djakarta in Ancol arguably packs the most charm thanks to the beautiful setting.

If dressing up all fancy for a glass (or two) of flamboyant cocktail sounds like your thing, then you’re going to love OKU, a deluxe Japanese bar and lounge in Hotel Indonesia Kempinski. In addition to its lavish quality and setting, OKU reverberates with a relaxing laid-back atmosphere, inspired by the Japanese Zen principles. And speaking of best of both worlds, the place also includes a fine dining restaurant serving premium Japanese cuisine that will be excellent with, pre, or post-dinner drinks.

Brainchild of renowned restaurateur Chris Janssens, this restaurant carries both the authenticity and novelty his establishments are loved for. From the sweet spot between casual and fine dining, Le Quartier serves non-pretentious French fare with premium quality and presentation. Speaking of best of both worlds, the ambiance is whatever you want it to be: sit by the elegance of delicate chandeliers or settle for the more casual, whimsical side of the room according to your occasion and preference.

Managed by the reputable Plataran brand, this restaurant carries its signature luxury and elegance throughout. Housed by a charming traditional Javanese joglo house, with lavish contemporary interior design blending seamlessly with the setting, it creates a sweet mixture of culture and grandeur. Think delicate wood carvings, batik tiles, shiny chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling glass that looks out to the ardent garden outside. Food-wise, refined Indonesian meals from traditional dishes to desserts are on the menu along with invigorating cocktails.

Inspired by the ancient folklore princess of the same name, Lara Djonggrang builds a mystical, ethnic, and romantic atmosphere that goes with the imperial traditional meals. Many of the interior pieces are authentic too, from ancient artifacts, materials from old temples, grand statues, and more. If that doesn’t make you feel like a Javanese royal already, wait until they serve you the regal feast from centuries-old recipes with theatrical presentation and authentic, luscious taste.

As Indonesia’s first molecular gastronomy restaurant, Namaaz Dining fascinates (and confuses) a lot of culinary enthusiasts. The menu changes every few months, but each season brings forth various Indonesian foods mindblowingly reconstructed as something else entirely. We’re talking rawon beef soup in the form of donut and tea, or traditional soto guised as a pencil and piece of paper. This truly unique experience is enjoyed in a lavish, intimate setting as the restaurant entertains only very limited guests daily.

The restaurant’s grand and elegant colonial building would be the first pleasant treat in your dining experience. The second would be the lovely interior, with sweet adornments in every corner that bring together a homey rustic feel and sumptuous ambiance in one place. Expats and locals alike love this restaurant for serving dignified versions of traditional meals from across the archipelago. Other than the elaborate and delicious full courses, Bunga Rampai is also a popular spot for high tea and soirée.

First thing’s first; the second you arrive at Plaza’s glorious 46th floor, you’ll be stunned by the vista. From the classy and glamorous interior, the view extends to 360-degree views of Jakarta. A gorgeous daylight skyline or romantic city lights are just a matter of timing, and there’s really no bad time to be in this high-end place. From scrumptious steak for lunch to the splendid wine list to accompany dinner, you’ll never run out of excuses to pop by the Altitude every once in a while.

Housed by one of Jakarta’s charming colonial buildings, dining at this lavish restaurant will not be a mere culinary treat; it’s also a fascinating cultural experience. The mix between European baroque style, earthy Javanese furniture, and even oriental adornments, neatly represents the heart and soul of the city, a melting pot of different cultures that have left their marks at certain periods of its rich history. The captivating diversity is also captured in its menu, that includes heritage recipes of traditional meal influenced by Dutch, Asian, and Indonesian cuisine.

Brainchild of renowned restaurateur Chris Janssens, this restaurant carries both the authenticity and novelty his establishments are loved for. From the sweet spot between casual and fine dining, Le Quartier serves non-pretentious French fare with premium quality and presentation. Speaking of best of both worlds, the ambiance is whatever you want it to be: sit by the elegance of delicate chandeliers or settle for the more casual, whimsical side of the room according to your occasion and preference.

GIA Restaurant & Bar is a slice of Italy in the middle of Jakarta, for when you crave a traditional Italian meal with a setting as authentic as the food. From the elegant Italian marble, European-style outdoor bar, to the delectable pasta specialities on the table and selection of wine, this restaurant oozes ‘Italian’ at its best. Strategically located at the heart of Jakarta’s business district, the place is excellent for business lunch and romantic dinner alike.