Jakarta is Indonesia's sprawling capital megacity, a fast-moving mix of Dutch colonial Kota Tua, national monuments, glass towers, huge malls, street-food alleys and a thriving nightlife and arts scene. It is the main gateway to Java and the launch point for the Thousand Islands and day trips to Bogor, Bandung and the Puncak highlands.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Nusa Indonesian Gastronomy
Nusa serves a multi-course Indonesian tasting menu built on ingredients from geographical-indication-certified regions, plated with modern technique. It is one of Jakarta's best-known fine-dining rooms and suits a special-occasion dinner.
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 81, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta 12730
Lara Djonggrang
Lara Djonggrang occupies a heritage-style villa decorated with Indonesian art and antiques. The menu covers Javanese, Sumatran and Balinese classics; the oxtail soup and house gado-gado are the usual orders.
Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 4, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10350
Cafe Batavia
Cafe Batavia sits in a colonial-era building on the north side of Fatahillah Square. The dark-wood dining room, jazz evenings and upstairs bar make it the standard place to sit down after walking the Old Town.
Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 14, Taman Fatahillah, Kota Tua, West Jakarta 11110
Kopi Tiam Oey
Kopi Tiam Oey is a nostalgic Chinese-Indonesian coffee house serving kopi tubruk, kaya toast and Peranakan rice plates in a colonial-style setting. It is a relaxed breakfast or light-lunch stop in Menteng.
Jl. Gereja Theresia No. 41, Menteng, Central Jakarta 10350
Sate Khas Senayan
Sate Khas Senayan is a well-known Indonesian mid-range chain built around grilled skewers, peanut sauce and regional side dishes. It is a reliable, air-conditioned introduction to sate ayam, sate kambing and Betawi dishes.
Plaza Senayan area, Jl. Asia Afrika, Gelora, Central Jakarta; branches citywide
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Gado-Gado Bonbin is a long-running, no-frills warung near Taman Ismail Marzuki. It serves gado-gado with a thick peanut sauce, lontong and crackers in a simple open dining room.
Jl. Cikini IV No. 11, Cikini, Menteng, Central Jakarta
Ragusa Es Italia
Ragusa has served gelato-style ice cream since the 1930s and keeps its old-school parlour look. Spaghetti ice cream and tutti frutti are the classic orders; the menu also has simple Indonesian and European dishes.
Jl. Veteran I No. 10, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta 10710
Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang (Zainal Fanani)
Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang is a long-standing Betawi warung serving coconut-milk rice with fried chicken, tempeh, egg and sambal. It is a classic cheap Jakarta breakfast or late meal.
Jl. Kebon Kacang Raya, Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Betawi Street Snack
Kerak Telor Stalls, Fatahillah Square
Vendors around Fatahillah Square cook kerak telor, the Betawi omelette of sticky rice, egg and toasted coconut, over charcoal. It is the signature Jakarta street snack and is easiest to find on weekends.
Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square), Kota Tua, West Jakarta
Chinese
Bakmi GM
Bakmi GM is a long-established Jakarta noodle chain serving chicken and mushroom egg noodles with pangsit dumplings. Outlets in most malls make it an easy comfort meal.
Branches in Jakarta malls (e.g. Grand Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Central Jakarta)
Coffee And Indonesian Snacks
Toko Kopi Tuku
Toko Kopi Tuku popularised es kopi susu tetangga, the palm-sugar iced milk coffee. The small Cipete shop is a local landmark and a cheap coffee stop.
Jl. Cipete Raya, Cipete Selatan, South Jakarta
Goat Fried Rice
Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih
The Kebon Sirih goat fried rice stalls are a Jakarta late-night institution. Spiced fried rice with tender goat meat is cooked to order on open woks along the street after dark.
Jl. Kebon Sirih, Menteng, Central Jakarta (evening stalls)
Indonesian Dessert And Casual Food
Es Teler 77
Es Teler 77 is a national chain famous for its avocado, coconut and jackfruit shaved-ice dessert. Branches also serve mie ayam, soto and nasi goreng, which makes it a cheap, cool break between sights.
Plaza Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Central Jakarta; branches citywide
Padang
Rumah Makan Sederhana (Padang)
Sederhana is a widely found Padang restaurant chain where a spread of rendang, gulai and vegetable dishes is set on the table and the diner pays for what is eaten. Padang food is a Jakarta staple.
Multiple branches across Jakarta (e.g. Jl. Sabang, Central Jakarta)
Taichan Chicken Satay
Sate Taichan Senayan
Sate Taichan Senayan popularised taichan, plain grilled chicken skewers served with chili-lime sambal instead of peanut sauce. It is a casual, spicy and cheap late-evening meal.
Senayan / Gelora area, Central Jakarta (confirm current branch on a map app)
Food tours & tastings in Jakarta
Eat your way through Jakarta with a guide.
Browse food experiences in JakartaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |