These are some of the best city restaurants in Jakarta, Indonesia.
It’s one of South East Asia and even Indonesia’s best kept secrets. Jakarta has some of the best restaurants in South East Asia, and all are priced at 50% less than what you pay in Singapore.
From exceptional interiors, to flawless food, creative cocktails and great service, it’s worth the effort to stop over in Jakarta to try the restaurants for any foodie.
But there are over 100,000 restaurants in Indonesia and according to restaurant site Chope, over 2000 new establishments open there every year, and many new restaurants are in Jakarta.
So to kick off your dining options, these are 10 of the best city Jakarta restaurants for serious foodies. Make sure you book ahead.
Bistecca:
Best For: American style Steak and Wine
Sitting in the wood panelled interiors of this traditionally styled steakhouse, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in down town Chicago or New York. The interiors and the menu feel very American and tasteful. There are a variety of steaks including wagyu, a wide selection of wines and cocktails, and great desserts. Very popular, so book ahead.
The highlight: The red meat quality – it is outstanding. Known as one of Jakarta’s best restaurants for steak.
Cork And Screw Country Club:
Best For: Escaping the hustle and bustle.
Hard to believe this elegant sprawling restaurant complete with lawns, a swimming pool, towering trees and a Miami vibe is right in the heart of Jakarta. An instagrammer’s dream, the food, cocktails and wine list are all perfect from a long lunch or dinner. Dishes include mushroom cream soup, snaild in puff pastry with creamy garlic sauce, pork belly tacos, sesame tuna tataki with crispy nori and more. The restaurant overlooks the golf course adding to the chilled vibe.
Highlight: The wines by the glass are excellent and include Domaine Chandon, possibly the only restaurant in Jakarta to offer this. Exceptional interiors.
Le Quartier:
Best For: Relaxed but elegant French dining.
Another Classic setting, only this time serving French Food, Le Quartier is perfect for an upscale dining experience. The duck, pork and seafood dishes are excellent,and include Norweigan smoked salmon with chopped egg, mimosa and mesculun lettuce, asiette de fromage, Italian Goats Chese salad, soup a l’ongion gratinee,
as are the souffles – both cheese and dessert. There are vegetarian options.
The highlight – Great French wines by the glass and excellent desserts.
Caspar:
Best For: Drinks at the glamorous bar followed by dinner.
This Bill Bensley designed restaurant is part of The Orient Hotel, and has massive 4 metre ceilings and a fantastic open plan design which is refreshing and calm. The Spanish menu has excellent wines and cocktails, and the Tapas food includes croquettes, tortillas, calamari and salads, and is very good. There are dishes like prawns with sage, chillies and lemon, deep fried tempura broccoli and grilled octopus, pico de gallo and fresh jalapeno on offer. Vegetarian options are available.
The highlight: Photos in the super glamorous bar – the design is extraordinary.
Lyon:
Best For: Couples looking for a long, slow romantic dinner.
Located Inside The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Lyon is a glitzy special occasion restaurant. It has a gorgeous French menu complete with some of the most recognisable French dishes including the classic Croque monsieur, Margaret De Canard, Bouillabaisse, Dover Sole Meuniere, Beef Bourguignon and Entrecote Cafe de Paris. There are French wines, and decadent desserts including a baked lemon tart and a “Lyon” chocolate tart that are both exceptional. It even has free flow Frois Gras for weekend lunches which is hugely popular with locals. Vegetarian options are available.
The highlight: Special occasion dinners like Valentines Day where surprises like gifts for couples are given.
Romas:
Best For: A great vibe at the bar or at the tables – always buzzing.
Offering local classics as well as Italian food, including pizza, pasta and charcuterie, Romas is yet another spectacular restaurant in Jakarta with a gorgeous instagrammable interior that includes a central exposed pizza oven, huge bar area and outdoor space with long tables and fresh air overlooking a deck. Food includes Bruschetta, a Mozzarella Bar, a large selection of mains including the Home made Angel hair pasta with black truffles in a light butter sauce. The frozen nutella bar is a popular dessert. Lunch or dinner here is always fun.
Highlight: The bar area which has bar stools as well as tables. But book even for a drink before your dinner.
Pierre:
Best For: Impressing someone and to enjoy some seriously great European food in a stylish setting.
Another decadent Western venue in Senopati, from the Union Group, Pierre is classically elegant and relaxed with white tableclothes and plenty of style. It is perfect for a long dinner or lunch. The interiors are rich, a touch dark and decidedly western in feel, and the menu has plenty of meat including oysters, a seafood tower, yellowfin tuna tartar, miso seared sea scallops, iberico style pata negra, frois gras, charcuterie, cheese platters with a very detailed and educational cheese menu, steaks, salads and French classics.
Highlight: Large space offering multiple places to sit and enjoy a long meal. The small outdoor area by the fountain is elegant and calming.
Panja:
Best For: Dressing up and feeling sexy whether in a group or couple.
Operated by a British Indonesian, Panja is a small but stylish restaurant with a large menu that includes western and local dishes. Highlights include grilled lobster, some of the best fried chicken in Jakarta, excellent side dishes and spectacular Negroni cocktail bowls for at least 3 people. The dough lab at the front serving gorgeous cookies is a bonus, especially after several Negroni bowls. Vegetarian dishes are available.
Highlight: The Cocktail bowls and excellent American Pinot Noir by the glass.
Mr Fox:
Best For: A casual meal with excellent Asian fusion food.
Located right in the financial district, this restaurant is one of the city’s best, and offers well priced, quality mostly Asian fusion and some western dishes. Think salmon tataki, fried tofu, chicken soup, caramalised pork hock, steamed chicken leg, burgers and so much more. Excellent cocktails and a lot of drink specials and live music at night.
Highlight: Gin nights on Wednesdays with live music. (Check for changes and updates before you go).
Txoko Jakarta:
Best For: Hip Basque tapas style taste sensations – this is experimental Spanish food at its best.
This bright, light filled restaurant in Senopati has a fresh feel and creative dishes which are a modern take on traditional basque food. Tapas choices includes squid ink croquettes, seafood mousse san sebastian style, artichokes with clams, grilled vegetables with herb sauce, frois gras ala txoko with rasin walnut bread, duck canneloni with truffle sauce, and mains are extensive including ultra gourmet “sandwiches”, fish, meats, rice and pasta. El gin tonic sweet and creme caramel with miso icecream are favourite desserts.
Highlight: Roasted whole sucking pig, needs 48 hours notice.
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