Top Restaurants in Jakarta: The best places to eat out – from trendy dining to tables with a view

From fine dining to the city’s best Indonesian food, we’ve got the all stars of Jakarta's restaurant scene in one handy guide.

In a city as huge and diverse as Jakarta, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out across the city. But what constitutes as a top restaurant? World class food, for sure, but what about the service? Ambience? Location? With a topic as subjective as this, we’ll be sure to be revisiting this list as time goes on.

So whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, wanting to impress an out-of-towner, or simply shopping for date night ideas, here’s the first part of our handy guide to Jakarta’s best restaurants that aren’t to be missed.

INDONESIAN RESTAURANTS

Bunga Rampai

What better way to introduce out-of-towners to the wonderful tastes of Indonesian cuisine in a beautiful colonial house, set in the old historical neighborhood of Menteng. Feel as though you’re going back in time at Bunga Rampai, where the service is impeccable and the food is simply delicious. Absolute must-haves are their tahu telur, ayam goreng kremes, urapan, and sate lilit jimbaran with a side of sambal matah and crunchy emping.
Bunga Rampai, Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 35, Menteng, Central Jakarta, p. (021) 31926225, Monday – Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Namaaz Dining

Those who say you shouldn’t play with your food haven’t set foot in Namaaz Dining. Chef Andrian Ishak created Jakarta’s first molecular gastronomy restaurant serving progressive Indonesian cuisine, with an aim to tease and delight patrons with unexpected sensations. Diners aren’t even given a menu for their degustation meal, to avoid spoiling any culinary surprises. Expect wonderful creations, and trust that what you see on your plate might not be what you taste on your palette!
Namaaz Dining, Jln. Gunawarman No. 42, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Tuesday – Saturday, check website for bookings.

EUROPEAN RESTAURANTS

Emilie

Way before Senopati became the go-to Jakarta neighbourhood with hip happenings every week, Emilie quietly remained one of the city’s best French restaurants. Emilie is still one of the city’s finest establishments to this day, serving up a tasteful menu of modern French cuisine. With a changing seasonal menu, it’s no wonder patrons keep returning to try out the restaurant’s artistically-arranged dishes.
Emilie, Jln. Senopati 39, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 521 3626

Javanegra Gourmet Atelier

Walk into Javanegra and you’ll feel as if you’ve been personally invited to an intimate dinner party hosted by Andrea Peresthu, chef and co-owner of the atelier. The cozy 25-seat dining room is set right next to the open kitchen, where Chef Andrea cooks up a delectable feast of Mediterannean-style dishes. In between courses, expect Chef Andrea to stop by the tables for a chat about his adventures in Europe – a welcome and warm addition to the entire dining experience.
Javanegra Gourmet Atelier, Jln. Kramat Pela Raya 212, p. (021) 72780119, 08:00 am – 11:00 pm

RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW

Jakarta

Private venues to host your next big bash

Altitude

Boasting sky-high city views is Altitude at Plaza Indonesia. Discerning gourmands have their pick between three high-end restaurants – Salt Grill for Chef Luke Mangan’s take on contemporary Australian cuisine, Gaia Ristorante for an elegant Italian meal, and the award-winning Enmaru for exceptional Japanese dishes. Post dinner, head up to Cloud Lounge for a delicious cocktail to top off the night.
Altitude, Altitude The Plaza, 46^th Floor, Jl. M. H. Thamrin, Kav. 28 – 30, Jakarta, p. +62 21 2992 2448

Akira Back

Another dazzling penthouse dining spot is trendy Akira Back, a favourite among patrons kick-starting their weekends. The restaurant serves up fusion Japanese Korean dishes, such as their signature Tuna Pizza, and other delightful favourites like their AB Tacos and Crispy Kalbi Roll. Be sure to try out their Asian-inspired cocktails, such as the refreshing Lychee Lush Lemongrass.
Akira Back, MD Place Building, Jln. Setiabudi Selatan No. 7, Penthouse Level, p. +62 21 2904 0777, Monday – Sunday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am

JAPANESE RESTAURANTS

Tatemukai: Japanese Fine Dining

Hidden behind an unassuming wooden façade – right in the centre of Grand Indonesia Shopping Town – is Tatemukai, a tiny omakase bar serving the freshest Japanese fare flown straight in from Japan. Expect melt in your mouth toro, uni and wagyu, and even delicacies like horsemeat sashimi and fugu (blowfish) on special days. Make sure you reserve one of the 25 seats per sitting in advance, as Tatemukai doesn’t take any walk-in customers.
Tatemukai: Japanese Fine Dining, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, Sky Bridge, Level 3A, Jln. M. H. Thamrin No. 1, Central Jakarta, p. (021) 2358 1807, Monday – Sunday, 11:00am to 03:00pm, 06:30pm to 10:00 pm

CHINESE RESTAURANTS

Table 8

Hotel Mulia is known for their delicious line-up of restaurants, but the award-winning Table 8 is a definite must-visit while in town. The luxurious and ornately-decorated dining room is a treat in itself, but it’s the Szechuan and Cantonese fusion dishes that really take centre stage. Try their famous Crispy Roast Pork and Braised Superior Shark’s Fin with Black Truffle and Dried Scallop.
Table 8, Hotel Mulia Jakarta, Gound Floor, Jl. Asia Afrika Senayan, Jakarta Selatan, p. +62 21 575 3271, Monday – Friday, 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm and 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday – Saturday, 08:00 am to 02:30 pm and 06:00 pm to 11:00pm

Taste Paradise

Taste Paradise serves up upscale Chinese cuisine with an impressive menu of delicious dim sum and modern Chinese dishes. With wonderfully grand interiors and impeccable service, it’s no wonder this lavish dining spot is packed on weekend mornings. We highly recommend trying their Baked BBQ Pork Buns and their Mini Egg Tarts, as they are some of the best in town.
Taste Paradise, Plaza Indonesia South Gate, 4^th Floor #01, Jln. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28 – 30, Central Jakarta, p. +62 21 2992 3838