14 exciting restaurants, bars, and cafés to check out in Jakarta, Indonesia

East Asian flavours are at the forefront of Suma, run by the young and talented duo that are Rachel Tjahja and Ryan Kim. Rediscover ingredients such as torch ginger flower, buckwheat, and osmanthus here, treated delicately and with restraint. Dishes are whimsical and visual, served in the minimalistic dining room. The current main is a beef Wellington, encased in a buttery brioche laminated pastry. 

Suma

Address: Jalan Sultan Hasanudin No.74, Melawai, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160. +62822 1017 5433

Lapo Porsea, located within Jakarta’s SCBD Park, sees elevated versions of Batak cuisine executed with passion and respect, paying homage to the flavours of North Sumatra. Executive chef Patrese Vito traversed Samosir to learn more about Batak flavours—a highlight here is the selection of textural and flavour-packed side dishes that accompany every meal. 

Lapo Porsea

Address: SCBD Park, Jl. Jend. Sudirman kav 52-53 No.8B Lot 8, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12190. +62 821 8888 6082

Recently opened just two weeks ago is Costa, an exciting new restaurant rooted in the flavours of Catalonia. Here, seafood and meats are treated with finesse by none other than Ryan Theja, previously of Lulu Bistrot. The intimate dining room boasts a seashore and cave-like setting, where guests are able to bask in the open kitchen concept with live cooking over the grill. While we were impressed with dishes such as the bluefin tuna and arroz, what surprised the most were Theja’s balanced desserts that meld savoury and sweet components with finesse. 

The cheese ice cream with caviar, tomato tart with frangipane and Brie ice cream, and chocolate mousse with sea salt and olive oil were truly ideal endings to an already impressive meal. 

Costa

Address: Jalan Gunawarman No.63, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12180. +62 811 1926 3336

At Esa Restaurant, chef Aditya Muskita takes a fresh and innovative perspective on nostalgic Indonesian dishes and flavours while utilising local ingredients that are often underappreciated. One of our favourite dishes, the aged duck, is dry-aged for 14 days and brushed with brem (a traditional, glutinous rice-based fermented beverage) before being basted with hot oil, resulting in a crisp skin. 

Esa Restaurant

Address: SCBD Park, Lot. 7 Unit 3A, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190. +62 811 1001 6282

Helmed by Budi Cahyadi and Hans Christian, August translates local, Indonesian produce into a 16-course tasting menu with a global outlook. Proteins here are cooked to perfection, but even vegetable-forward dishes such as the medley of shiitake, whipped brown butter, kenari crumbs, and spices, combine flavours in the most unexpected of ways. 

August 

Address: Sequis Tower, Ground Floor #03-02, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.Kav. 71, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190. +62 877 3800 0808

Nestled in a hidden carpark basement, Carrots is an intimate 14-seater bar founded by passionate husband-and-wife-duo Alvin Sung Jaya and Monica Jonan. Don’t miss the Cori Under, which combines cilantro-infused Tequila with salsa soda and avocado, as well as the Queen Pistachio, made with yuzu cream and salted tortilla foam. 

Carrots Bar

Address: Fairgrounds SCBD Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.14 Lot 14, Basement Level, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta City, Jakarta 12190. bar-carrots.com

Located in Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Cosmo Pony is Singapore-based Jigger & Pony Group’s first venture out of the lion city. The cocktail menu, Rising City, celebrates Indonesian heritage while staying true to the group’s innovative spin on well-executed classic cocktails. 

Cosmo Pony

Address: Grand Hyatt Jakarta, 4th Floor, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350. +62 821 1030 3800

The largest ABSteak in the world, the stunning modern Korean barbeque steakhouse specialises in premium meats, some of which are dry-aged up to 45 days, resulting in an enhanced flavour. 

ABSteak Jakarta

Address: Senayan City, Jl. Asia Afrika No.Lot.19 Ground Floor Unit G-119, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270. +62 821 8818 1836

Semaja’s lush interior reflects the cuisine it serves—approachable yet well-executed recipes from across the Indonesian archipelago. Upstairs, its sister bar, Naaga Bar, showcases traditional drinks with a modern twist in a luxurious setting reminiscent of a chapel. 

Semaja 

Address: Jl. Gereja Theresia No.41, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350. +62 813 8899 5556

Located within Grand Indonesia is the first ever Coach Restaurant, serving up punchy American classics done right, with a kitchen helmed by experienced chef Gabriel Jamias. Don’t miss the cheese puffs, homemade fried potato crisps with a french onion dip, and the steaks. 

The Coach Restaurant 

Address: Arjuna Lobby, Grand Indonesia West Mall, Jl. Teluk Betung No.45A Ground Floor, Kb. Melati, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10230. +62 21 3004 9705

Within luxury mall Plaza Indonesia is chocolate boutique and cafe Criollo, a concept driven by chocolatier Richie Pratadaja. From ice cream and bon bons to travel cakes and even savoury items, dining at Criollo runs the gamut from the sweet to savoury. 

Criollo 

Address: Plaza Indonesia Extension L4, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta 10350. +62 811 8877 039

The ideal spot for cocktails and live jazz, The St. Regis Bar Jakarta offers a range of classic cocktails. Our favourite was the locally-inspired Batavia Mary, a take on the Bloody Mary, which pairs akar, cuka vinegar and sambal oelek. 

The St. Regis Bar Jakarta

Address: Rajawali Place, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said No.Kav No.B/4, Kuningan, Setia Budi, DKI, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12910. +62 21 5094 8893

Ask master mixologist Yutaka Nakashima for a personalised cocktail and you shall receive at Koda, a speakeasy hidden unassumingly behind a panel of exit doors. The interior is comfortable and inviting, the ideal spot for a nightcap. 

Koda 

Address: Sudirman 7.8, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.Kav 7-8, RT.9/RW.11, Karet Tengsin, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10210. +62 822 9998 9678

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