Much of the dining in Jakarta is highly visible on the street and at the markets, where some of the best deals and tastes can be had. There is, of course, Western-style top-enders in the touristy areas of South Jakarta and in the star-rated hotels, while fast food can be had at the likes of McDonalds and Pizza Hut.
Dishes in Indonesia are typically small, a reason why most people order several plates on a lazy Susan (revolving platform in the center of the table) for all to dig into. Soy-based dishes and rice dishes are the main staples while seafood from the Bay of Jakarta is also popular.
The colonial Portuguese, the Dutch and the British have all had an effect on Indonesian cuisine, although most tastes refer to Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, everything from Sumatran to Javanese cuisine is popular with both the locals and tourists in Jakarta.
This is generally the best area in Jakarta for eateries, with its vast collection of shopping centers, standalone restaurants, and hotels. The popular Blok M mall is here, along with a decent amount of nightlife and residential areas. Western fast food eateries are all around.
This area of South Jakarta easily has the best collection of top-end eateries in the Indonesian capital, with menus consisting of the best of local and international fare. Along with Indonesian eateries are French, Italian, and South American venues. There are also many smart live music venues and nightclubs in Kemang.
This is one of the most popular tourist areas in the city. It sits in North Jakarta and is loaded with attractions and entertainment options, such as Fantasy World and a massive aquarium, while many big hotels and restaurants also reside nearby.
While the cheapest eating can be had at the markets (pasar) and street vendors (warung) in town, the eternally popular Indonesian café is perfect for snacks and rubbing shoulders with the locals. They are generally tiny, yet sheltered, cafés (kafe tenda) in central Jakarta that feature all sorts of goodies.
Pulau Dua
Jalan Gatot Subroto, Setiabudi 12930
Phone: +62 21 570 8906
A popular seafood restaurant along Jalan Gatot Subroto, Pulau Dua offers fine surroundings over a lake and has the best lobster, prawns, and baby abalone. Standard Indonesian fare is also on the menu along with a good selection of drinks.
Oasis
Jalan Raden Saleh Raya 47, Menteng 10330
Phone: +62 21 315 0646
Oasis is one of the finest looking Jakarta eateries, with its Dutch colonial appearance and excessive interior. It does over-the-top 12-course rijstaffel (a selection of dishes with rice), along with an impressive drink menu and roving ethnic Indonesian musicians.
Natrabu Restoran Minang
Jalan H Agus Salim 29A, Menteng 10340
Phone: +62 21 335 668
Natrabu Restoran Minang is a comfortable, non-pretentious restaurant with spicy Padang food. The spicy beef and the goldfish are particularly nice, yet being a Muslim restaurant, drinks are non-alcoholic.
Bumbu Indonesia Restaurant
Bandara Soekarno Hatta, Jakarta 19110
Phone: +62 21 559 7777
Although located a fair way out of town (in the Sheraton Bandara Hotel at the airport), the Bumbu Indonesia Restaurant is ideal for those with time on their hands. The setting and cuisine is distinctly Javanese and the atmosphere pleasantly authentic.
Find more information about Jakarta and hotels in the area:
Jakarta hotels | Indonesia hotels
