West Java
Plonked directly on the sand at the edge of the surf beach is this aptly named warung, serving Indonesian and Western mains, cold beer and strong Javanese…
Must-see restaurants in Indonesia
Flores
Open since 1993, this tiled dining room gets its charm mainly from its husband-wife owners. There are a few Western dishes, but try the chicken sate – it…
Makassar
A string of makeshift fish warungs set up every night on the foreshore opposite Fort Rotterdam and south along the waterfront, serving some of the…
Sumbawa
While it lacks a sea view, this simple warung out on the main road serves up Lakey's cheapest and most authentic Indonesian fare, including sate, gado…
Kalimantan
Features a selection of New Zealand steaks (from 110,000Rp) as well as burgers, chicken, fish and Japanese dishes. The house favourite, ikan patin bakar …
Central Java
Locals rate this inexpensive, fluorescent-lit restaurant as one of the best for authentic central Javanese cuisine. The chicken curries come recommended…
East Bali
Here, you have a bird's eye perspective over the activity of the freedivers, snorkellers and jukungs (outrigger canoes) in Jemeluk Bay. Tables are…
Tjikinii Lima Restaurant & Cafe
Jakarta
Pretty courtyard setting with a restaurant serving fish and chips, flatbreads and sandwiches, and simple Asian plates of chicken with rice or noodles…
Manado
This authentic rumah makan packs in the locals for its ikan oci (barbecued small fish), which are served with a spicy Minahasan sauce known as dabu-dabu …
Sorong
Pick up the scent of fish on the grill and head inside this two-level eatery for yummy ikan bakar (grilled fish), but be prepared to splurge. It’s just…
Sumatra
A homegrown Bengkulu fave, this fried chicken joint will have your cholesterol rate soaring with some of the juiciest, crispiest skin pieces you'll ever…
Flores
Fronted by ferns and opposite the path leading down to the air terjun (waterfall), this small spot is as casual as it is colourful. Local ingredients come…
Pulau Ambon
With its lovely Dutch-colonial windows, outside terrace seating and central location, this bakery is a good place to start the day with fresh bread,…
Seminyak
Enjoy French-style baked goods (fresh baguettes!) at this popular bakery and cafe. Many escape the heat and linger here for hours over little French…
North Maluku
There is a pleasant upstairs terrace at this buzzing place that's popular with Ternate's youth: look for the motorbikes parked outside. They're drawn by…
Kuta & Legian
A vibrant mix of upscale local and international tourists tuck into Jimbaran-style grilled seafood at this slick operation. Pool tables, TV sports and…
Kalimantan
Don't let the displays of offal (hearts, livers, brains) throw you off: this place does a mean grilled chicken and a divine nasi bakar (seasoned rice…
Medan
A venerable Medan institution for nearly 40 years, Restoran Garuda specialises in West Sumatran Padang food, so you'll get to sample a variety of small,…
Kalimantan
A reliable and locally popular Chinese mainstay with an extensive menu, including duck, crab, lobster and squid dishes. Sizzling hotplates and dashing…
East Bali
You can order a homemade yoghurt lassi to accompany your satay at this warung across the road from Tirta Gangga's parking area, or live dangerously and…
North Maluku
This seafront place ticks over with a steady stream of locals. You can pick and choose from the chicken and veggies on display or go for fresh fish,…
Seminyak
You might think you’re at a sleek Sydney cafe, but look around and you’re unmistakably in Bali. Classic sandwiches, homemade Aussie pies, salads and big…
Bandung
A modern chain restaurant blessed with bright colours and a terrific design. Serves standard Indonesian dishes as well as pasta and burgers. Portions are…
Candidasa
When he set this place up, owner Gary vowed that it would never serve nasi goreng, and he has remained true to his word. Head here for dogs, burritos and…
Kalimantan
Next to Hotel Andika, a few blocks south of the river, this semi-open-air restaurant is known among locals and expats for its fried fish and chicken…
West Java
A scruffy storefront Sundanese diner run by a charming ibu who mixes a fine gado gado (14,000Rp), plus authentically sweet and sticky sate marangi (5000Rp…
Nusa Dua
This huge outlet of the local chain of supermarkets is about 1km west of the main gate. Besides groceries, it has most other goods you might need and at…
Danau Toba
Rumba is still holding on as the best of the pizza restaurants in Tuk Tuk, with the option of the pick-your-own-ingredients pizza (start at the margherita…
Ubud Region
Jaw-dropping rice terrace views are enjoyed alongside a menu of Indonesian and Western dishes in this bale (open-sided pavilion) in Ceking's Kampung Hotel…
Labuan Bajo
Although not atmospheric enough to linger, if you're after a quick and filling Western meal, come here for burgers made with Australian beef on house…
Flores
Walk through the open kitchen and peruse the day’s live catch in blue tanks – including crab and lobster – on your way to the second-storey dining room…
Sumbawa
The smiling ladies here bring the finest and spiciest Padang dishes to life. The shabby interior belies the quality and flavour of the food. Mere steps…
Banda Islands
Opening on to the courtyard of the owner's house, this reliable rumah makan (eating house) offers ice cream and some Western dishes, alongside well…
South Sulawesi
Offering solid and affordable takes on Indonesian staples, this breezy rumah makan 500m inland from the busy beach is elevated enough above the road to…
Sanur
For groceries and personal items, there's this large supermarket, which has all manner of local and imported food items, plus a range of souvenirs on its…
Ubud
Ubud's bountiful produce market operates to a greater or lesser extent every day and is buried behind the Pasar Seni site. It starts early in the morning…
West Kalimantan
A good place to try local seafood, this busy restautrant near the mosque serves up grilled catfish, udang goreng (fried prawns) and squid, as well as …
North Maluku
No frills here, but they do a very solid ayam lalapan (fried chicken, rice and veggies with a spicy sauce), as well as bakso (meatballs) and rice dishes.
Bukit Lawang
This chilled-out, family-run spot overlooking the river is good for chowing down on curry, rendang and sambal dishes, as well as pizza and other Western…
Makassar
The Makassarese flock to this bustling soup joint selling a variety of bakso (meatball) creations. There are sea views of sorts, but not during the dinner…
