Must-see restaurants in Indonesia

  • Poppies Restaurant

    Kuta & Legian

    Opening its doors in 1973, Poppies was one of the first restaurants established in Kuta (Poppies Gang I is even named after it). It's popular for its…

  • Cashew Tree

    Bukit Peninsula

    The place to hang out in Bingin. Surfers and beachgoers gather in this large garden for tasty vegetarian meals. Expect the likes of burritos, salads,…

  • Revolver

    Seminyak

    Wander down a tiny gang and push through narrow wooden doors to reach this matchbox coffee bar that does an excellent selection of brews. There are just a…

  • Toko Wingko Babad

    Semarang

    A wonderful, anachronistic bakery and store that hasn't changed in half a century. The delicious wingko (coconut cakes served warm) are the signature…

  • Three Monkeys Cafe

    Sanur

    This branch of the Ubud original is no mere knock-off. It's spread over two floors, there’s cool jazz playing in the background and live performances some…

  • Santai Warung

    North Bali

    Follow the glowing lanterns off Pemuteran's main road to this adorable Indonesian restaurant, which serves up spicy, authentic dishes – including lots of…

  • Jali Kitchen

    Gili Trawangan

    Distressed wood, gorgeous tiles and abundant foliage combine to give this eye-pleasing restaurant a chic and earthy vibe. The Asian-fusion dishes combine…

  • Creamery

    Canggu

    Learn the meaning of true small batch ice cream at this cheery shop that churns its creations one serving at a time using liquid nitrogen. House-created…

  • Buda Bakery

    Lovina

    North Bali's best bakery has a huge array of breads, cakes and other treats produced fresh daily. However, the real reason to make the 10-minute walk here…

  • Dapur Kapulaga

    East Bali

    Serving a predominantly organic menu of Western and Balinese staples, this friendly and clean warung with its distinctive checkerboard-tiled floor is a…

  • Ginger Moon

    Seminyak

    Australian chef Dean Keddell presides over an appealing, airy space, with carved wood and palms. The Asian fusion menu features a 'Best of' list of…

  • Warung Bambu

    Nusa Lembongan

    On the road to the mangroves, past the lighthouse, this family-run restaurant serves excellent seafood meals. The menu depends on what's caught offshore…

  • Watercress

    Ubud

    A young and fashionable crowd flocks to this Aussie-style contemporary cafe to nosh on all-day breakfasts, burgers, sourdough sandwiches, homemade cakes,…

  • Deck Cafe & Bar

    Nusa Lembongan

    Straddling the main hillside walkway, the stylish bar and cafe of the Batu Karang hotel offers creative drinks from a long list, gorgeous views and…

  • Char Ming

    Sanur

    Asian fusion with a French accent. A daily menu board lists the fresh seafood available for grilling. Look for regional dishes, many with modern flair…

  • Gallery

    Nusa Penida

    A popular spot for volunteers at the NGOs, this small cafe and shop is run by the ever-charming Mike, a Brit who is a fount of Penida knowledge. There's…

  • Pituq Waroeng

    Gili Trawangan

    Enjoy classic Indonesian fare reinterpreted as exquisite vegan tapas at this back-lane haven. Gather a group of friends, sit together at one of the low…

  • Art Lounge Cafe

    Ubud Region

    An outpost of Bali chic on one of the main roads between Ubud and the coast, this fashionable cafe in the Tonyraka Art Lounge is an excellent lunch,…

  • Pachamama

    Gili Air

    This oh-so-hip health-food restaurant brews its own kombucha, crafts exotic smoothies and cold-brew coffee (or cocktails!) and has lots of flavourful veg,…

  • Nook

    Canggu Region

    Sublimely positioned among the rice fields, this casual, open-air cafe is popular for its creative takes on Asian and Western fare. It has a modern vibe…

  • Sushi Surf

    West Bali

    The place for a sunset cocktail and bite of sushi. The surf action is arrayed out right in front of the quirky multilevel seating area. There are specials…

  • Maminon Kitchen

    Manado

    Sparkling cleanliness and true hospitality shine in this delightful contemporary Minahasan restaurant. Go for the cakalang fufu (local smoked tuna),…

  • Warung Sulawesi

    Kerobokan

    Find a table in this quiet family compound and enjoy fresh Balinese and Indonesian food served in classic warung style. Choose a rice, then pick from a…

  • Bukit Cafe

    Bukit Peninsula

    For heaping plates of Australian-style brunch composed of fresh, local ingredients, Bukit Cafe is unbeatable. Standout dishes include vegan pancakes,…

  • Tjikini

    Jakarta

    On one of the best coffee strips in Jakarta, this appealing cafe has an alluring vintage style with bentwood chairs and tiled floors. Coffee drinks are…

  • Milk Espresso

    South Lombok

    Hopping all day long, this trendy bi-level cafe breathlessly segues from bountiful breakfasts to midday nibbles, healthy dinners and classy evening…

  • El Bazar

    South Lombok

    Kuta's most popular restaurant lives up to its stellar reputation with authentic tastes from around the Mediterranean. Kick things off with a meze platter…

  • Suka Espresso

    Bukit Peninsula

    There's buzz from the excellent coffee and the crowds at this roadside cafe, which serves healthy food like several kinds of avocado toast and smoothie…

  • Kaum

    Jakarta

    One of Jakarta's more tasteful dining options is this midcentury Dutch house set in a leafy neighbourhood that offers respite from the surrounding mayhem…

  • Inzana

    West Timor

    A traditional sweet shop so popular, it exists on both sides of the road to service traffic. It would be rude not to try kue bajongko, a Kupang-specific…

  • Grand Garden Café

    West Java

    The cafe-restaurant in the botanical garden is a wonderfully civilised place for a bite or a drink, with sweeping views down to the water-lily ponds. It's…

  • Kitong Papua

    Sorong

    Although the dining area isn't as scenic as waterfront competitors, Kitong more than makes up for this with its heaping plates of fresh, spicy seafood and…

  • Waterfront Zalino

    West Sumatra

    This restaurant with a great lakeside location showcases some local seafood specialities, such as udang (freshwater lake shrimp), freshwater lobster and…

  • PC Corner

    Sumba

    Pause for a photo in front of the bohemian 'dream big, work hard, stay focus' mural before continuing up stairs to this open-air cafe with vintage…

  • Coco Beach

    Senggigi

    This wonderful beachside restaurant 2km north of Senggigi has a blissfully secluded setting off the main road, where dining takes place at individual…

  • Maruba

    Danau Toba

    Overlooking the lake, Maruba is well worth seeking out for its peerless Batak dishes cooked by the talented proprietor. Barbecue fish, freshwater lobster,…

  • Celyn Kafe

    Nusa Tenggara

    Set on the sand, framed by mangroves and shaded by palm trees, this is Alor's best spot to while away an afternoon. Order from the blackboard menu: there…

  • The Library

    Malang

    With industrial-chic furnishings, shelves of books and graffiti wall art, this eye-catching cafe-restaurant, which is super-popular with local students,…

  • Bayview Restaurant

    Pulau Ambon

    Some of the best dining views of Ambon's bay and harbour are from the terrace of this relaxed restaurant atop the City Hotel. The menu specialises in…

  • Rumah Tjilik Riwut

    Kalimantan

    This lovely garden restaurant-gallery in a traditional house specialises in local Dayak cuisine such as juhu umbut ikan baung (fish cooked in coconut milk…

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