Kuta & Legian
In a hot tropical place, what is better than ice cream? The soft-serve treats here come from a well-known Korean brand renowned for its rich, creamy…
Must-see restaurants in Indonesia
West Bali
An extended family runs several neighbouring iterations of this cafe, which serves a local dish Gilimanuk is known for: betutu chicken, a spicy form of…
Ubud
Superb Indian fare (the pappadums crackle!) is served by attentive staff in this airy upstairs restaurant. But the real appeal is the long cocktail list…
South Jakarta
Find this hip little poke joint next to the dia.lo.gue artspace. It serves 10 varieties of the popular Hawaiian-style rice bowls heaped with a choice of…
Bukit Peninsula
This two-level cafe has a long menu of healthy options. Sandwiches and the tasty burgers have amazing buns. The salads, soups, breakfast burritos and more…
Ubud
Foodies book months in advance to sample the tasting menus at this temple to modern gastronomy. Flavours are fresh, bold and often unorthodox;…
Seminyak
Fat Gajah is all about dumplings and noodles, prepared with mostly organic ingredients. They come fried or steamed with innovative fillings such as beef…
Labuan Bajo
Bajo town's most atmospheric dinner spot. Waterfront stalls with hand-painted names are fronted by tables of fresh seafood, with others specialising in…
Bandung
A classy restaurant serving modern, well-presented Sundanese food, including fresh fish and karedok (salad of long beans and bean sprouts in a spicy sauce…
West Sumatra
Padang food in West Sumatra rarely disappoints, and this cafeteria-style restaurant is famous for its authentic smoky beef rendang, among its assortment…
Banda Aceh
This downtown place is a local institution notable for its delicious homemade ice cream. It has a heap of flavours, including local offerings such as…
Kuta & Legian
A stylish, modern take on the traditional open-fronted cafe, Fat Chow serves Asian-accented fare at long picnic tables, small tables and lounges. The food…
Jakarta
An excellent low-key local chain restaurant just a short walk from glitzy malls and hotels. Classic Indonesian dishes from satay to beef rendang are…
Singaraja
One of the more established cafes at Pantai Penimbangan, Cozy has a long menu of Balinese, Indonesian and seafood dishes. Celebrating locals fill the open…
Nusa Lembongan
This irresistible cafe has great green cred and is noted for giving back to the community. But what it gives customers is also good: fresh and creative…
Canggu
There's a hippy-chic vibe at this thatched cafe with a mellow open-air dining room upstairs. The menu leans towards healthy, including juices and lots of…
Central Java
This attractive teahouse is set in an authentic joglo (traditional Javanese house), with over a dozen wood tables shaded by parasols edging tea terraces…
Seminyak
A sleek beachside restaurant with good views across a lovely lawn and sand to the surf from its 2nd-floor tables. The bar is popular with sunset-watchers,…
Kerobokan
Set in a bungalow-style large open-sided brick space, this old-fashioned restaurant excels at fresh Balinese seafood with an Italian accent (lots of…
Bukit Peninsula
The menu assures patrons that seeing the prices means 'Don't be worry!' Part of the rather staid northern group, JBS is especially welcoming with a huge…
Sanur
With sun lounges, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and table tennis on-site, you could happily spend an entire day here by the beach. Check the club's…
Senggigi
Fresh, spicy and authentic Indonesian food is cooked up on demand at this small stall under a tree. The spicy chicken dishes are much loved by…
Gili Trawangan
Kayu has a lovely array of healthy baked goods, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls and the island's best juices. Savour it in air-con comfort or across the…
Sanur
This simple stall prepares excellent nasi campur, the classic Balinese lunch plate of mixed dishes. Everything is very fresh and prepared while you wait…
Canggu
Classic Balinese warung-style food. Choose your style of rice (we like the local fave: nutty red) and then go down the line picking from various dishes…
Sanur
This spotless Padang-style shopfront is one of several at the south end of Sanur. Choose from an array of fresh and very spicy food. The curry chicken is…
Kerobokan
Bali's best gelato is made fresh throughout the day, with unique flavours such as rich Oreo, surprising and delicious tamarind and kamangi (lemon basil)…
Bukit Peninsula
Near the turn-off to the main road for Bingin, this Padang Padang–style (a buffet of spicy dishes) cafe serves fresh, tasty and affordable fare throughout…
Karimunjawa Islands
Occupying a lovely spot among reconstructed wooden joglo fronting the marina, this atmospheric restaurant, with its palm-tree garden and mowed lawns, is a…
Bukit Peninsula
Fishing boats dot the beach in front of this long-running favourite. The seafood marinates from the early morning and grills smoke all evening. The menu…
Kerobokan
Sarong is an elegant affair. The cuisine spans Asia, and its small plates are popular with those wishing to pace an evening and enjoy the commodious bar…
Nusa Lembongan
The dining part of the Baruna empire boasts some of the best food on the island. Look for excellent Balinese dishes as well as a range of fine curries…
East Bali
Popular traditional eatery in the village of Pesinggahan, two kilometres southeast of Kusamba. The set menu comprises juicy fish satay, fragrant fish soup…
Lovina
This authentic Japanese place has a skilled sushi chef and a solid list of fresh nigiri and sashimi choices. The dining room is suitably spare and…
South Jakarta
Modern dining room and bar with a futuristic tunnel entrance and gaudy geometric mirrored ceilings. The stunning patio has magnificent views across the…
Borobudur
About 5km west from Borobudur Temple is this enchanting cafe set inside a restored 200-year-old Javanese house with rustic-chic furniture in keeping with…
Jakarta
One of several similar places around Taman Fatahillah, this restaurant is housed in a cute old Dutch building with green shutters. You can eat inside…
Jakarta
You'll see cooks preparing fried and steamed Chinese pork dumplings out the front of this ramshackle but highly popular little place in Glodok, dating…
North Sumatra
A good place to sample local Karo cuisine is this shack restaurant with wood-crate-panelled walls decorated in murals. The speciality here is BPK (babi…
Sumatra
Tucked down a residential side street on the ground floor of an apartment building, this local haunt is a favourite for pempek (deep-fried fish cake made…
