Medan
With its polished concrete floors, low-hanging light bulbs and vertical garden, this is one of Medan's more stylish hang-outs. It does the likes of white…
Must-see restaurants in Indonesia
Solo
Solo street dining at its best, this evening-only stall, run by an ibu (mother; older woman) clothed in traditional batik, specialises in nasi liwet:…
Aceh
Bringing a taste of contemporary cafe style to the beach is this classy waterfront joint that does the best coffee on Pulau Weh. Choose from manual brews…
Central Java
Occupying a Dutch colonial building, this restaurant comes into its own at lunchtime, when busloads of tourists pile in for the buffet-style lunch on…
Candidasa
Wild by local standards, this open-air and pavilion pub is full of characters shooting pool or propping at the long bar to watch sports. The open kitchen…
Jalan Jaksa Area
Look in the shadow of the Mandiri Bank headquarters and you'll discover this tiny lane lined with food stalls. Tarps overhead provide shade to tiny stools…
West Java
This restaurant–strawberry farm has startling valley views from its roadside perch in Alam Endah. Ignore the tour groups, pick a table and soak up the…
Flores
The house speciality here is the sop ikan asam pedas, Nusa Tenggara Timor's endemic spicy-and-sour tamarind fish soup. This one, cooked by the ever…
Ubud
This cafe attached to Swasti Eco Cottages is reason enough to take a stroll through the Monkey Forest. Indonesian and Western dishes prepared from the…
Solo
A landmark on Jl Slamet Riyadi, this open-air food court with dozens of brightly lit stalls is known for its local specialties. Some, such as nasi gudeg …
Padang
This modern, convivial steakhouse with exposed-brick walls and rustic log-lined booths is a fine place for a splurge. The speciality is the steaks (from…
Danau Toba
This little wooden shack has a laid-back vibe that's in keeping with Tuk Tuk life. It’s run by a couple of friendly ladies who whip up some fabulous and…
Kalimantan
This sprawling riverside place is like a mini-village of individual thatched pondoks linked by boardwalks, along which waiters scurry with trays of…
Semarang
Almost opposite the Gereja Blenduk church, this sunken storefront is packed with locals from opening till closing time. Why? Because it serves the best…
Nusa Tenggara
Before you turn down Jl Suka Maju to reach Alor Dive, stop at this fantastic local haunt. Make a beeline for the counter, piled with sayur (vegetables),…
Sanur
Housed in a traditional wooden building, this cafe offers a tasty mix of comfort food like burgers and freshly baked goods such as ciabatta. Snuggle up to…
Kuta & Legian
The gaudy sign outside leaves no doubt that this posh hotel restaurant springs from the empire of Australian chef Robert Marchetti. Inside you'll find a…
Labuan Bajo
Set above Bajo's main drag, this wooden restaurant is ideal for those who wish to dip their toe into local food. Vegetables are cheap, but paying by piece…
East Java
For over 70 years Bik Ati has been perfecting its house special, nasirawon (black beef soup with rice). The secret to the taste is the inclusion of keluak…
Medan
If you haven't had the chance to sample babi panggang Karo then head here to try this Karo Batak specialty. Comprising barbecue pork and an assortment of…
West Bali
Down a small lane 100m back from the beach, this inviting restaurant with a grassy lawn feels a bit like you've come to a mate's backyard for a barbecue…
Jalan Jaksa Area
Inside Artotel Thamrin, Double Chin serves Western and Southeast Asian dishes all day every day in a fun space with art on the ceiling and a choice of…
Nusa Lembongan
Pushing the distressed bleached-wood look for all it's worth, this appealing beach club occupies a fine position on a sweet pocket of sand most call…
Jakarta
Funky spot with geometric lampshades, bright colours, solid marble counter tops and patterned chairs, serving a mixture of Asian and Western eats. Order…
Makassar
Serving up superfresh Makassarese and Indonesian classics, this simple backstreet place offers fine-value, authentic flavours. The lele goreng (deep-fried…
South Jakarta
Hidden at the top of a tall shopping mall is this 7th-floor rooftop haven, with comfy sofas, wicker lampshades, green foliage and terrace views. Dining…
South Jakarta
Large space with high windows, exposed brick walls and wooden tables. Poach'd serves its namesake eggs in a variety of ways with all the trimmings, plus…
Yogyakarta
This restaurant is touched by royalty as it's located just outside the kraton, within the residence of Prince Gusti Jaryo Haju Joyouksumo, a son of the…
Sumatra
Sneakily hidden away down a narrow side street, next to the lively produce market, is this pastel-pink warung that's always busy with locals stocking up…
East Bali
Follow the crowds of Balinese to this open-air pavilion near Pura Goa Lawah. There's only one meal option: a paket pesinggahan (set meal) comprising spicy…
Labuan Bajo
Sharing a sea-view rooftop terrace with Bajo Bakery is the town's only Tex-Mex restaurant. Tortillas are homemade and the fish tacos are some of the…
Balikpapan
Balikpapan's most romantic place to blow your last rupiah on a date is defined by architecturally dizzying spaces atop a prominent hill. Reserve your…
South Jakarta
With a ceiling covered in hanging ropes, two bonsai trees in the middle of the dining area and various toys and trinkets attached to the wall, Lalla is…
Kerobokan
One of Bali's best places for babi guling (spit-roast pig stuffed with chilli, turmeric, garlic and ginger) is back off this busy street about 1.5km east…
North Maluku
Floridas is a locally famous seafood restaurant, thanks in part to its seafront balcony with peerless views to Tidore and Maitara. But it's also a good…
Padang
A sure sign of gentrification occurring in Padang's crumbling old quarter is this glossy bistro in an attractive old colonial building. Inside is a…
Ubud
From the team behind foodie favourite Locavore, this cafe attached to a butcher shop offers creative breakfast choices (order the waffle with fried duck…
Sumatra
Fish and seafood are the stars of the show at this appealing restaurant in a tranquil garden gazebo setting. It’s a great place to try giant grilled…
South Jakarta
Occupying a minimalist space covered in plants (on the outside, natural tones on the inside), this is a cool spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Dishes…
Ubud
The thin-crust pizzas bubble as they emerge from the busy oven here. If that doesn't draw your attention, the tasty pasta might. Views from the upstairs…
