Sumba
The best dinner options turn up at dusk: a couple of warungs and half a dozen gas-lit carts at the old wharf grill and fry seafood on the cheap. In the…
Must-see restaurants in Indonesia
West Java
You not only get solidly prepared and presented international dishes (think pasta, burgers, pizza, seafood and some standard Indonesian dishes) at this…
Kalimantan
It's worth the walk uphill to this open-sided restaurant for the views alone – out over the Meratus Mountains, the Loksado valley and the village itself…
Sumatra
At this classic, locally famous seafood joint by the beach, near central Bengkulu, you can choose from ultra-fresh giant prawns, squid and fish, then pay…
West Timor
This modest and clean diner specialises in succulent se'i babi, the iconic Kupang pork smoked over kesambi wood. But the fun doesn't stop there; try the…
Kupang
A popular place for authentic Kupang se'i babi. Choose from chopped up meat or ribs, both served with rice and a rich pork soup with red beans. Sate and a…
Senggigi
This long-standing, beachside Italian kitchen serves a variety of pasta dishes, but is known for its pizza. It offers free transport to and from your…
Mataram
Fine dining, Mataram-style, in a leafy creekside setting northeast of the centre. Dig into grilled whole snapper, Lombok duck or steamed mahi-mahi and…
South Lombok
For a restaurant that seems cool and casual, this one has real drive. The vegan, veggie and meaty mains are all prepared with attitude and authority…
Sumbawa
Don't pass through town without a stop at this excellent bakery on a shady stretch of the main drag. Pause for coffee or a cold drink, and be sure to…
Kalimantan
Serving eight very different varieties of sambal (salsa) designed to knock your socks off, this large complex opposite the riverfront is packed on…
Kalimantan
This fab little cafe-bakery serves Indonesian staples such as soto ayam and nasi goreng along with unusual dishes such as roast duck and ribs. Good juices…
Manado
Rightly renowned for its sate (you can't go wrong with a mixed plate that includes prawns, squid, chicken, beef and goat), Raja Sate also does great…
South Sulawesi
There's bakso, and then there's bakso stuffed with cheese, or with spicy chillies, or with a whole boiled egg. Gorge yourself for under 20,000Rp at our…
Padang
Pick from a multitude of spicy dishes at this classic Padang chain, housed within a classy art deco colonial building. Do not miss the beef rendang; it's…
Central Sulawesi
Contemporary and clean, this is the place to come when you can't eat another grilled fish. The decor is more polished than the pizza, but we've yet to go…
Jakarta
Plan B is a humble Spanish eatery serving authentic delicacies courtesy of Basque chef Oskar Urzelai. Locals love this out-of-the-way-but-buzzy…
Jakarta
It's easy to think you've stumbled across an enchanting lost temple at Lara Djonggrang. Its dimly lit, incense-filled space is decorated with traditional…
Jakarta
Expand your culinary palette at this branch of the acclaimed Michelin-starred Singapore chain, located at Grand Indonesia mall. The high-end Chinese…
Yogyakarta
Yogya's fanciest place to dine is this renovated restaurant that offers a grand first impression with its palatial-like entrance, opulent baroque…
Kerobokan
Housed in a 150-year-old teak joglo (traditional Javanese house), wildly popular Biku retains the timeless vibe of its predecessor. The menu combines…
East Java
With an elegant colonial ambience, the in-house restaurant of the Tugu Sri Lestari is a fine place to delight in well-presented, upmarket versions of such…
Ubud
There's lots to like about this Italian restaurant. Its flexible kitchen serves an antipasto set menu at lunch (eight antipasti, 299,000Rp), a filling…
Ubud
Chef Will Meyrick is the culinary genius behind Mama San in Seminyak, and his Ubud outpost is just as impressive. The menu delivers traditional Indonesian…
Semarang
Occupying a sensitively restored building (Semarang’s former courthouse), this character-filled restaurant with its yellow roof tiles sports art deco…
West Java
Run by welcoming owners Asep and Rini, this popular, unassuming warung has been cooking great local dishes since 1997. Try the delicious batagor (crispy…
Ubud
Chef Chris Salans oversees this much-lauded top-end restaurant. Fine French fusion cuisine features on a constantly changing seasonal menu that takes its…
Banda Aceh
Well hidden down an alley out of view is this cosy, wood-panelled restaurant that has a speakeasy feel, and specialises in Western food and cold beers…
Seminyak
Adorned in cartoonish, pastel circus murals, this fabulous spot offers up fresh and delicious dishes inspired by cuisines in Asia, Australia and the…
Ubud
Few locals making the trek up the hill through Sayan pass this Bali version of a roadhouse without stopping. The star is sate lilit: chicken is minced,…
Semarang
Housed in a converted old general store (circa 1895) and once patronised by Dutch colonists, Spiegel has become a pivotal point of the old quarter. The…
Ubud
Resembling a posh version of the Balinese bamboo hut that it is named for, Mandapa's premier restaurant offers a memorable and romantic dining experience…
Sanur
Bringing much-needed style to Sanur's main strip, this new-agey cafe has an appealing mix of tables inside and out. The food is healthy and combines…
Kerobokan
Merah Putih means 'red and white', which are the colours of the Indonesian flag. That's perfect for this excellent restaurant, which celebrates food from…
West Bali
This charming beachfront restaurant serves cheap and tasty Indonesian dishes in traditional joglos perched on stilts by the sea. The gado gado (a…
Jakarta
This re-imagined warung (food stall) attempts a modern and healthy take on classic dishes. Expect delectable Sundanese and Chinese Indonesian dishes,…
Seminyak
Not your average taqueria, Motel Mexicola is an extravaganza that channels a tropical version of a nightclub. The huge space is decked out in kitschy neon…
Solo
This stylish Indonesian and fusion restaurant is part of the Danar Hadi complex, next to the batik museum and showroom. Mains include meat and pasta…
Seminyak
Inspired by Hawaii's culture and tropical ingredients, this chain of acai bowl establishments has made a big splash in Bali. The flagship Seminyak…
Canggu
The best deal for great local fare close to the beach, Varuna combines excellent Balinese fare with a surfer sensibility. The nasi goreng (fried rice)…
