The growing popularity of Peranakan (Indonesian-Chinese) cuisine has found a beautiful historic home in Dapur Babah. The restaurant is housed in two converted 1940s shophouses, a street that was one of the most prestigious in Old Batavia. The restaurant almost functions as a living museum, with a fascinating array of antiques and curiosity items displayed throughout. A beautiful Tibetan Buddha serenely watches over the Tao dining room and much of the dining furniture is also antique. The food is an authentic sampling of Babah cuisine; reservations are recommended.
One of Jakarta's swankiest historical settings. The well—stocked upstairs bar and adjoining restaurant are of noble colonial proportion. The dining room overlooks Fatahillah Square, once central to Jakarta's colonial forebear, Batavia. The restaurant has two kitchens. One offers American—influenced international dishes such as Caesar salad and elaborate ice—cream confections, the other serves Hong Kong—style Chinese cuisine. Both can accommodate vegetarians and have a weekend brunch menu.
Bandar Djakarta is a famous seafood restaurant noted for its affordable prices and excellent seaside location. This makes it a perfect place for family gatherings and special occasions like birthdays, as well as romantic candle-lit dinners. The choice of seafood is excellent, ranging from small shrimps to huge lobsters, and prices vary according to the rarity of the items. Freshness is guaranteed: simply select the living sea creatures from the water-filled tanks yourself! For your bill, you will be charged for the weight of the seafood with a small cooking charge on top. Note that the restaurant is located within the huge Ancol Dream Park Complex—so why not make a day of it and try out the waterpark, funpark, or any of the other entertainment facilities nearby?
Befittingly named for a spot located on the rooftop of a high-rise, Skye has become an iconic venue among the young crowd in Jakarta. The indoor area features an eclectic decor with colorful cushions, cane and wooden seating, and floor to ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings. The rooftop space is even more impressive. A small, rectangular pool has been created at the edge of the terrace. The cool breeze and blue water set the tone for the rest of the magical evening. Chef Hamish Lindsay has created an elaborate menu featuring signatures such as Tuna Feuillette, Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Liver Bruschetta and Crispy Shrimp Taco. Pair them with a Skye Sour cocktail or a Bellini to end the evening on a great note.
Culture vultures will find much to like at the Lara Djonggrang Restaurant in the plush neighborhood of Menteng. The old colonial house is full of fine art works from across Indonesia and beyond, and they really help to give the restaurant a very special and romantic ambiance. There are several dining areas and special rooms in the restaurant, each of which has its own unique characteristics. China Blue, for example, has an oriental-Buddhist theme to it, while Tugu Bali is resplendent with many beautiful Balinese works of art. As for the food, the restaurant serves classic Indonesian dishes from several areas of the vast archipelago.
Ensconced in the swank Pullman Jakarta, the Sana Sini Restaurant is the epitome of fine-dining cuisine in the city. At the forefront of this award-winning restaurant is a delightful cornucopia of four buffets, each conveying a distinct culinary narrative. From Europe to Asia, Sana Sini offers a stunning melange of dishes that span the best of Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and European cuisines. Set in elegant environs that overlook one of Jakarta's major thoroughfares, the Jalan M.H.Thamrin, this plush restaurant opens everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while weekends are reserved for boozy brunches that come with a free-flow wine package. Equipped with a robust culinary expertise, Chef Cameron Gardiner and his very competent staff treat you to an impeccable dining experience in the heart of the city.
This restaurant proposes a luxurious, attentively served and professionally presented short-order grill menu. Select what you would like to have grilled from a range of meat and seafood, including USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Choice and Black Angus beef, Australian lamb, shrimps and salmon. Then choose from the array of accompaniments and side dishes to go with it. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Bimasena building, accessed through the nobly proportioned yet intimate The Dharmawangsa hotel. A full bar service is on offer, and private dining rooms are also available.
Aimed at the more discerning customer, Elbow Room is a classy bar-cum-restaurant located in the leafy confines of Kemang in South Jakarta. Inside, the mood is rather restrained with the dim lighting. But spacious it is, and the high ceilings coupled with the extensive use of wooden paneling give the place a warm and cozy feel. If you don’t want to sit at the tables downstairs, head upstairs and sink into one of the huge and extremely comfy sofas. Wine is the drink of choice here, but be warned: you can only order it by the bottle and not the glass. As for the food, prices are reasonable. Items include New Zealand Mussels and a range of succulent steaks. Bon appetit! - Martin Jenkins
A member of the Blue Elephant International Plc. Group, Blue Erawan is a total sensory concept based on the very best of traditional Thai beauty, charm and courtesy. Superb Royal Thai cuisine sets the standard with dining excellence. With five professional Thai chefs and highest quality ingredients flown in fresh directly from Thailand, Blue Erawan will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey to the Land of Smiles.
Croissants de France is a cozy spot to gorge on those toothsome French-inspired desserts in the heart of Jakarta. The cafe occupies a prominent location in Pasaraya Manggarai shopping complex and welcomes locals and tourists alike. Croissants de France offers an exciting menu of some flaky croissants baked to perfection, frothy latte, freshly baked breads and other decadent treats served in a warm setting.
OKU at the Hotel Indonesia presents the age-old culinary traditions of Japan with a modern twist. Chef Kazumasa Yazawa leads the way through a culinary tour of Japanese cuisine from a contemporary perspective. Each evocative dish is a beautiful rendition of authentic Japanese fare, tempered by the chef's skill and finesse. The decor too reflects this ethos through a simple, sleek design that is hewn from the interplay between glass, stone and wood. The adjacent lounge is the perfect complement, with a bar serving an impressive selection of whiskeys and creative cocktails made with the finest ingredients. A modern dining experience rooted in tradition, a meal at OKU is a connoisseur's delight.
Patio Venue & Dining is a great place to savor Mediterranean flavors in Jakarta. The restaurant has an inviting interior with gentle lights accentuating the spacious dining room. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, the dining room gives a perfect view of the garden surrounding the restaurant. Pizzas are a favorite among regulars while dining at Patio, and the place also serves a range of pastas. Salmon Teriayaki and seafood noodles are available for those who wish to add an Asian touch to their fare. Certain evenings at Patio Venue & Dining are brought to life with live music performances by local pianists.