Discover Jakarta’s vibrant culinary landscape, where local flavours meet international influences in the city’s top dining spots. This guide explores innovative cocktail bars, from cosy speakeasies to rooftop venues, showcasing the best of the capital’s nightlife. Complete your experience with a stay at Jakarta’s most luxurious hotels, offering world-class service, elegant design, and exceptional amenities. Whether you’re indulging in creative cuisine, sipping expertly crafted cocktails, or relaxing in opulent surroundings, this guide highlights the best that Jakarta has to offer.
Protip: Do’s and Don’t in Jakarta
When dining in Jakarta, embrace the city’s diverse culinary offerings by exploring both local and international flavours, and make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants. Dress smartly for fine dining, and learning basic Bahasa Indonesia can enhance your experience. To avoid Jakarta’s notorious traffic, plan your meals outside of peak hours, and exercise caution when trying street food by choosing reputable vendors. Lastly, be mindful of dietary restrictions and communicate them clearly to the restaurant staff.
Where to Eat: Jakarta’s Top Dining Destinations
Jakarta’s diverse dining scene offers a range of culinary experiences, blending traditional Indonesian flavours with international influences. Here’s a guide to some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience.
Aged&Butchered
Premium cuts in a refined setting
|Aged&Butchered is an avant-garde steakhouse known for its meticulously prepared meats and inventive sides. The restaurant is a top choice for meat lovers, offering signature dishes like Chili Crab & Lobster with Alaskan snow crab in gochujang parmesan sauce, and the MB7 Aged Australian Wagyu. Their unique “Cheesecake” dessert made from camembert with almond and whole wheat crackers exemplifies their creative approach to dining.
Alto at Four Seasons Jakarta
Italian cuisine with panoramic city views
Alto, located at the Four Seasons Jakarta, offers a luxurious dining experience with stunning views of the city skyline. The restaurant is known for its modern Italian cuisine, featuring fresh pasta, premium meats, and a selection of fine wines. The Lobster Tortellini and Bistecca Fiorentina are among the standout dishes that highlight Alto’s commitment to quality and flavour.
Animale
Progressive Mediterranean cuisine
Animale is known for its progressive Mediterranean dishes that blend classic ingredients with modern twists. Signature dishes include the Ameabi falafel paired with one-year-old ham and cassoulet with rabbit merguez, which exemplify the restaurant’s innovative approach to Mediterranean flavours. Animale’s focus on fresh, bold ingredients makes it a unique dining destination in Jakarta.
August Jakarta
Innovative Indonesian cuisine with a global touch
August Jakarta is a shining star in the city’s vibrant culinary scene, led by the visionary Chef Hans Christian and Budi Cahyadi, co-founders whose passion for innovation has brought the restaurant to the forefront of fine dining in the capital. Known for its inventive approach to Indonesian cuisine, August Jakarta seamlessly blends local flavours with global techniques, creating a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable. August Jakarta’s inclusion in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants as “One to Watch” underscores its rising status in the region. With its meticulously crafted tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and refined techniques, August Jakarta is a must-visit for those seeking to experience the next wave of Indonesian gastronomy.
Carbon
Latin American grill with a modern twist
Carbon specialises in Latin American cuisine, offering dishes that combine fresh seafood with zesty citrus and chilli. The Mixturas Crudo platter, featuring ceviches and tiraditos, reflects the vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico and Peru. Carbon’s modern interpretation of classic Latin American dishes sets it apart as a standout in Jakarta’s dining scene.
Charkoal
Innovative grilling and fermentation techniques
Charkoal, under the direction of Executive Chef Adhitia Julisiandi, offers a 17-course ‘Chef’s Journey’ tasting menu that highlights charcoal grilling and fermentation techniques. Dishes like the Shady Wood Fired Bread with rambutan wood, nori butter, and bottarga, and the Aged Hamachi with yuzu kosho, smoked tare, and fresh wasabi showcase Charkoal’s innovative use of primitive cooking methods and high-quality ingredients, creating a unique dining experience in Jakarta.
ESA
Refined Indonesian cuisine with modern techniques
Esa Restaurant, led by Chef Owner Aditya Muskita, redefines Indonesian cuisine through its tasting menu, Heritage 1.0. The menu pays homage to Indonesia’s culinary heritage while incorporating modern techniques, with standout dishes like the Betawi Curry with egg custard, local sunchokes, and Hokkaido scallop, and the A5 Japanese Short Ribs semur with “mole Jakarta.” Esa’s creative approach to traditional flavours makes it a significant addition to Jakarta’s fine dining scene.
IronPlate
Franco-Asian teppanyaki with innovative flair
IronPlate is a Franco-Asian teppanyaki restaurant that creatively fuses Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Dishes like Frog Legs à la Provençale with ponzu garlic butter sauce and Paella Cigars with Spanish carabineros showcase IronPlate’s commitment to innovation. The restaurant’s Pillow on Pillow, featuring Australian marron and wasabi kaisui butter, is a must-try for those seeking a unique dining experience.
J.J.A. at St Regis Jakarta
Refined French dining with an Indonesian twist
J.J.A. at the St Regis Jakarta offers an elegant dining experience that blends French culinary techniques with Indonesian flavours. The menu features sophisticated dishes like Foie Gras Terrine and Barramundi en Papillote, using the finest local ingredients. The restaurant’s luxurious setting and impeccable service make it a premier choice for fine dining in Jakarta.
KITA at Park Hyatt Jakarta
Authentic Japanese cuisine in a modern setting
Kita at the Park Hyatt Jakarta offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, featuring a menu that focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies in a serene and elegant environment. Kita’s minimalist design and attention to detail create a refined atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an elevated dining experience.
SU MA
A love letter to East Asian culture
SuMa, housed in a building designed by Andra Martin, presents a unique culinary experience that merges Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences. Head Chef Rachel Tjahja and Pastry Chef Ryan Kim have curated a Chef’s Seasonal Menu that includes dishes like the Treasure Box featuring Kaluga caviar and cauliflower chawanmushi, and Sukiyaki Rossini with Galbijjim, Bafun uni, and A5 Miyazaki beef. SuMa’s commitment to seasonal and local ingredients, combined with its minimalist Japanese interior, provides a refined and calm dining experience.
WabiSabi
Modern Japanese cuisine with refined flavours
WabiSabi’s modern Japanese menu is a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. Signature dishes include Kamo Tsukune, a duck meatball with morel mushroom and smoked egg yolk, and “Korn,” a sweetcorn dish on shrimp mousseline with noisette emulsion. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques makes it a standout in Jakarta’s dining scene.
Where To Drink: Cocktail Bars in Jakarta
Jakarta’s cocktail scene is thriving, with a range of bars offering innovative drinks in stylish settings. Here are some of the top cocktail bars that should be on your list.
Carrots
Funky and futuristic with inventive cocktails
Located in the vibrant SCBD district, Carrots offers a unique cocktail experience in a stylish, futuristic setting. The bar’s Blade Runner-inspired interior provides a chic backdrop for its inventive drinks. Highlights include the RBF 2.0, a smoky highball with Montelobos Espadin Mezcal, and the Baba Daiquiri, a twist on the classic with vanilla rum and toasted milk. Carrots’ combination of creative cocktails and attentive service makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
Cosmo Pony
Cosmopolitan charm with a focus on friendship
Cosmo Pony, located at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta, is a convivial cocktail bar with a cosmopolitan soul. A joint venture between The Union Group and Jigger & Pony Group, the bar aims to be a living room for Jakarta’s cocktail lovers. Under the leadership of Silvio Daniele, who has a rich background in hospitality and mixology, Cosmo Pony offers a unique experience with expertly crafted cocktails and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
KITA Bar at Park Hyatt Jakarta
Japanese-inspired cocktails with stunning views
KITA Bar offers an unparalleled drinking experience with its Japanese-inspired cocktail menu and panoramic views of Jakarta’s skyline. The bar’s minimalist design complements the elegance of its drinks, like the “Sakura Sour,” a delicate cocktail that captures the essence of cherry blossoms. Kita Bar is ideal for a stylish evening in a serene and sophisticated setting.
Modernhaus
Innovative cocktails in a mid-century modern setting
Nestled in Jakarta’s Senopati district, Modernhaus combines sleek design with a cosy atmosphere. As part of the UNION Group, it has quickly become a hotspot for inventive cocktails. Head mixologist Mirwansyah ‘Bule’ crafts drinks like the Celery Martini and the Espresso Martini with mushroom soy sauce, focusing on zero-waste practices. The mid-century modern aesthetic and engaging ambiance make Modernhaus a top choice for a night out in Jakarta.
Nautilus
Nautical-themed sophistication with a touch of luxury
Nautilus is the signature bar at the Four Seasons Jakarta, offering a luxurious and intimate setting with a nautical theme. Headed by Julian Brigget, the bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails that incorporate local Indonesian ingredients, providing a unique twist on classic drinks. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, making it an ideal spot for a refined evening out.
Pantja
Craft cocktails with a vibrant atmosphere
Pantja blends culinary excellence with a vibrant bar scene, offering a chic environment for enjoying creative cocktails. Led yb Kabir Suharan, the Tribute menu, inspired by unsung black bartenders and female trailblazers, features standout drinks like the Porn Star Highball. Pantja’s mix of contemporary and traditional décor, combined with its innovative cocktail menu, makes it a solid choice for a stylish night out in Jakarta.
The Cocktail Club Jakarta
Vintage vibes with a playful edge
The Cocktail Club Jakarta, accessible via a staircase from Pierre, offers a unique drinking experience in a setting filled with leather armchairs, dark-green velvet booths, and vintage posters. The bar led by Kiki Moka is known for its original cocktails featuring local ingredients and inventive techniques. With an extensive collection of small-batch whiskies and a playful atmosphere, The Cocktail Club is a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy quality drinks in a relaxed yet lively environment.
Where To Stay: Luxury Hotels in Jakarta
Jakarta’s luxury hotels provide an oasis of comfort and elegance amidst the bustling city. Here are some of the top hotels that offer exceptional service, stunning architecture, and world-class dining options.
Four Seasons Jakarta
Urban sanctuary with a blend of modern and classic luxury
The Four Seasons Jakarta offers an urban retreat that seamlessly blends modern luxury with timeless elegance. Guests can expect spacious, beautifully appointed rooms that provide a serene escape from the city’s hustle. The hotel’s amenities are world-class, including a tranquil spa, an inviting outdoor pool, and several dining options that cater to refined tastes. Alto, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, is known for its authentic cuisine and stunning views of the city skyline. For a sophisticated evening, the Nautilus Bar offers expertly crafted cocktails in a luxurious nautical-themed setting.
Park Hyatt Jakarta
Modern elegance in the heart of the city
The Park Hyatt Jakarta stands out for its sleek, contemporary design and prime location in the city’s centre. This luxury hotel is a favourite among both business travellers and tourists for its stylish rooms, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Jakarta. The hotel’s dining options are as impressive as its design, with Kita Restaurant offering authentic Japanese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. The adjoining Kita Bar provides a chic spot to enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails while taking in the panoramic cityscape. The Park Hyatt Jakarta is the epitome of modern luxury, offering both comfort and style in every detail.
Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Jakarta
Sophisticated luxury with unparalleled amenities
The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Jakarta is synonymous with sophisticated luxury. Located in the heart of Jakarta’s business district, the hotel is ideal for corporate travellers seeking a blend of business and leisure. The elegantly appointed rooms feature plush bedding and marble bathrooms, providing a sanctuary of comfort. The hotel’s PA.SO.LA restaurant offers a culinary journey through Asian and Western influences, ensuring an innovative and satisfying dining experience. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s world-class amenities, which include a luxurious spa and an outdoor pool that offers a perfect retreat from the bustling city.
St Regis Jakarta
Luxury redefined with impeccable service
The St Regis Jakarta is the pinnacle of opulence, offering guests an experience that is both luxurious and personalised. From the moment of arrival, guests are greeted with grand architecture and elegant interiors that set the tone for a memorable stay. The hotel’s dining venues are equally impressive, with J.J.A. offering a refined menu that blends French culinary techniques with Indonesian flavours. The St Regis Bar is another highlight, renowned for its signature cocktails and sophisticated ambiance. Every detail at the St Regis Jakarta is carefully curated to provide an unparalleled level of service and luxury, making it a top choice for discerning travellers.
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