From fine-dining to family-friendly, here are our top recommendations for the best dining experiences across Indonesia.
BREAKFAST
Roaster And Bear
Yogyakarta
Adorable decor (think fluffy toys and murals of wild animals) make this cafe popular on social media. The menu changes regularly but usually features hearty classics as well as lighter fare, like smoothie bowls.
Revolver Espresso
Bali
This 30-seat cafe is geared towards serving Australian-style coffee and is often credited for revolutionising the caffeine scene in Bali. Breakfast is served all day, and the cocktails also kick off early!
Mopi’s Place
Flores
Tuck into freshly baked goods in the morning at this coffee house at the foot of Kelimutu. Then return at sunset for live entertainment by local reggae musicians. An off-the-beaten-track location is reflected in its address.
Loka
Lombok
Part gym, part surf lodge, part cafe, this tropical health bar offers strength and conditioning services, as well as a menu full of wholesome breakfast options. Pull up a bean bag and enjoy a traditional Lombok banana coffee to start your day.
ISLAND EATS AND STREET FOOD
Jajan Pasar at Mbah Satinem
Yogyakarta
Literally translated as “market munchies”, one of the oldest versions of “Jajan Pasar” also goes by the same name. This specific variety combines a mixture of shredded coconut, palm sugar, sticky rice and cassava wrapped in a banana leaf to create a tasty traditional treat. Mbah Satinem’s stall isn’t fancy, but her recipe has withstood the test of time, being passed down from her mother. It’s so good that former president Suharto used to be a regular customer!
Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah at Nipah Beach
Lombok
Lombok is packed with regional specialities, including Ayam Taliwang (Indonesian grilled chicken) and bebalung (spicy ribs). However, one of the most popular street dishes on the island is “Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah”. This special grilled fish, marinated in seasonings, such as lime juice, garlic, chillies, ginger, and sweet soy sauce, then grilled over hot coals can be found on Nipah Beach.
Nasi Tepeng at Gianyar Pasar Senggol
Bali
Nasi (rice) dishes are popular all over Indonesia, but Nasi Tepeng is a typical dish from Bali’s Gianyar village. Made from spicy rice and often served with fried chicken, eggs, beans, eggplant, and jackfruit, it is traditionally popular among some Hindus. While locals commonly visit local street carts and parked motorbikes in the morning for this breakfast choice, it can also be spotted at the Gianyar Night Markets.
Moni Cake at Jalan Moni
Flores
Catemak Jagung or Corn Catemak (a dish made from corn, peanuts, green beans, and pumpkin) is popular all over the island of Flores. But for an even more niche specialty head to one of the warungs (family-owned small restaurant or café ) in the tiny town of Moni and ask for the cake by the same name. But don’t expect dessert – Moni cake is more like a potato croquette – fried and blanketed in cheese!
FINE DINING
Locavore
Bali
Small and cosy, this restaurant (voted best in Indonesia) is lead by classically trained chefs. The kitchen team take an ingredient-driven approach to creating contemporary Europen meals, that are meticulously prepared, artfully presented and utterly delicious.
Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant
Lombok
Situated directly on the beach, and designed to blend in with the beautiful landscape, Laut Biru offers a classic Indo menu as luxurious as its surrounds. Sunset drinks and dinner on the beach can also be organised for you, by prior arrangement.
Atlantis on The Rock by Plataran
Flores
This hidden jewel on the pristine sands of Waecicu Beach epitomises the raw beauty of Flores. The only thing potentially challenging the amazing sunset views of neighbouring Komodo Islands is a premium menu of local cuisine and cocktails.
Pasta Banget Signature
Yogyakarta
Although it is close to downtown Yogyakarta, this restaurant is worlds away. The menu features hearty Italian classics served by candlelight in the middle of a rice field. Flower bouquets can also be requested for an even more romantic dinner.
VEGAN
Simple Plant Vegan Kitchen & Artspace
Yogyakarta
This restaurant in Yogyakarta is popular for veganised western favourites, like burgers and mushroom steaks. It also serves as an art space showcasing different artworks from local and international creators and has a small shop on site selling animal-rights T-shirts.
Terra
Lombok
The ethos of this healthy plant-based restaurant is to create a menu that is 90% raw food and 10% cooked food. And 100% delicious. They also offer cooking classes and are the first restaurant in Lombok to host pop-up dinners.
Catur’z Kopi Club
Flores
This rustic coffee house does double duty as a chess club. The town’s only dedicated vegetarian and vegan cafe (it became fully vegetarian in May 2018) serves up a tasty selection of meat-free meals and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 7:00am-10:00pm.
Zest Ubud
Bali
With a mission to “connect beyond food”, Zest aims to nourish your body with the best locally grown organic food, while exciting your spirit by serving it among traditional Balinese architecture, modern art and lush jungle surroundings.
VEGETARIAN
Milas Vegetarian
Yogyakarta
Milas focuses on meat-free cooking – including smoothies, sandwiches, salads, as well as Indonesian mains. Part of a project centre for street youth, this Yogyakarta favourite also hosts an organic market, selling local produce every Wednesday and Saturday.
Pachamama Organic Cafe and Private Villa
Gili Air
While not exclusively vegetarian, this hidden restaurant dishes out a great organic, plant-based menu in a bohemian setting. It is located on Gilli Air (an island near the coast of Lombok). To get there, take the alleyway in between Kaluku and Orong Villages, and then your first right!
Happy Banana Komodo
Flores
Serving Japanese fusion dishes, this restaurant is not exclusively plant-based, but very vegetarian-friendly. The menu also clearly specifies vegan items and the staff are super helpful in accommodating dietary requirements.
Zula Vegetarian Paradise
Bali
Chefs at this restaurant are skilled in transforming fresh local ingredients into vegetarian cuisine with an international twist. Their healthy take on apple cobbler is meant to be amazing! The cozy interior is also home to an organic grocery store.
SEAFOOD
Rock Bar in AYANA Resort and Spa
Bali
There is no shortage of fresh seafood restaurants lining the white-sand beach of Jimbaran Bay (Pantai Muaya to the locals). But the one located within the AYANA resort is one of the best. Signature offerings include steamed clams, grilled eggplant and unparalleled sunset views.
Pesona Seafood Restaurant and Room
Flores
Nestled among the banana trees, on a hill above Labuan Bajo’s main street, Pesona is well worth the effort required to reach it. Seafood is freshly caught and prepared in a variety of different, delicious ways.
Ikan Bakar Jimbaran
Yogyakarta
Ikan means grilled – and this restaurant’s specialty is its barbecued seafood. Here, guests pick their favourite fish from the counter and instruct staff as to how they’d like it cooked. Ikan’s location in the middle of paddy fields, makes for a particularly romantic setting by night.
Quali Seafood Restaurant
Lombok
Luxurious yet tasteful, this ocean-front fine-dining venue serves a sophisticated menu, and some of the best cocktails in Lombok. In addition to the amazing seafood (the restaurant’s speciality), Quali hosts a lavish buffet spread on Saturday nights.
FAMILY
The Joglo
Bali
Not your run-of-the-mill restaurant! Here, the Mediterranean fare is accompanied by an outdoor playground, an adjoining yoga studio, and regular family-friendly events, including Tuesday afternoon pottery classes for kids, Wednesday night outdoor movies, and traditional Sunday brunch!
La Chill
Lombok
While cocktails at sunset are one of the main draws, this laid-back beach bar opens early, and serves exceptional Indonesian fare and fresh seafood, making it the perfect place to enjoy some fresh ocean air, sunshine and a bite to eat with your loved ones!
Bajo Taco
Flores
Everybody likes nachos and if your tiny food critic needs a break from Nasi Goreng, then head to the town’s only Tex-Mex restaurant. Bajo Taco homemade tortillas and some of the freshest fish tacos you’ll ever taste.
Tempo del Gelato
Yogyakarta
A little slice of Italy in ‘Yogya’, an outing to this specialty gelato parlour is one that the whole family will enjoy! Flavours range from adventurous – dragon fruit, ‘hot and spicy’ and lemongrass and green tea, to the familiar, so there is something to delight all tastes, ages and appetites!