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Jakarta may not be known for Michelin stars just yet, but ask any local and they’ll tell you: the city’s soul is in its food.
With thousands of restaurants that can satisfy any cravings, Jakarta’s culinary compass has always pointed to authenticity, community and bold experimentation. Whether it’s a late-night nasi goreng (fried rice) or a 12-course tasting menu, the city’s food scene is one that both natives and newcomers can be proud of.
In my 29 years of living and eating in Jakarta, I wouldn’t call myself a foodie, but I’ve had some near-spiritual experiences in some of the city’s restaurants and bars. And the world is starting to notice.
In the 2024/2025 TasteAtlas Awards, Jakarta ranked 16th globally for cuisine, making it the top city in Southeast Asia. That’s out of 17,000 cities, based on real consumer reviews. We even outranked Singapore at 22nd spot and Bandung at 32nd.
For a capital city celebrating its 498th anniversary this month, the timing feels right. No Michelin stars yet? That’s fine. We’ll get there.
But for now, here are five spots that show why Jakarta deserves one.
1. August
A restaurant named after the month of independence feels fitting for Jakarta’s culinary rise.
Located in Sequis Tower, August earned the 2023 “one to watch” award from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Then in 2024, just two years after its opening, August officially made it to the top 50 list.
Its reputation has only grown since then. Why? Because August blends gastronomy with familiarity. Behind it are chef Hans Christian and restaurateur Budi Cahyadi, who combine global techniques with the boldness of Indonesia’s spice traditions.
The result? Dishes with local roots and a modern voice.
Try the 12-course tasting menu for Rp 1.25 million (US$77.25), or, if you're feeling bold, dive straight into the 16 for Rp 1.65 million.
Either way, expect grilled octopus with a three-layered laksa sauce, white fish with ginger flower and belimbing (bilimbi) sauce, and a strong desire to book your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.
2. Pizzeria Cavalese
Pizza may be a comfort food, but Jakarta takes it seriously.
For a slice of heaven at down-to-earth prices, Pizzeria Cavalese is the spot: It ranked 40th out of 50 in the Toppizza Asia Pacific in 2024 by 50 Top Pizza, the ultimate guide to pizzas around the world.
Heaven comes in many delicious options, such as the classic Queen Margherita pizza, which starts at Rp 58,000. But a personal favorite is the Piedmont Pizza served with mushroom, a soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of truffle oil.
The sweet deal? They offer an Italian set lunch from Monday to Friday until 3 p.m., where you can choose between pizza or pasta with either iced or hot tea for just Rp 88,000.
If you’re up for an appetizer, you can add the daily soup or salad for an extra Rp 35,000. If you always have room for dessert, a serving of housemade cake is available for an extra Rp 40,000.
You can find Cavalese in Sunter, Mall of Indonesia and Grand Indonesia.
3. Vong Kitchen
Jakarta may not host a Michelin-starred restaurant, but it’s home to Michelin-level talent.
Vong Kitchen, located in Alila SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District), is helmed by three-Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges and his son Cédric Vongerichten. They’ve brought their New York sensibility to Jakarta, fusing French-American techniques with Indonesian depth.
From light seafood to indulgent steaks, the menu covers cuisines from three continents. A two-course prix fixe lunch menu costs Rp 288,000 and includes one appetizer and one main dish. We recommend the onion soup paired with the roasted chicken, a comforting, elevated duo.
Vong Kitchen won the Best Western Restaurant Jakarta’s Exquisite Awards 2022 by Exquisite. In December 2024, it was named the best restaurant in Jakarta by TimeOut.
4. The Cocktail Club
To wash down all that food, you’ll need a drink, or three.
Above PIERRE in Senopati, The Cocktail Club pairs art deco charm with award-winning cocktails.
Since 2021, it’s been serving up delectable cocktails like the Batavia Milk Punch in a setting that feels both glamorous and intimate.
Led by Kiki Moka, Indonesia’s first World Class representative at the most prestigious bartending competition in the world, the bar ranked 12th out of 50 in the Best Bar in Indonesia 2024 by 50 Best Discovery and appeared in Tatler Best Bars in Asia 2024.
People keep coming back because of its inventive elixirs and energetic trademark.
The must-tries? Umami Bomb, Caffe Cynar, and Barrel Aged Whiskey Infinity.
Pro tip: book ahead. Walk-ins are rarely lucky.
5. Koda
Once a low-key speakeasy in Sudirman, Koda is now a go-to for cocktail connoisseurs. Jakarta residents are always on the lookout for something new and exciting, and Koda can’t hide any longer.
Recently featured on the Best 50 Bar Discovery list and in Tatler’s Best Bars Asia 2024, Koda offers a thoughtful house menu and the option to have something custom-made to your taste.
Either way, you’ll have a hand-concocted cocktail in your hand.
Personal, polished and refreshingly unpretentious, this bar is earning a loyal following, one pour at a time.
