Lovina
Right by the beach, this breezy cafe is the best – and most intimate – of the beachside choices. The Indonesian and Western dishes are well presented, as…
Must-see restaurants in Indonesia
Surabaya
With simple tiled walls, plastic-coated menus and chipped tables piled with plates of food, it's not the looks that bring crowds of noisy locals to eat at…
Canggu
There's a farm-to-table ethos at this popular restaurant that focuses on steaks, with a supporting cast of seafood, cured meats, cheeses and local produce…
Labuan Bajo
This inviting spot has something for everyone, including vegans. Staff are trained in the art of sushi, with everything from udon noodles to gyoza made…
Seminyak
One of Seminyak's most popular restaurants, this stylish warehouse-sized space is split into levels, with photographs hanging from exposed brick walls…
Sanur
You don't need a menu at this local favourite: all you can order is its legendary barbecued fish (ikan laut goreng), which comes with various sides and…
Yogyakarta
This Dutch-owned cafe is a cool little hang-out, with awesome coffee, cold beers (happy 'hour' is from noon to 7pm) and an interesting menu of vegetarian…
Labuan Bajo
If you have a predilection for local food, seek out this family-run warung with pink and blue walls. There's no English menu, but pictures on posters help…
Senggigi
An upscale restaurant with beautifully crafted seating and a menu that features Western and Indonesian fusion fare. The cooking is a cut above the local…
Ubud
High style amid the rice fields. This curving teak, bamboo and thatch pavilion is a favourite of Ubud's expats for a drink. Lassies, smoothies, coffee…
Aceh
A popular fixture along Iboih Beach, Dee Dee cooks up an eclectic selection of dishes, from excellent homemade chapatti with guacamole to pasta dishes,…
Labuan Bajo
There are plenty of Padang restaurants at the southern end of Jl Soekarno Hatta, but Garuda is our pick. Point-and-order from the stacked window display:…
Jakarta
With modern, Scandi-esque design incorporating pastel tones and plants in terrariums, this cute spot around the corner from Barack Obama's old school…
West Bali
An extended family runs several neighbouring iterations of this cafe, which serves a local dish Gilimanuk is known for: betutu chicken, a spicy form of…
Kuta & Legian
In a hot tropical place, what is better than ice cream? The soft-serve treats here come from a well-known Korean brand renowned for its rich, creamy…
Ubud
Superb Indian fare (the pappadums crackle!) is served by attentive staff in this airy upstairs restaurant. But the real appeal is the long cocktail list…
Bukit Peninsula
This two-level cafe has a long menu of healthy options. Sandwiches and the tasty burgers have amazing buns. The salads, soups, breakfast burritos and more…
Ubud
Foodies book months in advance to sample the tasting menus at this temple to modern gastronomy. Flavours are fresh, bold and often unorthodox;…
Seminyak
Fat Gajah is all about dumplings and noodles, prepared with mostly organic ingredients. They come fried or steamed with innovative fillings such as beef…
Labuan Bajo
Bajo town's most atmospheric dinner spot. Waterfront stalls with hand-painted names are fronted by tables of fresh seafood, with others specialising in…
Bandung
A classy restaurant serving modern, well-presented Sundanese food, including fresh fish and karedok (salad of long beans and bean sprouts in a spicy sauce…
West Sumatra
Padang food in West Sumatra rarely disappoints, and this cafeteria-style restaurant is famous for its authentic smoky beef rendang, among its assortment…
Banda Aceh
This downtown place is a local institution notable for its delicious homemade ice cream. It has a heap of flavours, including local offerings such as…
Kuta & Legian
A stylish, modern take on the traditional open-fronted cafe, Fat Chow serves Asian-accented fare at long picnic tables, small tables and lounges. The food…
Jakarta
An excellent low-key local chain restaurant just a short walk from glitzy malls and hotels. Classic Indonesian dishes from satay to beef rendang are…
Singaraja
One of the more established cafes at Pantai Penimbangan, Cozy has a long menu of Balinese, Indonesian and seafood dishes. Celebrating locals fill the open…
Nusa Lembongan
This irresistible cafe has great green cred and is noted for giving back to the community. But what it gives customers is also good: fresh and creative…
Central Java
This attractive teahouse is set in an authentic joglo (traditional Javanese house), with over a dozen wood tables shaded by parasols edging tea terraces…
Canggu
There's a hippy-chic vibe at this thatched cafe with a mellow open-air dining room upstairs. The menu leans towards healthy, including juices and lots of…
Seminyak
A sleek beachside restaurant with good views across a lovely lawn and sand to the surf from its 2nd-floor tables. The bar is popular with sunset-watchers,…
Kerobokan
Set in a bungalow-style large open-sided brick space, this old-fashioned restaurant excels at fresh Balinese seafood with an Italian accent (lots of…
Bukit Peninsula
The menu assures patrons that seeing the prices means 'Don't be worry!' Part of the rather staid northern group, JBS is especially welcoming with a huge…
Sanur
With sun lounges, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and table tennis on-site, you could happily spend an entire day here by the beach. Check the club's…
Senggigi
Fresh, spicy and authentic Indonesian food is cooked up on demand at this small stall under a tree. The spicy chicken dishes are much loved by…
Gili Trawangan
Kayu has a lovely array of healthy baked goods, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls and the island's best juices. Savour it in air-con comfort or across the…
Sanur
This simple stall prepares excellent nasi campur, the classic Balinese lunch plate of mixed dishes. Everything is very fresh and prepared while you wait…
Canggu
Classic Balinese warung-style food. Choose your style of rice (we like the local fave: nutty red) and then go down the line picking from various dishes…
Sanur
This spotless Padang-style shopfront is one of several at the south end of Sanur. Choose from an array of fresh and very spicy food. The curry chicken is…
Kerobokan
Bali's best gelato is made fresh throughout the day, with unique flavours such as rich Oreo, surprising and delicious tamarind and kamangi (lemon basil)…
Bukit Peninsula
Near the turn-off to the main road for Bingin, this Padang Padang–style (a buffet of spicy dishes) cafe serves fresh, tasty and affordable fare throughout…
