
After researching intensely before arriving, and then spending a week exploring the city, I think I found some really great spots worth checking out. Of course I couldn't try everything, the city is just to big. But if you want some help planning I’m here to give you my honest review of the places we ate at in Jakarta and would go back to.
Zapoli Pizzeria
It might not look like much, but this places has some of the best pizza we’ve had in Asia. They have a really small menu with a couple of pizzas and pastas and all the dishes we tried were delicious. I know they have a couple of restaurants in the city, but we tried the one in Menteng, and even though it's super small, it's worth it.

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Yialos Taverna
To be fair we actually only ordered food from here, so I can't vouch for the ambiance. I had saved it as one of the places I really wanted to visit, but we were craving greek food the evening we landed and just felt like ordering in. And the food was super good.
We tried falafels and gyros and its some of the best I’ve had, so I can only imagine how the rest of the menu tastes like. We wanted to go back, but there are just so many places to explore in Jakarta that we never had the time.
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ASHTA Mall
This might seem odd, but go with me here. The mall in itself isn't that big and it feels more like a giant food court than a mall in some way. Instead of a cheesy foodcourt, they have so many charming and really good bakeries and restaurants.
Of course we didn't have time to try them all, but the ones we did try were really good. If you’re in the mood for some pastries, this is a great option, with spots like Paris Baguette, Bakerman, Bread Culture, Donut of curiosity amongst others. Just have a look and you’ll probably find one you like.
Osteria Gia
This amazing Italian spot is located inside the Plaza Indonesia mall so it's perfect if you’re feeling hungry while shopping.
Even if you're not on a shopping spree I think this is a spot worth visiting, because it has some of the best Italian food I’ve had. We tried the lasagne and Caesar salad and both were really, really good.


Maple & Oak
If you’re looking for a nice brunch this is definitely a spot worth considering. We went there for brunch on a Sunday and the food was really good. The service is also excellent.
It looked like they had a DJ occasionally, but not when we visited. We only came for lunch, but it seemed like a place that was nice to come in the evening for a glass of wine as well.

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Scarlett’s House
We came here not really knowing how popular it was, and even on a random Tuesday it was full of people. We luckily got a table outside without waiting too long.
Going though the menu was hard, because they really had so much I wanted to try, but we weren't that hungry yet, so we shared the fish. It was really good, and I wish I had more time in the city to come back and try some of the pastas and sandwiches because it looked delicious.
I also saw so many people coming here just for dessert so it's probably really nice for that as well.

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FudgyBro
This is hands down the best cookie I’ve had in a long time. I love a place who only sells a handful of things, but does it really well and that's what you'll find here.
Even though M Blok in general was rather packed and many people were standing in line for some of the more TikTok famous spots, I still think this was the best one and I was super surprised that it had mostly local families here enjoying a snack and not all the influencers lining up like at some of the other places.
It was so good that when we went to Yogayakarta later on we found them again and went back!

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Mack Ice cream
This might be more a fun place if you want to try something a bit more experimental. To me it honestly wasn’t the best ice cream, but to be fair I only tried the vanilla. They're famous for having all sorts of crazy flavours, so I probably should have tried something else.
Café Batavia
I’d read about this before coming to Kota Tua, but almost didn't go in because I was afraid it would be a complete tourist trap. It’s safe to say that I was proven wrong.
Inside the colonial building you'll find a super charming restaurant with some truly delicious food. And there is so much to choose from that I honestly think anyone can find something they like here.
You'll also have some really nice views overlooking Fatahillah Square in Kota Tua. Even if you're not hungry, it's worth stopping by for a drink and the atmosphere alone.

Skye Rooftop Bar
This is a must visit in my opinion. Even if you don’t want to eat here I highly recommend coming for drinks and enjoy the view. It was absolutely breathtaking. You can get a table inside our outside overlooking the city. I highly recommend getting one outside.
One thing to keep in mind is that they have a stricter dress code here than many other places. I actually had to borrow shoes from them since I wasn't allowed in without wearing high heels. Thankfully it didn't seem like I was the only one, because I saw so many girls borrowing shoes from them. If you're a guy you can wear pretty much anything, but girls have to have high heels.

Dan's Diner
If you're craving a taste of America, this is the perfect spot. It's inspired by roadside diners in the United States and feature retro booths and classic American food.
We tried a chicken burger and the fluffy pancakes with blueberry and they were as delicious as I hoped they would be.

Belly Bandit
This is another amazing brunch spot that had really good food and a nice vibe. The menu is packed with breakfast and lunch favourites ranging from scrambled eggs to burgers.
We tried a sandwich and their mix of a donut dn waffle which was insanely good. So much so that I still think about it from time to time.


More spots to eat in Jakarta
As mentioned I only had a week in the city so I didnt’t get to try all the spots I wanted to. Below are some other spots I wanted to try, but never had the time to. Maybe you'll find something you would prioritise higher than the ones I tried.
- Plataran Menteng
- Kaum Jakarta
- Henshin
- Mogul Burger
- Roti Romi
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Eat in Jakarta
Jakarta may not be at the top of every travellers bucket list, but if you decide to go I can guarantee that you'll at least find some really delicious food.
The beauty of dining here lies in its variety. You can really find anything you want in this huge city. Whether it’s delicious greek food, pastry, local budget friendly spots or rooftop bars.
Some of my favourite memories of Jakarta aren't tied to landmarks or attractions at all, they're some of the places we ate and the views we had from rooftops.
Plan Your Trip to Jakarta
Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Jakarta. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.
Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.
By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.
Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!
If you have any questions about travel in Indonesia, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.
I would love to connect and help out!
-Ingrid
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