Leyla Rose

Fans of Japanese cuisine will be pleased to know that the cuisine is incredibly popular in Indonesia, and Jakarta has everything from high-end omakase experiences to family-friendly yakiniku spots and simple noodle joints. Whatever you’re craving and whatever budget you’re on, there’s a fantastic selection of places to choose from. To help you get the best out of Jakarta’s food scene, we’ve rounded up not just our favourite Japanese restaurants, but places that local Jakartans think worthy of making the list. Here’s where to get the best Japanese food in the city. RECOMMENDED: The best fine dining in Jakarta and The best hotels in Jakarta Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Home to pristine beaches and some of the bluest waters you’ve ever laid eyes on, Raja Ampat certainly deserves its nickname, ‘the Last Paradise on Earth’. Located in far eastern Indonesia, this archipelago sits in the heart of the Coral Triangle – the most biodiverse marine area in the world – attracting keen scuba divers. But there’s plenty to do on land too, making it one of the best adventure destinations in Asia. Ready to start planning your trip? Here’s all the essential information you need. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Lombok and The dreamiest hotels in Indonesia

Asia offers secluded islands, mirrored waters, and year-round sun – all the ingredients for a perfect scuba dive. It's really no wonder that this continent is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. We're talking incredible wreck dives, vibrant and teeming coral reefs, and depending on the season, pelagics like sharks, whales, and manta rays. So, dive in with us to some of the most prestigious destinations of the underwater world.  READ MORE: The most incredible road trips in Asia and One month in Southeast Asia: The ultimate itinerary    

In January, we published our annual ranking of the world’s best cities. To create the list, we quizzed city-dwellers on everything from happiness and nightlife to walkability – and while all these factors are important in making a city great, let’s face it: a city is nothing without its food. From street eats to fine dining, family-run taverns to cutting-edge kitchens, eating and drinking is the backbone of local culture in our cities and the reason many of us choose to travel.  So, in order to figure out the great culinary metropolises of today, we surveyed thousands of people around the world about food in their city. We asked locals to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and attributes from ‘family-friendly’ to ‘experimental’.  Each city was ranked according to quality and affordability ratings, alongside a score from a panel of Time Out food experts – editors, food critics and Time Out Market chefs – who were asked to share their insights into the most exciting cities for food right now. To create the final ranking, we included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects culinary cities globally. We then asked our global network of food writers to tell us exactly what makes their city such an exciting place to eat right now. The result? A very tasty list indeed. In each of these 20 cities, you’ll find the best of the old-school and the new. There are long-standing street food stalls and

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Just east of Bali is Lombok, an island often described as a glimpse of what Bali was like 20 years ago. With its spectacular beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife (not to mention the impressive volcano watching over the island), Lombok’s natural beauty is its main appeal. But that’s not all – you can also expect colourful Sasak culture, delicious cuisine, and action-packed activities. Whether you’re hoping to relax and unwind or fill your days with exciting adventures, here are the best activities to add to your Lombok itinerary.  READ MORE: Which Gili Island is best for you? and The best things to do in Bali

Let’s be real: Life in Jakarta can get pretty hectic. Trying to beat traffic or stay on top of your day-to-day tasks can leave you exhausted. In times like this, a healing massage can do wonders for your weary soul – and you don’t need to splurge to enjoy a glorious reset. We rounded up the best massage spots that cater to every budget, from luxe spas to pocket-friendly family reflexology centres. Here’s where to go for some delicious self-care. READ MORE: How to spend 48 hours in Jakarta and The best luxury hotels in Jakarta

When it comes to eating out in Indonesia, you’re spoiled for choice with everything from casual eateries to fine dining. And it’s not just Indonesian cuisine that you’ll find, with international chefs bringing new and innovative flavours while making the most of the country’s native herbs and spices, fresh seafood, and tropical produce. Hungry? These are Indonesia’s top restaurants to eat at right now.  READ MORE: The best bars in Indonesia and The best hotels in Indonesia

Indonesia isn’t just beaches and nature – it has plenty of fascinating museums, too. With most of them located in Java and Bali, there’s something that covers every interest – from ancient artefacts to fashion and textiles, you’ll always have plenty to see and do. So, whether you’re interested in local art, brushing up on your history or learning how the country’s most impressive natural features were formed, these are the best museums to visit. READ MORE: The most remarkable temples in Indonesia and The most gorgeous architecture in Indonesia

Whether it’s the food, landscapes, languages or cultures, Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world. This can also be seen in its architecture – from ancient archaeological sites to sleek and shiny skyscrapers, the range of styles vary greatly as you travel through the country. Some take influence from religions like Hinduism and Islam, while some have been shaped by European colonists. Below are some of the most impressive examples of architecture that you can check out on your next visit to Indonesia. READ MORE: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The most epic volcanoes in Indonesia to hike

For the intrepid traveller, Indonesia is the gift that keeps on giving. Home to more than 17,000 islands, the country offers up a diversity of breathtaking landscapes. From gleaming, isolated beaches to lush tropical rainforests, there's always a corner to escape to. For this reason, the country is a resort haven, with some truly stunning sanctuaries packed with all the amenities you can dream of (and a side of top-notch Indonesian hospitality). From wellness getaways to countryside escapes, this is our pick of the best resorts you can find on the archipelago.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The best islands in Indonesia

If you’re a foodie, Indonesia is one of the best places to travel. The cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each island boasting its specialities. Along with indigenous culinary traditions, many Indonesian dishes are influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisine, using the many herbs and spices the archipelago is known for. As well as an abundance of seafood, meat, and chicken, a wide variety of fresh vegetables, rice dishes, noodles, tofu, and tempe means there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. Ready to whet your appetite? These are some of the best Indonesian dishes to try. READ MORE: The best things to do in Indonesia and The best bars in Indonesia

Out of the many restaurants in Blok M, Jakarta’s ‘Little Tokyo’, Futago Ya stands out for its unique dishes that marry Japanese and Indonesian flavours. It’s very much value for money, too.  The vibe: Blok M attracts foodies of all ages and backgrounds, but Futago Ya definitely caters to a younger crowd who have their finger on the latest viral foodie opening. The venue is on the smaller side, fitting around ten people at a time, with bar seating and an open kitchen concept. The food: The menu is small and to the point, which is great for indecisive folks. There’s a selection of rice and noodle dishes, as well as a few sides, and many of them are topped or served with Indonesian flavours. For example, the chicken karaage comes with a terasi (shrimp paste) mayo, while the abura ramen is served with a pangsit nori (seaweed flavoured fried wonton wrapper). The drinks: Although there are limited drink options, some interesting choices are available, such as sarsaparilla and mugicha, a roasted barley-grain infusion tea. Time Out tip: Portions aren’t huge, so if you’re hungry, this is a good excuse to order 2-3 items from the menu.

It’s a known fact that dedicated sushi bars tend to be quite exclusive, led by experienced sushi masters who have trained with the best, and with guest lists that are hard to get onto. But South Jakarta’s Kohai is changing that narrative and proving that high-quality sushi can be accessible in terms of pricing and inclusivity.  The vibe: With its calming wood accents and polaroids of loyal customers, Kohai has a warm and inviting feel that adds to the relaxed atmosphere.  The food: While you can order sushi, rice dishes, and sides a la carte, the omakase is the highlight. Consisting of 13 dishes, the menu combines imported and locally-sourced seafood that has been slightly tweaked to please the Indonesian palate while staying true to its Japanese roots. A standout is the maguro akami, which uses lean tuna sourced from Maluku, but has been given an Indonesian-style crispy garlic confit topping. The drinks: The non-alcoholic drinks menu offers artisan Japanese teas and mocktails.  Time Out tip: It’s worth checking out Kohai’s Instagram before visiting, as they often have seasonal offers and special menus.

It’s all in a name – translating to ‘home’ or ‘native place’, Furusato Izakaya is all about everyday, home-cooked meals. Helmed by chef Shinichiro Takada, this is your go-to for Japanese comfort food in Jakarta. It’s an all-occasion type of place, with various seating areas such as the Sushi Bar, Teppanyaki, and Sake Bar, as well as booths and tatami rooms for private dining.  The vibe: Special attention has been given to the interiors, which feel authentically Japanese – think minimalist decor, traditional lamps, clean lines, and lots of wood. It’s sophisticated yet low-key and relaxed, ideal for when you want a nice meal without the pomp. The food: There’s so much variety on the menu, from rice and noodle dishes, to curries, sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, and street food-inspired deep-fried snacks like takoyaki. It’s a great choice if you’re new to Japanese cuisine and don’t want anything too complicated. The drinks: There’s a great selection of sake and non-alcoholic beverages, making it a nice place for after-work drinks. Time Out tip: If you’re too overwhelmed by the choice, leave it up to the chef and opt for one of the three omakase menus.

Morimoto Jakarta is acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first restaurant in Southeast Asia, and it certainly lives up to its name. Set on the 63rd floor of The Langham, the stunning views of the city skyline are the first thing you notice as you walk in – be sure to grab a table by the window.  The vibe: The black, grey and polished wood interiors create a sleek and sophisticated feel, just like the type of patrons who frequent the restaurant. The hushed tones and low lighting make it the perfect spot for date night. The food: If you’re aware of chef Masaharu Morimoto’s impressive portfolio, then it’s difficult not to come without expectations. Luckily, the food here is as consistently good as the other Morimoto establishments, with premium cuts of seafood forming the basis of the menu.  The drinks: The cocktail menu is a journey through Japan’s seasons and utilises Japanese ingredients like matcha, yuzu, and edamame. There’s also a large selection of sake, as well as your usual spirits and wines. Time Out tip: Order the signature tuna pizza, made with thin slices of tuna on a crispy flour tortilla, and topped with red onion, cilantro, and an umami-rich anchovy aioli.

As soon as you step into Kenjiro, you’re transported from a leafy side street in South Jakarta to cherry blossom-filled Japan. The decor isn’t just a gimmick, though – the food at this yakiniku restaurant is authentic, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.  The vibe: Think Edo-era elegance, with plenty of wood, sunlight, and stone. It’s a social kind of place: on weekdays, expect corporate workers lunching with colleagues, while weekends are full of families and friends.  The food: As Kenjiro is primarily a grill house, you can look forward to an excellent choice of A5 Wagyu, including omi hime, shodoshima olive, and iwate, all of which you can grill at the table. The rest of the menu is packed with all kinds of accompanying dishes, from sushi and sashimi to rice and noodles. There are sharing dishes too, so you order a little bit of everything.  The drinks: Something for everyone, with non-alcoholic beverages as well as artisanal cocktails, sake, and high-quality Japanese whisky.  Time Out tip: If you’re looking for a date idea in the city, Kenjiro hosts sushi-making classes (book in advance).

You know you’re in good hands at Junsei with chefs Aman Lakhiani and Zach Farr at the helm. First opened in London in 2021, Junsei’s entire ethos is about letting natural flavours shine through traditional cooking techniques and minimal seasonings. Now, the izakaya is giving Jakarta a taste of what made the London venue so popular.   The vibe: Minimalist but warmly lit, the venue is chic and modern, while the bar and open-deck nights draw Jakarta’s hippest crowds. The food: Mirroring the menu at the London branch, the food here revolves around a neck-to-tail approach that puts less popular parts of the chicken in the spotlight, so don’t be surprised to see gizzard and feet on the menu. Meats here are grilled over white Binchōtan charcoal or Japanese oak, which highlights the various textures and flavours. In addition to yakitori, Junsei also offers small plates, seafood, and rice dishes. The drinks: In addition to your classic cocktails and sake, signature drinks feature savoury Japanese ingredients like togarashi powder and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) for an umami hit.  Time Out tip: Sit at the counter for a view of the grilling in action.

Located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel, contemporary Japanese cuisine is served with a side of panoramic city views. Everything has a hint of luxury here, and at the centre of the main dining area is an open kitchen where you can watch your food being prepared. The vibe: Decked out with sleek wooden floors, marble countertops, and dim lighting, diners consist of guests of the Park Hyatt and executives from surrounding offices. It’s the type of place for celebrations and special occasions.  The food: The extensive menu covers whatever type of Japanese food you’re in the mood for, from shabu-shabu to robatayaki and teppanyaki. There’s fresh sushi and sashimi flown in twice a week from Japan, and the meat options consist of premium Japanese, Australian, and US beef. The drinks: The well-stocked wine cellar offers options from around the world, while the beverage menu features a lengthy list of sake and other Japanese spirits, including shochu, as well as cocktails.  Time Out tip: The nine private dining rooms offer a range of seating capacities, with customisable lighting and music, and special set menus. For a fun experience, book one that comes with its own teppan kitchen. 

Sitting above the treetops in the Four Seasons Resort, Ayung Terrace is the spot for long, lazy lunches overlooking Ubud’s rainforest.

Casual fine dining specialising in globally-inspired tapas, cocktails, and desserts by award-winning chef and co-founder Kevin Cherkas. 

Latin-American fusion food with a rooftop tapas bar for sundowners by Colombian chefs Andres Beccera and German Rincon. 

Want to eat the whole of Indonesia? Kaum is a one-stop for authentic dishes from around the archipelago. Housed in a Dutch colonial bungalow, seating includes a bright and airy dining hall, cosy private rooms, and al fresco tables. 

Agung Rai Museum of Art is one of Bali’s best fine arts museums located in Ubud, a town widely known as Bali’s centre for arts and culture. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork, covering everything from local painters in the 1930s to contemporary Balinese and international artists.