Who doesn’t like a little bit of alcohol on their dinner table? It may be great with a heavy slab of steak or fillings bowl of pasta, but not many are aware it can also be a great complement to seafood.
Different types of fish and shellfish may require different types of buzz, and this list will show you where to find the best pairings in town. With it, let the cracking, munching, and pouring begin!
Best Seafood and Alcohol Spots in Jakarta
CASPAR
The modern Spanish restaurant, CASPAR, is all about bold flavors, vibrant crowds, and striking cocktails. With a more modern approach to authentic Spanish cuisines, CASPAR offers several delectable seafood options on its menu. For one, the crowd’s favorite ‘Paella’ is studded with options like ‘arroz Negre De Alicante,’ which is cooked in squid ink and studded with fresh seafood, or Fideua De Marisco, a classic pasta seafood paella that can be upgraded with a lobster tail as a topping. And as the night gets darker and the bar starts to get busy, spice things up with a couple of the signature cocktails like ‘Spice Fellas or the Smoked Pina.
Address: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.36, Bend. Hilir, Tanah Abang, Jakarta
DION Jakarta
If there’s anything better than a sumptuous fresh oyster and a glass of champagne, it’s definitely having it at the stunning lakeside dining. The recently opened DION Jakarta in Senayan Park is a great combination of spectacular views, exquisite Mediterranean decor, and delectable Asian-Western food. On their menu, you can find several stunning seafood-centric dishes, like the Hokkaido Oyster Platter, Seafood Fried Platter, or Snapper Voul Au Vent (seafood in puff pastry), and pair it with your favorite from the alcoholic drinks sections, be it the bubbly champagne or the zingy Lakeside Mojito.
Address: Senayan Park, Jl. Gerbang Pemuda, Gelora, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
FŪJIN Izakaya
Located in Gunawarman, FŪJIN from BIKO Group offers a true modern-style izakaya experience with both simple, elegant Japanese-style dishes as well as the aesthetics of its surroundings. With its selections of Japanese skewers, warm bowls of donburi, and many other tasty options, Fujin also houses an extensive array of spirits and homemade artisanal cocktails. Whether you opt for sushi rolls with a couple of glasses of sake or prefer the casual chat over some sticks of Kushiyaki and a bottle of Japanese crafted beer; a simple Japanese meal can’t get any better than this.
Address: Jl. Gunawarman No.21, Selong, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Jakarta
KITA 喜多 Restaurant and KITA Bar, Park Hyatt Jakarta
Occupying the top level of Park Hyatt Jakarta in the Menteng area, KITA 喜多 Restaurant elevated the modern Japanese dining experience amid spectacular views of the Jakarta skyline. Presenting authentically crafted sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese classics, anyone who dines in KITA 喜多 Restaurant will get enchanted with the freshest hand-picked fish and seafood as well as the lively open kitchen and serene ambiance. Make sure to stay a little bit longer for a glass of premium spirits at their Sake bar, or go up a level to the rooftop KITA Bar for zapping sips of cocktails and an enthralling late-night gateway.
Address: Park Hyatt Jakarta, Jl. Kebon Sirih No.17-19, Jakarta
Legend of Noodles 면의전설
If you’re looking for a sip of warm and hearty Korean soups, people will likely point you to Legend of Noodle in Senopati. The spot is known for its huge portions and authentic flavors, especially the legendary Haemul Jjampong (Chinese-style Korean noodle soup with red, spicy seafood broth flavored with gochugaru). The bowl is loaded with seafood toppings such as clams, plump shrimps, and squid and is enough to feed two or three people. Pair the spicy hot soup with a bottle of cold sweet soju; you have in your hand the power couple for a fun Korean-themed night.
Address: Jl. Senopati No.81, Selong, Kby. Baru, South Jakarta
OD by Oyster Dealer
Popular in America and Australia, oyster bars are still somehow rare in Indonesia. But for oyster aficionados here, there’s one snuck in the SCBD area called OD by Oyster Dealer. In this bright-blue contemporary joint, you can indulge in an exciting experience of pairing oysters with tantalizing tipples as well as other fresh seafood creations. They use Signature Pacific Oyster–which can be enjoyed naked or with toppings (sauces or Rockefeller-style)–but they also offer a rotating menu of other unique kinds, depending on availability. A series of citrusy drinks like the Sun Ria (Sake, White Wine, and Orange) or the Aperol Spritz then become the perfect accompaniment to the exquisite morsel.
Address: ASHTA District 8, Jl. Jend. sudirman kav 52-53 No.28, SCBD, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta
RAKKI Handroll & Sake Bar
The new and first handroll sushi bar in Indonesia, Rakki, is not only great for Temaki (a palm-sized sushi roll typically eaten by hand) and other Japanese bites. Their bar also holds a wide array of quality Sake as well as specially crafted cocktails to complement the freshness of seafood and ingredients used. With their Mixologist’s Specials, you can trust your meals to be carefully paired with specially crafted drinks by the in-house mixologist, ranging in light, medium, to strong tastes to suit your preferences.
Address: Rukan Golf Island Blok A No. 17, North Jakarta, Jakarta
Best Seafood and Alcohol Spots in Bali
SugarSand Seminyak Bali
Helmed by Chef Rizal, The Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach’s SugarSand welcome its patrons for a neighborhood-style Japanese-inspired dining experience, with beachfront scenery and high quality products. Not only that, SugarSand is also a haven fo Sake and cocktails enthusiast. At the SugarSand, they have a modern take on cocktail history and culture, using novel ingredients to mix up distinct concoctions like ‘Yin & Yang’, made with vodka, chili, elderflower and vegan foamee, or the frozen Soul Quencher, flavored with watermelon, lemon, ginger, and vanilla.
Address: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, Jl. Double Six, Seminyak, Kuta, Badung, Bali
Bonito Fish Bar
Bonito Fish Bar, located in a vibrant area of Umalas, offers fresh and tasty seafood options sourced responsibly by local fishermen from the local waters. Their stuff is so fresh that they have a fish tank with live clams and oysters that you may choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a hefty seafood platter, a juicy lobster, or a simple fish & chips, their menu is brimming with seafood delicacies that will tempt your taste buds, and a list of delicious cocktails and wines to complement the fresh seafood.
Address: Jl. Bumbak Dauh No.88, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali
Huge Restaurant
Since its opened in 2022, Huge Restaurant has caught the attention of Seminyak’s neighborhood for its bright artsy interior, unique food presentation, and a variety of Japanese and modern seafood specialties. Using different techniques and approach, their creations are familiar flavors made modern with dishes like Yellow Fish Curry and ‘Jakarta Roll’ on the menu. Besides the seafood, Huge Restaurant also housed a running bar that prides on unique crafted cocktail made with similar modern approach, such as using “milk washing” technology for the ‘Alternative Pina Colada’.
Address: Jl. Batu Belig No.4, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung, Bali
Ijen at Desa Potato Head
Ijen, one of Desa Potato Head‘s renowned venues, is a paradise for seafood and cocktail lovers looking for a sustainable eating experience. Here, they pride themselves on offering a nothing-left-over culinary experience, with dishes created with minimal waste and maximum care in mind. So, the next time you’re in the Desa Potato Head area, stop by Ijen for a plate of fresh oysters and grilled whole fish from the local market. Don’t miss their drinks sections, as a glass of local-inspired cocktails like the Ijen Kolada, made with island rum, coconut, and mesoyi arak is waiting for you.
Address: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Sambal Shrimp
The everyone’s go-to for Indonesian seafood place in Bali, Sambal Shrimp, is not only serve flavorful oceanic munch, but also offer several boozy drinks to wash up the spice. Here you can indulge in live and fresh seafood from shrimps, octopus to crabs, which can be prepared into different delicious dishes to suit your taste. For example, the signature ‘Sambal Shrimp’ feature fresh water shrimps, prepared with sambal powder; but those who are not a fan of spicy food can opt for the garlic butter sauce. For the drink, several cocktails with local Balinese spirit (arak) and tropical fruits are available, like The Exploded Tamarillo or the minty Mojito.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya Seminyak No.6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali
Uni
Uni Restaurant in Canggu, owned by Australian chef James Viles and chef Steven Skelly, specializes in modern seafood with Japanese handling skills and a beloved cocktail and sake bar serving smooth and robust spirits all night long. The dishes here are prepared in a modern style with Japanese and French influences, using locally sourced seafood and vegetables. With dishes like Aged Coral Trout infused with Black Garlic Vinegar and Sake paired with expertly crafted cocktails by mixologist Jordy Outra; you are in for a culinary artistry experience at Uni Restaurant.
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
The Place with No Name
The Place with No Name is a charming little restaurant that’s nestled just a short distance away from the Padang Padang beach. Despite having “no name,” locals and tourists flock here for their diverse pescatarian and vegetarian dishes, refreshing cocktails, and comfortable ambiance. The fresh tuna burger is a must-try, and their shots, spirits, beers, and wine options make for a great night out in the neighborhood.
Address: Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali
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