Hot new eateries and cafés are opening up on every corner around Jakarta and Bali, leaving patrons with an abundance of options. Let us introduce you to some of the recently opened restaurants that you, perhaps, can soon stop by and try.
New Restaurants in Jakarta
Bar Kotak
Joining the Japanese Shikaku restaurant, Bar Kotak graced The Dharmawangsa Hotel with an elegant yet cozy bar. The catchy name is inspired by the value of SHIKAKU (translated to ‘box’ in Japanese), symbolizing harmony, stability, balance, and structure. With classic furniture and wood-dominated warm nuances, it’s the ideal spot for those looking for a no-fuss nightlife with jazz songs and premium spirits. Bar Kotak also has one of the most distinctive cocktail selections on its menu, presenting drinks like The ‘Dharmawangsa Koan,’ for instance, an ode to the neighborhood made with dry gin, Campari, pear cordial, and champagne).
Address: Grha Bimasena, Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya No.23, Pulo, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Rakki Handroll & Sake Bar
The next time you stop by the PIK 2 area, find yourself a new experience of the first handroll sushi bar in Indonesia. Behind its three-meter-tall wooden door, the dark, wood-accent interior ambiance of RAKKI will envelop you in the true Japanese nuance. Specialized in Temaki (a palm-sized sushi roll typically eaten by hand), their sushi rolls are made by experienced Japanese chefs, promising fresh, never frozen ingredients directly air-flown from Japan. For the full experience, pair your sushi rolls with a complementing selection of Sake available.
Address: Rukan Golf Island Blok A No. 17, Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14460
Mensa The Table
The Semarang beloved restaurant has opened a Jakarta outpost. Mensa The Table Jakarta, has finally opened its second location in Kemang, Jakarta; greeting this city’s diners with its Asian-fusion cuisine. The fusion spirit sticks to their drunken concoctions, too; with unique flavors, like the Pisang Cokelat Negroni, shaking together Indonesian familiar flavors of the humble dessert transformed into a cocktail. On weekends, expect a lively music session to keep you on your feet all night and have a great time.
Address: Gedung Kemang 37, Jl. Kemang Raya No.37, RT.9/RW.1, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., South Jakarta
Fume Curry and Coffee
Curry and coffee might sound like the odd pairing, but in FUME Curry and Coffee, Kemang, it’s a match made in heaven. A long-time resident of the Kemang Villa block, FUME recently changed its concept to FUME Curry and Coffee. The small cafe is small and homely, yet the flavor found inside is definitely not. Helmed by Chef Mike himself, the cafe now focuses on classic Japanese curry, served over rice and slaw on the side. You can choose your curry with many toppings options, from chicken katsu, veggies, sausage, to beef hamburger. Their coffee beans are single origin from FUME’s own plantation, guaranteeing quality and robust flavor.
Address: Hero Kemang Villa Complex, Jl. Kemang Selatan I Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta
Rumu
After the success of Chanba, the Tasa Group recently opened its second private grill spot, Rumu, in the Melawai area. This Japanese grill offers 23 spacious private rooms with selections of high-quality meat to savor on an intimate barbeque with family and friends. Starting from IDR 200,000 per person, you can enjoy Rumu specialty platters of fresh seafood or meats (no pork, no lard) or pick a favorite from the a la carte menu. Additionally, Rumu offers an A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Platter for those seeking a more upscale affair.
Address: Jl. Adityawarman No. 71, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Phoenix Gastrobar
Priding themselves as ‘The Exquisite Bash of North,’ Phoenix becomes the newest elegant addition to the PIK gastro bar selections. Located between Golden Tiger and Gold Dragon bar, the luxurious establishment is surrounded by opulence and extravagance; as if you’re transported to a Gatsby party in the 1920s. This HW Group’s member offers its patrons a delightful meal and grand cocktails on the side, starting with appetizers like ‘Stuffed Phoenix Wingettes,’ a theatrical-looking Chicken Tandoori Skewers, and a variety of premium steaks.
Address: Ruko Golf Island, Blok K No. 1, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Penjaringan, North Jakarta
Oddity Coffee
After gaining popularity in Kelapa Gading, Oddity Coffee has finally expanded its wings to the South, opening a second branch in the Senopati area. The all-white architecture reserves a delightful minimalist space inside; making it a comfortable choice if you’re looking for a place to work from a cafe. Open from seven in the morning, you can start your day early with their delicious pastries, cakes, and main courses. Of course, no meal is completed here without a cup of their signature coffee!
Address: Jl. Senopati No.66, RW.3, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12110
The Bank Bar & Burgers
For those who work around the Kuningan area, going to a bank might be the new way to release steam and unwind. But we’re not talking about just any bank, but the new Bank Bar and Burgers in Kuningan City Mall. Offering a selection of crafted burgers and small bites, it’s a place to catch up with friends and colleagues for lunch, or maybe get away from it after a long day. For IDR 120,000, you can enjoy The Bank Cheeseburger, a juicy beef patty paired with the classic fixing of cheddar cheese, veggies, and signature sauce. A wide selection of cocktails and wines are available, too, to liven up your spirit.
Address: Kuningan City Mall, Jl. Prof. DR. Satrio No.Kav No.18, RT.14/RW.4, Kuningan, Setiabudi, South Jakarta Selatan
New Restaurants in Bali
Bar Vera
Located inside a boutique hotel, Bar Vera presents a taste of the new-generation Parisian wine bars and bistros in the Perenan, Bali area. With earthy natural tones, the space features terracotta, wood, stone, and concrete elements to accentuate the natural feel. Here, find elegant and delicious creations made with locally sourced produce cooked with timeless French techniques, like the fresh prawn with warm polenta and espelette pepper or the charcoal roasted chicken. The drinks menu is set to whisk you away to Europe drinking traditions, from cocktails, curated European wines, to creme cafes.
Address: Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.84, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Takumi
Experience the flavor of Japan without getting up from your seat by visiting the new restaurant, Takumi, Seminyak. Here, you will get a personalized and thoughtful dining experience through Chef Daijiro Horikoshi’s culinary creations in a six or nine-course tasting menu, that will tickle your senses and leave a lasting impression. Having roots in ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, the dishes are the epitome of balance, seasonality, and harmony, using the freshest ingredients while combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern flavors.
Address: Jl. Petitenget no. 43A Seminyak Bali
Ramu Kitchen Ubud
The new restaurant RAMU Kitchen Ubud draws inspiration from Mother Nature’s legacies, holding three concepts (connection to the Almighty, nature, and fellow human beings) close to its building foundation. Such principle is reflected in their interiors, dominated by earthy black and brown tones, with rattan and wooden accents. It also applies to their food, offering a delicious yet nourishing Asian and European selection, seasonally adapting to ingredients’ sustainability and availability. Soon, RAMU Kitchen Ubud will also invite its guests to experience beyond their plates and participate in interactive activities such as visiting the local partners behind the ingredients they serve.
Address: Titik Dua Ubud, Jalan Cok Rai Pudak No 48, Peliatan Ubud, Gianyar Bali
Cork Bistro & Wine Bar
Opened in Sanur, Bali, in early 2023, CORK Bistro & Wine Bar invites its guests to celebrate wines, food, coffee, and sweets in the community. The casual ambiance makes CORK Bistro a great place to congregate, be entertained, and satisfy your palate with a wide array of European influences with a dash of local choices, like the Nasi Goreng Tenderloin. Even better, you can grab a bottle of refined wine from the CORK Wine Shop and Bar to accompany you on the airy patio under the Sanur sun or bring it home to add to your wine collection at home.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.140, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar, Bali
WhiteStone Restaurant & Bar
Kuta, Bali, has just welcomed another choice for casual, semi-open all-day dining eatery for its visitors. WhiteStone offers an extensive menu that will cover you from breakfast, brunch, lunch to supper. Despite its familiar selection, the food will still surprise you. For example, if you order a Gado Gado here, you’ll find something a little different than your typical hodgepodge of veggies slathered in peanut sauce. Vegans won’t feel left out here, either, as they have various options, be it Avocado & Mushroom Toast, Vegan Wrap, or the Chickpea & Tempeh Burger freshly sourced from the island!
Address: Jl. Umalas 1 No.1c, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Sardine by K Club
Now part of the K Club Ubud hospitality group, Sardine’s return to the Petitenget neighborhood is welcomed by many. The restaurant is housed in a striking bamboo structure overlooking a vista of endless rice paddies tended daily by the local farmers, creating a serene ambiance while you dine on dishes inspired by it. Whether you opt for The eye-catching pink Prawn Risotto or bet your choice on the fish of the day; let yourself be transferred into the quiet nature with delicious meals and sunsets in Sardine Restaurant.
Address: Jl. Petitenget No.21, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
YORK Bali
Tucked in Petitenget street, a small cozy bistro recently opened its door as a second home for visitors around the area. Serving a menu of the modern Western selection, visitors can sit back and enjoy their conversation in York‘s warm interiors with a nice plate of meal and cocktails. For seafood lovers, the Whole Barramundi Fillet can be an option, served with crunchy fennel, salsa criolla, herbs, and lemon butter. The Pork Ribs (glazed with tamarind barbecue sauce), however, are a no-brainer choice for satisfying a pork fix.
Address: Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361