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Restaurant Radar: New Restaurants To Visits in May

Restaurant Radar: New Restaurants To Visits in May

Danti Tarigan
01 May 2023

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This May, Jakarta and Bali are once again enlivened by these hottest up-and-coming restaurants.

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Adding to the long list of existing delicious venues that dot the city–be it comforting local flavors, drool-inducing Italian places, or one with a good cup of Joe, check out these exciting new places for you to dine and feast!

New Restaurants in Jakarta

Contra

In the midst of Jakarta’s rush and bustle, you can now get transported to the shores of southern Italy. Well, at least, through your tastebuds. Contra, a new American-Italian restaurant, is now open in the heart of the city, serving authentic Italian cuisine in a sleek modern but homey interior. Helmed by California native chef, David Almany, here you can enjoy authentic pasta dishes, such as Spaghettoni Carbonara cooked with Guanciale and Aged Pecorino Romano, as well as Italian specialties, like fresh charcoal-grilled Barramundi served on a bed of vibrant Peperonata (pepper and onion stew).

Address:  Jl. Ciranjang No.28, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan

Dapur Kasturi

Between unending rows of hip restaurants and bars in the Senopati area, tucked the newly opened Dapur Kasturi, a place where you can fix a longing for the beloved simple Indonesian food. The green-dominated restaurant serves tasty Indonesian meals such as Nasi Rames Minang. Operating with “warteg” concept, the meals can be enjoyed fast and no-fuss, whether you choose to dine in or to take one home; and for those of you who feel no meal complete without coffee, Dapur Kasturi serves a signature Es Kopi Kasturi as well as other fresh drink options like Es Kolak Pisang and the nostalgic Es Soda Gembira.

Address: Jl. Cikajang No. 34, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

Kode Jakarta

Looking for a new restaurant to satisfy your cravings and make your evenings more exciting? Look no further than Kode, the new restaurant slash club in the Senopati area. The venue boasts a stylish interior that combines dimmed lighting and wood motives, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the menu prides itself on Western favorites and selections of premium cuts of steak. With a great meal, electrifying beats, and carefully curated selections of liquors and cocktails–Kode has the exact recipe you need for an unforgettable night out.

Address:  Jl. Cikatomas II No.24, Kebayoran Baru, Kota South Jakarta

JurnalRisa Coffee Jakarta

After being successful with two branches in Bandung, Jurnalrisa Coffee is now venturing into the Jakarta market by opening a new one in the Senen area, Central Jakarta. Even though it has only been open for less than a month, the place is already bustling with guests thanks to its enticing vintage Indo-Dutch building. Now, Jakartans can indulge in a variety of drinks from JurnalRisa Coffee, including Cokelat Penenang William (a banana chocolate drink) and Racikan Kopi Peter (salted caramel coffee), which are uniquely named after the ghost characters from the author and cafe owner Risa Saraswati’s book series.

Address:  Jl. Senen Raya No.135, Senen, Central Jakarta

Muhi Eatery & Coffee

Initially selling Balinese dishes online in Jakarta three years ago, Muhi has recently opened its first (literally) brick-and-mortar place, ‘Muhi Eatery and Coffee‘ in Bintaro. The restaurant strikes from the front with its facade, while the place quickly attracted coffee enthusiasts and foodies in the Bintaro area with its unique coffee choices, such as White Sereh coffee, combined with its delicious signature Balinese cuisine like Nasi Campur Jimbaran and Creamy Betutu Gilimanuk. The restaurant itself is quite spacious, consisting of three floors (including a rooftop area), making it a perfect getaway for those who want to work from a cafe or hang out in a different scene. 

Address: Jl. Anggrek II No.24, Bintaro, Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta

Nefis Kebab House

The new addition to the Shophaus neighborhood is the Turkish-inspired food joint, Nefis Kebab. The Kebab restaurant, located on the second story’s corner, sells Iskender-style kebab in various formats, including wraps, platters, skewers, and others. Here, you can get their delicious marinated meat (beef or chicken) in the traditional form, which is wrapped in a crispy tortilla, or have it deconstructed, where the kebab is presented on a platter along with sizzling buttery rice and focaccia bread. No kebab is complete without the signature tomato butter sauce and yogurt sauce combo; and theirs are certainly one not to miss.

Address: Shophaus Menteng 2nd Floor. Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro, Menteng, Central Jakarta

Soichiro Japanese Steakhouse

The SCBD area is strewn with fantastic places to dine and feast. Adding to the list is Soichiro Japanese Steak House, led by the renowned Japanese chef, Chef Soichiro, a grill and kitchen veteran who fittingly started his career at a Yakitori restaurant in Tokyo ten years ago. The steakhouse serves succulent and delicious Japanese steak cooked in a unique grilling technique called Irori style. This traditional Japanese technique is said to make the luxurious dry-aged meat taste even fresher and retains a more robust aroma since it is not in direct contact with heat. 

Address: Parc Place, SCBD, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53 No.18, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

The Post Coffee Eatery

Conveniently walking-distant from Cipete Raya MRT station, the new coffee shop, The Post, is a must-visit the next time you stop by the Cipete area. The space is simple, yet stunningly decored; with the soaring Cambodian trees standing firmly in the middle of the cafe, and the central high ceiling beautifully lets the natural lights in. Not only from the interior, but The Post guarantees a warm and tranquil environment with its menu as well, serving well-made comfort dishes like French Toast, Pasta, and Fried Rice, along with specialty coffee and pastry creations.

Address: Jl. Cipete Dalam No.33, South Cipete, Cilandak, South Jakarta

New Restaurants in Bali

KulKul at The Laguna

The Nusa Dua’s beloved sanctuary, The Kulkul Beachhouse, has returned with thoughtfully reimagined interiors and updated menus–all just steps away from the shimmering shoreline of the Indian Ocean. The Kulkul kitchen returns with a greater emphasis on zero-waste dining, highlighting local and fresh produce. The all-day menu features a range of vegetarian and vegan options alongside superb seafood specialties, such as the jet-black smoked salmon macarons which are infused with squid ink and a dollop of sour cream. The drinks menu features inventive pours, like the Sambal Mary, an interpretation of the classic Bloody Mary, made with arak, Tabasco, Worcestershire, and homemade tomato sambal.  

Address: The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2, Bali

T&T Chindo’s Cuisine

If you miss the taste of authentic oriental food in Bali,  go over to T&T Chindo’s Cuisine for a scrumptious quick fix! This eatery offers Chinese-Indonesian (Chindo) style cooking with a menu full of classically oriental dishes such as the savory Bakmi Campur (Pork and Chicken Wide Noodles). In addition, their Nasi Campur, which combines the traditional flavors of chasiu, soy sauce pork, and marinated egg, is also a must-try. Even better, you can bring your fur babies to the breakfast noodles run because the place is dog-friendly!

Address: Jl. Serangan No.3, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali

Le Bajo Bali

Surrounded by verdant greenery and acres of rice paddies, Le Bajo Bali is the perfect escape for those seeking a serene dining experience. As the second outpost of Melbourne’s Le Bajo Milkbar, Le Bajo Bali serves up an array of mouth-watering treats, including the signature Chicken Katsu sando made with house-baked Japanese shokupan bread, crispy breaded chicken thigh, veggies, and house-made katsu sauce. But the menu doesn’t stop there – Le Bajo Bali also offers delectable pizza and a range of refreshing cocktails that are perfect to be enjoyed poolside. You can even take home a bottle of their homemade jams and sodas to savor the experience in your own home. 

Address:  Jl. Babadan No.89, Pererenan, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351

G. Bar by GABBI

The Berawa’s modern Italian gem, GABBI, recently launched its own bar called ‘G. Bar by GABBI.‘ In addition to the exquisite farm-to-table Italian cuisine with a nod to local flavors, which GABBI is known and loved for, the new bar now offers delectable hand-crafted cocktails, as well as a rich variety of wines and house-pour spirits. With flirty and playful decor, you are in for an unforgettable night in G Bar by Gabbi, filled with groovy music, delicious light bites, and titillating drinks.

Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.48, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali

Tickled Pink

Tickled Pink, the exciting Melbourne-native brunch place, brings its exciting Western fusion cuisine to the heart of Perenan, Bali’s rice field. Whether you opt to sit outdoors facing the Canggu’s serene rice paddies or relax poolside in the private cabana, the colorful space is suited for all-day dining from sunrise to midnight. While the all-day menu includes breakfast and lunch staples such as eggs, loaded bowls, and good ‘ol cheeseburger; at night, you’ll find a different menu consisting of more rounded dishes such as Sticky Lamb Ribs and Black Angus Rump Cap, along with wine and cocktails options to go with your dinner.

Address: Jl. Babadan No.89, Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung, Bali 

Tetsushin

Looking for Japanese-fusion cuisine crafted from fresh ingredients, premium meats, and seafood? Tetsushin is definitely a place you should check out! Nested in the heart of Sanur, Tetsushin Teppan Steak and Bar serve a tantalizing selection of top-quality steaks, western cuisines, as well as authentic Japanese cuisines. While delicious comfort dishes like katsu, tempura, and pasta are the perfect choice for lunch; at night, you can experience the lively Tepan, watching the experienced chef put on a show while cooking your premium steaks to perfection. Even better, Tetsushin also offers a luscious array of excellent wines and tasty signature cocktails, a superb addition to the exciting dining experience.

Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.144, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar, Bali

Hubble

Hubble is a sophisticated restaurant, shisha lounge, and cocktail bar concept in Bali’s southern Berawa district. From early morning breakfast to late night hours, the three-story venue is designed as a vibrant destination, offering peaceful dining and contemporary lounge seating. On the ground level is the restaurant, led by an award-winning chef, serving a classic-contemporary menu of starters, mains, desserts, and caviar. A spiral staircase leads you to the second floor, revealing an elegant lounge with attentive crews leading you through the art of shisha and cocktail mixing. Aside from a large selection of high-quality shisha and cocktails, an extensive beer and wine list and an internationally-inspired menu is also available for a one-of-a-kind night at Hubble.

Address: Jl. Subak Sari, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

TEMPLE By Ginger Moon

Brought by Bali’s iconic Ginger Moon Canteen, the new TEMPLE by Ginger Moon presents an exciting Modern Indonesian menu that proudly utilizes high-quality local produce in their dishes, such as Bali’s iconic Babi Guling (suckling pig) and Jimbaran Seafood Pizza. Beyond the plate, the site is deliciously tropical, with colors of greens, grey stone, red brick, and “wastra” gold accentuating the restaurant throughout.

Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza No.8, Kuta, Badung, Bali

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