October brings a fresh wave of culinary excitement to Jakarta and Bali with a variety of new dining destinations making their debut. This month sees the rise of innovative bars, laid-back spots for casual dining and socializing, Japanese culinary hotspots, and restaurants tapping into the latest viral trends. From inventive concepts to cozy hangouts, these new venues are set to stir up the local food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed meal or seeking the next big trend, these new spots are not to be missed.
New Restaurants in Jakarta
Gould Coffee & Eatery
Gould Coffee & Eatery is a new spot to grab coffee or a bite in Setiabudi, South Jakarta. Opening its doors at 7 AM, it’s perfect for those working in the bustling office area nearby. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or dinner, the Spaghetti Brulee is a must-try, offering simple yet bold flavors that bring comfort to every bite. Their menu also features a variety of brunch options, fresh pastries, and, of course, a great selection of coffee. At Gould, quality food and ambiance come together seamlessly.
HATS Bar
HATS Bar, located in Iskandar Syah, brings a unique duality concept, combining a bar and an ice cream and gelato shop in one spot. Helmed by award-winning bartender Demitria Ramona, HATS is where craft meets creativity. As they put it, “Oh, the beauty in duality. We are both a bar and a sorbet shop. While some hit the bottom, we rise above.” Their flavors are just as innovative, featuring options like Pina Colada Bika Ambon, Pear Makgeolli, and Cucumber Mint. The bar operates from 5 PM to 2 AM, while the sorbet shop is open from 11 AM to 11 PM.
Kaijin Kaisen Sakaba
Kaijin Kaisen Sakaba, a modern izakaya located in Kelapa Gading, offers a seafood-centric dining experience with 95% of their fish sourced from local waters. The menu changes daily, depending on the freshest catch of the day, with options like spear squid from the Indian Ocean, red big-eye bream from Pelabuhan Ratu, and bluefin tuna from Bali. Partnering with local fishermen, Kaijin Kaisen Sakaba ensures that every dish is fresh and affordable. They will also be introducing an omakase menu, promising an even more immersive dining experience.
Kari Lari
Kari Lari Jakarta, as the name suggests, is a new casual spot specializing in Japanese curry dishes. Located in Capital Place, this humble and comforting eatery offers hearty meals like chicken katsu curry, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal option for a casual meal during a busy workday, providing a comforting escape with its flavorful curry selections.
La Balena
La Balena, a newly opened Italian restaurant in Pondok Indah, offers a cozy and intimate setting perfect for enjoying quality time with loved ones. Open for lunch from 11 AM to 3:30 PM, snacks from 3:30 PM to 6 PM, and dinner from 6 PM to 9:30 PM, this spot serves soulful Italian dishes crafted with the finest ingredients. The menu features comforting classics such as Spaghetti alla Vongole and Insalata Burrata e Pomodoro, making it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic Italian flavors.
Lapo Porsea
Lapo Porsea is redefining Batak cuisine with its fine dining concept, blending rich North Sumatran heritage with premium ingredients to create dishes that are both sophisticated and honest. As the world’s first fine Batak cuisine restaurant, Lapo Porsea offers a celebration of connection through meticulously crafted plates, featuring premium beef selections, including Wagyu. With each dish, the restaurant aims to bring people together over the bold and authentic flavors of Batak culinary tradition, making it a feast for both the palate and the soul.
Mogul Burger
Mogul Burger, now open in SCBD Park, brings a fresh twist to the burger scene with its artisan approach. Known for its daily baked buns made with pure butter (no margarine here!) and premium-quality meat, Mogul Burger takes pride in serving up real, fresh steak patties. While they modestly claim to be “probably the second favorite burger around the neighborhood,” their dedication to quality ingredients and craftsmanship makes them a must-try for burger lovers. Don’t miss their limited dry run as they perfect their offerings.
Shinji Izakaya
Shinji Izakaya, a modern Japanese bar and restaurant located in Mahaka Square, Kelapa Gading, offers an authentic Izakaya experience with ingredients flown directly from Japan three times a week. Their menu features unique and fresh dishes, including Gindara Miso made with Gindara from Toyosu Market, King Crab Butteryaki, Oyster Sashimi, and the rare Ankimo Ponzu. Don’t miss their standout dishes like Eihire, Tuna Carpaccio, and the indulgent Shinji Yakimeshi topped with uni, crab, caviar, and ikura, all crafted to showcase the vibrant flavors of Japan.
New Restaurants in Bali
ĀHĀRA Bali
ĀHĀRA Bali, located at The Akasha Canggu, is the latest addition to the Bali brunch scene, offering a variety of freshly baked goods and flavorful dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., their breakfast menu features options like the ĀHĀRA omelette, steak & eggs, and coconut chia pudding, complemented by fresh pastries and salads. For heartier mains, their signature crispy pork belly sandwich, fusilli carbonara, and double cheese burger are not to be missed. ĀHĀRA also offers a selection of cocktails, including a classic whiskey sour.
Artista Cucina Bali
Artista Cucina Bali, nestled in the vibrant streets of Canggu, is a charming Italian restaurant offering authentic flavors throughout the day. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu features classic breakfast items like truffle omelette with mixed salad, zucchini hash browns, and red smoothie bowls. Lunch and dinner selections include enticing starters like bruschetta tricolore, burrata, and caprese, along with pasta dishes such as risotto pescatora, squid ink linguine, and spaghetti with vongole and bottarga. For heartier mains, their porchetta and tomahawk steak pair perfectly with their curated wine selection.
Bokashi
Bokashi Pererenan, located in the tranquil Pererenan area, is more than just a dining destination; it’s a restaurant, bar, and organic grocery store that brings innovation and sustainability to the forefront. Helmed by Chef Jethro Vincent, the menu spans from hearty breakfast selections (8 AM – 3:30 PM) to an exciting array of robatayaki dishes (4 PM – 10:30 PM) and dinner offerings (6 PM – 10:30 PM). A highlight is the Prawn & Japanese Rice Risotto, a crowd favorite from their dinner menu. Bokashi also features Fine de Claire oysters, imported from France and available every Thursday through Sunday, paired with a weekly-changing sauce. With its philosophy rooted in sustainability, Bokashi aims to reuse waste and combine local Indonesian ingredients with Japanese influences like Wabi Sabi, creating a health-forward, innovative culinary experience.
Cinnamor
Cinnamor, located in Pererenan, Bali, brings an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and a ceremonial matcha bar to the island’s vibrant culinary scene. Known for their distinctively tender texture, Cinnamor’s rolls are crafted with Fluffy Japanese Shokupan Mylk Dough, ensuring they stay moist and soft longer than the typical cinnamon roll. Their menu offers eight tempting varieties, including Salted Caramel Peanut Roll, Pistachio Roll, and Blueberry Roll. One standout is the Red Velvet Roll, featuring rich red velvet-infused dough layered with cinnamon and cocoa, topped with vegan cream cheese frosting and a fresh strawberry.
Casa Mezcal
Casa Mezcal, Pererenan’s newest late-night drinking den, brings together Bali’s vibrant crowd for nights filled with mischievous fun, delicious cocktails, and authentic Mexican snacks. Open from 9 pm to late, Thursday through Saturday, this lively spot boasts the largest mezcal selection on the island. Guests can indulge in signature drinks like the fiery Spicy Margarita or the tropical Sueño Húmedo with tequila, mango, lime, basil, and coconut. For something more adventurous, try the Bésame Mucho, made with mezcal, strawberry vermouth, and dragon fruit. To accompany the drinks, Casa Mezcal offers a range of Mexican bites, such as Tostada Cayo de Hacha featuring scallops with zesty salsa, or the flavorful Tacos Flank with marinated free-range flank steak. Perfect for those looking to elevate their night with bold flavors and great vibes.
Dodo Pizza Bali
Dodo Pizza, originally founded in 2011 in Syktyvkar, Russia, has quickly grown into a global pizza powerhouse with 1,131 pizzerias across 22 countries, including their latest addition in Bali. Known for its innovative digital approach, Dodo Pizza offers a seamless experience through a single app for dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and smart pick-ups. Their use of personalisation and big data ensures that each recipe is perfected to meet customer preferences. Dodo Pizza prides itself on using only fresh ingredients, offering a menu of classic pizzas like Margherita and Pepperoni, alongside country-specific creations unique to each location. This digital-first pizzeria is set to bring a modern twist to Bali’s dining scene, blending technology and great pizza.
Domos Bali
Domos, located on a bustling street in Sanur, offers a calming and cozy ambiance with an aesthetically pleasing façade and interior design, perfect for a laid-back brunch or coffee break. Taking its name from the Latin word for “house,” Domos creates a welcoming space that feels like a home for coffee lovers. They serve exceptional espresso-based drinks, with a choice of blends using high-quality beans from The Bare Bottle. Open from 7 AM to 4 PM, the menu includes classic brunch options like smashed avocado, brioche benedict, and nachos con tempeh, alongside a variety of drinks including coffee, juices, mocktails, and smoothies.
Hakkoku Bali
Hakkoku, the renowned Ginza sushi omakase restaurant established in 2018 by celebrated chef Hiroyuki Sato, has extended its culinary legacy to Bali with the opening of its new location at The Sayan House, Ubud. Known for its meticulous balance of sushi and rice, Hakkoku in Bali offers an authentic Japanese sushi experience with a unique local twist, maintaining the concept of *omotenashi*—service from the heart. Nearly 95% of the seafood used in their sushi dishes is sourced locally, with daily fresh selections from local fishermen at Kedonganan Market. The menu features high-quality local ingredients, such as tuna, prepared with the signature red vinegar sushi rice for a harmonious blend of Japanese artistry and Indonesian flavors.
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