It is no secret that as the capital city of the fourth most populated country in the world, Jakarta has always been full of exciting hustle and bustle, with an undoubtedly dynamic culinary scene. As a metropolitan city where most of the business, politics, and cultural affairs of Indonesia take place, Jakarta is well-facilitated with ample infrastructure and access, such as international airports, highways, train stations, and harbors.

Needless to say, the city, which is also home to more than 10 million people, conveniently becomes a melting pot where people from different backgrounds meet. This circumstance allows them to build networks and create epic collaborations, including in the culinary industry.

Widely ranging from legendary street foods to elevated fine dining experiences, Jakarta offers extensive selections of delicacies, crafted with expertise and hundreds of years of traditions. From the savory kerak telor, and wholesome soto betawi, to some perfectly cooked meat accompanied by fine wine in fancy steakhouses and skyscrapers, there is no accurate word that can justify the tantalizing culinary experience tourists will get when they visit the J-town.

"There is always something for everyone in Jakarta. Whether you feel like being nostalgic with a comforting plate of Nasi Uduk or in the mood of exploring an award-winning bistro, the city's got it all covered. Jakarta is not only a place; it's a whole experience," says Yossy Mustari, TableCheck Country Manager for Indonesia.

Jakarta's dining scene – the epic comeback

Despite being hit by the pandemic and having to hold back as the rest of the world did, Jakarta was relatively quick to recover. Effective mid-January 2022, Indonesia has reopened again for international tourists. Having said that, the vibrant capital city comes back even stronger with a lot of innovative reopening and newly-opened restaurants, all ready to spoil and charm the discerning palettes.

This highly-anticipated reopening leads to a positive recovery in the hospitality industry, and restaurants are slowly but surely back at the top of their game to attract customers while providing the best experience. Here are some TableCheck clients who are using the booking system platform to provide extraordinary memories and drive guest loyalty.

1. Meatsmith

Serving amazing smoked meats, barbecue, and the finest cut of steak, Meatsmith is an American BBQ and Steakhouse located in the trendy neighborhood of Gunawarman, South Jakarta.

The awesome quality of the cuisines is guaranteed by the expert team behind the acclaimed Michelin-star restaurant Burnt Ends; The Burnt Ends Hospitality Group and Chef-Owner Dave Pynt officially opened Meatsmith Jakarta as their second international venture and fourth branch worldwide. For steak lovers who enjoy premium meat and extensive beverage collections in a casual yet elegant atmosphere, look no further than this.

2. Osteria Gia - Ismaya

Osteria GIA by GIA Jakarta presents an authentic Italian restaurant with an array of traditional delicacies, crafted by the well-known Head Chef of ISMAYA Group, Tommaso Gonfiantini.

With its rich selections of pasta and pizzas (as well as the famous classic tiramisú), this Italian tavern-inspired restaurant fuses together nostalgic traditions from the past with a fresh contemporary vibe, complete with a variety of rare Italian wines.

Currently nestled in three major shopping malls in Jakarta; Pondok Indah Mall 2, Pacific Place, and Plaza Indonesia, Osteria Gia is a perfect spot for diners looking for a casual and charming Italian eatery.

3. Nonna Bona

After his success with Oma Elly, Chef Andry Susanto presents Nonna Bona, an Italian steakhouse offering a refined selection of dry-aged steaks and handmade pasta delicacies. Located in the happening mall of Ashta District 8, Nonna Bona quickly becomes the talk of the neighborhood with its warmly inviting atmosphere and personalized service.

Staying true to its local Italian tradition, every guest in Nonna Bona is invited to enjoy the authentic celebratory experience. From the moment they enter the place, guests will be invited to drop by the steak station where the kitchen crew, headed by Chef Gerry Priyantomo, will engage them in conversation about which cut of dry-aged steak would suit their preferences. Here's a spoiler: whichever the pick, each cut will be expertly cooked and coated with Nonna Bona’s delectable signature rub.

Stop by to unwind and enjoy indulging selections of Italian goodness, from antipasti to sweet offerings.

4. Vin+

Established in 2004, Vin+ is a seasoned game changer in the wine industry with its approachable yet sophisticated presence in the district of Kemang, South Jakarta. Presenting an impressive array of international and local wine labels, Vin+ is also not shy to spoil the diners with solid selections of Western and Asian cuisines, from Tomahawk Black Angus to Chicken Shawarma, crafted quintessentially by Chef Djoko Sawarno, the winner of Indonesian Iron Chef.

For a wholesome culinary adventure, this wine boutique and lounge is also complemented by a low-key yet decent coffee shop, which undoubtedly deserves to be on the diners' must-visit list while in Jakarta.

5. Barra

The diverse culinary scene of South Jakarta is getting, even merrier with Barra’s fresh, distinctive take on modern Japanese cuisine with Nikkei influence. Diners are welcomed with an open kitchen that displays its signature robata theater, all ready to serve a selection of warm robata-cooked cuisine.

Presenting comfort dishes in uncomplicated indulgence, the restaurant menu is filled with grilled goodness, Nikkei-inspired sashimi offers, and decent creations of meat and steaks. For a speakeasy evening, diners can find Bar Barra on the third floor which serves amazing cocktails and curated liquors with unique mixes of Japanese-influenced refreshers.

6. Patty & Sons

Established by culinary-enthusiast couple Mandira and Nabila Isman, Patty & Sons at Ashta District 8 breathes a sophisticated ambiance while staying true to its signature classic American diners concept. From its dry-aged beef burgers and pastrami sandwiches to savory steak chops grilled in a wooden oven, complemented with an extensive list of wine and cocktails, Patty & Sons is definitely not to be missed.

With the couple's commitment to offering only the best food quality, the buns and bread are freshly homemade on a daily batch, and the patties are dry-aged for 30 days to ensure the nutty and cheesy flavors are soaked up perfectly.

Drop by and savor the nice and tender New York Striploin and Hot Pastrami Reuben, and get comforted by the classic Truffle Mac & Cheese.

7. Caspar Jakarta

Located in elevated The Orient Hotel Jakarta, Caspar is an excellent hangout spot with traditional Spanish cuisines, presented in a creative modern approach.

Some of the most-loved delicacies to explore are Alitas Picate (the hot wings) to tease your appetite and Arroz Negro Alicante; the signature squid ink Paella that is infused with thick, wholesome seafood broth.

With its eclectic design and stylish ambiance, Caspar invites diners to immerse in the curated Spanish cuisines, seriously exquisite handcrafted drinks, and state-of-art entertainment to celebrate the night away. Come by for more mind-blowing discoveries.

8. Fogo BBQ Jakarta

Fogo Brazillian BBQ is expanding rapidly not only in Jakarta, but also in a few big cities in Indonesia, including Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, and more. This comes as no surprise with their decent meat selections, presented in the All You Can Eat (AYCE) concept at a relatively affordable price, with a sufficient time limit of 60 minutes.

According to its name, its champion menu is the thick, juicy cuts of Brazillian-inspired grilled goodness along with the finger-lickin’ tasty sauces, and wide arrays of side dishes.

Needless to say, from its savory buffet selections to refreshing desserts and unique caramelized pineapple serving, Fogo is not only a restaurant but a culinary experience for one to explore.

From managing online reservations to optimizing restaurant operations, these amazing restaurants in Jakarta in Indonesia use TableCheck as their reservation system to provide award-winning experiences to their guests.