6 Best Restaurants in Indonesia

Get what one satisfied diner from overseas called "the whole package"—exceptional food, presentation, and service—at Bridges. The menu features modern international dishes served with French flair. Several favorites, notably the chevre-beetroot brûlée, feature flavorful cheeses. Pumpkin-crusted salmon with cauliflower cannoli and fennel showcases the kitchen's skill and creativity, and the complimentary canapés and sorbet underscore the attention to detail. Wines figure prominently, and during the late-afternoon "Devine Hour," sample four for a very reasonable Rp115,000. Alongside Campuhan Bridge, the restaurant has a multi-level terrace built into a lush hillside overlooking the Wos River, making it soothing by day and dramatic at night.

Chef Heinz von Holzen wrote the book on Balinese cuisine—three, actually—and shares his love at Bumbu Bali (Bali Spice). A family compound setting with open pavilions in a garden sets the homey atmosphere. The menu offers classic kitchen favorites sate lilit (minced seafood skewers) and superbly grilled fish, alongside island specialties ayam betutu (roast chicken in banana leaf) and bebek betutu (the duck version; order 24 hours ahead), and innovations like tamillo ice cream, crafted from a bitter local strawberry variant. Book well ahead for a class at the renowned cooking school, which includes market visits and preparing 20-odd recipes for lunch.

An elegant treasury of Indonesiana, Lara Djonggrang celebrates the nation's culinary and cultural heritage. Authentic period decor leans toward antiques and brooding lighting in a rabbit warren of dining rooms within a historic Menteng district mansion. Lara Djonggrang's dizzyingly diverse menu also befits Tugu Group, homegrown operators of eclectic hotels and eateries, featuring tastes of the archipelago with a focus on Java. Some contend Lara Djonggrang favors style over spice; begin your deliberations with nasi rames platters, offering bites of Indonesia's many splendored tastes. Eat family-style and consider ordering extra, as main portions run small.

Fight the mountain chill at Meme Surung, which serves a savory house soup that combines vegetables, noodles and tofu in a clear broth. Main dishes are Indonesian and Balinese favorites. Meme Surung's ayam sambal matah (chicken with onions, shallots, and chili) produces the fresh flavor the dish is meant to have. Finish with Indonesia's favorite sweet snack of fried bananas or Balinese black rice pudding and a pot of local coffee. Meme Surung also has 11 simple guest rooms with private bath—either way it's a real taste of Bali.

Within the lovely Hotel Majapahit, Sarkies serves up gourmet versions of classic Chinese dishes in a formal 1930's-style atmosphere. The restaurant's signature plates, including bi feng tang prawns, abalone pau hi, beef Vietnam, and Peking duck, earn rave reviews. For lighter fare, there's a tasty dim sum menu. Though locals tend to shy away from this pretty restaurant, it's worth a visit both for the setting and the food.

European-style brasserie–cum–bar Union shows staying power with the capital's fickle upscale diners and lounge hounds. Iconic white tiles, vintage finishing and photos, glass roof, and open windows overlooking Plaza Senayan's courtyard lend an elegant yet casual ambience. The food? Start with escargot in garlic butter, then Indonesian favorite bakmie ayan (chicken noodle) served with foie grass or a juicy cut seared on the grill, followed by velvet cake fresh from the bakery, and you'll understand why Union is always packed. The lycheetini isn't too bad either.