When considering overseas expansion, conducting an on-site visit is an essential and unavoidable step. By directly observing and experiencing a new market, companies can better assess business opportunities. One unexpectedly challenging aspect of such visits, however, is deciding “where to eat.”

A satisfying meal not only boosts motivation during an inspection trip but also provides an important opportunity to understand the local culture. Conversely, falling ill from dining at a restaurant with poor hygiene can ruin the entire visit.

This article introduces reliable restaurant options and dining precautions in Jakarta’s central area for business professionals. Even during business-oriented trips, enjoying local meals can deepen your understanding of Indonesian culture and atmosphere.

Recommended Restaurants in Central Jakarta

During business trips to Jakarta, many professionals tend to stay in the central part of the city. Therefore, this article focuses on introducing restaurants located in Central Jakarta. We have selected establishments where guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages to unwind after a long workday.

The listed average spending per person is based on the assumption of group dining with food and alcoholic beverages. If you dine alone, the cost will likely be slightly lower—please use the figures as a general reference.

Quality Local Restaurants Where Visitors Can Dine with Confidence

If you’re going all the way to Indonesia, you’ll naturally want to try authentic Indonesian cuisine. The following are high-quality local restaurants that are also reliable in terms of hygiene.

Seribu Rasa Menteng

This upscale Indonesian restaurant is frequently visited by foreigners. It offers a wide selection of traditional dishes from across Indonesia, served in an elegant atmosphere. The flavors are adjusted to suit foreign palates, making the food accessible even for first-time visitors. Dishes are generally mild and not overly spicy.

Although the restaurant is considered high-end, it is priced more reasonably than comparable Western restaurants. Beer and wine are available, making it a great spot to relax after a day of site visits.

Estimated spending per person: USD 20–33
Location: Google Map

Kaum Jakarta

Operated by the team behind the famous Bali beach club “Potato Head,” this modern Indonesian restaurant offers a stylish take on traditional cuisine. A variety of craft beers are available, and the modern ambiance enhances the dining experience. Some dishes are spicy, but overall, the flavors are tailored for international guests.

From the restaurant’s interior design to its menu presentation, visitors can sense Jakarta’s cutting-edge sophistication.

Estimated spending per person: USD 33–53
Location: Google Map

Pondok Ikan Bakar Ujung Pandang

This seafood restaurant has a more local feel but is highly rated by Japanese expatriates. Guests can enjoy grilled fish, shrimp, and shellfish prepared in the Indonesian style, paired with cold beer. While beer is the only alcoholic beverage offered, it pairs excellently with the spicy dishes.

The restaurant maintains a clean and comfortable atmosphere despite its local character. It’s popular among Japanese residents in Jakarta, making it an approachable choice even for first-time visitors.

Estimated spending per person: USD 13–23
Location: Google Map

---

Contact us

Restaurants with a Western Atmosphere

Jakarta is home to many expatriates from Western countries, and the city offers a wide range of authentic Western-style restaurants. Below are popular establishments located in convenient areas.

Sudestada Jakarta

A vibrant Argentine-style grill restaurant, Sudestada offers juicy steaks, sausages, and fresh seafood in a stylish setting. Uniquely for Indonesia, where Islam is the majority religion, this restaurant also serves pork dishes.

The spacious and airy interior, with high ceilings, provides a relaxing atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a day of site visits. The signature meat dishes, especially the steaks that showcase the essence of Argentine cuisine, are must-tries.

Estimated spending per person: USD 33–53
Location: Google Map

LOEWY

One of Jakarta’s most renowned upscale restaurants, LOEWY is located in an area where many foreign companies have established offices. It offers a wide range of international dishes that can satisfy diners from any country. The extensive drink menu includes everything from cocktails to wine.

Depending on the time of day, guests may also enjoy live band performances, creating an exotic and lively atmosphere. However, note that seating near the band may make conversation difficult, so it’s advisable to confirm your seating preferences when making a reservation if you prefer a quieter dining experience.

Estimated spending per person: USD 33–53
Location: Google Map

Plan B

Located slightly south of Central Jakarta, Plan B is a Spanish restaurant operated by a Spanish owner and chef. It offers authentic Spanish cuisine at relatively affordable prices.

The restaurant is well-regarded among Japanese residents in the area and has a casual atmosphere, making it easy to visit even when dining alone. It strikes a perfect balance between a relaxed setting and high-quality food.

Estimated spending per person: USD 27–40
Location: Google Map

Japanese Izakayas

During extended stays abroad, it’s natural to crave Japanese food. For such times, here are some Japanese restaurants located in central Jakarta that are worth visiting.

Kushimusubi

Located on the second floor of City Walk Sudirman, this izakaya perfectly recreates the atmosphere of Japan. The interior closely resembles that of an authentic Japanese establishment, and the menu is suitable for solo diners as well as small groups.

In addition to beer and shochu, the drink menu includes popular Japanese beverages such as lemon sour and highballs. This is a comforting spot to visit when you find yourself missing the taste of home.

Estimated spending per person: USD 20–40
Location: Google Map

miu Authentic Japanese Dining

Located on the ground floor of the Summitmas building, where many Japanese companies have offices, this restaurant offers Japanese cuisine based on traditional Kanazawa-style dishes. It features a diverse menu that accommodates both solo diners and group meals.

A notable feature is its selection of Bali-produced wines, available at reasonable prices. With its upscale and tranquil atmosphere, this restaurant is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a calm dining experience after a busy workday.

Estimated spending per person: USD 27–47
Location: Google Map

Torisey

This restaurant has the feel of a “slightly upscale izakaya” by Japanese standards. The first floor has both counter and table seating, while the second floor features raised tatami seating, making it suitable for various occasions. Although the entrance may appear a bit exclusive, the menu is designed to be enjoyable regardless of your budget.

Torisey is appealing for its versatility—it’s great whether you just want a quick drink or a full meal. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of business visits.

Estimated spending per person: USD 20–47
Location: Google Map

---

C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500

About Jakarta’s Street Food Stalls

It is understandable to feel, “Since I’m here, I’d like to try some street food.” However, especially during short-term business trips, eating at street stalls is not recommended.

Unfortunately, there is a high chance of experiencing stomach issues from street food. Even Japanese residents who have lived in the area for a long time encounter such problems—and in some cases, even Indonesians themselves can get food poisoning.

To avoid compromising a tightly scheduled business trip, it is wise to refrain from eating at street stalls, especially on your first visit to Indonesia. For those who want to experience the local atmosphere, we recommend the high-quality and hygienic local restaurants introduced earlier in this article.

---

If you have any questions or concerns after reading this article, please ask them below.
We will respond within a couple of days.

Precautions When Dining at Restaurants

Even at high-end restaurants frequented by foreigners, there are some important precautions to take when dining in Indonesia. By keeping the following points in mind, you can enjoy meals safely and confidently.

Be Careful with Water and Ice

Always choose bottled mineral water or other sealed water for drinking. While high-end restaurants usually pose no problem, extra caution is recommended at more local establishments, especially when it comes to ice. If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to order your drink “without ice.”

Check the Cutlery

At some local restaurants, cutlery such as spoons or chopsticks may already be placed on the table, similar to Japanese diners. In places with sparse customer traffic, this cutlery may have been left out for an extended period. If concerned, use a wet tissue to wipe them or ask for a new set.

Be Cautious with Raw Vegetables

Especially during the rainy season, raw vegetables from street stalls can cause stomach issues. Even at restaurants, be cautious if the vegetables are washed with tap water. While high-end restaurants are generally safe, for maximum caution, it’s recommended to stick to cooked dishes during your stay.

Check for Service Charges

At mid- to high-end restaurants, a service charge is commonly added to the bill. In some cases, this includes a 10% service charge plus an 11% value-added tax (VAT), resulting in up to a 21% increase in the total bill. To avoid surprises, check the menu beforehand to confirm whether service charges and taxes are included.

About Tipping

In Jakarta, it is generally not necessary to add tips even at upscale restaurants, as the service charge is usually included. However, if you receive particularly attentive service, a discreet tip will be appreciated. As a guideline, a tip of IDR 50,000–100,000 (approximately USD 3.30–6.70) is appropriate.

Conclusion

A business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, presents an excellent opportunity to explore new business possibilities. To make the most of such a visit, choosing the right places to dine is also an important factor.

The restaurants introduced in this article are all highly recommended for business travelers—offering safe, high-quality, and delicious meals. For those who want to explore Indonesian cuisine, we suggest top-tier local restaurants. For those who prefer an international ambiance, we recommend Western-style establishments. And for moments when you miss the taste of home, there are Japanese izakayas to meet your needs.

By also being mindful of the precautions mentioned when dining out, you can minimize health risks and ensure a productive and fulfilling trip.

We hope this information proves useful in your consideration of business expansion into Indonesia. May your inspection trip be a rewarding one, accompanied by excellent meals.