Bars and restaurants
Club 45 Radio Bar, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru
Club 45 Radio Bar draws inspiration from the golden age of radio, serving as both a watering hole and a live-broadcast venue. Operated by collective Radio Rumah Oma, it frequently hosts prominent local and eclectic international acts. The bar orbits around a well-curated soundtrack and its programme of umami-forward cocktails. “Its propagandist Long Island iced tea is perfect with vintage Altecs,” says a regular.
En Par, Selong, Kebayoran Baru
The playlist is as smooth as the cocktails at this not-so-hush-hush hideaway above Folk restaurant. Founded by DJ duo Leonard Theosabrata and Daiva Prayudi of Diskoria fame, En Par’s modern-tropical and neo-vintage interiors, accented with Peranakan details, set the mood under diffused orb-like lighting for intimate gatherings. The focus is on Balinese arak – house brands Ark and Marak shine in drinks such as the marakgroni, making this a fine tribute to Indonesia’s craft spirits.
Modernhaus, Senopati, Kebayoran Baru
Perched above French bistro Bouchon, Modernhaus feels more like an architect’s private lounge than a cocktail bar. The mid-century-inspired space by Union Group hums with low-lit warmth that envelops its inviting counter seating and botanical aperitifs from mixologist Mirwansyah “Bule”. The celery-spiked vodka and gin-infused jasmine tea are crowd favourites.
Kaum, Menteng, Menteng
Kaum distils Indonesia’s culinary heritage in a laid-back experience courtesy of the peerless Potato Head group, which started in Jakarta before migrating to Bali. Heirloom recipes, including the braised oxtail with pickled greens, crispy, fried soft-shell crab and wok-charred kebuli seasoned rice, accompany inventive new offerings in a space that nods to tradition. Order large plates with an assortment of sambals for communal dining, or makan tengah.
Pantja, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru
Head to the upper floor of this smart restaurant and bar for a drink and some nibbles under its arched red-brick ceiling. The atmospheric lighting and wine-cellar feel makes it an ideal spot for conversation and cocktails. Try the kaffir lime gimlet, a local favourite. You’ll find fresh pastas and wagyu steak on the hearty, Europe-meets-Japan dinner menu. Owner Hana Makarim is also the founder of the popular donut shop Dough Lab, which has a space downstairs.
Common Grounds Terra & Menteng Tennis Club, Menteng, Menteng
Brunch and backhands meet at Common Grounds’ most scenic outpost, where morning light sweeps across a terracotta-hued court and café tables. The coffee here is floral and precise – best enjoyed post-match or while watching seasoned regulars trade volleys with practised ease. The tiered bean selections give a more tailored experience but the daily batch for espresso-based brews are just as nice. Call ahead to book the court.
Contra, Rawa Barat, Kebayoran Baru
Tucked in a pseudo-brutalist shell softened by warm, diffused lighting and muted tones, Contra serves Italian-American classics with a modern edge. The porcini-rubbed porterhouse is worth sharing, while the wine selection is certainly deserving of your trust. The sun-drenched lounge sits above on the third floor and tapas and experimental cocktail bar Pino – also from Anders Hospitality Group – holds ground on the first.
Scarlett’s House Blok M, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru
Scarlett’s textural riot of sugary delights was the talk of the town during its time in Pantai Indah Kapuk; patrons started queuing at 09.00 for a slice of its poured tiramisu. Its latest in the vibrant Blok M might be its most stylish outlet yet, where the patisserie takes on another mantle as a bistro-cum-listening bar.
Kurasu Kissa, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru
The Kyoto-based chain Kurasu is a thoughtful take on the classic Japanese kissaten (coffee shop), where impeccable Nishijin-roasted coffee meets moody jazz-bar charm. Come sundown, the banana-fiber washi lamps dim as cocktails are poured alongside espressos. Warm jazz on vinyl reverberates through the plywood claddings as unhurried afternoons turn into night.
Kindling, Cikini, Menteng
Kindling’s easy elegance and layered sense of space beautifully delivers a far-removed fine-dining experience, right in the heart of Jakarta. Housed in a 1900s colonial mansion suitably renovated by Rafaelmiranti Architects, French-trained chef-owner Vallian Gunawan’s meticulous reinterpretation of Asian flavours unfolds in an intimate, focused setting.
