Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, has become a hub for exceptional Japanese cuisine, offering everything from traditional sushi and sashimi to modern fusion dishes. This guide explores the finest Japanese dining establishments across the city, highlighting their signature dishes, ambiance, and what makes each one special.
1. Takigawa
Location: Senopati, South Jakarta
Price Range: $$$ (Premium)
Specialties: Kaiseki cuisine, Seasonal omakase
Takigawa stands as one of Jakarta’s most authentic high-end Japanese restaurants, specializing in traditional kaiseki dining experiences. Chef Hideaki Takigawa brings over 25 years of culinary expertise from Kyoto, creating seasonal menus that showcase the finest imported ingredients from Japan.
The restaurant’s minimalist Zen-inspired interior features private tatami rooms and an intimate counter seating area where guests can watch the chefs at work. Their signature kaiseki course includes delicacies like sea urchin chawanmushi, A5 Wagyu sukiyaki, and hand-crafted wagashi desserts.
Must-try dish: The seasonal omakase menu (changes monthly) featuring the chef’s selection of the freshest seasonal ingredients.
2. Sushi Tei
Location: Multiple locations across Jakarta
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Specialties: Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki
A beloved chain that combines quality with accessibility, Sushi Tei has established itself as a go-to spot for Japanese cuisine lovers in Jakarta. Despite having multiple branches, each location maintains consistent quality and freshness.
The extensive menu features over 100 items, ranging from traditional nigiri sushi to innovative fusion rolls. Their semi-open kitchen concept allows diners to watch as chefs skillfully prepare dishes to order. The restaurant imports fresh seafood weekly from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.
Must-try dish: Salmon Aburi Mentai – flame-seared salmon topped with spicy cod roe sauce.
3. Kikugawa
Location: Dharmawangsa Square, South Jakarta
Price Range: $$$ (Premium)
Specialties: Traditional Japanese cuisine, Shabu-shabu
Operating for over two decades, Kikugawa is one of Jakarta’s longest-standing authentic Japanese restaurants. It has built a loyal following among Japanese expatriates and locals seeking genuine flavors without compromise.
The restaurant’s interior evokes a traditional Japanese ryokan, with wooden partitions, tatami seating areas, and calligraphy adorning the walls. Their shabu-shabu is particularly renowned, featuring premium Hokkaido beef and homemade ponzu and sesame dipping sauces.
Must-try dish: Unagi Kabayaki – grilled freshwater eel glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce and served over rice.
4. OKU at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski
Location: Central Jakarta
Price Range: $$$$ (Luxury)
Specialties: Contemporary Japanese cuisine, Robatayaki
OKU represents the pinnacle of modern Japanese dining in Jakarta. Located within the prestigious Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, this restaurant combines traditional Japanese cooking techniques with contemporary presentation and innovative flavor combinations.
The sleek, dimly lit interior creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Executive Chef Kazumasa Yazawa, formerly of Waku Ghin in Singapore, oversees a menu that includes charcoal-grilled robatayaki items and artfully plated sushi and sashimi.
Must-try dish: 48-hour marinated black cod with saikyo miso.
5. Miyama Japanese Restaurant
Location: Senayan, Central Jakarta
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Specialties: Teppanyaki, Donburi
A stalwart in Jakarta’s Japanese dining scene since the 1980s, Miyama offers a comprehensive menu of traditional Japanese dishes in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.
The restaurant features both standard tables and teppanyaki counters where skilled chefs perform cooking demonstrations. Private tatami rooms are available for groups or business meetings. Their donburi (rice bowl) options are particularly popular for lunch, while their extensive sake selection draws evening crowds.
Must-try dish: Miyama Special Teppanyaki Set – featuring U.S. prime beef, king prawns, and seasonal vegetables cooked tableside.
6. Kohaku Japanese Restaurant
Location: Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Specialties: Izakaya-style dishes, Yakitori
In the trendy PIK area, Kohaku has established itself as the premier izakaya-style restaurant, offering a casual Japanese pub atmosphere with an extensive food and drink menu.
The energetic space features an open kitchen, wooden interiors, and traditional lanterns. Their yakitori menu includes over 20 different skewered items, all grilled over imported Japanese binchotan charcoal. The restaurant also boasts one of Jakarta’s best selections of Japanese whisky and shochu.
Must-try dish: Assorted Yakitori Platter with special tare sauce.
7. Sake+ by Ravind
Location: Menteng, Central Jakarta
Price Range: $$$ (Premium)
Specialties: Fusion Japanese cuisine, Sake pairings
A newcomer that has quickly gained acclaim, Sake+ offers an innovative take on Japanese cuisine with a focus on sake pairing experiences. Chef Ravind Kaur combines Japanese techniques with occasional Indonesian flavor influences.
The intimate space seats only 26 guests, with a minimalist design featuring natural wood and subtle lighting. Their tasting menu changes seasonally and includes creative dishes like sambal matah tuna tartare and rendang-inspired wagyu short ribs.
Must-try dish: The Sake+ Experience – a six-course tasting menu with premium sake pairings.
8. Zenbu Restaurant & Bar
Location: Kuningan, South Jakarta
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Specialties: Ramen, Japanese comfort food
Zenbu has captured the hearts of Jakarta’s ramen enthusiasts with their authentic broths and handmade noodles. The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with an expansive menu that covers various Japanese comfort foods.
The industrial-chic interior features an open kitchen where guests can watch as chefs prepare steaming bowls of ramen. Their tonkotsu broth simmers for 20 hours, creating a rich, creamy base for their signature ramen bowls. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Japanese beers and highballs.
Must-try dish: Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen with ajitama egg and chashu pork.
9. Kashiwa Japanese Cuisine
Location: Kemang, South Jakarta
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Specialties: Home-style Japanese cooking, Katsu
Kashiwa stands out for its authentic home-style Japanese cooking in a cozy, unpretentious setting. The small restaurant is often filled with Japanese expatriates seeking familiar flavors reminiscent of home.
The modest interior features simple wooden furniture and traditional decor items. Their menu focuses on teishoku (set meals) that include main dishes like katsu, grilled fish, or nimono (simmered dishes), served with rice, miso soup, pickles, and small side dishes.
Must-try dish: Kashiwa Special Katsu – extra-thick pork cutlet breaded with panko and served with homemade tonkatsu sauce.
10. Enmaru Japanese Restaurant
Location: Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta
Price Range: $$$ (Premium)
Specialties: Premium sushi, Wagyu dishes
Rounding out our list is Enmaru, a sophisticated establishment in the upscale Plaza Indonesia mall. The restaurant combines traditional Japanese elements with modern luxury to create a refined dining experience.
The elegant interior features private dining rooms with views of the city skyline. Their menu highlights premium ingredients, including A5 Wagyu beef and seasonal seafood flown in from Japan twice weekly. The restaurant’s sushi bar is overseen by a Tokyo-trained itamae who creates both classic and innovative nigiri and rolls.
Must-try dish: Premium Sushi and Sashimi Omakase – chef’s selection of the day’s finest seafood offerings.
Conclusion
Jakarta’s Japanese restaurant scene continues to evolve and expand, offering everything from casual ramen shops to high-end omakase experiences. These top ten establishments represent the best of what the city has to offer for those seeking authentic Japanese flavors or innovative Japanese-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting Indonesia’s capital, these restaurants provide a taste of Japan in the heart of Jakarta.
Note: Prices and menu items may vary. It’s recommended to make reservations, especially for premium restaurants during peak hours.
Write by Ayasan Indonesia Team
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