Hot New Eats in Indonesia: February 2025

Jakarta and Bali’s dynamic dining scenes continue to evolve, with one new restaurant after another emerging and redefining the way we eat. From boundary-pushing tasting menus to innovative takes on regional flavours, these fresh openings offer something for every palate. If you’re looking for your next must-visit dining destination, here are the hottest spots to check out.

Kindling

Chef Valiann Gunawan has done it again. After his successful stint at Bali’s SKOOL Kitchen, he took Jakarta by storm with the unveiling of Kindling. Partnering with BIKO, the group’s first fine dining venture pays homage to modern Asian flavours. Located within a converted mansion, it is designed to make guests feel at home as they indulge in a seven- or nine-course tasting menu.

Gunawan’s French training (which includes L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Odette) shines in dishes such as foie gras ‘torchon’, slow-roasted 17-day aged duck with palm heart ‘barigoule’ and black garlic, and spiced veal sweetbread with coconut and eggplant. Wine pairings or house cocktails are available.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm – 11pm | Jl. Cikini Raya No. 20, Menteng, Jakarta

Contact +62 21 3140213 | Visit biko-group.com/kindling

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Aged and Butchered Bali

Located within The Komu Hotel, the Bali branch of Jakarta’s renowned Asian-inspired steakhouse has just opened on Jalan Pantai Berawa. Inside its sleek and dramatically lit interior, dry-aged and wet-aged steaks are expertly crafted by Andri Dionysius, chef-patron of the MDA Restaurant Group. The restaurant features a bar with 27 whisky dispensers, two private rooms, and a main dining area that seats 52 guests.

The eclectic starters almost steal the spotlight and are worth a visit on their own. L’Onion Gyoza soup dumplings, gochujang parmesan chilli crab with snow crab claws and meatballs, and maple bourbon-washed bone-in bacon rib set the stage for the evening’s stars: 30-day aged Australian purebred Wagyu Picanha MB9+ and a melt-in-your-mouth A5 Tomobara. The thinly sliced short rib is served with a bowl of bulgogi sauce and an onsen egg for dipping.

Open daily 5pm -10pm | Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu

Contact +62 819 2254 785 | Visit mdarestaurants.com/aged-butchered

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Sate House Senayan

Known as a purveyor of Indonesian cuisine, Sarirasa Group recently unveiled its latest concept in Canggu. In one sitting, guests are invited to explore the flavours of Indonesian regional cuisines, where sharing is encouraged, and the eating style is entirely flexible. Don’t miss the rijsttafel of white and yellow rice, accompanied by Ayam Bakar, Ikan Pesmol, Bakwan Jagung, Oseng Tempe, Rendang Sapi, Udang Goreng Sambal Bawang, and the beloved Sate Ayam Ponorogo and Sate Jamur with peanut sauce.

Bali’s first Sate House Senayan branch also offers a preview of the group’s exciting expansion into the Netherlands. Two restaurants are set to open in Amsterdam in 2025, playing a pivotal role in bringing Indonesian culinary heritage to the global stage.

Open daily 11am – 11pm | Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.39, Canggu

Contact +62 815 1416 3510 | Visit instagram.com/satehousesenayan/

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meimei

Seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients, and modern reinterpretation of traditional flavours take centre stage in this Southeast Asian barbecue restaurant. Led by executive chef Yudha Permana – of the YUKI Bali’s fame – savour dishes such as grilled mackerel and roe wrapped in banana leaves, Babi Guling-inspired slow-roasted pork belly, Malaysian black pepper beef cheek curry, and line-caught fish of the day with Thai nam jim sauce, among others. Pair the dishes with the island’s unique botanical ingredients, from rum-based Pineapple Palm to Watermelon Chili. Expect communal seating that encourages interaction and exchanges of stories.

Open daily 12pm – 2am | Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.87, Canggu

Contact +62 811 105 896 | Visit meimeibali.com