Let’s be honest: we all deserve a good meal. Well, maybe a few of them.
In this month’s new tables, we break down the full spectrum of what Jakarta does best: from comfort food that hits differently after a long week, an elegant fine dining for the occasions that deserve a little more, to local Indonesian flavours that remind you why the archipelago’s cuisine is so deeply special and worth remembering.
Whatever your plan is, there is always something opening this April that was made for exactly that occasion. Here is your guide to the restaurants worth booking!
Best New Restaurants in South Jakarta
Dan’s Diner, Classic American, Done Right
There is something deeply satisfying about a good American diner, the kind of place where the portions are generous, the colours are bold, and the menu reads like a love letter to comfort food. Dan’s Diner, newly opened on Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya in Kebayoran Baru is exactly that kind of place.
The space leans fully into its retro American aesthetic, vibrant tones, relaxed seating, and an atmosphere that invites you to settle in and stay a while. The breakfast menu is a strong opening argument: eggs cooked your way, beef bacon, sausages, golden hash browns, and properly brewed coffee. It is the kind of morning spread that makes you want to cancel everything else on your calendar.
But Dan’s Diner really earns its place through its all-day menu. The cheeseburger is a proper, no-nonsense construction, juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying. The brioche French toast is indulgent without being excessive, and the chicken waffles hit that perfect sweet-savory balance.
For South Jakarta residents moving between SCBD and Senayan, this is the kind of reliable comfort spot that quietly becomes part of your weekly routine.
📍 Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya No.8A, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Reimagine Indonesian Flavours at Salira
The Union Group rarely puts a foot wrong, and Salira, their newest opening in Senopati, confirms exactly that. Inspired by the philosophy of tepo seliro, Salira brings a thoughtful, refined approach to Indonesian cuisine, positioned somewhere between comfort and fine dining.
The nasi liwet bakulan delivers deep, slow-cooked warmth, while the nasi rames feels like a curated expression of Indonesia’s layered flavours. Standout dishes include ayam bakar madu, lidah cabe ijo, and pipi sapi tinorangsak, each executed with confidence and balance.
An unexpected highlight is the salmon asam lodeh, bridging traditional flavours with a more contemporary palate. End with cempedak goreng madu or bubur kampiun, both rooted in nostalgia but presented with polish.
Located close to SCBD, Salira is where Indonesian food steps confidently into a more elevated, modern dining conversation.
📍 Jl. Senopati No.52, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Also read: Pellegrini’s Brings Italian Coffee Culture to Jakarta
Tjerita Nyonya, A Sweet Taste of Heritage
Not every great dining experience needs to be a full meal, and Tjerita Nyonya proves exactly that. Located in the Blok M area, this Peranakan-inspired dessert house is equal parts nostalgic and indulgent.
The space leans into vintage charm, telling its story through flavours and textures. The es ce hun tiau is refreshing and balanced, while the es durian cendol delivers richness in all the right ways. The es alpukat kelapa offers a lighter, cooling finish.
Traditional snacks like putu mayang, talam, and lemper complete the experience, grounding it in authenticity rather than trend.
It is the perfect stop after dinner around Senayan or a casual afternoon break when you want something comforting and familiar.
📍 Blok M Area, Jakarta Selatan
Best New Restaurants in Central Jakarta
Pellegrini’s: Italian Elegance in the Heart of Jakarta
If one opening has dominated conversation this month, it is Pellegrini’s at Plaza Indonesia, just minutes from Sudirman and the Hyatt Jakarta area. And the attention is well deserved.
Named after the Italian word for travellers, Pellegrini’s is built around the idea that dining is a journey. The space blends the charm of a classic Italian pasticceria with the warmth of an osteria. At its centre sits a striking copper espresso machine, a clear signal that coffee and pastry culture matter here.
The menu delivers across the board. Antipasti like Salmon Carpaccio and Whipped Ricotta & Honey set the tone, while the pasta selection is the true highlight. The Baked Mezze alla Vodka & Burrata is rich and comforting, the Truffle Mafaldine deeply satisfying, and the Ravioli al Burro e Salvia beautifully restrained.
For mains, the Picanha and Barramundi stand out, while the Pistachio Olive Oil Semifreddo closes the experience on a high note. The tiramisu is, of course, essential.
Whether for breakfast pastry, lunch meetings, or a proper dinner, Pellegrini’s fits seamlessly into Jakarta’s growing fine dining landscape.
📍 Plaza Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28–30, Jakarta Pusat
A Return to Origins at Orijin Japanese
Nearly a year in the making, Orijin Japanese Dining arrives in Menteng with quiet confidence. Built around the philosophy of origin and purity, the restaurant focuses on robatayaki and teppanyaki, executed with precision.
The open kitchen creates a subtle sense of theatre, but the food remains the star. Japanese wagyu sirloin, US tenderloin, and carefully prepared seafood are handled with technical finesse. The kushiyaki selection, particularly gyutan and unagi kabayaki, demonstrates real mastery of live-fire cooking.
For those looking for a more refined, focused dining experience in Central Jakarta, Orijin offers a calm, deliberate alternative to the city’s faster-paced venues.
📍 Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.6, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat
Jakarta’s Dining Scene Keeps Getting Better
What April 2026 confirms, above everything else, is that Jakarta has quietly become one of Asia’s most compelling cities to dine in. From Steak houses and comfort diners to pastry-led cafés and elevated Indonesian concepts, the diversity is undeniable.
From Kuningan to SCBD, Sudirman to Senayan, the city continues to evolve, not just in quantity, but in quality. These new tables reflect a dining culture that is becoming more confident, more refined, and more globally relevant.
The tables are open, the kitchens are ready, and the reservations are filling quickly.
The only real question is: where do you start?