Indonesian cuisine, an exciting tapestry of flavours drawn from the spice-laden archipelago of over 17,000 islands, made its quiet debut in London during the mid-20th century. From Java to Bali and Sumatra to Sulawesi, the cuisine reflects the country’s diverse culture and rich trade history, introducing treasures like nutmeg, cloves, and turmeric to the world.
Whether you’re seeking a culinary adventure or a cosy meal reminiscent of Jakarta’s bustling streets, London's Indonesian restaurants promise a feast that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious. Think classic nasi goreng (Indonesia’s fried rice) in Chinatown, lesser-known gems like gado-gado, a hearty salad crowned with creamy peanut dressing, and more.
Best Indonesian Restaurants In London
Toba
Named after the stunning Lake Toba in Sumatra, Toba brings a modern and refined take on Indonesian cuisine to the heart of London’s Marylebone. This contemporary, chic eatery is the brainchild of chef Pino Edward Sinaga, who masterfully blends traditional recipes with innovative techniques to create a dining experience that’s as elegant as it is flavourful.
Expect impeccably plated dishes like tender beef rendang, infused with the earthy warmth of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, and aromatic nasi goreng topped with crispy shallots and a perfectly fried egg. Their sambal prawns bring just the right balance of heat and tang, while desserts like pandan onde-onde cake provide a sweet, fragrant finish.
Toba is undoubtedly in the running for the best Indonesian restaurant London has to offer.
Bali Bali
Bali Bali is an Indonesian restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue, bringing a slice of tropical charm to bustling London. Since opening its doors in 1986, this family-run restaurant has been delighting diners with authentic flavours and warm hospitality that feel like an escape to the sun-soaked shores of Bali.
It offers an array of menus from pre-theatre affairs to the Rijistafel Special (a Dutch word meaning 'rice table'), which offers a mix of Indonesia's most loved dishes. You can expect to devour the likes of nasi goreng (fried rice with a selection of meats), scrumptious sambal kambing goreng (deep-fried lamb chops), and gulai sotong (squid in a spicy coconut gravy).
Bintang
Hunting for a halal Indonesian restaurant in London? Bintang, a lively hotspot in the heart of Camden, is where Southeast Asian street food meets London’s eclectic energy. It's been serving family recipes and offering comfort food since the early 1990s, celebrating the culinary traditions of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond.
One thing that's not to be missed is the eatery's signature pandesal sliders - these moreish bites are made up of short rib smashed patties, toyomansi onions, pandesal and bagoong aioli. Also on the menu? Ginataan mussels, sambal inasal, and calamansi hot honey wings. Wash all of this down with bespoke concoctions like the Clarified Ube Colada, or the Lemongrass Paloma.
The interiors aren't shabby either - think marble tables and warm lights.
Pino's Warung
Head north for Pino's Warung, an Indonesian restaurant in Camden serving homemade street food. Named after its founder, Pino Edwards (whose latest venture was Toba), this intimate eatery was established in 1974 and delivers a mouthwatering selection of traditional Indonesian dishes with a contemporary twist.
The menu is packed with comforting, bold dishes that take you straight to the streets of Jakarta and beyond. Tuck into their bakso meatballs and a bone broth that's been cooked for 12 hours, aromatic nasi goreng, or try their expertly grilled satay skewers, tender and drenched in a rich, nutty peanut sauce.
Makatcha
Makatcha is London’s go-to spot for a street food adventure with pop-ups in Camden Market, Broadway Market and sometimes even Glastonbury. This lively food stall is all about serving up Indonesian-inspired eats with a side of fun and flair. The name itself is a cheeky nod to the phrase 'makan' (meaning 'eat' in Indonesian) and their knack for creating dishes that’ll have you coming back for seconds - and thirds.
Under the Makatcha umbrella, you'll find Indonesian Coconut Curry, the Nadi Goreng Club and Laksa Bar, all of which serve tempting plates to go. The stars of the menus are their outrageously tasty coconut chicken curry special with lemon grass and broccoli, and mee goreng. So, if you're in need of some comfort food on one of your market strolls, hit up this awesome spot.
These guys pop up on the regular so you can always come back for more.
New Jakarta
New Jakarta on Sheaveshill Avenue brings a true taste of Indonesia to the heart of North London, offering a cosy, no-frills setting where the dishes shine. This family-run eatery has been delighting locals and visitors alike with its comforting, authentic dishes that transport you straight to Jakarta’s bustling food streets.
Popular plates include its signature nasi goreng special with shrimp and grilled chicken wings, and sharing platters perfect for two which include chicken satay skewers, duck sping rolls, otak otak and breaded prawns. With its friendly atmosphere and simple charm, New Jakarta is a hidden gem for anyone craving traditional Indonesian cuisine done right.
Rasa Sayang
Tucked away in the heart of Soho's Chinatown, Rasa Sayang is a vibrant celebration of Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, offering an inviting, no-frills spot for those craving authentic Southeast Asian flavours. Its interiors are gorgeous - it fronts warm, golden yellow walls, pretty lampshades and plenty of lush foliage making for a tranquil dining experience in the upbeat capital.
To begin with, enjoy small plates like gado gado (a salad made with mixed vegetables and eggs, tossed in a peanut sauce) before moving onto moreish mains, such as crispy sambal fish, grilled chicken satay, and ago gula melaka (sago pearl pudding with coconut milk) for dessert.
Oodles of noodles: one of the best Indonesian restaurants in London's Chinatown.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua might just be the top restaurant of its kind on London's Shaftesbury Avenue, if its track record of Indonesian minister visits is anything to go by. This wonderful eatery captures the essence of Bali’s tropical paradise with a menu full of bold, aromatic dishes that showcase the best of authentic Indonesian cuisine.
The relaxed, tropical-inspired décor sets the perfect mood for a laid-back meal, whether you’re indulging in a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner. Bring your mates and prepare to inhale the likes of rendang daging (beef in a sizzling hot Padang sauce), kambing bakar (grilled lamb chops with soy and lime leaves), and plates of crispy chicken wings.
Dua you fancy some quality Indonesian grub? Then hit this place up.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to Thai restaurants in London.