A home to a diverse culinary heritage, Indonesia has always been the best country to explore culinary adventure. Here in Yogyakarta, you can easily find a lot of authentic Indonesian restaurants that serve a delicious menu, ranging from savoury, tangy, and sweet with diverse textures. We’re talking about something beyond nasi goreng, sate, or other popular Indonesian dishes anymore. There are plenty of types of food that will impress your taste buds. Here’s the list!
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1. Lalawuh Sunda
Lalawuh Sunda is an Indonesian restaurant that focuses on Sundanese cuisine. Sunda is one of the largest Indonesia’s ethnic groups and is known for its signature dish that characterized by anything related to raw green vegetables (they call it Lalapan), for example, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, paired with a freshly made Sambal (Indonesian chili-based sauce).
Lalawuh Sunda had a humble & warm ambiance, featuring a traditional Sundanese decoration. Their signature dishes include Nasi Liwet, Ikan Bakar, Sayur Asem, and Karedok, and they also have plenty of options of Lalapan that you can enjoy. We recommended this place because it offers a full spread of Sundanese classics in a friendly setting, and it’s become somewhat of a famous Indonesian dining spot in Yogyakarta.
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Location: Jl. Tambak, Kembang, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul (north of Mirota Godean)
- Instagram: @lalawuhsunda.resto
2. Gadri Resto
Brought you to Gadri Resto, as one of the oldest Indonesian restaurants in Yogyakarta. Located inside the Royal Sultanate complex, Gadri Resto was once the royal family’s house, called nDalem Joyokusuman (also known as Prince Joyokusuman’s house), which also became a heritage site that was built in 1916 under the Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII.
Gadri Resto emphasizes the authentic Javanese royal house ornaments, honoring the Yogyakarta Sultanate legacy. Speaking of the food, all the menu items at Gadri Resto were taken from Sultan Hamengku Buwono’s favorite cuisine, and many of them are quite hard to find elsewhere. For example, you can try their famous Nasi Blawong, a hereditary recipe from a hundred years ago, or their Nasi Ayam Brongkos, a classic Javanese dish made from diced meat, black-eyed peas, and the black nut (locally known as Kluwak).
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Location: Jl. Rotowijayan No.5, Kadipaten, Kraton, Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @gadriresto
3. Gubug Makan Mang Engking
Gubug Makan Mang Engking becomes everyone’s favorite when it comes a tempting and comforting Indonesian delicacies. What’s iconic from Gubug Makan Mang Engking is their scenic “Gubug” (hut) interior, surrounded by fish ponds. Creating a calm and therapeutic ambiance, feels like we’re being close to nature. There’s plenty of mandatory food that you can try here; the best one might be their grilled seafood, or any kind of stir-fried vegetable.
If you have a high tolerance for spicy food, try their wide range of sambal options, such as Sambal Combrang, Sambal Hejo, Sambal Cobek, and Sambal Tolenjang. Gubug Makan Mang Engking should be on your list whenever you’re looking for an Indonesian restaurant in Yogyakarta.
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Location 1: Jl. Soragan Jl. Kembang No.13, Kembang, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul
- Location 2: Jl. Gedongan-Tempel, Jamur, Sendangrejo, Minggir, Sleman
- Instagram: @mangengkingsoragancastle & @mangengkingpusat
4. Ikan Bakar Jimbaran
Ikan Bakar Jimbaran is your go-to place when you’re craving a fresh grilled fish. They specialize in the Jimbaran cooking style, applied to various types of seafood such as fish, shrimp, clams, and more, which are typically found in Bali. Jimbaran style means that they’re mostly using turmeric as the highlight, featuring other Indonesian spices such as ginger, onion, garlic, and shrimp paste.
Just like other Indonesian restaurants in Yogyakarta, you can expect smoky, spiced fish, served with sambals, rice, and sides. The ambiance is ideal for groups or dinners by the evening light.
Operating Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Location: Jl. Damai No.77, Wonorejo, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman
Instagram: @jimbaranrestojogja
5. Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant
Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant is another option for a Javanese classics restaurant in Yogyakarta. Sekar Kedhaton earned a reputation as one of the OG restaurants in town, and all of its menu was inspired by the Mataram Palace. Guests can enjoy the Javanese offerings like the Gecok Kambing, Krengseng Daging Mataram, or their Sekul Blawong.
Aside, Sekar Kedhaton also had plenty of options of Western cuisines such as Avocado Tuna Salad, Sirloin Steak, and more. The restaurant is praised in local guides for its ambiance and consistent food quality. It’s recommended when you want to dine with style and savor heritage cuisine.
- Operating Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Location: Jl. Tegal Gendu No.28, Prenggan, Kotagede, Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @sekarkedhatonyogyakarta
6. Sasanti Restaurant
Sasanti Restaurant combines comfort and tradition. It features indoor and semi-outdoor seating with plants and wood décor. The menu covers classic Indonesian staples, rice dishes, satay, soups, and vegetable sides. The vibe is midscale and friendly for families, couples, or solo diners. Locals often mention it in their Yogyakarta food guides as a dependable, pleasant place to sample a variety of regional dishes.
- Operating Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Location: Jl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar No.52, Panggung Sari, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman
- Instagram: @sasanti_restaurant
7. SMARA Restaurant
SMARA Restaurant is best known for its Indonesian cuisine with an elegant dining experience. Their warm service and authentic taste ensure that everyone willingly returns whenever they visit Yogyakarta. SMARA Restaurant is located on the lobby floor of the GRAMM Hotel by Ambarrukmo.
SMARA Restaurant highlights high-quality ingredients. Remember to try their famous Sup Pindang Salmon, Selat Solo, Lodeh Salmon, and Sop Buntut whenever you’re around. We also recommended SMARA for those special nights, when you want a step up from street food but still want Indonesian soul in every bite.
- Operating Hours: 6 AM – 10.30 PM
- Location: Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No.82, Ambarukmo, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman
- Instagram: @smara_deli
8. Raminten Kitchen
Raminten Kitchen (The House of Raminten) is a highlight stop for many visitors. This place is famous for its Javanese ambiance, with gamelan music, batik decor, and a theatrical, whimsical style. Dishes are creative, fun in name, and full of flavor.
The vibe is lively, quirky, family-friendly, and often full of tourists and locals alike. It’s a must-visit because it merges culture, theatrical dining, and solid Indonesian dishes all under one roof.
- Operating Hours: open 24 hours
- Location: Jl. Sabirin, Kotabaru, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @ramintenskitchen
9. Gadjah Wong Restaurant
Gadjah Wong Restaurant is a long-standing name in Yogyakarta’s dining scene. It usually features a mixture of Indonesian and fusion dishes, comfortable interiors, and steady popularity among both locals and visitors.
You’ll find good mains, soups, and desserts. The vibe is casual to midscale, ideal for dinners with friends or family. It’s recommended because of its consistency, central location near city centers or hotels, and reliable menu covering a wide tastes.
- Operating Hours: open on Tuesday & Wednesday only, at 3 PM – 9 PM
- Location: Jl. Affandi No.79D, Soropadan, Condongcatur, Depok, Sleman
- Instagram: @gadjahwong
That’s it. We’d love to give them a shoutout for being the best authentic Indonesian restaurants. You can find the ones that attract your attention.
