Exploring Solo means uncovering a rich culinary scene at every turn. Whether you prefer humble warung, bustling market food, family restaurants, or elegant heritage dining, the best restaurants in Solo offer something for every traveler and every meal of the day. So, the next time you’re wondering what to eat in Solo, you’ll have no shortage of delicious places to start before continuing your adventure around the city.
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Here are some of the best restaurants in Solo you can add to your culinary highlights.
Best Restaurants in Surakarta (Solo)
Nasi Liwet Bu Wongso Lemu
Nasi Liwet Bu Wongso Lemu is one of Solo’s most legendary eateries, serving the city’s signature coconut rice since the 1950s. The fragrant and savory rice is complemented by condiments such as rich areh, shredded chicken, and tender chayote. It’s especially popular for dinner, so arriving before peak hours is recommended to avoid long queues.
- Opening Hours: 4 PM – 1 AM
- Address: Jl. Teuku Umar, Keprabon, Kec. Banjarsari, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57131
Soto Gading
No trip to Solo is complete without a bowl of the comforting Soto Gading. Famous among well-known figures, the breakfast spot serves clear chicken broth that’s light yet flavorful. Those who ask for more can also pair their soto with side dishes like satay skewers and fried tempeh.
- Opening Hours: 6 – 4 PM
- Address: Jl. Brigjen Sudiarto No.75, Joyosuran, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57156
Timlo Sastro
Timlo Sastro is one of the pioneers of Solo’s beloved Timlo. The restaurant’s signature dish delivers a comforting combination of savory, fresh, and light flavors in every bowl. It’s best visited for breakfast or dinner.
- Opening Hours: 6.30 AM – 3 PM
- Address: Jl. Abdul Muis No.32A, Kepatihan Kulon, Kec. Jebres, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57139
Tengkleng Klewer Bu Edi
Tengkleng Klewer Bu Edi serves tengkleng made with a recipe that has been passed down since 1971. Here, visitors can savor the distinctive flavor and authentic spices that penetrate right down to the bone, paired with tender meat. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner for an unforgettable experience.
- Opening Hours: 12 – 3 PM
- Address: PASAR KLEWER, Jl. DR. Radjiman, Kauman, Gajahan, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57122
Sate Kambing & Tengkleng Rica-Rica Pak Manto
For those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors, Sate Kambing & Tengkleng Rica-Rica Pak Manto is a must-visit. As one of the best restaurants in Solo, it’s best known for its tender goat satay and its signature tengkleng rica-rica, where the traditional goat stew is elevated with a fiery blend of chilies and spices. It’s an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, with the generous portions making a perfect sharing portion.
- Opening Hours: 7.30 AM – 8 PM
- Address: Jl. Honggowongso No.36, Sriwedari, Kec. Laweyan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57141
Sate Kambing Bu Hj. Bejo
Another favorite among goat meat lovers, Sate Kambing Bu Hj. Bejo has built its reputation on juicy, well-seasoned satay grilled over charcoal. With its satay buntel being a crowd’s favorite, visitors can also enjoy goat soup and other traditional dishes. Make a visit for lunch or dinner for a whole experience, though it tends to be busier during weekends and public holidays.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
- Address: Jl. Sungai Sebakung No.10, Kedung Lumbu, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57199
Selat Vien’s
If you’re curious about Solo’s European-inspired cuisine, Selat Vien’s is the go-to place. The dish features tender beef, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and eggs served in a mildly sweet brown gravy. Its comfortable atmosphere makes it a great choice for families or travelers looking for a relaxed lunch.
- Opening Hours: 7 – 1 AM
- Address: Jl. Hasanudin No.99 D/E, Punggawan, Kec. Banjarsari, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57139
Warung Selat Mbak Lies
Another hotspot for Selat Solo is Warung Selat Mbak Lies. This legendary restaurant serves authentic Selat Solo with generous portions. Beyond its delicious food, Warung Selat Mbak Lies is famous for its colorful vintage interior decorated with antique plates and ornaments.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 P
- Address: Jl. Yudhistira No.9, Serengan, Kec. Serengan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57155
Serabi Notosuman
Whenever you’re craving a sweet finish to your meal, head to the iconic Serabi Notosuman. Cooked over charcoal, these traditional rice-flour pancakes come in classic plain, chocolate, and mixed flavors. Visitors keep coming back for their soft texture and the fragrant aroma of coconut milk, making them one of Solo’s most beloved traditional treats.
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 5 PM
- Address: Jl. Moh. Yamin No.28, Jayengan, Kec. Serengan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57152
Dawet Telasih Bu Dermi
Dawet Telasih Bu Dermi offers the perfect refreshment to Solo’s warm day. This long-standing stall serves the famous Dawet Telasih, a traditional dessert drink made with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, sticky rice, basil seeds, and colorful jelly. It’s best enjoyed in the afternoon after exploring nearby attractions such as Pasar Gede.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 2.30 PM
- Address: Pasar Gedhe Hardjonagoro, Jl. Jend. Urip Sumoharjo, Sudiroprajan, Jebres, Surakarta City, Central Java 57121
Tahok Pak Citro
Whenever you’re craving a sweet finish to your meal, head to the iconic Serabi Notosuman. Cooked over charcoal, these traditional rice-flour pancakes come in classic plain, chocolate, and mixed flavors. Visitors keep coming back for their soft texture and the fragrant aroma of coconut milk, making them one of Solo’s most beloved traditional treats.
- Opening Hours: 5 – 9 AM
- Address: Jl. Suryopranoto No.21, Kepatihan Wetan, Kec. Jebres, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57129
Cabuk Rambak Pasar Gede
In Pasar Gede, treat yourself a hearty breakfast with cabuk rambak. This traditional dish combines rice cakes with a rich sesame-based sauce and crispy beef skin crackers, offering a unique combination of complex textures. Since it’s typically sold only in the morning, arriving early is the best way to enjoy this increasingly rare Solo specialty.
- Opening Hours: 5 – 9 AM
- Address: Jl. Jend. Urip Sumoharjo, Sudiroprajan, Kec. Jebres, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57129
Sate Kere Yu Rebi
Originally created as an affordable alternative to beef satay, Sate Kere Yu Rebi has grown into one of Solo’s most iconic street food destinations. The grilled skewers are made from ampas tahu, then served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
- Opening Hours: 10.30 AM – 8 PM
- Address: Jl. Kebangkitan Nasional, Sriwedari, Kec. Laweyan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57141
Gudeg Ceker Margoyudan Bu Kasno
Night owls shouldn’t miss Gudeg Ceker Margoyudan Bu Kasno. Its signature Gudeg Ceker combines sweet young jackfruit stew with tender chicken feet that practically melt off the bone. The stall opens late in the evening and often attracts long queues, so arriving early is highly recommended.
- Opening Hours: Midnight Session (1.30 – 7 AM) & All Day Session (1 – 11 PM)
- Address: Jalan Wolter Monginsidi No.41-43, Setabelan, Kec. Banjarsari, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57134
Pracima Tuin / Pracimasana Mangkunegaran
For a more refined dining experience, Pracima Tuin at the Mangkunegaran Palace offers an elegant introduction to Javanese royal cuisine. The beautifully presented dishes celebrate traditional recipes with a modern touch. It’s an excellent choice for lunch or dinner if you’re looking to combine local flavors with a memorable cultural experience.
- Opening Hours: 12 – 8.30 PM
- Address: Jl. RA Kartini, Timuran, Kec. Banjarsari, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57131
How to Choose Where to Eat in Solo
With so many excellent Solo restaurants, choosing the right one depends on your travel style and priorities.
- Stay nearby. Select restaurants close to your hotel or attractions to save travel time, especially if you’re exploring the city on foot.
- Check operating hours. Some iconic eateries, such as Gudeg Ceker Bu Kasno, start its opening hours by midday, while others specialize in breakfast.
- Know what you want to eat. If you’re craving Nasi Liwet, Timlo, Tengkleng, or Selat Solo, visit restaurants known for those specialties rather than choosing randomly.
- Look for parking availability. If you’re driving, choosing restaurants with dedicated parking areas can make your visit much more convenient.
- Check halal preferences. Most traditional Javanese restaurants are halal, but it’s still worth confirming if you have specific dietary requirements.
- Plan around your budget. Solo offers everything from affordable street food to elegant heritage dining, making it easy to find something within your price range.
- Avoid peak hours. Legendary eateries often attract long queues during meal times, so arriving slightly earlier can make your experience more enjoyable.
Dining at the best restaurants in Solo is one of the easiest ways to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage. From legendary warung and bustling market stalls to refined heritage restaurants, each destination offers a different taste of Surakarta’s unique food culture, making every meal a memorable part of your itinerary of things to do in Solo.