Besides being known as the city of culture and the arts, Yogyakarta is also known for its unique and delicious culinary experience for you to gulp down!
1. Mang Engking Soragan Castle
Yes, you read it right. It’s a castle that serves food for us people. Don’t miss the chance to be the King of the castle at the amazing Mang Engking restaurant. The unique fairytale castle isn’t something you see everyday and therefore the surprises just keep coming. The façade may say majestic medieval castle, but the within is generally airy and charmingly homey, the Javanese style. you'll be able to dine inside the castle, or out on one amongst the gorgeous gazebos by the fish pond.
Food-wise, this restaurant is popular for its fresh seafood meals and other Indonesian fare. The specialty is fish and shrimp that sleep in the serene ponds surrounding the castle. Everyone talks about the honey-grilled shrimp, slightly charred and sweet, fresh juicy prawns – delicious. If you favor fish then the Ikan Gurame Pesmol is phenomenal and is served whole so you certainly won’t be hungry. regardless of what you order, confirm it comes together with your selection of the famed chili condiments.
Address: Jl. Soragan No. 13, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 10.00 – 21.00
2. Via Via Resto
When it comes to chilled traveller hangouts it doesn’t get better than Via Via. The cool murals, bright cushions and relaxed atmosphere will make you feel right at home. For travellers missing their fix of bread, Via Via has a delicious bakery stocking an extensive range of artisan breads. If you think the bread is good then you have to try the specialty sandwiches.
The place also has a lot of eye candy, because it allows local artists to display their works and crafts in the restaurant. Guests with children will also love the kids corner in the restaurant, surely to keep their little ones entertained. From Norwegian salmon to rogan josh, Via Via caters to everyone’s taste, making it a popular choice among expats and foreign tourists. However, Indonesian meals still get specia spotlight with ever-changing daily specials.
Address: Jl. Prawirotaman No. 30, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 07.30 – 23.00
3. Abhayagiri Restaurant
Nestled on the hills of a charming village in Prambanan, stunning scenery is definitely on the menu of Abhayagiri Restaurant. From the terrace seating area, you should be able to spot the majestic Prambanan Temple, with Mount Merapi in the background — two of Yogyakarta’s best highlights standing out from the rest of the scene.
Everyone knows that food tastes better with a great view, trust us the food is already amazing. The banqueting experience means you can sample as many delicious dishes as you want. Looking inside, you’ll see a luxurious take on the Javanese traditional design, with luxurious décor and an impressive sparkling chandelier. You have to visit this restaurant for a taste of luxury and unforgettable views.
Address: Sumberwatu Heritage Resort, Dusun Sumberwatu, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 11.00 – 21.00
4. Milas Restaurant
Milas is popular on many fronts. For one, it’s a vegetarian restaurant serving delicious, natural food. The produce is so fresh that you actually see it delivered; in fact you can buy some yourself at the organic market outside. Milas places huge emphasis on the environment and local communities. So, when you dine in Milas, you also contribute to a local charity that helps out street youth in the city.
All the food at Milas is vegetarian, organic and contains no MSG. The dishes are healthy, creative, bright and beautifully presented. Even meat eaters will be blown away. Must-try dishes include the gado- gado, an Indonesian salad, and their organic local coffee.
Address: Jl. Prawirotaman 4 No. 127B, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 15.00 – 21.00 (Tue – Fri), 12.00 – 21.00 (Sat – Sun) & Closed on monday
5. Mediterrania Restaurant by Kamil
Owned and operated by a French chef, You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find perfectly authentic Mediterranean food nestled in an unassuming nook in Yogyakarta. The bread it serves is freshly baked twice every day, while the salmon is smoked in house. They also have different types of pizzas cooked in a wood fire oven, and meat dishes range from kebabs and steaks to chops. Among the must-try dishes here are the duck confit with risotto, which is a uniquely spiced duck breast cooked perfectly, and the crème brûlée, which guests say is to die for.
Beyond the food, Mediterranea’s charming interior will also transport you far away to a lovely home, like somewhere in Southern Europe. The interior has a little bit of an Italian and Greek vibe. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available depending on your mood. At this restaurant in Yogyakarta there’s also a small store where they sell biological products and delicious bread.
Address: Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 24 A, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 08.30 – 23.00
6. The House of Raminten
The House of Raminten really is a house of wonders. This traditional Javenese restaurant certainly has a wild side. Dining at this restaurant feels like a local family has invited you to come visit their home and enjoy some of their everyday delicacies. From the homey traditional Javanese interior, gamelan music, to heritage recipes, eating becomes a full-on cultural experience.
This restaurant offers smaller servings on cheaper prices, so this is your chance to sample everything that sounds interesting, from rice meals to refreshing traditional desserts. Food is served, and enjoyed slowly as per Javanese custom. Even the manager says ‘ If you’re in a hurry, we cannot serve you’. You need to have a look around yourself, because when it comes to the House of Raminten you have to see it to believe it!
Address: Alan Faridan Muridan Noto No. 7, Kota Baru, Yogyakarta Operational hours: Open 24 hours
7. Rosella Easy Dining
Many foreign tourists and weary urban-dwellers come to smaller towns like Yogyakarta to experience dining in a countryside, next to rice fields and brushed by the cool breeze. This restaurant delivers just that, only without neglecting the fancy, luxurious side. Located away from the hustle and bustle of town, this restaurant is tranquil – and the open sided terrace makes you feel at one with the stunning natural surroundings.
The open patio-style space blends well with the green surroundings, but on the table you’ll find elegant, romantic decorations alongside the meticulously prepared and well-presented food. You have to try the Rijstaffel, this traditional dish is served with a modern twist and all the little dishes make it feel like a banquet.
Address: Jl. Kabupaten KM. 3,5 No. 50, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 16.00 – 22.30
8. Tempo del Gelato
What better way to cool down after a hot day out in the city than to indulge in a scoop or two of cool gelato. And where else can you enjoy a sweet ending to your meal but at the best gelato in the city – Tempo del Gelato. This buzzing little restaurant is the place to be seen, where students, locals and tourists all come together to enjoy the best gelato in Jogja. The queues might look long but they move quickly.
Try flavors that you never knew existed; Dragon fruit, matcha tea and cinnamon are both unusual and delicious. A combination of Mango and Raspberry sorbet is super refreshing on a hot day. Or you can always go for the refreshing fruit flavors. You will have loads of choices at the store. Even the small cones have 2 flavors but you can go all the way up to a giant XXL size with 5 flavors if you fancy a challenge.
Address: Jl. Prawirotaman No. 43, Brontokusuman, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 11.00 – 22.00
9. Roaster & Bears
Everyone loves great coffee, but not everyone likes bears. At Roaster and Bear, you can’t help but fall in love with these fuzzy teddy bears. Especially when they are staring up at you from your cappuccino! This funky café has bears everywhere, on the walls, in your food, and even a life-size teddy that’s perfect for selfies. You have to order a coffee just to see the amazing bear designs on top, they are so incredible you won’t want to drink them.
If you think the coffee is good, then the food will blow you away. Satisfying dishes with a twist, ever had a burger on a bright red bun? If you really want to treat yourself, try the Wagyu steaks – they will melt in your mouth. Come on down to the teddy bears’ picnic!
Address: Jl. P. Mangkubumi No.52, Yogyakarta Operational hours: 11.00 – 23.00 (Sun – Thu) & 11.00 – 24.00 (Fri – Sat)