The best cafés and coffee shops in Jakarta

What is it? One of Jakarta’s pioneers in third-wave coffee, offering consistently good brews and a solid brunch menu.

Why we love it Always buzzing with coffee lovers young and old, 1/15 (read: One Fifteenth) has been a staple in Jakarta’s coffee scene for over a decade, and for good reason. Their coffee is expertly brewed, whether you opt for a silky flat white (IDR 38,000) or a bright V60 (IDR 60,000). We find their locally inspired drinks like Rojali (cold drip with sparkling water and lime, IDR 40,000) especially refreshing, pairing well with shakshuka (IDR 80,000) or skillet eggs with pork chorizo or moruga sausage (IDR 85,000).

Time Out tip The café has plenty of power outlets, making it a favorite for remote workers, so be prepared to fight for a spot if you’re planning to work here.

What is it? A specialty coffee spot with a community feel and an owner who’s passionate about quality.

Why we love it Hidden down an unassuming alley, Giyanti feels like a secret coffee oasis in the city. Despite its serious approach to coffee, the vibe here is warm, organic, and unpretentious. Their house blends are a must-try, and we never skip their locally inspired drink, es pasar antik (palm sugar latte, IDR 50,000). For food, try the cream and cheese croissant (IDR 51,000) or the rawon sandwich (IDR 101,000) – a creative take on the East Javanese beef soup.

Time Out tip The café is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

What is it? A cosy café offering good coffee, traditional Indonesian snacks, and comfort food.

Why we love it The sign says “Choice Coffee & Curated Traditional Snacks” in Indonesian, and Toko Ibu delivers on both. We can’t resist their espresso (IDR 30,000) and signature lychee milk coffee (IDR 38,000), which offers a fragrant, slightly floral twist on the classic iced latte. Their snacks, sourced from local small businesses, feature Indonesian treats like kue lapis (steamed layer cake) and jongkong (coconut milk custard). For something heartier, try the mie gulai ayam (chicken curry noodles, IDR 55,000) or nasi goreng ayam bawang (shallot fried rice, IDR 55,000). 

Time Out tip Toko Ibu restocks its traditional snacks every morning. They tend to sell out by lunchtime, so come early!

What is it? A historic coffee shop housed in a colonial-era building, serving Indonesian classics in a nostalgic setting.

Why we love it With a name that means “coffee hawker” in Javanese (written in old Dutch spelling), Bakoel Koffie traces its roots back to 1878. They roast their own beans, serving everything from an americano (IDR 30,000) and cappuccino (IDR 50,000) to the traditional kopi tubruk (IDR 45,000). This Indonesian classic is made by pouring hot water directly over finely ground coffee, leaving a thick, mud-like sludge at the bottom of the cup. They’re also known for Indonesian comfort food like nasi bakar (baked rice, IDR 70,000) and tongseng kambing (goat curry, IDR 85,000). 

Time Out tip The smoking area on the ground floor exudes smoky nostalgia, but if you prefer a smoke-free environment, head upstairs.

What is it? A favourite among Jakarta’s expat community, serving authentic French pastries and coffee.

Why we love it While many grab their pastries to go, we like to linger in their cosy Parisian-style seating space. Their manual brew bar offers French press and clever dripper options with either natural (IDR 39,000) or washed beans (IDR 36,000). We keep coming back for their delectable tarts and viennoiseries, but if we’re feeling extra peckish, their heartier options like herbed rotisserie chicken (IDR 130,000) or boeuf bourguignon (IDR 150,000) never disappoint. 

Time Out tip Arrive early for lunch. This spot is especially popular with parents waiting for their kids from the nearby French international school.

What is it? One of Jakarta’s OG specialty coffee champions, serving hearty meals and cocktails.

Why we love it Common Grounds is a powerhouse in Indonesia’s coffee scene, known for high-quality beans, award-winning baristas, and a minimalist yet sophisticated interior. Their espresso (IDR 35,000) is a reliable pick, but for something different, try Espresso on the Rocks (IDR 38,000) – a bold, undiluted take on iced coffee. Two espresso shots are poured directly over ice cubes, delivering an intense caffeine kick from the first sip. The menu balances familiar flavours with unique twists, like black tobiko & truffle spaghetti (IDR 95,000) or tempeh toastie (IDR 85,000).

Time Out tip Its Kemang location is pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along.

What is it? A Japanese-style café that transforms into a bar at night.

Why we love it South Jakarta is packed with Japanese-inspired cafés, and Switch by Koni leans right into the trend—with a playful twist. Café by day, bar by night, Koni serves Japanese-inspired tapas like maguro tostada (tuna with sambal matah mayo on rice crackers, IDR 42,000) and creative mains like chokoreto don-ger (a donut glazed with dark chocolate, topped with buttermilk fried chicken and chips, IDR 70,000). By day, we stop by for their kohii, like mikan kohi iced (IDR 45,000), a refreshing mix of orange juice and espresso. By night, we return for kanpai with cocktails like the yuzu-forward Okayabashi (IDR 69,000).

The vibe is always fun, especially on weekends when they host karaoke nights – a very Japanese way to let loose. Whether it’s a caffeine fix or a late-night drink, this is one of those places where we can hang out all day and night.

Time Out tip The café operates from 7 AM to 7 PM, while the bar takes over from 7 PM until closing at around 2 AM.

What is it? Affordable coffee, mini zoo, archery, picnic, and a green environment.

Why we love it The name means “coffee dealer,” which sounds a little seedy in Indonesian, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. We love to come here for their incredibly affordable yet decent coffee – an espresso is only IDR 18,000, and a latte goes for IDR 25,000.

Bandarkopi is tucked away in a lush area, shielded from the city's hustle and bustle by a ring of tall trees. It features a mini zoo where visitors can feed deer and even has an archery range. Snack on poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes, IDR 45,000) or go for something heartier like nasi semur lidah (braised beef tongue with rice, IDR 55,000). 

Time Out tip Spend at least IDR 200,000, and you’ll get a picnic blanket and basket to enjoy the greenery in style.