Unique Culinary Guide to Yogyakarta: 15 Restaurants Serving Global Flavors

YOGYAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com—When visiting Yogyakarta, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its vibrant culinary scene, which offers far more than traditional local delicacies. The city is home to a growing number of unique restaurants serving authentic international cuisines, ranging from Vietnamese and Japanese to Middle Eastern and European dishes. 

Yogyakarta has long been recognized as one of Indonesia’s top culinary destinations. Many travelers know the city for its comforting bowl of Soto to start the day, its iconic Gudeg for dinner and its thriving cafe culture that has earned it the nickname ‘the city of a thousand coffee shops.’ While these local favorites remain an essential part of the Yogyakarta experience, the city’s dining scene has expanded significantly in recent years. 

Beyond its traditional cuisine, Yogyakarta now offers an impressive selection of restaurants specializing in international flavors. Whether you’re craving authentic Vietnamese pho, premium Japanese sushi, flavorful Middle Eastern mandi rice, or classic European dishes, you’ll find plenty of exciting options across the city. From the creative fusion menu at Parot Siramami to the authentic Arabian cuisine at Yassalam Restaurant, these dining spots showcase another side of Yogyakarta’s ever-evolving food culture.

Here are some of the best unique restaurants in Yogyakarta that deserve a place on your culinary itinerary.

Parot Siramami

If you’re looking for a hidden culinary gem in Yogyakarta, Parot Siramami is a must-visit. Tucked away in a narrow alley, this cozy restaurant specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, with a particular focus on Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Its stylish, aesthetic interior makes it an ideal spot for lunch with friends or a casual date. However, due to its compact layout, it may not be the best choice for families with young children.

The menu features a variety of Southeast Asian favorites, including Pad Kra Pao Rice, Chicken Khao Soi, and Som Tam. In addition to Vietnamese and Thai-inspired dishes, the restaurant also serves Indonesian specialties such as Kecombrang Fried Opor Chicken Rice, as well as Singaporean classics like Mee Pok.

Main courses start from Rp32,000, while side dishes are available from Rp18,000. Parot Siramami is open Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed every Monday.

Lum Lum Thai Noodle

Located on Jalan Damai No. 31, Lum Lum Thai Noodle is one of Yogyakarta’s go-to destinations for authentic Thai noodle dishes. The restaurant serves a variety of specialties, including Beef Noodles, Guay Tiew Kua Gai, Dry Noodles, and its signature Crispy Wonton.

One of the highlights of dining at Lum Lum is the opportunity to customize your noodles with authentic Thai condiments. Guests can add Prik Nam Som, a tangy vinegar chili sauce that enhances freshness and acidity, or Sriracha, which adds a balanced combination of spicy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. For the best experience, don’t hesitate to mix these condiments into your noodles, just as locals do in Thailand.

Beyond noodles, Lum Lum also offers comforting Thai classics such as Pad Kra Pao, served with Thailand’s signature crispy fried egg with a beautifully runny yolk.

The spacious air-conditioned dining area makes Lum Lum an excellent choice for families, including those with children and elderly family members. Prices start from approximately Rp25,000 per person. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

Indochine Bistro

For those who want to experience both Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in one place, Indochine Bistro is one of the best options in Yogyakarta. Located on Jalan Palagan, the restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring dishes from across Southeast Asia.

Some of its signature dishes include Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Beef Pho, Pad Thai, Durian Sticky Rice, Cambodian Amok Curry, and the iconic Vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi.

Main courses start from around Rp60,000 and are generously portioned, making them perfect for sharing or a satisfying meal. With its spacious dining area and comfortable atmosphere, Indochine Bistro is well suited for family gatherings and group dining.

The restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM and is closed every Monday.

Ban Pho Vietnam Streetfood

For an authentic Vietnamese street food experience, head to Ban Pho Vietnam Streetfood in the Bumijo area. Inspired by the lively roadside eateries found throughout Vietnam, this small restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese comfort food in a casual outdoor setting.

Popular menu items include Pho Bo, Pho Bo Vien (Vietnamese rice noodle soup with beef meatballs), and Banh Mi filled with seasoned minced beef. If someone in your group isn’t familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant also offers more approachable options such as Stir-Fried Beef with Rice and Egg and Butter Smoked Beef Rice.

Main courses are priced from Rp30,000. Ban Pho is open Wednesday through Monday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays.

Because parking space is limited, visitors are encouraged to arrive by motorcycle rather than by car. The dining area is also relatively compact, making it less suitable for families with small children.

Xin Chao by Eat at Ara

If you’re looking for delicious Vietnamese cuisine paired with beautiful natural surroundings, Xin Chao by Eat at Ara is an excellent choice. Officially opened in 2024, this contemporary Asian café is located in the Godean area and combines scenic views with a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by Vietnamese cuisine.

Designed as a contemporary Asian café, Xin Chao appeals not only to food lovers but also to coffee enthusiasts, remote workers, and families seeking a relaxing dining experience.

The menu ranges from appetizers to hearty main courses, including Pho Bo, Pho Ga (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup), and several Indonesian favorites such as fried rice. For dessert, guests can enjoy Banh Flan Saigon Silk, a Vietnamese-style caramel flan, while the beverage selection includes Vietnamese coffee alongside other specialty drinks.

Food prices start from Rp24,000, while beverages are available from Rp20,000. Xin Chao is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Warung Oyako

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and ramen, Warung Oyako is a great place to visit while in Yogyakarta. Located in the Babarsari area, this cozy restaurant specializes in comforting Japanese home-style dishes such as Japanese curry rice, Katsudon, and Oyakodon.

Warung Oyako embraces the concept of Japanese home cooking, serving simple yet satisfying comfort food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can even watch the chefs prepare their meals through the restaurant’s live cooking counter before the dishes are served.

Main courses start from Rp28,000, making it an affordable option for authentic Japanese comfort food. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Besides its delicious food, Warung Oyako is well known for its friendly and attentive service. However, the restaurant has limited seating and only a small parking area, especially for cars.

Noom Prawirotaman

If you’re looking for a stylish breakfast spot in Yogyakarta, Noom Prawirotaman is an excellent choice. The restaurant offers separate menus for breakfast and dinner, allowing guests to enjoy different culinary experiences throughout the day.

Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring Southeast Asian favorites such as Thai Boat Noodles, Nem (Vietnamese-style spring rolls), and Chicken Khao Soi, with prices starting from Rp37,000.

For dinner, available from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, guests can choose from dishes including Chicken Nanban, Pad Kra Pao, and Shrimp Omelette with Nam Jim Sauce, with main courses starting from Rp48,000.

The restaurant features a spacious dining area that is suitable for families. Located in the popular Prawirotaman district, parking for motorcycles is available directly in front of the restaurant, while parking for cars is relatively limited.

Yassalam Arabian Resto

For an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience, Yassalam Arabian Resto is one of the best choices in Yogyakarta. Conveniently located in the city center, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Arabian dishes, offering both individual meals and family-sized platters.

Signature dishes include Lahm, Dujaj, Ruz, and Prata Curry. Guests can also enjoy popular Middle Eastern snacks such as Mutabbaq, Shawarma, Kebab, and Samosa Lahm.

Individual meals start from Rp35,000, while family packages are available from Rp325,000.

With its spacious dining room and ample parking area, Yassalam is an ideal destination for large family gatherings or group dining. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Terasultan Jogja

Another excellent destination for Middle Eastern cuisine is Terasultan Jogja, one of the city’s newest Arabian restaurants located in the Gejayan area.

Its signature dish is Chicken Mandi Rice, alongside other specialties such as Lamb Kebuli Rice, Chicken Kufta, Hummus, Chicken Samosa, and the classic Egyptian dessert Om Ali.

One unique aspect of Terasultan is its diverse menu. In addition to Middle Eastern cuisine, the restaurant also serves Western favorites such as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, as well as Indonesian dishes including Beef Rib Soup and Fried Rice, making it an excellent choice for groups with different tastes.

Main courses start from IDR 49,000, while appetizers begin at Rp39,000. Beverage options include Turkish Coffee and Adeni Tea, starting from Rp30,000.

Terasultan is open daily, operating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and extending its hours until midnight (12:00 AM) on Friday and Saturday.

City Grill Jogja

If you’re looking for something truly different, City Grill offers one of Yogyakarta’s most unique international dining experiences. Located on Jalan Parangtritis, this restaurant specializes in Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and is not halal, as several dishes contain pork.

Open daily from 12:00 PM until 2:00 AM, City Grill has become a favorite among both locals and international visitors.

One of its signature dishes is the Grilled Meat Platter, featuring a generous assortment of Ćevapi, Cheese Beef Patty, Souvlaki, Kofta Roll, and Chicken Kebab, served with French fries and a selection of house-made sauces, including garlic sauce, mustard, and tzatziki.

The menu also includes specialties from across the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Turkish Pizza, Greek Moussaka, Greek Salad, Greek Bruschetta, and Tabbouleh Salad.

City Grill introduces diners to the flavors of Romania, Türkiye, Croatia, and Hungary, making it one of the few restaurants in Yogyakarta offering this style of cuisine. With a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps, the restaurant is especially popular among expatriates and international travelers, many of whom praise it for serving authentic Balkan flavors that remind them of home.

Main courses are priced from approximately Rp60,000, offering excellent value for a distinctive international dining experience.