Local Guide

Authentic Mexican Restaurants In Jakarta

Hello FlokqMay 6, 2020

To many, Jakarta is the ultimate culinary destination. Whether you’re a Surabaya student who longs for the taste of home or a Swedish expatriate craving for some nostalgic comfort food, Jakarta has it all. In other words, Jakarta is the right city to explore when authenticity is what you seek. Today, we’ll be indulging in culinary from a continent across the Pacific: Mexico. Mexican restaurants in Jakarta surprisingly have comprehensive and authentic menus, with one of the most famous restaurants being well over 40 years old. So, whether you’re a Mexican wanting to introduce friends to your home cuisine or just a foody wanting to try out Tex-Mex, these five places can help satisfy your craving for great Guacamole!

1. Picante Mexican Grill

Picante Mexican Grill is no doubt one of the most widely-talked Mexican restaurants among Jakarta foodies. While the interior design doesn’t exactly ‘scream’ Mexican in your face, there’s a comfortable charm to its spacious, colorful decor with sunlight streaming in from the windows. Picante Mexican Grill is a worthy choice for a casual and fulfilling lunch with family, friends, and co-workers. 

Picante’s selling point is most definitely their build-your-own meal service. Here you can choose how you’d like your burrito (wrapped? In a bowl?), tacos (soft?crispy?), Quesadillas, etc. You can also go crazy with your fillings. For meat, they have a selection of Grilled Chicken, Grilled Steak, Fish, and Barbacoa. For carbs, there’s Lime Basmati Rice and the healthier Brown Rice. Also, you’d get to add on a more Mexican twist by adding pinto beans on top of their wide selection of sauces (from ranch to Salsa Roja) and other add-ons like guacamole, etc.

Phone Number: +62212505559

Social Media: @picanteid on Instagram and @PicanteIndonesia on Facebook

Address: Graha Niaga, CIMB Niaga Building, Ground Floor, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Blok Lot 11 No.Kav 58, Kebayoran Baru, RT.5/RW.3, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190

Price Range:

Snacks and mains from Rp 20.000-116.000

Drinks from Rp 9.000-55.000

Opening Hours: 07.00-20.00 (Monday-Tuesday), 07.00-21.00 (Wednesday-Friday), 10:00-14:00 (Sunday), Closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays | DUe to COVID-19 (PSBB transitions) operational hours are 8:00-19:00 (Monday-Friday only).

2. Taco Local

Taco Local is a hidden gem when it comes to Mexican cuisine. This offshoot of the original Taco Local in Seminyak has recently grown in popularity, especially after its renovation. Taco Local, like Picante, also goes for an airy, casual atmosphere that doesn’t overwhelm your senses. We recommend it for a dinner date with a significant other or with friend groups. 

Proudly naming itself as the purveyor of fine tacos, Taco Local’s favorites include the Tacos Carnitas with a filling of roast pork and the Al Pastor Tacos with its filling of grilled pork shoulder, pickled cabbage, salsa fresca, salsa verde, and grilled pineapple. Also, since we’re talking about Mexican food here, the experience won’t be complete without their alco refrescos like the Coriander Margarita. Another favorite drink is their Saparella, a uniquely-packaged house soda.

Phone Number: +6282121057142 

Social Media: @tacolocal on Instagram and Facebook

Address: Jl. Darmawangsa Raya No.8, RT.4/RW.2, Pulo, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160

Price Range:

Snacks and mains from Rp 27.000-70.000

Drinks from Rp 22.000-95.000

Opening Hours: 11.00-23.00 (Monday-Thursday), 11.00-24.00 (Friday-Saturday), 9.00-23.00 (Sunday)

3. Amigos Bar & Cantina

Amigos Bar & Cantina is quite the veteran in the Mexican food industry in Jakarta. Don’t believe us? This Tex-Mex restaurant opened its doors in 1979! In other words, this bar-slash-cantina has endured the hardships of Jakarta’s grueling culinary scene and stayed with us for 40 years.

Mexican food lovers must try out Amigo’s wide range of traditional Mexican delicacies, from the usual tacos, nachos, and fajitas to their Berenjena. Without a doubt, the all-time favorites in this cantina include their guacamole, assorted tacos, and the Cheese Spinach Dip.

Amigos Bar & Cantina’s interior design is exactly what you’d expect in a Tex-Mex restaurant: vibrant and decorated with Mexican ornaments. Its wood-dominated furniture definitely lends the cantina a much-needed touch of coziness. Not only is the Amigos Bar & Cantina the place to go for a fun night out with friends or a date, but it’s also a place where the entire family can gather. In fact, Amigos prohibits smoking every Saturday and Sunday from 11.00-14.00 so the little ones too can enjoy their lunch at the cantina. But if you’re looking for more Latin bars in Jakarta, click here.

Phone Number: +622171791665 (Kemang) and +622129542686 (Bellagio)

Social Media: @amigosjakarta on Instagram and Facebook

Address: 

Bellagio Boutique Mall Kav 4.3 Ground Floor No. 11-12, Jl. Mega Kuningan Barat, RT.5/RW.2, Kuningan, Kuningan Tim., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12950

Kemang Club Villas Apartment, Jl. Kemang Selatan I No.8, RT.8/RW.3, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730

Price Range:

Snacks and mains from Rp 40.000-70.000

Drinks from Rp 29.000-2.400.000

Opening Hours: 

Bellagio

09.00-24.59 (Monday-Saturday). 9.00-22.59 (Sunday)

Kemang

9.00-24.00 (Monday-Thursday, Sunday) 9.00-01.59 (Friday-Saturday)

4. Chili’s Grill and Bar

Another long-standing establishment, the Jakarta branch of Chilli’s Grill and Bar (yes, the worldwide franchise) offers a casual Mexican dining experience in its simplistic but cozy atmosphere. You can also get the chance to socialize with strangers at the bar or fellow soccer fans (since they frequently hold live soccer match screenings at the bar).

Chilli’s Grill and Bar has many recommendations, one of them being the Country Fried Chicken, with meticulously cooked thick cuts that will make you begging for more. Others include the homemade Tostada Chips, served American-sized (just like the rest of the menu). Of course, Mexican dining wouldn’t be complete without hand-shaken Margaritas, which you can enjoy at the bar along with other beverages.

Phone Number: +62213146587, +62213146588

Social Media: @chilis on Instagram 

Address: Sarinah No. 11 , Second floor, M.h. Thamrin, RT.8/RW.4, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350

Price Range:

Snacks and mains from Rp 30.000-235.000

Drinks from Rp 28.900-475.000 (price not specified for wine)

Opening Hours: 11.00-23.00 (Monday-Thursday, Sunday) 11.00-24.00 (Friday-Saturday)

So there you go, our top 4 picks for the best Mexican restaurants in Jakarta. If you’re in the mood for dessert after, go try out some local Indonesian dessert drinks!