The Best Spanish & Mexican Restaurants in Jakarta

In just a few years, the number of Mexican/Spanish/Latin restaurants in Jakarta has exploded. 5 years ago, to my knowledge there was only Amigos, and now I counted over 10 of them. I know it doesn't really make sense to mix Mexican and Spanish food into one single review as they are not related at all but I think they are part of a similar trend. 

Jakartans are craving for convivial ways to eat: Restaurants that are modern without being uptight and where the food can be shared with friends. Latin countries also have a positive image in the mind of many. Tell them Spain, and they think Party, Sexy, Friendly or Fun (and probably Soccer).

Most of those new Spanish/Mexican restaurants are located in the expatriate areas of Jakarta: Kemang, Cipete, Sudirman/Thamrin. Only Caliente (Mexican) has a branch in Pantai Indah Kapuk and Tapas Movida has one in Cilandak (CITOS).

I ranked the restaurants according to several criteria: Food, authenticity, value for money, atmosphere, consistency.

Here is my list of Jakarta's Best Spanish and Mexican restaurants:

1) Plan B (Senayan): Good, reasonably-priced authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas by a Spanish Chef. Popular with Spanish expats.

2) El Asador (Kemang): Latin-American restaurant specializing in grilled meat (and therefore rather expensive). Owned and managed by an Uruguayan Expat. It also has live music, and Cuban/Salsa nights.

3) Casa Espana (Kemang): Spanish-owned fine dining Spanish restaurant, it has evolved recently to include more variety in its menu (lower priced items and Asian food). It is popular for its salsa nights on Saturday.

4) Entrada: Upmarket Spanish restaurant in SCBD. A bit expensive for what you get, but the design and atmosphere is nice.

5) Hacienda: First authentic Mexican restaurant to open in Jakarta. Good food and cozy atmosphere.

6) Tapas Movida: Homey Spanish Restaurant in Cipete Raya. Decent food at a reasonable price. A second branch has opened in CITOS.

7) Canos: New trendy restaurant in SCBD, it is a popular hangout place on weekends before clubbing. I found the food average for the price and not really Spanish: Many dishes are Western and just translated into Spanish.

8) Amigos: The pioneers of Tex-Mex food in Jakarta, popular with expats and families. They have salsa nights on Tuesday and Friday in Kemang. It also has a branch in Mall Bellagio in Mega Kuningan.

9) Sombrero: Cheap Mexican restaurant in Grand Indonesia. Good value for money but not authentic.

10) Caliente: Affordable Mexican food in a modern atmosphere. 2 branches in Jakarta in Lippo Mall Kemang and Pantai Indah Kapuk.

11) Cuadrilla: Cute restaurant Jalan Benda in Kemang. It serves Tapas but also Italian and Greek food.

12) Taco Express: Specializing in Tacos with delivery in Kemang area. Decent food and good value for money.

13) Tapas de Espana (Central Park Mall): I haven't tried it yet, but I passed in front of it. Popular with Indonesians, it is more a bar and drinking joint that a restaurant it seems.