3 Best Restaurants in Surabaya, Indonesia

Sumptuously decorated with antiques and an elegant red-and-gold color scheme, this Java- and Chinese-themed restaurant is highly regarded for its traditional Indonesian specialties. You can't go wrong by ordering any of the dishes with fish or prawns. Enjoy your meal indoors or out, near the koi ponds—though you may want to bring mosquito repellent if you sit outside. Strolling musicians in traditional dress add to the romantic ambiance.

Widely considered one of the top seafood places in Surabaya, it's worth making a reservation to ensure you get a table—this casual eatery is popular with the locals. Though there's not much atmosphere to speak of, you're here for the food. Savor freshly prepared specialties like salted egg soft-shell crab, black pepper prawns, clams with black bean sauce, and steamed fresh fish, which you select from a tank at the entrance to the restaurant. There is also a second location at Jalan Raya Bukit Mas 109.

Within the lovely Hotel Majapahit, Sarkies serves up gourmet versions of classic Chinese dishes in a formal 1930's-style atmosphere. The restaurant's signature plates, including bi feng tang prawns, abalone pau hi, beef Vietnam, and Peking duck, earn rave reviews. For lighter fare, there's a tasty dim sum menu. Though locals tend to shy away from this pretty restaurant, it's worth a visit both for the setting and the food.