Jakarta

Jakarta has a big appetite for Italian food, and the city's best Italian restaurants range from rooftop terraces on five-star hotels to buzzing osterias that stay open until the small hours. South Jakarta is where most of the action is, with Kuningan, SCBD, Senopati, Gunawarman and Kemang all within a short ride of each other.

For a view, the hotel rooftops in Kuningan offer skyline terraces, golden-hour aperitivo and Sunday brunches that have become a weekend ritual for many Jakartans. Gunawarman and Senopati are home to grander dining rooms built for celebrations, while SCBD has lively osterias that suit after-work groups. Kemang keeps things homely, with family-run trattorias in converted houses. Neapolitan pizza is everywhere, and several of the best pizzerias are pork-free and alcohol-free, which makes them easy choices for mixed groups and families.

Expect to pay around Rp200,000 to Rp400,000 a head for pizza or pasta, and Rp1,000,000 or more for a celebration dinner with wine. Jakarta traffic is unpredictable, so book near where you will be, and use WhatsApp or the restaurant's booking link to reserve.