Reviews Java

Facebook
Paul O'Brien
+5
In my opinion, this has to be one of the BEST INDONESIAN restaurants in Sydney. I have frequented this restaurant for the the past 30 years. Joe and his staff never fail to welcome you and take care of all your dining needs. It may not be the most lavishly decorated or cheapest - but it does have a most extensive menu and the best satay I have ever tasted. My favourite dish is the Nasi Rames. It is a total dish in itself with small portions of Beef Rendang, Fried Chicken, Gado Gado, Sambal Chilli Egg served with white boiled rice and a fried-shrimp krupuk. I highly recommend this! Ayam Serah: Deep fried Lemongrass chicken served with lettuce, cucumber and a spicy chilli sauce. Opor Ayam: Chicken cooked in coconut milk with galangal, lemongrass, cinnamon, tamarind juice, palm sugar, coriander, cumin, candlenut, garlic, shallot, and pepper. The restaurant is not large in size, so if there are a few groups in there, it may be hard to get a table. That shows its popularity! I recommend that a reservation is made - especially on the weekend nights.
Facebook
Natalie Murrell
+5
It is my local restaurant, I have been numberous time and each time never disappoints. I am slowly working my way through the extensive menu and am yet to have a dish I dont like. The service is friendly and attentive and then atmosphere is always great.
Facebook
Lilly Harper
+5
Great food and excellent value for money. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Facebook
Lou Siltala
+5
Food was so so good, staff so friendly. My new favourite local !!
Facebook
Sam Hardjono
+5
Authentic Indonesian food with attention to detail and great customer service. Highly recommended!!
Facebook
Sally Kate
+5
The best kept secret in Sydney this place is amazing �
Facebook
Agatha Britton
+5
Authentic � Indo food, tastes like home away from home � Just awesomeness �
Facebook
Susan Alice Stockings
+5
Food is awesome .. Staff r so friendly...U must try it u wont be disappointed food is sooo yummy
Facebook
Robyne Bourizk
+5
Such amazing food!!! Great service. Definitely come back here again.
Facebook
Danny Tjahjadi
+5
Excellent Indonesian restaurant. One should try the nasi goreng empal that is really exquisite.
Facebook
Ronald Mussry
+5
good food good price simplicity and friendly nice deserts
Zomato
Davide
+5
Had the beef rendang, oyster beef, nasi goreng and the seafood hot pot. Simply delicious. Best Indonesian in the Eastern Suburbs. 5 stars ⭐️
Aug 02, 2019
Zomato
The Good Deer
+5
This is one of those experiences you don’t forget, exceptional food as well as exceptional service! Highly recommended. I have been coming here for years and the food/service has stayed consistent.
Oct 13, 2018
Zomato
Okuralovee
+3.5
After I saw this restaurant on Food Safari TV show, we decided to give it a try and it was great! The chicken satay was moist & tender and delicious. I was surprised the peanut sauce was not as sweet as I thought and it’s just right! We especially enjoyed beef rendang and the egg plant dish. The beef rendang had a nice fresh flavour with cinnamon. And the egg plant was soft, juicy, slightly spicy and the taste was spot on. The least favourite dish was Gado Gado...it had too much peanut sauce and it tasted something was missing in the seasoning?!

We ordered four dishes and it was around $65 in total. We ate the whole things and after that we were sooo full!
Jan 04, 2018
Zomato
Sarahharvey108
+5
This is one of the best Indonesian restaurants I have ever visited. The price is so good for the amount of food and flavour that is packed into one plate. They nailed the flavours and everything was just delicious.

Customer service was fantastic and staff were attentive to every customer despite how packed the restaurant was. Very happy with it, I will definitely come back here and would definitely recommend this to anyone who is keen to try or go for Indonesian good.
Nov 16, 2017
Zomato
Albert Murdiono
+3.5
One of the Indonesian restaurant that i used to visit since the early 90s ... the fact that they still exist until now i guess shows that they have consistent taste and good service.. not much i remember even though it was all good meal every time.. but i do remember the Risoles that was huge (bigger than the usual size back home in Indonesia) and really nice...
Sep 09, 2017
Zomato
Foodie Loving Food, Food Loving Foodie
+4
Been around for many many years! One of the best traditional family Indonesian restaurants to go to! A variety of dishes at very reasonable prices. The authenticity and flavours are spot on! Get in early as it gets very busy as there's not much seating.
Sep 01, 2017
Zomato
Miffy7
+4
I haven't tried many Indonesian restaurant and wouldn't really know what to order, so luckily we came with our Indonesian friends who comes to this restaurant a lot.

We let them order whatever is good and there was so much food and not enough table space! But somehow we managed to finish everything. We started off with some chicken skewers and pork skewers, otak-otak. Then came the beef rendang (tender and with a good chilli kick) with plain rice and turmeric rice which was different and addictive. We ordered gado-gado, a battered fish with veggies stir fried. Some omelettes with tomato sauce and peas, and delicious chicken fried with pre marinated in lemon grass.

We were so full but we couldn't walk away without trying some desserts, so we tried their durian ice cream and Es teler (coconut slices, jackfruit, avocado in syrup, coconut cream and shaved ice).
We also tried the avocado shake which was refreshing and addictive. For me, this was a great introduction to Indonesian food thanks to my friends!
May 06, 2017
Zomato
Eat And Be Merry Crew
+5
Java has excellent food at a budget price. We paid just over $40 for our lunch, with no charge for our BYO wine. On weekdays they have lunch options for under $10. Because there were only two of us, we had a limited range of dishes, but the menu provides many more choices: fish, different vegetables, satays, octopus, prawns, noodles and soups.
Apr 14, 2017
Zomato
Wanda Portier
+4.5
Been here with my parents (they're from Indonesia) and they loved it! Great satay kambing, kangkung and Ikan pepes, and stir fried egg plant. Was worth the trip from Sydney CBD.
Feb 04, 2017
Zomato
Bucky McGee
+4
An institution in the Randwick dining scene. This venerable institution has been plating up tasty Indo cuisine for many years. You can put out the sambal-generated fire with a jasmine tea popper. Standout dishes are the nasi rames and the ayam done any number of ways.
Oct 10, 2016
Zomato
Does My Bomb Look Big In This
+3.5
With all the taxis parked out front, it’d be easy to mistake this Avoca Street location for a cab rank. However when you enter this thirty-year-old Indonesian restaurant you’ll quickly find the back dining room is wall-to-wall with Indonesian taxi drivers.   They’re here for an inexpensive Indonesia lunch, the highlight of which is the yellow fried chicken, or ayam goreng kuning. The chicken is rubbed with a spice marinade that includes turmeric (for its signature yellow colour), galangal, candlenut and lemongrass before being boiled, then fried.Try it with a bright yellow mound of turmeric, lemongrass and coconut rice, beef floss, empal goreng (a spicy/sweet beef curry), and cucumber slices topped with sambal terasi (a chilli, shrimp paste mix) in a dish called Nasi Kuning ($12.90). The addition of spicy anchovies and peanuts (teri kacang) helps to make what is actually a small amount of meat feel very satisfying on this well-priced mixed plate.The coconut-rich beef rendang is another Java highlight. Enjoy it as Nasi Rames ($12.90) teamed with the aforementioned chicken, a halved egg with chilli, and gado-gado – a popular Indonesian salad of vegetables, fried tofu and tempeh smothered with sweet and savoury peanut sauce. Arriving with rice, and...
Aug 23, 2016
Zomato
MakanMakan
+5
Excellent rice packages, tried the nasi kuning komplit and nasi uduk komplit. A good smogasboard of taste. Took someone who tasted Indonesian food for the first time and it was the perfect intro. The only issue is there almost no place availabe most times I go there
Aug 01, 2016
Zomato
Arjun Spice Brah Panchal
+4.5
Coming back from a holiday in bali and being brought up in singapore my whole life, I have gotta say the beef rendang was 100% AUTHENTIC as the one you find in bali. This was the best rendang that I have ever had in australia. Huge portions and FULL of flavor. Would definitely come back again. You can tell that each dish was prepared with utmost care and respect for the flavors of bali. Never change java staff! I love y ou!
Jul 17, 2016
Zomato
Jackie
+4.5
This restaurant was so friendly and food great, inside is also nice and cool but my too cold and full but no queuing on a Wednesday night.

Came here with my fam, one of whom uses a wheelchair and they got a board out and helped him up the massive step that leads to the eating area. Well prepared, I like that!

Now onto the food. The chicken satay skewers are done sooo right here the sauce is fragrant and sauce slightly sweet and buttery. I'm not usually a satay chicken orderer but I'm glad I ordered it last night! This place knows how to please with their chicken and sauces 👌🏽.

The mi goreng we ordered however was nothing special, imo the instant noodle packets are nicer haha! But ofcourse this one came packed with vegetables and meat instead of a lethal salt/msg dose.

Rendang beef was a highlight too, with the curry flavour not lacking, though sweeter than the Indian or Malaysian rendangs im used to. Still better than any I've tried as the beef was so softly tenderised I couldn't fault the sweetness at all.

The chicken curry (one without tofu) was also delicious! Just the right amount of spicy with creamy flavourful sauce. Not bland and liquidy like some other Thai restaurant curries I've had. Quite similar to the red curry at a Newtown Thai restaurant, which had the best Thai red curry I've ever had. So Java has done pretty well here!

All the other dishes we're chicken dishes and my oh my this place somehow manages to keep it so juicy and tender and the sauce or marinade compliments it perfectly.

Price for 4 people was around $100 which was worth it for the experience we had!

Decor was soft and clean, could only complain about the few mosquitos in the restaurant which may have added a real Indo feel some might argue ahah?

Will be back! :)
Feb 11, 2016
Zomato
Hungry Caterpillar
+4.5
Authentic Indonesian restaurant dishing up winners like Gado Gado, Balinese Grilled Chicken and Kari Ayam. The Head Chef is an Indonesian Ibu who knows what she's doing. Can get busy on the weekends but service is always great. They don't take card so make sure you have cash handy if you plan on visiting.
Nov 30, 2015
Zomato
Passionate Foodies
+4.5
This is one of the Three fine-dining restaurant in Sydney. Although the menu list is not as extensive as the other two the value for money is more superior that the other two.

We love their Terong Balado, Ikan Pepes, Ayam Goreng Kalasan and Otak Otak. The Es Cendol is also very nice.

The staff is very friendly and wait time is reasonable.
Oct 24, 2015
Zomato
PleasantPeristalsis
+4.5
This place is my favourite Indonesian place of all time. The staff are friendly and the food is honest and delicious. Not one dish has disappointed me so far. Good for lunch, great for dinner. Good for dates, great for big group outings.
Sep 18, 2015
Zomato
Petr Bily
+4
Always been one of my favorites for food and polite service... now also with a brand new face lift on the walls definitely one of the best places to go for a feed in Randwick if not in the whole Sydney.
Aug 12, 2015
Zomato
Stephanie Santoso
+5
I always come to Java at least once a fortnight! Its the whole package; food, service, place, price, byo. Best Indo food in Sydney!! I love their Ayam Bakar (grilled chix), sum sum goreng (deep fried bone marrow), pecel, and literally everything on their menu!
Jun 26, 2015
Zomato
Simon Leong
+4.5
Nasi Rames ($11.90) is one of my favourite takeaways from Java. Steam rice served with side dishes of gado-gado, rendang sapi, chilli egg, ayam goreng kuning and a piece of prawn cracker. Always really friendly service. Simple decor. Popular local gem.
Jun 05, 2015
Zomato
Richard Elliot
+4.5
...Java's version of the salad was less sweet and had a stronger peanuty flavour from the stay sauce.
Jun 30, 2011
Zomato
Simon Leong
+4.5
Do you ever want to order things off the menu just because it sounds really weird? How about Fried Chicken Shower — I wonder what it is? Is that what happens when it's raining fried chicken? I didn't end up ordering it for the family but I really enjoy th
Aug 17, 2010
Zomato
Cookbookmaniac
+4.5
I was introduced to the many wonders of the Indonesian cuisine by a workmate from many years ago. Someone whom I affectionately call WuWu. She is the sweetest and most delightful person. I have to admit that I have not visited an Indonesian restaurant sin
Aug 12, 2010
Zomato
Steve
+4.5
Really good food. Noisy, tight, but really nice food.
Been here many times and always been totally satisfied

Great Indonesian fare. Excellent value too.
Jun 28, 2014
Zomato
Tom Burne
+4.5
Java is awesome. Very good food, great service and very reasonable price. The beef rendang is fabulous and the murtabak is amazing. Would recomend to anyone who wants to eat great Indonesian food.
May 17, 2014
Zomato
Twohappybellies
+4
Just Like Mum Home Cook. Java always take me back home whenever I dined in there. The food, the service and the ambience just remind me of great time back home.

My favourite is their gado-gado, satay, otak-otak, deep fried tempeh and tofu with dipping sauce and most absolutely avocado juice. Their gado-gado is original not like other places that serve western gado-gado, the veggies and the sauce is just delicious. The satay is succulent and nutty. The avocado juice is creamy and luscious.

If you have been to Indonesia before, this place is definitely a great place to reminisce Indonesian dishes and if you are Indonesian, this place definitely the shortest way to eat home food without flying back home.
Apr 04, 2014
Zomato
Groovergc
+4.5
Great!. Booked in for a Sunday night. Not a spare seat in the place. Its BYO with no corkage as well, so we bought some wine along. Food was excellent very tasty and well priced. Service was efficient and friendly. Will be back for sure!
Apr 26, 2013
Zomato
David O
+4.5
Satay Chicken & Nasi Rames. It's such a pleasure to be dining in Sydney tonight, back at our favourite Indonesian restaurant. Thanks Joe for the always amazing service!
Dec 20, 2012
Zomato
Zimok1957
+4.5
Good fast and tasty. 've Never tasted Indonesian food menu just cheap price and service with a smile sure we get back to the portions generous
Oct 29, 2012
Zomato
Astrid Floyd
+4.5
Yum! The waitress was friendly and her recommendations were perfect.
Oct 12, 2012
Zomato
Ari D
+4.5
Feels like you're in indonesia!! We had the 5 course tasting menu, there were perhaps too many fried dishes served on that menu, mainly fried entrees. However we sampled some of their delicious dishes i.e. Beef Rendang and we are really looking forward to going back! The service was also extremely friendly. Recommended!
Dec 19, 2011
Zomato
Rupal Ismin
+5
Authentic Indonesian. Indonesian is amongst my favourite food (and my favourite countries), and Java is one of the best of the roughly 10 or so indonesian restaurants I've been to in Sydney.

The grilled eggplant is amazing, as are the whole fishes.

The people that work there are really sweet, though at times service can be a bit slow.
Dec 09, 2011
Zomato
Alxndra
+4.5
Fave Indo resto!. Came here after being recommended by workmate. As we didn't make any booking we had to wait abt half an hour, which is quite reasonable considering its on Sat, dinner time.

We ordered the beef rendang, Eggplant Semur, Asinan Jakarta (indo pickled salad), Ayam Sereh, and the Martabak telor a.k.a beef pancake + 1 yellow rice, 1 coconut rice.

I, personally, don't like the eggplant that much as i like savoury more than sweet, but Semur is meant to be sweet.
The Ayam Sereh and the Asianan Jakarta is yummy & refreshing! Haven't had Asinan Jakarta that taste so good! The Beef Pancake is delish!! Service is great, friendly and attentive. Price is reasonable. All that + 2 dessert only cost us $80!

I wish they have bigger space though, so it won't feel too squashy.

Definitely will recommend this joint to anyone who wish to have an authentic Indo (Java) food.
Nov 05, 2011
Zomato
Samie
+4.5
GO JAVA!. We travel all the way from the other side of Sydney just to eat here! It's a little on the cosy side, but who cares? It adds to the ambience and makes it feels like we're in an Indo dining house.

The food is super fantastic, great value and the waitresses are consistent and friendly! We always tend to eat too much here coz everything is so yummy! Our faves are the martabak, ayam goreng mentega, kangkung, sayur asem, the list goes on!
Nov 18, 2010
Zomato
Blackrocky
+4.5
Authentic Javanese cuisine! This place is clean and has a nice decor. The only thing that's lacking is space.
Apr 06, 2010
Zomato
John
+4.5
Great food, great atmosphere and best value for $s. This place has evolved from a takeaway, students' food canteen to a nice and great atmosphere restaurant.
The food though, is unchanged, the most consistent serving the best tasting and authentic Indonesian cuisine!
Great overall experience.
Oct 25, 2009
5
Tarocalypse
+5
We love the food here. My favourite would be the sate ayam. The flavour is as I would expect. The smokiness of the chicken combines perfectly with the sate sauce they use. Yes, sate is different everywhere in Indonesia but I’d rate this as an authentic east Javanese flavour experience. The Gado-Gado is also superb, with an Australian slant due to the availability of Australian ingredients. My photos also include the ketoprak. Hmmm there’s a peanut sauce emphasis here. The ketoprak is of course excellent and “asli” ( original). The empal is a standout at this restaurant. It does take some time to prepare so on this visit we were disappointed - sold out due to a recent big order. It is a meat dish cooked in a very carefully balanced combination of spices and flavours such as candlenut. You must try this! Also uploaded was a photo of our fu yung hai - omelette. It was so delicious I think I monopolised it at our share-plate table. Our group presents with multiple allergies and coeliac disease. Needless to say they are very helpful. Only thing to watch out for here is they do cash only. Oh yeah, sorry for the shadows in the photos. Will do better next time! 😊
5
Clare Pithers
+5
Beautiful authentic fresh Indonesian. Java is an unassuming little restaurant located on Avoca St in Randwick. Joe and his family run this fabulously delicious tasting restaurant. No faults, always incredible! Extensive menus and very well priced. We have tried many dishes but always seem to drift back to our favourites. Chicken with chilli sauce, nasi goreng and water spinach. I can’t remember the correct names for the dishes (Joe just remembers what it is we like) 😁
5
Jason Styles
+5
Incredibly authentic Indonesian experience! Plenty of options and very catering towards vegetarians. The food is full of flavour and love. Joe is one of the kindest and hardest working owners and will always go above and beyond. My favourite authentic Indonesian experience in Sydney. The satay is a must!
5
Michel
+5
The food is authentic and just amazing. We had the Rijsttafel which is a combination of several dishes and it was the best we've ever had in Australia. The table service was awesome and the owner/waiter was doing an amazing job. This has become my favourite Indonesian restaurant and I will come back many more times!!!!
5
Lee Lee
+5
Honestly the best time! Service was incredible and felt like they went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and enjoy our experience. Food was also amazing, everything was delicious and I can’t wait to try everything on the menu😳
5
Peter Marchal
+5
The food was unbelievable it was like eating it at my home country. The owner was extremely friendly and even more helpful. The best food and best service I ever had. Thank you so much!!!!! WONDERFUL RESTAURANT
5
ayo gimenez
+5
This is my first experience in an Indonesian restaurant. All I can say is that the food is amazing, everything had flavor from the first bite until the last. The taste of their Sambal is really good, it's not just in your face spicy. We ordered: beef, chicken tofu, noodles and fish. Even had their durian ice cream. All of the food items are worth another taste. its not a question of "will" we come back for another round, It's "when". p.s. the restaurant service is a bit slow due to the volume of people, that is my only gripe. This only proves how good the food is.
5
Ivano
+5
There was once a time when a number of indonesian cafes graced the streets of Randwick. To the best of my knowledge only Java remains serving up traditional and specialty dishes, in a simple clean environment. Java's menu is representative of this highly underrated cuisine. If you're in randwick, it's a nice choice.
Clicca per espandere