Ambon, the vibrant capital of Maluku Province in eastern Indonesia, is a hidden gem for food lovers. Known for its warm hospitality and rich culinary heritage, the city serves up flavours that reflect its island culture — fresh seafood, tropical spices, and a fusion of Indonesian, Dutch, and Portuguese influences.
In this guide, we highlight 8 must-try dining spots in Ambon that capture the island’s spirit. Whether you’re craving grilled tuna by the sea, traditional comfort dishes, or a cozy café experience, Ambon has something for every palate.
1. Dapor Kole Kole
- Location: Jl. Dana Kopra No. 16, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97124, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 50,000 – 150,000
- Signature Dishes: Grilled tuna, asam bening soup, nasi bakar cakalang
Dapor Kole Kole is where authentic Ambonese comfort food meets warm island hospitality. The open-air setting and sea breeze make it a perfect spot for lunch or sunset dining. Locals love the grilled tuna, seasoned simply with lime and chilli, and the silky papeda – a traditional sago porridge paired with tangy yellow fish soup. The service is friendly and unhurried, giving you time to savour the moment like a true islander.
2. Istana Berkat
- Location: Jl. Diponegoro, Kel. Ahusen, Kec. Sirimau, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97127, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 60,000 – 200,000
- Signature Dishes: Udang Telur Asin, Grilled Fish and Crab with yellow curry and salty eggs dressing
One of Ambon’s local legends, Istana Berkat, serves traditional Maluku-style seafood in hearty portions. The highlight here is the fried mackerel — crispy outside, tender inside — paired with house-made sambal rich in chilli and calamansi. The décor is simple, but the flavours speak volumes. Many visitors stop here after exploring Ambon city for a satisfying, authentic meal that feels like home.
3. Lateri Beach Resto
- Location: Jl. Raya Lateri, Kec. Baguala, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97234, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 80,000 – 250,000
- Signature Dishes: Dada Tuna Bakar Rica, Ikan Kuah Kuning, Cumi Telur Asin
Lateri Beach Resto offers one of the best seaside dining views in Ambon. Set right by the waves, this open-deck restaurant is known for its fresh seafood grill. Try the grilled snapper served with sambal dabu-dabu and coconut rice – a flavour combination that embodies the coastal soul of Maluku. The sunset view here makes it an unmissable dinner spot.
4. Wailela Café and Resto
- Location: Jl. Raya Wailela No. 12, Teluk Ambon, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97118, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 40,000 – 120,000
- Signature Dishes: Ikan bubara bakar kecap (grilled trevally fish with soy sauce), sop kerapu (grouper fish soup), ikan bakar sambal matah
Located near the coast, Wailela Café blends Ambonese flavors with a modern café vibe. It’s popular among young travelers and digital nomads looking for great coffee with a view. Their banana fritters drizzled with palm sugar syrup are a crowd favorite — sweet, crunchy, and perfectly paired with a local-style cappuccino.
5. Rumah Makan Seafood Apong Ambon
- Location: Jl. Sam Ratulangi No. 27, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97127, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 80,000 – 300,000
- Signature Dishes: Ikan Kuah Kuning (Yellow fish soup/curry), often paired with papeda, Grilled Fish (various preparations)
A long-time local favourite, Apong Ambon is known for its fresh catch of the day. The chefs prepare seafood simply, allowing the natural sweetness of the ocean to shine. Try their butter prawns — perfectly sautéed with garlic and spices. With its spacious setup, it’s ideal for families or group travellers.
6. 88 Seafood Restaurant
- Location: Jl. Diponegoro No. 88, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97127, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 100,000 – 350,000
- Signature Dishes: fresh local seafood dishes with various preparations like grilling, sweet and sour, or in a yellow curry
88 Seafood Restaurant combines modern dining comfort with the authenticity of Ambon’s seafood tradition. Their speciality — crab in Padang-style chilli sauce — is both fiery and flavorful. Service is fast, and the ingredients are locally sourced. It’s a must-visit for those who want to explore Ambon’s spicy seafood culture.
7. Imperial Restaurant
- Location: Jl. Cenderawasih No. 5, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97127, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 120,000 – 400,000
- Signature Dishes: Chinese-Indonesian Cuisine, Dim Sum
For travellers seeking variety beyond seafood, Imperial Restaurant offers refined Chinese-Indonesian dining. The elegant setting, attentive service, and wide menu from dim sum to sizzling seafood clay pots — make it perfect for group dinners. Their fried noodles and spicy crab are among the most recommended dishes by repeat visitors.
8. Restaurant Sari Gurih Beach
- Location: Jl. Leimena Beach, Latuhalat, Nusaniwe, Kota Ambon, Maluku 97118, Indonesia
- Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price Range: IDR 50,000 – 180,000
- Signature Dishes: Ikan kuah kuning (yellow fish soup/curry), kepiting saos padang (crab in padang sauce), and kepiting asap (smoked crab),
Sari Gurih Beach captures the essence of Ambonese hospitality — simple, heartfelt, and full of flavour. The menu features home-style dishes like ikan kuah asam (sour fish soup) that balance spice and tang beautifully. With tables right on the sand, it’s a perfect spot for an easygoing beach meal.
Plan Your Perfect Ambon Getaway with Indonesia Impression Tour
From casual seafood joints to beachside grills, Ambon’s dining scene offers more than just food. It’s a taste of local life, culture, and island warmth.
At Indonesia Impression Tour, we specialise in crafting bespoke itineraries that bring together the best of Indonesia from the kitchens of Ambon to the coral reefs of Derawan.
Our tours are led by expert PADI-certified guides, backed by uncompromised safety standards, luxury accommodations, and seamless logistics.
Let us help you plan your personalised culinary and cultural journey across Indonesia.
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