Toba, located in the heart of St. James’s Market near Piccadilly Circus, is one of those rare gems that feels both sophisticated and cozy at the same time. The moment you step inside, the restaurant’s chic interior hits you – gold accents, neutral tones, and an overall elegance that immediately sets the tone for an evening of indulgence. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up but still feel at ease, thanks to the relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
The menu at Toba is a celebration of Indonesian cuisine, and it’s clear that the team behind it takes their craft seriously. From the very first bite, it’s evident that there’s a deep respect for authentic flavours, but also a flair for modern twists. The staff, friendly and knowledgeable, are more than happy to guide you through the offerings, making the experience feel personalised.
We were lucky enough to have Chef Pino pick out all of his favourite dishes for us to try.
To start with we had the Sate Ayam, a staple of Indonesian street food, is a must-try. The chicken skewers are tender and juicy, glazed with a rich, smoky peanut sauce and topped with crispy shallots. It’s a flavour bomb that’s both satisfying and comforting. It pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a crisp white wine from their extensive (albeit slightly pricey) wine list.
Next up, the Martabak Telor, a savoury Indonesian stuffed pancake that is simply irresistible. The crispy, golden-brown exterior encases a spiced minced meat filling, often paired with pickled vegetables on the side to cut through the richness. The balance of textures – crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside – is a total winner and really sets you up to be excited about your mains.
If you’re looking for something hearty, the Beef Rendang is the obvious choice but we decided to try something different.
We tried the Ikan Arsik, a traditional fish dish from North Sumatra, is a standout for seafood lovers. The fish is cooked in a tangy, aromatic spice mix featuring turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass, and it’s served with a fragrant sambal on the side. The freshness of the fish combined with the bold flavours of the spices makes it lovely and light main if you’re not looking for something too indulgent.
Next, we had the Ayam Woku, a spicy and fragrant chicken dish from the Minahasa region. The chicken is cooked in a tangy, zesty sauce made from chilli, ginger, and herbs, offering a perfect balance of heat and freshness. It’s a dish that’s full of tomatoey punch and flavour. I will say it was not as spicy as I thought it would be – I personally wouldn’t have minded a bit of a kick.
Lastly, I want to spend some time to talk about the Gulai Kambing – the standout dish, a comforting, spicy coconut-y lamb shank curry that will quite honestly blow your mind and change your life. I really don’t say this lightly. It’s incredibly rich and aromatic. The tender meat is paired with a fragrant, spiced sauce that coats each bite perfectly, making it a dish you’ll want to savour slowly. It’s one of the best curries I’ve had and I can’t recommend it enough – it is hearty though so be gentle with whatever else you order. We left in a state of absolute defeat by the end of this.
By the time dessert rolls around, you’ll likely be feeling full, but do yourself a favour and make room for it, you won’t regret it.
The food at Toba is truly the star but come for the cocktails too. For Central London, it’s not awful but if you’re treating yourself, try the Tobarita and Pino’s Colada. While the wine list is quite impressive, it does come with a hefty markup – so be prepared for a bit of sticker shock if you opt for a bottle.
But none of that should overshadow what Toba does best: offering a fantastic culinary experience with the kind of flavours that make you sit back and smile after each bite. It’s a modern take on Indonesian cuisine that remains deeply rooted in tradition, and that’s a combination that’s hard to find anywhere else in London. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indonesian food or just looking for something new and exciting, Toba delivers in spades. It’s the kind of place that you’ll want to return to, again and again, to explore more of what they have to offer.