Altitude (Gaia, Salt Grill, Enmaru) @ The Plaza

Altitude is a group of 3 restaurants located on the 46th floor of the Plaza tower, one of the most expensive office buildings in Jakarta (also home the the Keraton hotel). 46th floor, yes: Great view of course, but make sure to book in advance and ask for a table near the window (if possible in the angle of the building).

Luckily for my wallet, I only tried one of the three restaurants, Gaia, the Italian. The food was good, but not spectacular for the price: 550k for one appetizer and one main course. The quality of the service and the attention that we got, not only from the waiters but also from the managers, including 3 foreigners, may have been what we are really paying in the restaurant.

One thing felt very wrong: The music was clubbing style and they only had one CD. So we had Gangnam Style and Party Rock Anthem twice each in one evening. That's twice too much.

In Altitude, there is also an Australian Steak House (Salt Grill) and a Japanese (Enmaru) that I haven't tried but visited. Salt Grill Jakarta is actually owned, or partially owned, or managed by Luke Mangan. If you don't know who he is, then you are just like me. Wikipedia will tell you that he is a celebrity chef from Australia, and probably a great business man too.

By visiting Altitude, I could not help but think about how the level (and the prices) of the restaurants have improved in Jakarta. We still don't have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but we are going there in a couple years I'm sure.

Altitude is trying to do that, with imported management, imported food & wine, and imported concepts. Altitude is saying: Jakarta can be just like Singapore or Hong Kong. I like down-to-earth restaurants so for sure Altitude restaurants are not what I prefer, but if what you are looking after is more sophisticated dining venues, then you will be happy in either Gaia, Salt Grill or En Maru.

Overall: Recommended if you have the money and/or if you need to impress a date. You can also try the bar area, (officially Cloud Lounge & Living Room) which was rather crowded during my visit (on a Saturday night), and it had a DJ.

Tips: Dress up and book in advance.

Altitude: Gaia (Italian Restaurant), Salt Grill (Australian Grill Restaurant), En Maru (Japanese Restaurant)

The Plaza, 46th floor
Plaza Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin
Kav. 28 - 30, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 2992 2448

Facebook: The Altitude @ The Plaza

Twitter: Altitude

Website: Altitude Jakarta

Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm
Friday from 11am to 12pm
Saturday from 11am to 2am

 

SKYE Bar & Restaurant (Menara BCA)

SKYE is the latest venue opened by the Ismaya Group, and for this reason, we can guess it will be the place to be in Jakarta for at least the next 3 months. 

The Menara BCA has 57th floor and is 230 meters high. Located on its 56th floor, SKYE's main attraction will obviously be the view over the city's skyline. The history of rooftop bars and restaurants in Jakarta has shown mixed results, with most places now closed (Vertigo, Kampus, Pure, Cilantro, etc...). I wish more success for SKYE.

At the time of writing, SKYE is probably the most spectacular venue in Jakarta and this is why I recommend you to try it. Expect a fancy crowd, and of course sky-high prices...

SKYE Jakarta
Menara BCA - 56th Floor
l. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Jakarta
Phone: +62-21 2358 6996

More information (this is where I got the pictures):

Website (not working yet): http://www.ismayagroup.com/skye
Twitter: SKYE 56
Facebook: SKYE MENARA BCA

Riva (Park Lane Hotel)

 

 

Opened in 1998 in the Park Lane Hotel, Riva is one of the best French restaurants in Jakarta. It is a fine dining venue with mostly classic dishes: Steak au poivre, Foie gras, Salmon, Boeuf Bourguignon, etc.. Nothing experimental, you should not be too surprised by the food you will eat.

The restaurant looks old-fashioned, but it feels charming and unpretentious. I really enjoyed the open kitchen, which allows you to spy on the chef while he cooks. It is always impressive to see for yourself all the efforts that come with your meal.

The menu is not very long, and it changes regularly. I saw that they have it on their website here, but it isn't updated. You can still have a look to get a general idea about their food though.

I chose as an appetizer the Baby Organic Spinach Salad (with Parmesan, Lemon extra virgin oil dressing, and Truffle boursin crostini) and for my main course the Steak au Poivre (Seared wagyu beef rump rolled in crush white pepper, pomme dauphine, spinach, flambé with cognac).

Baby Spinach Salad

Wagyu beef steak with Pepper

Everything was delicious, way above any standard meal you could eat in a casual restaurant. The dishes were rich with distinctive flavors, melting just perfectly in your mouth. Consequently, such satisfaction has a cost and it isn't surprising that Riva is extremely expensive. An average appetizer is Rp300k, and an average main course Rp500k. A full meal with drinks will easily cost you more than a million rupiah... You can avoid that bloodbath by checking for promotions on Riva's twitter or facebook. I actually got myself an excellent deal: Rp208,000++ for a two-course set lunch menu (it will last all summer 2011).

Overall: Highly recommended, but I must say I would not have visited if I had to pay the full fare. If you can afford it, you should not hesitate. For the others, Lyon (click here for my blog review) is also an excellent venue, but with lower prices.

Opening Hours:
For lunch: Only from Monday to Friday - 11.30am to 2.30pm
For Dinner: From Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 11pm
Closed on public holidays

RIVA French Restaurant Jakarta
The Park Lane Hotel
Jalan Casablanca Kav.18

Jakarta 12870, Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 828 2000


Fax: +62-21 828 2222

Email: riva@parklanejakarta.com

Website: www.rivafrenchrestaurant.com

Read about my favourite French restaurants in Jakarta on this blog: Jakarta Restaurants (French)

Alexis Hotel (Ancol, Jl. R. E. Martadinata No. 1 North Jakarta)

The Hotel Alexis is not really a hotel, it’s more like a bordello. You’ve got a good club downstairs, The Play, with house/progressive music and sexy dancers, and a very select lounge/spa on the seventh floor, the Bathhouse, with girls from countries as far as Uzbekistan, Myanmar or Russia coming to entertain the patrons. Entrance fee for the Bathhouse lounge is Rp. 120,000, and no drinks included. Also a karaoke on the 5th floor (I forgot the name), very nice, with flat screen TV and audio equipment suitable for outdoor concerts. Goddam expensive though, about Rp 3.5 million for 4 people.

 In the club the Play, they have a sort of live show with naked girls pretending to have sex, but you can only see the shadow... quite interesting... People call it the Aquarium . Alexis has become one of the most famous party place in Jakarta over the past 2-3 years, along with Stadium, Bats, Blowfish and Red Square. Be sure to check the 7th floor...

They have the mythical "Alexis Open Air Parties" that I've never been to, and I don't know if it is a regular event or not. Here is a photo, you can find more on this page Forum Bebas:

More (very graphic) photos of inside the club also on this blog: http://erick-brown.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html

Contact details:
Alexis Hotel, Play bar, Bathouse Spa, XiS Karaoke
Ancol, Jl. R. E. Martadinata No. 1
Jakarta Utara 14430
Phone: +62 21 6983 3333
Fax: +62 21 6983 1111

Email: admin@alexisjakarta.com
Website: Jakarta Hotel Alexis Website

AMUZ (French Fine Dining)

Amuz is a French fine-dining restaurant opened in October 2010 by chef Gilles Marx, who previously worked in Riva. The venue sets you in a Parisian décor, circa 1900, with exposed metallic beams, large windows and classy furniture. The clients on that day were mostly rich Indonesian/Chinese women but it might have been just a coincidence...

The menu is classic and should change depending on the availability of seasonal products. A la carte, the price for an appetizer is around Rp200k, and for a main course Rp350k (up to Rp650k). I took the lunch meal, more basic: Rp250k++ for a 3-course set lunch. This is an excellent deal.

I started with the AMUZ gourmet salad, which includes Mesclun Lettuce, Marinated Tomato Olive, Artichoke, Quail Eggs, Shaved Foie Gras Terrine and Hazelnut/Balsamic Dressing. It is not an exceptional dish, but it should be enjoyed for the quality of the ingredients used. In particular, the balsamic vinegar tasted authentic, which is usually rare even in good restaurants.

As a main course, I had the Tender Braised Baby Lamb Shank, with Basil Mash and Kalimata Olive. Again, the dish was simple, with only the basil mash being a bit unusual, but both the cooking and the ingredients made the difference.

To finish I had a delicious, fruity Crème Brulée:

Overall: Recommended. I only experienced the most simple dishes from AMUZ, which were all excellent. Since I'm already quite familiar with French cuisine (I am French), I would have liked to be more surprised with the flavours but this is more a matter of personal taste. I am also a fan of AMUZ's interior design, one of the most elegant you will find in Jakarta. At last, concerning the service, it is friendly but I noticed some problems with the organization (i.e. nobody to greet me upon entering or when leaving). It is no big deal but unusual for such establishments.

Opening Hours:
Open from Monday to Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm for lunch and 6pm to 11pm for dinner. No lunch on Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.

It is usually quite crowded for dinner, especially by the end of the week, so make a reservation first.

AMUZ French Restaurant
The Energy Building, 2nd Floor SCBD Lot 11A
JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta, 12190

Telephone number: +62 21 250 506 or +62 21 250 5064
Fax: +62 21 250 5067
Email : Cheffounder@amuzgourmet.com

Website: http://amuzgourmet.com
Facebook: AMUZ Gourmet
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amuzgourmet

Read about my favourite French restaurants in Jakarta on this blog: Jakarta Restaurants (French) 

Bimasena Dharmawangsa Spa (Couple Massage)

Bimasena, the luxurious spa in the Dharmawangsa Hotel, in South Jakarta, is a fantastic place to get a massage, especially if you are a newcomer to Asia. Some will say that it is overpriced, and it may be true for a country like Indonesia. However, if you compare the price of a massage in France and in Indonesia, the whole perspective changes. The low cost of living in Jakarta gives you a very good opportunity to enjoy pleasures that can only be rare when in your home(western) countries.

Bimasena, as it is located in a 5-star hotel, has mostly expatriates patrons and travelers, plus it is popular with a small Indonesian elite.
Apart from the traditional Indonesian massages, including lulur and aromatherapy, Bimasena spa also provides some more uncommon massages, like the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Nui massage or the 90-minute Ayuslomi Ritual. A very special selection of oil is used but I won't describe them here since the massage girls will let you smell them before you start.

Yet, the best part of the spa in Dharmawangsa is not what you think it is: The private rooms upstairs are actually an excellent way to enjoy an erotic spa experience with your partner. You do not need to go to kinky, dodgy massage parlours in North Jakarta to do that: It is right here in the upper class neighborood of Kebayoran Baru. A huge difference however, you cannot find or get a girl there, it is for "real" couples... so no hookers or prostitutes.. be warned haha..

This blog features a lot of massage parlours and spas for men in Jakarta, sometimes with special or extra services provided. Some women spas are mentioned for us girls, like Bersih Sehat or Martha Tilaar. However, concerning couple massages, with at least a private room with a jacuzzi and sauna, even the owner of this blog couldn't tell me where I should go.

I searched a little and found out that most 5 stars hotels spa offer some kind of romantic couple massage experience. But whether it is Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Nikko Hotel or Borobudur to name a few, they do not allow its customers to have a private jacuzzi for two with a male and a female together. I wanted something else.. I wanted to be able after the massage to enjoy some private moments with my man, without having the massage girl in the room with us.. Finally, people told me that Bimasena had such intimate rooms and I decided to go there. The private suites for couples there can be rented for 4 hours for Rp 1,000,000 with a minimum of Rp 500,000 more spent on massages. For me and my boyfriend, the whole spa experience ended up costing us Rp 1,500,000. The room is absolutely stunning compared to what have seen elsewhere in Jakarta, the atmosphere is so relaxing, and the massages are great. The overall quality of service makes it in my opinion the best spa in Jakarta. The suite has a private Jacuzzi, steam room and hot showers, and the best of all, you can lock yourself inside once the massage girl is done! And of course, you are free to do whatever you want... A great erotic experience for any couples who want to spice up their relationship in Jakarta.. The sequence of the activities is up to you, but the room can only be rented for 4 hours.

Note from Jakarta100bars: This is a readers' Jakarta nightlife review by Sylvz. Thanks a lot to her! If you are Indonesian, expats or travellers and you want to contribute to this blog by sharing your experiences of Jakarta's bars, clubs, karaokes, restaurants and massage parlours, please send me an email or write comments on existing posts.

Bimasena Spa

The Dharmawangsa Jl. Brawijaya Raya No. 26
Kebayoran Baru Jakarta 12160 Indonesia
Tel: +62-21-7258181
Fax: +62-21-7258383
Website: Jakarta's Spa Bimasena

Casa d'Oro (Hotel Kempinski)

 

Casa d'Oro, along with Toscana in Kemang has the reputation of being one of the best Italian restaurants in Jakarta for upscale, fine dining.

Located in the 5-star Hotel Kempiski, Casa D'Oro doesn't have a very impressive setting, except for the stylish glass-window wine cellar in the middle of the main room. On the day I visited, a Tuesday, the restaurant was empty except for my table and another expat couple.

The service was professional and helpful, but a few minor errors were made (wrong knife, confusion in the plates, etc..).

I cannot say I was amazed by the food I tried (Codfish for Rp268,000++ and Black squid pasta for Rp168,000++). It was excellent home cooking, but for the price, i would have expected something more creative. Without wine, your minimum bill in Casa d'Oro will be Rp350k to Rp400k, and I don't think this is good value compared to the other Italian restaurants in Jakarta.

Cod fish (Rp268,000++)

Seafood soup (Rp168,000++)

Sorbet (2 scoops - Rp 56,000)

Actually, the Italian chef has changed in October 2010 and I'm led to believe the new one is less experienced and less awarded. Unfortunately, on internet you will still find the reviews of the restaurant when the previous chef was in charge.

Conclusion: I recommend Casa d'Oro if you want to experience a gourmet Italian dinner for a special occasion. But I wouldn't go there too often because of the price.

Opening Hours: 

Everyday for lunch and dinner.

Contact details:
Casa D'Oro
Hotel Kempinski - Ganesha Wing
Jalan MH Thamrin No.1
Jakarta Capital Region 10310, Indonesia

Phone number: +62 21 2358 3896
Email: casadoro.jakarta@kempinski.com
Website: Casa d'Oro Italian Restaurant Jakarta

More reviews of Italian restaurants in Jakarta: Capocaccia, Trattoria.

Emilie (French Restaurant)

 

Emilie is among the most famous French fine-dining restaurants in Jakarta. It is currently headed by Mickael Robin, who previously worked as Chef de Partie in the Michelin-starred Espadon in Paris.

I visited Emilie for lunch on a Monday and it was empty. The prices are very high: If you order à la carte, you should pay between Rp100k and Rp250k for an appetizer, and between Rp350k to Rp600k for a main dish. If you include the drinks, you'll end up paying Rp1 million for your meal. I avoided that by taking the lunch set menu: 3 courses for Rp300k++ (2 courses is Rp240k++).

I had the following dishes:

Amuse-Bouche

Chicken Liver Terrine with Orange Marmalade

Pan-seared Barramundi with orange and passion fruit hollandaise

Fruit tart

I did not enjoy the terrine: It was too acid, too smooth and to be honest, I forced myself to finish it. The presentation was neat, but clearly, the product used was not the best quality. I know this is not Foie Gras, but still, you can get better stuff in any supermarket in France.

The main course was much better, even though the portion was tiny. This is the kind of dish you expect to eat in a fine-dining restaurant: Perfect cooking, a creative combination of flavours, and an original appearance.

The Fruit Tart was really average: The blueberries, probably frozen, were tasteless, and the custard cream was plain.

Overall: From the small sample of dishes I tried in Emilie, I don't consider it to be one of the best French restaurant in Jakarta. Riva, Amuz and Lyon gave me a much better impression: If you have to try one, choose one of these. In spite of that,  Emilie is excellent when it comes to service, presentation and atmosphere. I just felt that they are not using the best products in their preparations, and this is too bad considering how expensive this restaurant is.

Opening Hours:Everyday from 11.30am to 10.30pm

Emilie Restaurant
Senopati No. 39
South Jakarta
Email: sales@emilierestaurant.com
Phone number: +62-21 521 3626

Website: http://www.emilierestaurant.com/
Facebook: Emilie Jakarta
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Emilie_Jakarta

Read about my favourite French restaurants in Jakarta on this blog: Jakarta Restaurants (French) 

Kahyangan (Shabu-Shabu Restaurant)

 

Kahyangan has to be one of the most expensive Asian restaurants in Jakarta. It is part of Nikko Hotel, near the Hotel Indonesia roundabout.

I read a few reviews on internet about this place, but I imagine the journalists didn't actually pay for their meals. If you eat there for free, it is a great place indeed. You have an incredible view over Jakarta, attentive staff (though they can be pushy to make you order more) and stylish design. Bring a date here and she should be really impressed.

If you pay from your own pocket though, you may feel the food is outrageously expensive. The shabu-shabu here will cost you at least twice as much as in any other high-end Korean restaurants in Jakarta, but I doubt you'll feel any difference in taste. Actually, when I compare with another one I visited a few weeks ago, The Koreana, Kahyangan was clearly not as good.

 

I ordered an appetizer (I forgot the name, but it was with smoked salmon and cost Rp115,000 with taxes) and the least expensive of their shabu-shabu (for 2, Rp575,000 with taxes), with US beef. The one with Grade 9 Wagyu beef costs almost Rp1,5M for 2. Drinks aren't cheap as well: An orange juice is Rp70,000 and a Bintang Rp65000.

Overall: The location and atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing, but the food extremely expensive and unimpressive. If you don't have money to burn, just go for a drink at least once. Avoid it if you are allergic to snob people.

Operating hours:
Everyday from 11.30am to 3pm and from 6pm to 11pm.

Kahyangan Shabu-Shabu Restaurant
Hotel Nikko Jakarta, Lobby Floor
M.H. Thamrin No. 59.
Jakarta Pusat
DKI Jakarta - Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 230-1122

Website: http://www.nikkojakarta.com

Lyon (French Restaurant)

Lyon is the French restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental hotel. It serves French dishes, many of them not usual for high-class restaurant since they are quite regional specialties. There are also some more international dishes, notably everything that comes from the grill.

There was a very interesting promo when I tried it, called Normandie, for which you get entrées, soup, main course and dessert for Rp220,000++. It is an excellent deal and makes the place cheaper than many trendy restaurants in Jakarta who often offer very poor taste. If you order dishes "à la carte", the prices vary from Rp100,000 to over Rp600,000. I think that including drinks and one side dish or dessert, your dinner shall costs you around Rp400,000.

Casserole normande

I was extremely pleased with my food, the best French food I've tried in Jakarta, and surely one of the best restaurants in the city. The waiters were trained and professional and only made one mistake, they forgot to bring the croutons with my soup.

I also enjoyed the design of the place, very classic and not too flashy. Unlike in other french restaurants in Jakarta, Lyon is not trying to be a sort of retro museum of what people fantasize France to be. It is not very romantic though but perfect for business.

Overall, I strongly recommend Lyon even though it is expensive. I think you pay only a small premium compared to what you would pay in a similar restaurant in France but at least you don't have to pay for the plane ticket. One remark though: My friend had the Rib-eye steak and she was less happy than I was with my Normandie casserole.

Rib-eye steak in Lyon Jakarta

Next to Lyon is the now famous MO Bar, a chic bar especially on Tuesday nights for its Ladies' night.

Opening hours:

From Monday to Sunday (on Saturday, brunch only):

Lunch: 11:30am–2:30pm

Dinner: 6:30pm–10:30pm

Contact details:

Lyon Jakarta

Jalan M.H. Thamrin Po Box 3392, Jakarta, Java 10310, Indonesia

Phone number: Mandarin Oriental: +62-21 2993 8888

Email: mojkt-dine@mohg.com

Website: Lyon French Restaurant Jakarta (you can see the menu with prices)

Read about my favourite French restaurants in Jakarta: Top French Restaurants in Jakarta