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

Pesto (Italian Restaurant)

Pesto is a stylish Italian restaurant specializing in pastas and pizzas. Its vintage, industrial design is quite similar to other venues in Jakarta such as Loewy, Potato Head or Immigrant. If you enjoyed the theme of those places, you should be delighted in Pesto.

I visited the restaurant in the middle of the afternoon, at a quiet time, but there were a few customers still. I imagine it is popular, even though its location is not so busy for Jakarta. At night, they organize special events occasionaly, you can check their twitter, Pesto, for more information.

I was not really hungry that day so I only had a Margherita pizza (Rp52k++). It is a simple dish, yet ideal for comparison since I've tried it in many Italian restaurants. I must say that the pizza in Pesto tasted below average: The one in Trattoria, PEPeNERO or Sopra is better and cheaper for instance. It wasn't too bad, but the crust was not crispy enough, and there was too much cheese (which didn't taste like good mozzarella).

I cannot comment on the rest of the food menu, but from what I've experienced, Pesto is great for the atmosphere, and average when it comes to taste. If you've tried another food item there, please share your experience on this blog by leaving a comment.

Overall: I liked Pesto, even though my pizza was unexceptional. I think the design and atmosphere is worth making the trip, especially if you get a window table, which have a great view on Jalan Thamrin.

Opening Hours:

Everyday, from 11am to 10.30pm (12pm on weekends)

Pesto Italian Restaurant

ANZ Square, UG Floor  

The Podium, Thamrin Nine  

Jl. Thamrin No. 10

Central Jakarta

Phone Number: +62-21 299 37320

Website: Pesto Autentico Jakarta

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pesto.autentico

South Beauty (Chinese Restaurant)

 

South Beauty is a chain of Chinese restaurants, very popular in China for their Sichuan food. They opened their first international branch in Jakarta at the beginning of 2011 and positioned it as an upmarket venue.

I visited South Beauty at lunch time, but i think it is the kind of restaurants you should go to during the evening as the atmosphere is cosy and dim-lighted. As you can see on the pictures, the interior is quite spectacular, with lights and furniture selected to impressed the visitors.

The menu is very long, and interesting to read as many of the dishes are not usually seen in restaurants (at least the ones i go to): Sea cucumber, shark's fin, abalone, etc... But choosing was difficult since everything was extremely expensive:  Only the accompanying dishes cost less than Rp100,000... I tried a few things: The spicy and sour black fungus (Rp35k++), the braised e-fu noodles with mushroom in abalone sauce (Rp38k++) and the stewed beef with pickled bamboo sauce (Rp108k++).

Stewed Beef with Pickled Bamboo Sauce (Rp108k++)

My first surprise was that it was very spicy! It was difficult to finish the mushrooms for that reason, even though the taste was perfect. I enjoyed the rest, but I've had better Chinese food before at much lower prices.

Overall: South Beauty serves excellent food in a stylish venue. I recommend you to try it once at least, but you must be ready to spend a lot of money. I paid Rp250k for my meal and I didn't even try any of their specialties. If you want to do South Beauty the right way, expect to pay at least Rp400k for a full meal.

Opening Hours:
Everyday, from 11.30am to 3pm and from 6pm to 10.30pm

South Beauty Restaurant Jakarta
Thamrin Nine-Podium, Upper Ground unit E, F
Jl. M.H. Thamrin 10
Central Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 29937227

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SouthbeautyJKT
Website (global): South Beauty Chinese Resto Group

Afterhour (Sarinah)

Afterhour is a famous pool-themed bar opened in Jakarta in 2001. Similar in the concept with Score or La Forca, you have quality tables and quite a lot of special events that make it a popular venue for playing pool as much as for hanging out with friends.

You have a DJ every night so if you are not used to it, beware because it can be quite loud and disturbing while playing. Afterhour is more expensive than the average pool venues in Jakarta, especially the drinks at the bar.

Open everyday from noon to 2AM. On Fridays, there is a special contest where you can challenge Atherhour's best pool players. If you win, you get prizes (I think it's a bottle of Johnny Walker). Happy Hours everyday until 22pm: 2 beers for the price of one.

Contact details:
Afterhour Sarinah (Near Jalan Jaksa)
Gedung Sarinah Lt. 2
Jl.MH Thamrin No. 11 - Jakarta Pusat
Telp.021 - 39832047 Fax. 021 - 39832048
afterhour@afterhour.co.id

Website (not updated regularly): Afterhour Playing Pool & Billiard Jakarta

Photos taken on Afterhour Jakarta facebook profile: Click here for more.

Another branch has opened:
Afterhour Lebak Bulus
Annex Building, Poins Square
Lebak Bulus
South Jakarta
Phone: +6221 75909116

Bebek Bengil (Jakarta Branch)

Bebek Bengil is a Balinese restaurant, originally from Ubud, Bali, which opened a branch in Jakarta in 2009.

It was quite a challenge to re-create a Balinese atmosphere in Central Jakarta with the pollution and the traffic, but the final result is not bad. It would have been better to make it in a house in Menteng though because in its current location, you cannot help but see the towers all around the garden. There is another Balinese restaurant nearby which is more peaceful in my opinion, Baruna (see review).

The specialty of Bebek Bengil (which means "dirty duck") is the Crispy Duck. They also have some popular Balinese, Indonesian and Western dishes, but I didn't try them.

Here are a few pictures of the food we ordered:

Appetizer: Crispy Mushroom (Rp34k++)

Main course: Crispy Duck (Rp72k++)

Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream Tart (Rp35k++)

I also had the "Hanoman street" mocktail (Rp35k++), very sweet but recommended.

I'm not a big fan of Crispy Duck: I find there isn't enough flesh to bite into and also, you never know if it is a bone, the skin or the meat that you are eating... I must recognize though that the one in Bebek Bengil is very tasty, especially if you eat it with the Balinese sambal they give you. I only had small bites of the Crispy Mushroom and Vanilla Ice Cream Tart, and I thought they were average.

Overall: Bebek Bengil is not an exceptional restaurant, but it is worth trying for its relaxing outdoor garden (far different from the original in Ubud, be warned!). Naturally, it is also recommended if you are a fan of Balinese-style Crispy Duck.

Opening hours: 

Everyday, 11am to 11pm. Beware of mosquitoes if you come around sunset.

Bebek Bengil

The Ubud Building

Jl. Agus Salim No.132

Menteng, Jakarta 10310

Phone number: +62-21 391 8016 or +62-21 391 7965 or +62-21 391 8091

Fax: +62-21 391 7721

Email: bebekbengil.jakarta@yahoo.co.id

Also in Ubud: 

Jalan Hanoman, Padang Tegal

Bali 80571

Phone number: +62 361 975 489 / 977 675

Fax: +62 361 975 489

Email: bebekbengil@indo.net.id

Le Bistro (French Restaurant)

 

Le Bistro is a charming French restaurant in front of Sari Pan Pacific hotel, near Sarinah. It is a real gem and one of my best discoveries so far in Jakarta.

Le Bistro is actually the oldest French restaurant in the city, since 1976. It is owned by Rima Melati, a famous Indonesian actress, who is also behind Jaya Pub and La Bodega Grill in Cilandak. The inside looks quaint, with many antiques, probably bought in France. The tablecloth had old stains on it, but it was clean and adding to the atmosphere (that's my opinion). With some famous French songs playing (Brel, Souchon, Brassens, etc.), it is among other things perfect for a romantic dinner. There were a few customers that evening, all expatriates (Japanese and European).

The menu features classic French dishes, with a strong Mediterranean influence. It reminds me of another French restaurant in Jakarta, l'Escargot-Café de la Bastille, but more expensive.

We had the Salade Provençale (Rp38,500k), the NZ Lamb Chops (Rp135,000), the Bouillabaisse (a seafood and fish soup from Southern France, Rp75,000++), and Crêpes Suzettes for dessert (Rp30,000++). An average 2-course meal should cost you between Rp150,000 and Rp200,000.

Lamb Chop (Rp135,000++)

Bouillabaisse (Rp75,000++)

The food was not fine dining, but nevertheless we really enjoyed it. Among the things that could be improved: The Salad Provençale was served with American "French Dressing", and it would have been much better with just olive oil and vinegar. The bouillabaisse was delicious (it is the Chef's specialty), but a little too heavy on the pepper. At last, the ice cream with the Crêpes tasted average.

Overall: In spite of that, I strongly recommend Le Bistro if you like independent restaurants managed with heart. Entering this place feels like stepping into someone else's world: More than a customer, you feel like a guest in Le Bistro. All the staff were among the friendliest I've seen in Jakarta, and we even had greetings by Rima Melati and her husband. Next to Le Bistro, you also have the Casablanca bar, an old-fashioned pub with a pool table and a piano.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 11am to 1am (2am on weekend nights)

Le Bistro
Jl.MH.Thamrin Kav.1-2 (Gedung Jaya)

Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 390 92 49

Facebook: Le Bistro
Website: Le Bistro French Restaurant

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

Jaya Pub (Thamrin)

After 8 years living in Jakarta, I finally visited Jaya Pub, the oldest expat bar in the city (since 1976). It is really a shame I never came before because the place would have deserved a review on this blog a long time ago.

Owned by Rima Melati and her husband (also behind Le Bistro and La Bodega), Jaya Pub looks like a survivor. Not only has it been around for 35 years, it also hasn't changed during that time: Toto for instance, one of their employees, has been working here since the beginning. He is now 70 years-old, probably the oldest bartender in Jakarta. The decoration is nothing but the accumulation of all the souvenirs and photos gathered over time. You cannot help but feel nostalgic in Jaya Pub, especially if you've been an expat for a while already.

They have a live band everyday, playing a bit of everything but nothing too recent. Customers are welcome to go on stage to sing as well. Here is a video I shot:

They serve some decent pub food: I tried the Lamb Chops (Rp135k++) and Lamb Skewer (Rp75k++): The meat could have been more tender (or they could give a better knife), but the cooking was fine for pub fare. I thought it was a bit pricey though. For drinking, I had a Bintang (Rp37k++).

Lamb Skewer

Lamb Chops

Overall: Jaya Pub is not a place for everyone, especially if you are only interested in finding stylish, modern venues. But for those who enjoy grabing a beer in a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, it is a must-try bar.

 

Opening hours:
Everyday from 5pm to 2am.
Happy hours from 5pm to 9pm (buy one get one free).
Live music from 8.30pm onwards.

Jaya Pub
Gedung Jaya, Jl. MH.Thamrin Kav.1-2,
Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 319 25 633

Facebook: Jaya Pub Jakarta
Website: http://jayapub.jktlinks.com/

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

Pitstop Bar and Live Music Nightlife Jakarta (Hotel Sari Pan Pacific, Jalan Thamrin)

Pleasant hotel bar, unfortunately not very happening. They have a decent live band on week-ends, and the crowd is mixed indonesian/expats, most of whom are guests from the hotel. 

The day I set foot in Pitstop was a very special one, as it was the 100th bar I had been to in Jakarta. I finished the night early morning in Emerald Disco, which became my 107th.

Operating Hours
Everyday except Sunday: 5pm to 12pm (until 3am on Friday and Saturday night)

Contact details:
Pitstop Bar & Lounge
Hotel Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta
Jalan M.H.Thamrin 6, Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 39831926

Website: Pitstop Jakarta 

Similar bars (small hotel bars with live music): Stix, Velvet, Grand Manhattan.