CHRISTMAS DINNER JAKARTA 2015

We came to one of my most favorite entries of each year: revealing you guys my recommendations on where to go for Christmas dinner in Jakarta this year! Time flies so fast and I literally can’t believe that I am making another Christmas post, it didn’t feel like a year after the last post! So far, 2015 has been an incredible year for me and eatandtreats. I have been running this blog more professionally, while I still want every single thing to be very personal, and I can’t thank you enough for supporting eatandtreats from the very first time, to my old readers and my new ones, I literally can’t get here and do this all without you, so I genuinely want to thank you guys very much!

I feel like hugging each and everyone of you, so here’s a virtual one for you.

What is your idea of a Christmas dinner? Spending your private time with that very special one? Spreading joy with your family? Or basically both? For me, personally, Christmas is all about joy and sharing, I love the concept of “the merrier the better”, I love those loud dinners with good food, good drink and good people. I hope that the places that I recommend here really are the good ones!

Do note that this is NOT a ranking list, nor an advertorial. I value the restaurants on this list based on how I personally see their performance with the food, the service and the ambiance. I realize that not everyone is a foodie, and I definitely understand that some of you care about the pretty place for pictures more than the food, don’t worry I got everything covered! I want to give you guys a fresh update, so these followings are the restaurants that I visited this year. I love Emilie and AMUZ, and honorable mention to them, but I haven’t got the chance to revisit them this year, but I think they are worth considering, and I choose not to include any buffet restaurants on this year’s list.

ENJOY GUYS! - Click on the name for the full reviews!

1945
Fairmont Hotel 3rd fl. (Across Sapori Deli)
Jalan Asia Afrika No. 8
GBK Senayan, Jakarta Selatan 10270
021 - 2903 9179
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
Average spending: $$$ - IDR 1 mil for two
Credit cards and cash accepted
Dresscode: smart casual

1945 at Fairmont Hotel Jakarta is the newest venture by Sari Rasa group, which also managed the well-known and reputable Sate Khas Senayan. It’s the easiest to describe 1945 as the classier and the upgraded version of Sate Khas Senayan serving the traditional Indonesian food with a little internatonal influence and beautiful presentations. I personally love this restaurant, not only that it is beautiful, they also serve amazing food and drinks here, I guess when you’re back-uped by a giant such Sari Rasa group, and the fact that they’ve been around the biz for half a decade, we all should worry all our doubts. The dining service here is the Rijstafel style, where guests are pleased to choose the courses and the traditionally dressed waiters will be in line to serve you personally. Some of my favorites would be their “Pecel Kembang Salad”, “Gorengan”, and “Lobster Thermidor Pesmol”. Don’t forget to try their very own “Teleng Punch” made from real bluepea flower!

AKIRA BACK

MD Place Building/Penthouse, Level 12

Jl. Setiabudi Selatan No. 7 (near to Four Seasons Jakarta)

Setiabudi, South Jakarta

021 - 2904 0777 / 0857 7778 8777

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$$$ - IDR 2 mil for two

Dresscode: smart attire

AMBER

Amber Chocolate & Bar
Jalan Senopati Raya No. 61
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12190
021 - 2904 4412
Opening Hours:
Chocolate and pastry boutique: 7 AM - 10 PM
Library: 10 AM - 11 PM
Sky Lounge: 5 PM - 1 AM (weekdays) and closed at 3 AM on weekends
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 700k for two
Dresscode: sporty casual

Amber is my favorite place to have all-day breakfast menus and brunch, the food theme in this casual fine dining restaurant is French inspired cuisines presented beautifully! Don’t miss their beautiful salmon and of course, their desserts! They serve one of the best hot chocolates in town, so if you think hot chocolate can live up that Christmas feeling somewhere in your heart, then this place is not to miss.

AVEC MOI

Office Park Thamrin City Block AA-01

Jl. Thamrin Boulevard

Central Jakarta

Ph. +6221 29625878

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$$ - IDR 400k for two

Dresscode: Smart casual

Avec Moi means “with me” in English, and boy damn right you gotta dine with them! Avec Moi is the perfect option if you’re looking for an awesome & affordable French dining experience. You just can’t miss their “Salade Avec Moi” with their signature Sesame dressing that’s so damn good, they’re quite popular for their pastas, and their steaks, I've tried like 70% of the menus here and none is disappointing! Avec Moi might not be the biggest on the social media, but the word of mouth of this French bistro spreads like virus, fully booked tables during weekends are something they’re used to, if you wanna dine here, I suggest fast & early bookings!

BISTRO BARON

Plaza Indonesia 1st fl. Unit E 20-21 (across Kitchenette)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30
Jakarta Pusat 10350
021 - 2992 3505/06
BB PIN: 2144528C
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 700k for two

Dresscode: smart casual

I have one thing to describe Bistro Baron, then it would be “professional”. I don’t know whether I am always carried away with their beautiful architecture, awesome service, or their food with nothing to worry about. Venue wise, when I think of Christmas, Bistro Baron fits the criteria perfectly: beautiful Victorian & European looking buildings, minimal table setting but overall feels classy and expensive. If you’re planning to share, don’t miss their awesome “Cote de Beouf”, 1 KG of 200 day grain fed Black Angus beef with three side dishes options and four sauces to accompany!

BOTTEGA RISTORANTE

Menara Bank Danamon
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. E4 No. 6
Lingkar Mega Kuningan, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950
021 - 5799 2222
Opening Hours: 9 AM - 12 AM
INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 600k for two
Dresscode: Sporty Casual

Hands down, Bottega Ristorante is one of the most beautiful restaurants in town at the moment. My first experience with them wasn’t the best one, but gradually on the next visits, Bottega learned a lot and actually fix everything. They serve modern European-Western cuisine here, but my favorite happened to be the single Indonesian fusion dish here: “Cream Truffle Noodle”. Obsessed!

CAFFE MILANO
Central Dept. Store Ground Floor, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town
Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10350
021 - 2358 0638
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 2 PM
Pricing: IDR 500k for two
Food starts from IDR 85k - IDR 300k
Drinks (cocktails) from IDR 100k - IDR 200k

INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 600k for two

Dresscode: sporty casual

Caffe Milano is another venture by the UNION group, and if you’re familiar with UNION group’s ventures, I believe you know that they are never disappointing. I have four UNION group restaurants on this list simply because I love them a little too much ;). Caffe Milano focuses on distributing the authentic and homey Italian cuisine to the tables and your palate, there’s this brief similiarity about Caffe Milano and UNION (the restaurant), probably the decor or the ambiance, but hey that’s a good thing. Their “Truffle Angel Hair” remains my favorite dish here, it’s so simple but the execution was fantastic.

CHATEAU BLANC

Jl. Senopati No. 38
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan

021 - 521 3626

Pricing: $$$$ - IDR 2 mil for two

Dresscode: stylish formal

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Chateau Blanc rings fancy, BIG TIME. Wel that’s probably because you’re actually eating in a white castle (what Cheateau Blanc literally means). It’s the upper class venture by the Harvest group, just like Amber. It offers you a rather private and exclusive classy French dining experience. They don’t have the largest capacity for a restaurant, maybe they wanna keep that classy value not for everyone (clearly those who can afford). Eating here is not cheap, but if you want to buy your loved one that private dining experience just for two, go no further than this.

CORK AND SCREW

Pacific Place Mall Ground Floor #G-51C
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53
Jakarta Selatan 12190
021 - 5797 3303
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: sporty casual

Cork and Screw is young, hip and urban, I am biased with particularly, their Pacific Place outlet as they have this more open-air concept. I go here a lot for brunch with friends, the food is great, pricing still makes sense, Cork and Screw is just the place that Jakarta youngsters will go for good times over good drinks and comfort food.

GASTROMAQUIA

Jalan Ciniru 1 No. 1 - Senopati
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12180
021 - 2930 5091
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 11 PM

INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: casual

The Madrid origin franchise is one of the most talked about spots in town. Gastromaquia is big in Madrid and is awarded one of the top 50 best restaurants in Madrid. They serve modern Spanish cuisine here, and their best selling course is still their signature “Garlic Noodle” with that strong Asian flavor character. Their outlet in Senopati is beautifully designed to be bright during the day, and homey all the time, it’s not a secret anymore that because of how pretty this restaurant looks, a lot of shootings and photoshoots are done here. Reservation in advance is required.

GIA

Sampoerna Strategic Square
South Tower, GF Unit 7-8
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 45-46
Jakarta Selatan 12950
021 - 5795 3300

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: smart casual

GIA is well –known for having good Italian cuisine, even more for the fact that it’s located at the Sampoerna Strategic Square, hence the look must be pretty! GIA rings fancy, but in some ways, humble at the same time. The head chef here is Chef Tomasso, who used to head the Pepenero Bali kitchen for around 4 years and Safehouse Kuningan. I’ve been to GIA twice, the food here is quite decent, even though personally not my favorite favorite, but I guess when you’re looking for a beautiful restaurant which can occupy big seating, have good Italian cuisine and in the same time, has that romantic value to it. GIA it is!

H GOURMET AND GRILL

Jalan Gunawarman No. 41
Gunawarman, Jakarta Selatn 12110
021 - 2765 0842
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 2 AM, closed on 3 AM on weekends

INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ / IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: sporty casual

To be completely honest, I have never been a fan of H’s food, but I have to admit that this restaurant is exactly how you spell “COOL” and “QUIRKY”, it’s hip, fresh, young!

HACIENDA

Plaza Senayan Arcadia X-105

Jl. New Delhi, Senayan

Jakarta Selatan 10270

021 - 5790 1469

Pricing: $$ - IDR 700k for two

Dresscode: sporty casual

Hacienda never disappoints, that’s simply the easiest way to explain Hacienda to those who don’t know (seriously where have you been). For me, they are the leading Mexican restaurant in town! They have amazing food here, along with good friendly service and a cool place. I love their Arcadia outlet more than the one in PIM as I think the ambiance in Arcadia is a lot more earthy and...green. It’s mandatory to have their steak salad and quesadilla!

HURRICANE’SGRILL

Jalan Gunawarman No. 20 (across H Gourmet and Vibes)

Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110

021 - 5694 6188 / 5596 5947

Operating Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM

INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$$ - IDR 1 mil for two

Dresscode: sporty casual

When I create this list, Hurricane’s Grill came in my mind like a flash of light as I always imagine my Christmas dinner to be big and all about sharing, and when I think of big I think of those chunky Hurricane’s Grill ribs! Statistically speaking, Hurricane is one of the most successful restaurants in Jakarta (believe me I know) at the moment, let’s just hope it’s not only about the vibe but the quality of the food as well! What to order here? Obviously their ribs, the burger and their fabulous desserts!

LE QUARTIER

Jl. Gunawarman No. 34
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
021 - 7278 8001
WEBSITE

Pricing: $$$ - IDR 500k for two

Dresscode: smart casual

Le Quartier has this special place in my heart as it was one of those places that really impressed me on my first months of blogging! Believe me before I started blogging I probably just knew “delicious” and “not delicious”, and the dining experience I’ve had for the past three years has really shaped me. Le Quartier is FABULOUS! Beautiful Victorian styled place with romantic ambiance at night, beautiful food and classy service.

MAD FOR GARLIC

Grand Indonesia Shopping Town GF West Mall #20A (beside Olivier)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2358 1076
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM, 12 AM on weekends
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: casual

Mad For Garlic is on the list because they deserve to! Their comfort food selections are pretty yum and satisfying, if you’re an avid garlic fan you should come and feast on! Not only the food that got me hooked, the pretty designed place which somehow kind of reminded me of a mix of Middle East situation could be pretty heartwarming and homey to celebrate Christmas at. Their Snow Garlic pizza is THE MUST order here, alongside their signature MFG pastas!

MONTY’S

Jalan Senopati Raya No. 84 (across Ms. Choo)
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
021 - 7279 2323
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$$ - IDR 1 mil for two

Dresscode: sporty casual

Not exactly the newest kid on the block, but it’s relatively the fresh and hip spot in town. Monty’s is the combination of class-act dining with a touch of party & festive. Pricing of the food here is not cheap as a simple scallop pasta with a little caviar could go for IDR 700k, but there’s something special about celebrating in Monty’s, they have this “open” and cool attitude to the ambiance, and gets more urban and lounge-ish during the night. PS: the chocolate whiskey dessert here is amazing!

NOMZ KITCHEN AND PASTRY

Central Department Store G Fl.
Grand Indonesia Shopping Town East Mall
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2358 1211
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (closed on 12 AM on weekends)
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: Casual

Nomz came to my mind as I thought about Christmas, maybe I got distracted and eventually too focused by their red logo and “woody” restaurant look. A fabulous large display of cakes will welcome you as you enter the restaurant. The ambiance of this restaurant is homey and just simple with minimal addition of stuff. I can imagine having my dinner here with friends and have their awesome veal (with truffle mash, ah favorite), or whatever they have in store and end it sweetly with Kim Pangestu’s awesome pastries!

OLIVIER

Grand Indonesia West Mall GF (beside Mad For Garlic)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

INSTAGRAM 
Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: sporty casual

Olivier is SO IN when it comes to the prettiest restaurants in Jakarta! It’s just so beautifully designed and almost like several scenes in one single restaurant. My favorite seating must be the semi al-fresco area with more greens yet urban feel to it. Food here is great, Olivier is another venture from the group which manages some of the well rated restaurants in Jakarta such as Rustique, Garcon and Immigrant, but Olivier won me over for the good combination of awesome food, good ambiance and how Olivier matches the theme.

ORIENT8

Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta
Jalan Asia Afrika Senayan
Jakarta Selatan 10270
021 - 574 7777
email: info@hotelmulia.com
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$$ - IDR 1 mil for two
Dresscode: Sporty Casual

If you’re looking for something grand, in terms of venue, food and ambiance with very classy and expensive feeling to it, I suggest look no further to either Chateau Blanc or Orient 8. Orient 8 is made for the eye, tummy and Instagram (LOL). The food in Orient 8 is nothing to worry about, because when you know that a brand as magestic as Mulia is backing you up, you can rule the world. Won’t say much.

POR QUE NO

De Ritz Building 5th fl.
Jalan HOS. Cokroaminoto No. 91, Menteng
Menteng, Jakarta Pusat 10350
021 - 3901 950
Opening Hours: 5 PM - 12 AM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: casual

Por Que No is a Spanish restaurant with tapas dining concept. First, I love the look of this restaurant, it’s actually a glass building rootfop restaurant with a bar on the other side, secondly, I love the food presentation idea: beautiful and thoughtful without leaving the customers feeling complicated. As simple as their “Olive Tree” where olives are sticked on the “tree branches” is impressive enough, don’t miss their steak dishes and the memorable chili molten lava cake!

PUBLIK MARKETTE

Central Department Store East Mall - G Fl. (Across Nomz and below Social House)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
Opening Hours:
Lunch Time: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Ala Carte Hours: 3 PM - 5 PM
Dinner: 6 PM - 9:30 PM
INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$
Dresscode: sporty casual

Personally speaking, Publik Markette is Ismaya’s best venture so far! Ismaya group is very good in creating a concept and the execution of their ventures, but unfortunately, quite often that the product, as in food, is not always there yet on that particular line of my standard, but speaking as a whole: nice concept, GREAT FOOD, nice venue, Publik Markette is Ismaya’s ultimate venture!

THE PROHIBITION

Jalan New Delhi No. 9 Unit X215-217 Arcadia, Senayan

Jakarta Selatan 10270

021 - 5790 1295

Opening Hours: 5 PM - 1 AM
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$$ - IDR 1 mil for two
Dresscode: sporty casual, no sandals

Prohibition is weird, and bloody ass cool as well. You kinda feel that 1920s feel of the restaurant, and in some ways like you’re actually in a mafia house, but the one where they serve good food. If you’re a big drinker then geez this place is for you! They’re pretty popular for their wide range of liquors and unique cocktails, and as for the food, they’re serving a wide range of French and Western cuisines here!

TREDICI

Jl. Suryo No. 42
Senopati, Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan 12190
021 - 720 4567
INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 400k for two
Dresscode: casual

Tredici is somewhere I go when I am thinking about humble homemade-feel Italian food, and also, instantly got me thinking of their Pappardelle Casereccia! Not to mention, Tredici itself actually looked like a house (a two-storey one), only the second floor is functioned as a bar. OMG as I am typing I actually thought of the pasta again... NOOOO I want one right now! 

SOCIEATY

Plaza Indonesia GF (between Chandara and Bistro Baron)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 28-30
Jakarta Pusat 10350
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM (mall opening hours)
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two
Dresscode: smart casual

UNION

Plaza Senayan Ground Fl. (Inside SOGO), Courtyard (from outside entrance)
Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8
South Jakarta
021 - 579 05861

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Pricing: $$ - IDR 500k for two

Dresscode: smart casual!

Trust me I am NOT referring to the one in Grand Indonesia as I don’t really like the place, go to their first outlet in Plaza Senayan! PRETTY ALERT!

For those who don’t know, UNION is actually one of the pioneers of classy dining in Jakarta without the “fine dining” subtext, that is probably why they are highly famous and packed with customers even after years (not to mention it’s also one of the most beautiful restaurants in Jakarta with their classic urban sophisticated interior). Even though I go to UNION mostly for their cakes, as it’s still personally my most favorite boulangerie, brasserie and patisserie in town, or whatever you want to call it, the food in UNION is nowhere near disappointing. As insane as their “Bakmie Ayam Foie Gras” sounds, it’s actually pretty nice, tho a lil’ extreme. Their red velvet cake is to die for and came in big size so you could share it with your beloved one on the dinner, well I didn’t and I won’t share HAHA!

WILSHIRE

Jalan Senopati Raya No. 64 (above Colette and Lola)
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12120
021 - 722 8129
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$ - IDR 600k for two
Dresscode: sporty casual

Another of my all time favorite is Wilshire. The creators of Wilshire are also the same people behind Bottega, but the two are completely different. Wilshire is highly popular for their incredible drinks, beautiful-delicious comfort food, and not to mention, a good looking venue where it’s a little dimmed all the time, but sort of the mood that they’re aiming for. Don’t miss their “Slow Cooked 55 Degree Wagyu Short Ribs” as it’s DA BOMB!

DANG my finger hurts!

I hope this post helps you in deciding where to go for Christmas dinner with your loved ones! Christmas dinner is just the perfect time to gather with your family and hopefully you can create something soul to soul and heartwarming from the togetherness and probably start having conversations like you never had before.

Thank you for reading and hope you'll have a merry-jolly wonderful Christmas dinner.

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email: eatandtreatsindo@gmail.com