CHRISTMAS DINNER JAKARTA 2017!

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Even tho Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim citizens in the world, but I just love how festive we are with Christmas celebration (even though not as extra as Singapore) and lately I've seen how malls are now almost 'competing' to decorate their venue with sparkling Christmas ornaments and such, and of course restaurants are making special dining sets for Christmas, and you know me, I love giving you guys recommendations on where to go to celebrate Christmas dinner with your couple, your family, your bitch, your sugar-daddy I really don't care, it's the food and the good love-making that counts really.

Anyway, I wonder what's your idea of Christmas dinner? Any plan for Christmas this year? Are you guys celebrating here? or do you already have plans to go somewhere abroad and spend Christmas and new year there? Well whatever you're doing I genuinely hope that you'll have tons of fun, and if you're celebrating alone, remember you're never really that alone, and my Christmas wish this year is for you to find love (and not to mention we are two months away from Valentine's).

If the previous years I focused more on the fancy dining and fancy restaurants, this year I am giving you recommendation, still seated dinings with a twist of fancy, but my focus is more towards the quality of food...AND this post is very personal, what I think fits my palate might not fit yours, so chill.

Without further ado I hope you enjoy this blog post and if you have some more worthy recommendation please feel free to drop them on the comment section! I am not really sure about the special Christmas sets each restaurant has this year (that you have to stalk their Instagram). The restaurants are listed in an alphabetical order and not a ranking list, click the name of the restaurants for the full review!

AB Steak
MD Place Building M fl.
Jl. Setiabudi Selatan No. 7
Jakarta Selatan 12910
0877 - 7227 - 8325 / 2966 9272
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 1 mil
Dresscode: smart casual
If you ask me to name my top 5 favorite steakhouses in Jakarta, AB Steak is what I have in mind for that list. This restaurant is well known for their impressive range of dry aged steaks but cater premium cuts as well! Be sure to check out their Flat Iron from the premium selection and dry aged Porterhouse! I love pairing with various homemade salts (my personal favorite is Truffle salt), and dipping sauces!
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
It's safe to say that after all the years Akira Back is still my NUMBER ONE favorite restaurants in Jakarta! Food? Undoubtedly terrific! Interior? Posh, modern and chic in the same time with VIP rooms, group seating and even a private for two. Their Tuna Pizza is something that you just can't miss, alongside that slow cooked Short Ribs and modern Japanese cuisine. Akira Back is pure love!

Altitude Grill
The Plaza Tower, 46th fl.
Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30
Jakarta Pusat 10350
021 - 2992 2448
Mobile RSVP: 0859 3992 2799
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12-2:30 PM
Dinner: 6-10:30 PM
Average spending for two: IDR 2 mil
They're the newest kid on the block, a newly launched steakhouse on the list, and at the moment I really think AB Steak and Altitude Grill is the two that's going head to head, but of course, one has their own preference when it comes to what they fancy better between the two. Akira Back has a good range of dry-aged steaks while Altitude Grill is mostly about premium cuts (and guests can indulge on their buffet dessert station (with IDR 150k) extra). Hard to decide which one I love more between the two, I guess they're both good, slightly different, but overall AB Steak is a little cheaper than Altitude Grill

Attarine
Jalan Gunawarman No. 11
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
021 - 2277 1256
Opening hours:
Sunday - Wednesday: 11 AM-4 PM, 6 PM-11 PM
Thursday - Saturday: 11 AM-4 PM, 6 PM-1 AM
Average spending for two: IDR 400k
Dresscode: smart casual
I almost don't want to put Attarine on the list because I haven't really dine here this year, BUT last month I went there for an impromptu dinner and realized they just launched some of their new menus and desserts and they were so impressive, like way better than my first exclusive preview that I did with them! Attarine's homey interior is always charming, I always feel like I am in an Italian house, even tho most of their food is the fusion of local and Mediterranean. Attarine is simple, yet intimate.

Bistecca
18 Parc Place Tower C - GF
Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53
SCBD - Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan 12190
021 - 515 1660 (reservation is highly recommended)
Opening hours: 11 AM-1 AM
Average spending for two: IDR 1 mil
Dresscode: smart casual
Undoubtedly one of UNION group's best venture, Bistecca is a steakhouse that's loved by many! Can't argue that they're more to the more expensive side, but as long as you're willing to pay for some delicious fancy steaks to cater your palate, say no more.

Cassis Kitchen
Pavilion Apartement Retail Arcade Kav. 24
Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur
Karet Tengsin, Jakarta Selatan
021 - 5794 1500
Opening hours:
Lunch: 11 AM-14:30 PM
Dinner: 6 PM-11 PM
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 600k-700k
Dresscode: sporty casual
Now that I think about it, I'm kinda happy that Cassis decided to rebrand their identity and drove themselves to a new concept that's more lovable with more affordable price tag while still keeping the  fancy-chic vibe about it. I love the food here at Cassis: they're simple, comforting, delicious and they're accompanied with the interior of the restaurant, altogether really enhances the Christmas mood (if you've been here I bet you'll understand), and don't forget some wine and champagne to celebrate.

GIOI
Jalan Senopati No. 88 (beside Cacaote)
Senopati - Jakarta Selatan 12190
021 - 7211 468
Opening hours: 11 AM-11 PM daily
INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 300k
Dresscode: none
Gioi (read: joy) is one of my most favorite restaurants in Jakarta at the moment, and it's one of the serious ones in Senopati (and to be frank not many in Senopati), and when I say 'serious' I mean it reflects from the food, service and everything in a package (aka restaurant), and honestly their homey venue is super . Gioi serves Indonesian cuisine with a twist and what not to miss is surely their highly famous Fried Duck (or if you can't eat duck go for their grilled chicken), Salmon Lodeh and Sate Lilit!

Hong He
Ruko Galery Blok 8
Jl. Pantai Indah Utara 2
Penjaringan, Pantai Indah Kapuk
Jakarta Utarra 14460
021 - 3001 0392INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 300k
Dresscode: casual
The least fancy, but food wise the least bullshit, always works and the safest choice. Hong He/Angke is all about good comforting Chinese food that's acceptable by all ages. I'm running out of words for this restaurant, they're LEGEND.
House of Yuen
Fairmont Hotel Jakarta 3rd fl.
Jl. Asia Afrika
Senayan, Jakarta Selatan 10270
021 - 2903 9172
Average spending for two: IDR 2 jt
Dresscode: smart casual
House of Yuen is among the best lunch experience in 2017! I don't even know where to start because they're literally a package of terrific food, beautiful fancy venue and attentive service! They serve Chinese-Cantonese cuisine here and if you read my review (which I linked above) I raved about their uber good Salted Egg Fish Skin and that oh-so-good Short Ribs! If you're into high end Chinese-Cantonese cuisine (and absolutely delicious one), then look no further than House of Yuen!
Lewis and Carroll
Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall East Mall
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM
INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 200k (with food)
Dresscode: Casual
2017 is the year Lewis & Carroll does their expansion and this year alone they've opened two more outlets: one in Grand Indonesia and the other one in Senayan City (which as this post is written I haven't been) and to be completely frank I've always loved Lewis & Carroll even though the early visits was like "yeah okay they're not yet consistent", but in the span of 4 months I've been to their GI outlet three times and have always left with good impression and not to mention their GI outlet is also a florist and it's so pretty, almost like dining at Aoyama Flower Market but not too significant. I also like how they serve simple no-bullshit comfort food like Mie Ayam, Mie Goreng, Nasi Goreng or pasta, not the fanciest food on this list, but if you want to have good comforting food and pair that with great artisan tea, then Lewis and Carroll should be the perfect option.
Li Feng
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Jakarta 2nd fl.
Jl. M.H. Thamrin - Menteng
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2993 8888
Opening hours: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 6 PM-10 PM
INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 400k
Dresscode: smart casual
Feels the need to add more Chinese restaurants on this list and at the moment nothing that I love more than House of Yuen and Li Feng at Mandarin Oriental! Have been here numerous times and proudly bringing my foreign friends here for dinner and they love Li Feng too! For a hotel restaurant, the price tag of the food here is surely not hefty! Most of the times I went here for their Dim Sum, but of course sparing some for the ala carte food! Their food is rich, fresh, generous and flavorful just how I like it! If you wonder about the price comparison, Li Feng is slightly cheaper than House of Yuen, but I genuinely love both so don't make me choose!
Lyon
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Jakarta 2nd fl.
Jl. M.H. Thamrin - Menteng
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2993 8888
Opening hours: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 6 PM-10 PM
Average spending for two: IDR 2 mil
Dresscode: smart casual
Also located at Mandarin Oriental, Lyon is also a very recommended restaurant when it comes to authentic French cuisine. As I am typing this post and now think about it, I really do think Lyon is one of the best dinner experience that I've had this year! Top notch French food, top notch service, and I love the chefs too!

Namaaz Dining
Jl. Gunawarman No. 42
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
DKI Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Currently holding the number one spot at TripAdvisor, Namaaz is not just about the food, but it's the unity of experience and delicacy! Namaaz is one of a kind, and their Molecular Gastronomy approach makes them sets the bar higher, with periodic theme change. Food wise alone, good but not out of the world good, and honestly everything seemed to be overshadowed by the excitement of the experience and that fun and loud dessert time!

Oku
Kempinski Hotel (Hotel Indonesia)
Jl. M.H. Thamrin - Menteng
Jakarta Pusat 10310
021 - 2358 3896
Opening hours: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 6 PM-10 PM
INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 1 mil
Dresscode: smart casual
When it comes to impressive Japanese restaurants in town, Oku is surely one of the top players in the game right now! I think I love everything about Oku really, the food, the interior of the restaurant, the attentive service, but I think it has to be the food that's making me go back for more! What I love here? Aburi Salmon Roll, Truffle Gyudon, and the Chicken Karaage that I never had elsewhere before. Aside from this list, Oku is certainly one of the best restaurants in Jakarta, period!
Rosso
Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta (lobby level)
Jl. Jendral Sudirman
Jakarta Pusat 10220
021 - 2922 9999
Opening hours: 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, 6 PM-10 PM
INSTAGRAM
Average spending for two: IDR 1 mil
Dresscode: smart casual
Used to have love-hate relationship with Rosso that it disappeared from my list as my previous visits was not so memorable, but anyway with the arrival of their new chef, he freaking stepped up the game!!! Rosso is back to impress and I was so impressed with my last lunch around three weeks ago where everything was so good, and the chef is so good at making his own pasta and it was literally the most perfect pasta texture I've had in my life, just so al-dente, perfectly firm and just so so so so delicious!!! Rosso, welcome back to my heart!
Ruth Chris Steakhouse
Somerset Residence Lobby Level
Jalan Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12940
021 - 5221 178
Opening hours:
Lunch: 12 PM-3 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM-11 PM
WEBSITE
Average spending for two: IDR 2 mil
Dresscode: sporty casual

Ruth Chris is by far, for me, THE BEST steakhouse in Jakarta at the moment! Originated from New Orleans and decades of recipe legacy, their steaks are total drool-worthy! The serving idea was also brilliant, so they heated the plate up to 500 degree celcius and cook the steak on top of it, the heat will last for 20 minutes and you can keep on cooking your steak the way you want to. Aside from their glorious steaks, their crab cake is also DA BOMB! I have never had a crab cake that good.

Saine Daise
Jalan Mandara Permai VII Blok 6 KA (beside Legend of Noodle)
Pantai Indah Kapuk, Penjaringan
Jakarta Utara 14470
021 - 3005 1662
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
Opening hours:
Sun-Thu: 11 AM-11 PM
Fri-Sat: 11 AM-2 AM
Average spending for two: IDR 300k
Dresscode: casual
The fact that there's not a lot of top notch restaurants in PIK makes it easy for me to point out where exactly you should go to find good food, in less than three seconds my brain proceed to think about Saine Daise! The food here has this very little (or almost none) chance to disappoint your palate as I personally know the owners and how they always try to maintain the upmost quality of the ingredient before actually serving the food to the tables. Another thing that I like about Saine Daise is the fact that it's not too spacious, but it's so pretty and simply designed (almost a Modern-Victorian touch) making you feel comfortable dining here while still managed to have a spare for intimacy and privacy with your partners.
Tsukada Nojo - Bijin Nabe
Plaza Senayan 5th fl.
Jalan Asia Afrika No. 1
Jakarta Selatan 10270
021 - 572 5064
Opening hours: 10 AM-11 PM
Average spending for two: IDR 400k
Dresscode: casual
Why not have hot pot to share on Christmas eve? Even though technically we are not in Winter, but you can fake it till we make it, especially since Jakarta has been raining non stop and I am constantly craving for warm comforting meals. Tsukada Nojo Bijin Nabe is one of my favorites in town at the moment, I recommend having their Seafood Bijin Nabe just because it's tastier than the original one (for me).

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!
First of all, congratulations for the opening of their latest outlet in Pantai Indah Kapuk which at the moment becomes such a BIG hit!
Union has to be in this list simply because it is Union. It's the pioneer of all these fancy cafes packing the scene but 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, but not out of the world smaking my head kinda good. I heard so many people raved about their Kway Teow Truffle Jam (their new menu) and honey I am so coming for it!!!

Valentino
MD Place Building/Penthouse, Level 11
Jl. Setiabudi Selatan No. 7 (near to Four Seasons Jakarta)
Setiabudi, South Jakarta
021 - 2905 7888
INSTAGRAM
Pricing: $$$$ - IDR 1.5 mil for two
Dresscode: smart attire
Another delightful authentic Italian restaurant that I just have to include on this list! Valentino is the one that I would happily recommend and this restaurant brings good memories this year as I went here for my sister's and mom's birthday celebration! Because they serve authentic Italian cuisine, I would say look up to the freshness and quality of the ingredients over the flavor because I've had people telling me the flavor of their food is too light but as someone who understands the criteria of authentic Italian cuisine, Valentino is just top notch!
Other recommendations:
Shout out the ones that I didn't try this year but I believe will always be good: AMUZ and Le Quartier!

Thank you for reading and hope you're having a merry jolly Christmas dinner!

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