This legendary grilled fish spot in Semarang: Families with kids, think twice
qponx
2026-03-05
Step back in time at Ikan Bakar Cianjur, a grilled fish restaurant set in a magnificent Dutch colonial building in Semarang's Old Town. This spot is famous for its perfectly grilled Gurame Bakar and fragrant Nasi Liwet, served quickly in a photogenic, vintage atmosphere. While the food and ambiance are major draws, the presence of indoor smoking makes it less ideal for families with children. It's a must-visit for the food, but be mindful of the environment.
Every time I come to Semarang's Old Town (Kota Lama), I'm always drawn to this magnificent old Dutch colonial building. I've passed by it countless times and always thought it was some museum or government office, but I never expected it to be a restaurant! And it's the "national-level" Indonesian grilled fish chain, Ikan Bakar Cianjur (IBC). The contrast is just off the charts.
Traveling Back to the 40s for Grilled Fish 🐟
The moment you step inside, it feels like you've traveled back to the 1940s[1]. The high ceilings, vintage wooden furniture, and creaky floors—the air is filled with the scent of old times. The environment is spacious and clean, and every corner is super photogenic. Photo-loving friends, go for it! 📸
Since there were a lot of us, we went straight for their signature dishes. The Gurame Bakar (Grilled Gurame)[2] was definitely the star of the show. The skin was grilled to a fragrant crisp, but the meat inside was still tender and juicy. The cooking was perfectly controlled, Mantap! Paired with their specialty, Nasi Liwet (Coconut Rice)[3], the rice has a light coconut fragrance—a true blessing for carb lovers. The Gurame Pesmol[4] my friend ordered was also amazing; the sweet and spicy sauce coated the fish, making it super good with rice.
And the most amazing part was, even though the place was packed, the food came out ridiculously fast[5]! All our dishes arrived not long after we ordered. I have to give them major props for that. 👍
Straight Talk, No Hype, No Hate
However, to be fair, I have to mention the downsides. The price is on the mid-to-high side for Semarang, around 60k-75k IDR per person. Although the taste is worth the price, my wallet still felt a little pinch.
The fish soup we ordered felt a bit too salty[6]. For someone like me who prefers less salty food, I had to chug a lot of water. I'm not sure if it was just a one-off thing.
But the thing that bothered me the most, and the reason I advised families with kids to think twice in my title, was that someone was smoking in the air-conditioned room[7]! Although the restaurant has designated smoking and non-smoking areas, the smell of smoke still wafted over. For kids and people who hate secondhand smoke, the experience is an immediate -100 points. Anjay!
A Guide in Plain Talk (My Honest Guide)
Overall, if you're coming for the food and the vintage atmosphere, this place definitely won't disappoint you. But if you're having a family meal and have high standards for the environment, then you might want to weigh your options carefully. Have you been? Come Nongkrong in the comments section
- Ordering Guide: Don't hesitate, go straight for the Gurame Bakar[8] and Nasi Liwet[9]. If you have more people, you can also try the Gurame Pesmol[10].
- Money-Saving Tip: Their Sambal (chili paste) is super delicious, and you can get free refills[11]! Don't be shy, ask for a couple more servings!
- Parking: The restaurant has its own parking lot[12], which is very convenient. But parking spots can be tight during peak hours on weekends, so it's recommended to go early or take a taxi.
- Choosing Your Seat: If you're sensitive to smoke or have a baby with you, make sure to emphasize that you want a non-smoking seat furthest from the smoking area when you book!
- Indonesian food in a colonial building—what a vibe! Savor authentic grilled fish [1] in the 1940s retro space. So photogenic! 📸
- Gurame Bakar [2] has crispy charred skin with tender, juicy meat. Pair with the fragrant Nasi Liwet [3]—carb heaven!
- Service is crazy fast! Even when packed, expect lightning-fast service [4]. No long waits.
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