Solo's 24-Hour Dim Sum: A Legend or a "Price Assassin"?
qponx
2026-03-05
Step into a 90s Hong Kong movie set at Solo's Restaurant & Cafe Diamond! This glamorous spot wows with its opulent decor and live music. While it's a haven for late-night cravings with its 24-hour dim sum, the quality can be a hit-or-miss. This honest review breaks down which dishes shine, like the Beef Blackpepper, and warns about the "price assassin" bill. Find out if this legendary spot is worth the splurge and get essential tips for your visit.
The moment I stepped into Restaurant & Cafe Diamond, I was completely stunned… This isn't a restaurant, it's clearly a time warp to a 90s Hong Kong movie set! Crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas, and a live band so loud it's deafening. I heard the owner behind it is the Indonesian textile giant, Sritex Group, so no wonder they nailed this Old Money vibe perfectly.[1]
In a chill little city like Solo, suddenly stumbling into such a glamorous place feels pretty anjay. The people who come here are either families with kids in tow or business diners in suits and ties. I felt a bit out of place in my T-shirt 😂.
Hits and Misses, Don't Order Randomly!
Sat down and ordered right away, we're all about an honest review here.
👍 Beef Blackpepper
When this dish arrived, the 'wok hei' instantly left me speechless, it was that amazing. Absolutely the best dish of the night![2] The beef was tender and smooth, and the black pepper sauce was rich and flavorful. It's top-notch with rice, Mantap!
👍 Diamond Fried Chicken
The name is a bit over-the-top, but the taste is genuinely good. The skin is fried till it's super crispy, and when you bite into it, the chicken inside is surprisingly juicy, not dry at all, with just the right amount of savory flavor.[3]
🤔 Dim Sum
The fact that it's available 24 hours is a godsend for night owls like us.[4] But to be honest, the quality is a bit inconsistent. I feel like it's only fresh if you go in the morning. The ones ordered at night are a bit... emmm... you know what I mean.[5]
👎 A Bit of Honest Truth
In terms of taste, they've made a lot of adjustments to cater to the lokal market, so don't come expecting "authentic Chinese food," okay?[6] A friend of mine had a bad experience with the sweet and sour grouper before, said it was a bit fishy, so you might want to avoid that one.
Hold On to Your Wallets, Let Me Start With a Complaint
OK, let's get real. The prices at this place are definitely top-tier for Solo. I literally gasped when the bill came; it's even more expensive than some restaurants I've eaten at in Jakarta. And the portion sizes... let's just say they're rather "delicate." Friends with bigger appetites might need to order a few more dishes to feel full.[7]
That live band, while it really maxed out the atmosphere, was so loud that we basically had to shout to talk to each other. It's a bit difficult to have a proper conversation.[8] The service can also be a bit 'zen' at times, so you might need to remind them a few times. Be mentally prepared.
Tips for Your Visit, You're Welcome
Finally, let me highlight the key points for those who plan to go:
- Best to have the dim sum in the morning, don't ask why, just take my advice!
- Always ask about credit card discounts before paying! Many diners say the price only becomes "normal" after the discount.[9]
- A go-to for late-night food hunters, after all, it's not often you find a place that's open 24 hours and serves hot dim sum.
- Not suitable for a quiet date, better for family gatherings or business meetings where you need to "make an impression."
- Step into a 90s HK film set: crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas & a deafening live band give off major old money vibes. [1][2]
- The black pepper beef's smoky wok aroma is a knockout. Tender beef, rich sauce—perfect with rice. Makes you shout "Mantap!" [3]
- 24-hour dim sum is a blessing for the late-night munchies crew. One of Solo's rare late-night eateries. [4]
Similar Articles
Calling all hipsters and music lovers! This spot in Solo is even cooler than Jakarta's M Bloc.
Discover Solo's answer to M Bloc, but even cooler! Lokananta Bloc transforms Indonesia's oldest recording studio into a vibrant creative hub. Explore a fascinating music museum filled with historic vinyls, then chill in the open-air space with live music, creative markets, and trendy cafes. This retro-industrial spot is the ultimate hangout for music lovers and hipsters. For the best experience, visit on a weekday to avoid the massive crowds and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
For less than 10k, I had to devour two bowls of this legendary Soto in Solo
Discover Solo's legendary Hj. Fatimah Soto Restaurant, a bustling spot cherished as a culinary heritage. For less than 20,000 IDR, savor a bowl of its signature clear, savory bone broth Soto—a refreshing change from the usual. Pair it with must-try sides like crispy Tempe Mendoan and tender Sate Paru. Embrace the authentic local vibe with lightning-fast service, shared tables, and a unique honor system for payment. It’s an unmissable, affordable taste of Solo.
Even Jakarta's Coffee Godfather raves about this Solo spot—I tried it for you
Discover Sekutu Kopi, the Solo coffee hotspot that even Jakarta's coffee experts are raving about! This trendy, three-story cafe boasts a unique vibe on each floor, from a minimalist photo-op space to a cozy, air-conditioned non-smoking area. While the food is skippable, the coffee is the main event. Don't miss their legendary Dirty Matcha or the surprisingly refreshing Kopi Subuh. It's a must-visit for any serious coffee lover looking for a top-tier brew.
Went to Solo for a building, almost got defeated by a plate of pasta…
Canting Londo Kitchen in Solo lures you in with its stunning colonial building and picture-perfect ambiance. But while the vibe is top-notch for photos and chilling, the food is a major gamble. This review gives you a heads-up on the hit-or-miss menu, where safe bets like Smoke Brisket exist alongside disastrously salty pasta. Discover the secret behind its high rating and get tips on whether to visit for the atmosphere or skip for the food.