Who says office lunches are boring? I found a hidden gem in the CBD
qponx
2026-01-24
Tired of boring office lunches? Discover Basil, a hidden gem in South Jakarta's Talavera Office Park. This spot shatters expectations with its open, airy, and chill vibe, perfect for both business meetings and casual hangouts. The menu features beautifully plated Western-Indonesian fusion dishes that deliver on flavor. While the service is friendly, it’s best to avoid the peak lunch rush to skip a potentially long wait for your delicious meal.
Honestly, when my friend asked me to eat at Talavera Office Park in South Jakarta, my first reaction was: Huh? Another one of those run-of-the-mill business lunches? 🙄 After all, who expects any surprises in an office building?
But when I got there, I was a bit surprised. This restaurant, called Basil, is in an open area on the ground floor of the office building. There are no stuffy, enclosed walls, so the whole vibe is very open, airy, and Chill. Sunlight streamed in, and office workers were chatting in small groups. It wasn't the serious atmosphere I was imagining; instead, it's perfect for Nongkrong. [1]
The menu is a fusion of Western and Indonesian food, with quite a few options. [2] The dishes we ordered came out, and the plating was really exquisite—not at all like a half-hearted work lunch. The flavors were on point too, giving you that Mantap feeling where you finish and think,"Hmm, that was good." [3] Throughout the whole experience, the waiters and waitresses were super friendly and always smiling, which made me feel really comfortable. [4]
But I gotta be real, I have to complain about one thing. We went right during the lunch rush, and the food came out really slow. I was so hungry my phone died from all the scrolling, Anjay! [5]
Blogger's Key Takeaways
Here are some solid tips for the girls who want to check it out:
- 1. Avoid the peak meal times: If you're an office worker in a hurry, I suggest either going early or avoiding the 12 PM to 1 PM peak period. Otherwise, you'll seriously be waiting forever. [6]
- 2. Top choice for business/chilling: It's especially great for a business lunch with clients or colleagues, or for finding a spot for a casual discussion in the afternoon. The environment isn't noisy, which is a big plus. [7]
- 3. Smoker-friendly: Attention, my smoker friends! They have a smoking area here, so you don't have to go stand outside the building. [8]
- 4. Payment methods: Paying is convenient; they accept both cash and cards. [9]
- Forget dull office dining! This sun-drenched open space is perfect for Nongkrong, flips expectations! [1]
- Western-Indonesian fusion dishes, exquisitely plated not a work meal. Every bite? Pure Mantap 感! [2][3]
- Rare smoker-friendly zone! No need to step out; chat, puff, and Chill with friends. So convenient! [4]
Similar Articles
A 20-minute queue, no Wi-Fi, and no toilet? I only recommend Jakarta's Filosofi Kopi to one type of person.
Jakarta's famous Filosofi Kopi is a pilgrimage for movie fans, but is it worth the hype? This review explores its cool, industrial vibe and photogenic setting. While the coffee gets mixed reviews, the crispy Cireng Salju snack is a definite must-try. Get a heads-up on the reality: expect long queues, a loud atmosphere, and a surprising lack of both Wi-Fi and a toilet. Discover who this iconic but flawed café is truly for before you go.
This viral spot at ASHTA: The cake was heavenly, but the main course almost killed me…
This viral spot at ASHTA is a tale of two extremes. While the baked goods, like the heavenly carrot cake and flaky croissants, are absolutely worth the hype, the main courses are a pricey and disappointing risk. This review guides you on what to order and what to avoid. Learn the secret to enjoying the best of this trendy spot, including a tip for scoring their amazing pastries at a 50% discount, so you can skip the heartbreak and go straight for the good stuff.
This viral Indian restaurant in Jakarta: Don't just go for the photo op
Thinking of visiting the viral Fez-Kinara in Jakarta? Its stunning Moroccan-inspired decor is a major draw, making every photo a masterpiece. But this review goes beyond the photo op. Discover which dishes, like the Butter Chicken, are worth ordering and which you might want to skip. Get the real scoop on the hit-or-miss food, "zen-like" service, and premium prices to decide if this hyped-up spot is truly for you.
They call this the best brunch in Jakarta, but I left feeling... broken?
Thinking about the famous brunch at St. Regis Jakarta's Bel Étage? This review dives into whether it lives up to the hype. While the stunning ambiance is perfect for a weekend chat, the food is a mixed bag. The fresh seafood, decadent foie gras, and incredible dessert station are absolute must-tries. However, disappointing steaks and inconsistent service might leave you questioning the high price. Get the full scoop on what’s worth the splurge before you book your table.