Even the Indonesian Vice President was spotted here? What makes this Japanese spot so hot?

On the fiercely competitive food street of Senopati in South Jakarta, if you ask which spot is the most famous, Okuzono is definitely on the list. After seeing its iconic"terraced" seating countless times, I finally couldn't resist checking it out for myself. To be honest, I just wanted to see if this place is the real deal, or just another"Instagram trap" that's only good for photos. 🤔

The moment I walked in, the small Zen garden and the overall natural wood style made me feel so Chill. The whole space is designed amazingly well, especially the staggered semi-private booths that offer maximum privacy, perfect for Nongkrong and chatting with friends or for a date night. As for the ambiance, you can't complain; it's genuinely upscale and comfortable. 👍

We sat down and got straight to the point, ordering a few of their legendary signature dishes:

• Unagi Donburi[1]: Eel lovers will be ecstatic! Grilled with a slightly charred skin, the meat was plump and tender, and the sauce seeped into every grain of rice. The aroma just blew my mind—this rice bowl is absolutely Mantap!
• Ishikari Nabe[2]: The Hokkaido Ishikari hot pot was served still bubbling away in its paper pot. The miso and butter broth was incredibly rich, and paired with fresh salmon and scallops, one bite warmed my whole body.
• Chicken Nanban[3]: The portion was very generous, and the chicken was fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. However, just like people said online, the sauce was a bit too creamy. It can get a little heavy if you eat too much, but it was still delicious overall.

But, let's be real

Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls

For all the girls who want to check this place out, take note of these tips:

• 1. You must! Absolutely! Book in advance! Especially on weekends or if you want to get the most popular"terraced" seats. You basically have no chance without a reservation[7].
• 2. For those who drive: Parking is very limited. It's best to just use the valet service they provide[8] to save yourself the hassle.
• 3. Go for lunch if you want to save money: The lunch sets offer much better value, and the menu is different from the dinner one[9].
• 4. For those who want to drink: Some reviews mention the restaurant might not have its liquor license at the moment. If you're hoping to drink Sake, it's best to call ahead and confirm to avoid a wasted trip[10].
• 5. Don't linger too long: During peak hours, there might be a 90-minute dining time limit, so if you're planning to have a long chat, be mindful of the time.