Djournal in Downtown Jakarta: A Nongkrong Paradise or a Major Letdown?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is Djournal Coffee in Grand Indonesia the ultimate hangout spot or a major letdown? This review explores the popular Jakarta cafe, known for its hit-or-miss experience. While the cozy vibe is perfect for working and the almond croissants are a definite must-try, be prepared for inconsistent coffee quality and service. Discover the best times to visit, what to order for a safe bet, and get an honest verdict on whether this bustling coffee shop is truly worth your time.
Every time I shop at Grand Indonesia in downtown Jakarta until my legs feel like jelly, I always want to find a place to sit down and recharge. My first thought is always Djournal Coffee, which is under the Ismaya Group. After all, it's a big group, so it can't go wrong, right? 🤔
Hey, it turns out this place is a real love-hate relationship for me; every visit feels like opening a mystery box.
Coffee and Vibe, A Hit-or-Miss Experience
As soon as you walk in, the vibe created by the warm lighting and wooden tables and chairs is pretty solid. It's definitely a great spot to bring your laptop to work or meet up with friends to Nongkrong for a bit. But! That's only if you can find a seat. On weekends or during after-work rush hours, this place is buzzing with people, and finding an empty spot is harder than climbing to the sky[1].
Speaking of the coffee, the quality is a bit of a"Schrödinger's cat" situation. Sometimes the latte I order is pretty Mantap, the coffee flavor is strong, and the aroma of the beans is on point[2]. But I've also had some bad experiences; some lattes have too much milk, are scalding hot like drinking boiling water, and the coffee flavor is so faint it's like a myth. My friend's Iced Salted Caramel Chocolate[3] tasted good, but she secretly told me her throat felt a bit uncomfortable after finishing it, suspecting the ice wasn't very clean[4], Anjay… Well... I can't really say for sure on that one, so you guys be the judge.
However, their Almond Croissant[5] is a definite no-brainer! The buttery aroma is explosive, the outside is crispy, and the almond filling inside is super generous—it's a top-notch pairing with coffee. If you like something refreshing, you can try the Orange Cold Brew[6]; the freshness of the citrus can cut through Jakarta's sweltering heat.
Okay, Real Talk: Here Are My Complaints
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. The biggest problem here is the service, which is really a game of luck. I've personally experienced staff during peak hours looking as sour as if you owed them a billion, and impatiently rushing you to order[7]. That kind of feeling really kills all the good vibes in an instant. Just... try to be zen about it and don't take it to heart.
Also, if you're sensitive to smoke, be careful when choosing the outdoor area! That's the smoking section, and it's so filled with smoke it looks like a fairyland. For a non-smoker like me, sitting there for a while feels like I'm about to"ascend to immortality."
Key Takeaways! Here's My Honest Advice
All in all, if you happen to be around GI and are looking for a place with a decent vibe and a variety of options to sit down, this place is worth considering. But if you're making a special trip just to visit, it's probably not necessary. Have you guys been? How was your experience? Let's chat in the comments! 👇
- Best Time: Want to work quietly or just Chill for a bit? Come on a weekday morning. It's the least crowded, and you'll have the best experience.
- Ordering Strategy: The coffee quality is inconsistent, but the Kopi Susu Batavia[8] is a relatively safe bet, good for those who prefer a milder taste. For pastries, you can't go wrong with the almond croissant. Want a proper meal? This place is connected to the People's Cafe next door, so you can order main courses from there to eat here[9], which is pretty convenient!
- Price Reference: An iced chocolate is about 50K Indonesian Rupiah, which is a normal price for a mall, but as for value for money, that's a matter of personal opinion.
- Wi-Fi Notice: The Wi-Fi password is on the receipt, but the connection is spotty[10], so don't count on it for a smooth online gaming session.
- Every visit's a mystery box: coffee quality 'Schrödinger's'[1], service pure luck[2], yet you'll be hooked!
- Grab their Almond Croissant[3]! Buttery, crispy, generous almond filling – perfect with coffee!
- Working, but hungry? Order main courses[4] from People's Cafe next door. One-stop for coffee & full meals, super convenient!
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