Jakarta Japanese Food: Forget Senopati, this veteran Menteng spot is the real deal.
qponx
2026-01-24
Escape the trendy crowds and discover Sushi Matsu, a hidden gem for Japanese food in Menteng. Tucked away in a quiet hotel, this spot offers a relaxed ambiance perfect for conversation. The highlights are the must-try dishes: incredibly thick-cut salmon sashimi, melt-in-your-mouth unagi sushi, and a decadent truffle gyudon. It’s an authentic, high-quality dining experience for those who value fantastic food over flashy decor.
Every time I chat with friends about Japanese food in Jakarta, the conversation always ends up on those few popular influencer spots in Senopati. But honestly, you get tired of them after a while. Sometimes, you just want to find a quiet place to have a good meal.
Recently, a foodie friend recommended Sushi Matsu to me, a place hidden in an old hotel in Menteng. Apparently, out of all their branches in Jakarta, this is the one with the most consistent experience[1]. To be honest, being located in a hotel, it sounds a bit old-fashioned and stuffy, but it turns out the real deal doesn't need a flashy storefront.
The Vibe? The kind of Chill where you can actually have a conversation
As soon as you walk in, you're greeted with that comfortable Japanese vibe—wooden interiors, soft lighting, and none of the deafening background music you get at influencer spots. Even when the whole place is full, it doesn't feel noisy. The atmosphere is quiet and clean[2], perfect for coming to Nongkrong and chat with friends, or bringing clients for a meeting. It's definitely presentable enough.
Let's talk about the food, keeping it real
Let's get straight to the point, after all, taste is king.
🍣 Salmon Sashimi: I have to praise this one first! A lot of places nowadays slice their sashimi paper-thin, but the thick cuts here are so generous. One bite is incredibly satisfying, and the freshness and fattiness of the fish are on point[3]. Mantap!
Unagi Sushi**: Anjay, this unagi sushi is absolutely amazing. The texture is so soft and tender it melts in your mouth. The sauce is perfectly balanced, not too sweet or heavy. Definitely in my top three of all the ones I've had in Jakarta[4].
🍚 Truffle Gyudon: If you're not a fan of raw food, go straight for this one. The beef is tender and smooth, paired with a runny onsen egg and a rich truffle aroma. This is the simple joy for a carb lover[5].
Some Real Talk: Your Wallet and What to Avoid
To be fair, this place isn't cheap. For two people ordering just a few things, it'll be around 400k IDR and up[6], but considering the quality of the food and the ambiance, I think it's worth it. However, there are a few things I have to complain about:
- Service Can Be Hit-or-Miss: Most of the staff are very professional, but during peak hours, the service can get slow, and they might occasionally miss an order[7]. Impatient people might get a little frustrated.
- The Restroom is a Major Downside: The restaurant doesn't have its own restroom; you have to use the one in the hotel lobby, and the facilities are... indescribably old[8]. For friends who are particular about restroom cleanliness, be mentally prepared.
- Ordering Tip: While the place is great overall, not every dish is perfect. A friend had a bad experience with the udon, saying the broth was rather bland. So, I'd recommend sticking to their sushi, sashimi, and signature rice bowls.
A No-Nonsense Guide, Take It, You're Welcome
Finally, here's a summary of some practical tips for you girls:
- 1. How to get there?: If you're driving, parking spots out front are very limited, so it's easiest to just use the valet service at the entrance[9].
- 2. What to order?: Go for the Salmon Sashimi, Unagi Sushi, and Truffle Gyudon without a second thought. You can't go wrong with these three.
- 3. Hidden Perk: If you're there for a birthday or anniversary, be sure to mention it to the staff when you order. They might have a little"sushi surprise" for you[10]! 😉
- Skip influencer noise. Menteng's Sushi Matsu is Jakarta's most reliable Japanese. Quiet, classy for talks[1][2].
- The Unagi sushi melts, sauce sweet yet not cloying. Easily Jakarta's top 3[3].
- Raw fish not your jam? The Truffle Wagyu Don! Tender beef, runny onsen egg, rich truffle for carb bliss[4].
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