I tried the Le Méridien Jakarta buffet for you all, and I need to get some things off my chest.
qponx
2026-01-24
Curious about the hyped-up La Brasserie buffet at Le Méridien Jakarta? This honest review cuts through the polarized opinions to give you the real scoop. Discover the absolute must-tries, like the legendary oxtail soup and a dessert spread that steals the show. But get a heads-up on the letdowns, including mediocre seafood and the shocking fact that even water costs extra. Find out if it's truly worth the price and get tips to avoid potential pitfalls.
Every time I pass by the Le Méridien in Sudirman, my girls always mention its buffet, La Brasserie. It has a 4.7 rating on Google, and I heard it was once ranked high on TripAdvisor[1]—sounds impressive, right? But the reviews are extremely polarized, with some praising it to the heavens while others complain non-stop.
Well, that piqued my curiosity! So this time, I decided to check it out myself to see if it's really that Mantap.
The Best and Worst of the Menu: Highlights and Lowlights
The moment I walked in, I got that classic vibe of an old-school five-star hotel. The ambiance is indeed elegant, suitable for business meetings or family outings, so the atmosphere is definitely OK. But we're here to eat, so the food is the main event!
I went straight for the station that best represents Indonesian cuisine, and I gotta say, their Indonesian food is seriously good.
👍 On the 'must-try' list:
👎 Now for the 'not-so-good' list:
- Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup): The broth was rich and savory, and the beef was stewed until it was fall-off-the-bone tender. No exaggeration, it's truly one of the best oxtail soups I've had in Jakarta[2]!
- Chicken Satay: The chicken satay was also super tender, the sauce was perfectly balanced, and I couldn't stop after eating several skewers.
- Dessert Section: Anjay! Just when I thought that was it, the dessert section completely blew me away[3]. From cakes to ice cream, there were so many options it was hard to choose, and the quality was not half-hearted at all—it was on par with a professional dessert shop. I'd say half the joy of this meal came from the desserts!
- Seafood and Other Hot Dishes: Moving to the other sections, there was a huge selection—Western, Japanese, and Indian dishes were all laid out. But honestly, some of the dishes were a bit of a letdown... For example, at the seafood station, some of the fish didn't taste fresh enough and had a slightly fishy smell[4]. For a five-star hotel buffet, that's really not acceptable. The other dishes also felt... emmm... very safe, but with no surprises, tasting a bit mediocre.
Wallet Warning & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Alright, let's talk about what everyone cares about most: the price. Dinner is around 480,000 IDR per person[5], but be warned! This price does not include any drinks—even mineral water is a la carte! It's the first time I've encountered a buffet where even water has to be purchased separately. Feels like a bit of a rip-off... At this price point, unless you're specifically coming for a particular dish or the desserts, the value for money isn't really high.
For the girls who want to go and chill, here are a few sincere tips:
So, what do you guys think? Is this place worth it? For those who've been, let's chat in the comments! 👇
- 1. Look out for promos! Keep your eyes peeled and frequently search for buy-one-get-one-free deals or other promotions[6]. Otherwise, paying full price will really hurt your wallet.
- 2. Parking nightmare! A lesson learned the hard way! If you come around dinnertime, the downstairs parking lot can be so jammed you'll start questioning your life choices[7]. Make sure to leave early or just take a ride-hailing service.
- 3. Choose the right time! A veteran foodie told me that the Sunday brunch selection might be more extensive than the weekday dinner[8]. If you want a better experience, you could try going at that time.
- Their oxtail soup [1] is a must! Broth's incredibly rich, beef melts off the bone. Jakarta's finest, hands down!
- Don't skip the chicken satay! Super tender, perfectly balanced sauce. You'll crave skewer after skewer!
- The dessert area [2] is a total surprise! Pro-level variety, you'll be spoiled for choice. It made half my meal!
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