100k for spoiled pasta, just for this Jakarta night view?
qponx
2026-01-24
Tempted by the stunning rooftop views at Uncle Bens 23 Jkt? This review reveals the honest truth. While the Jakarta city light panorama and photo-worthy ambiance are top-notch, the experience is let down by overpriced, poor-quality food and frustratingly slow service. Discover why this spot is a great choice for drinks with a view, but a hard pass for a meal. Find out if the spectacular scenery is truly worth the disappointing dining experience before you visit.
I went for the city light view in North Jakarta, the pictures I saw on IG were so chill… The result? Heh. This trip to Uncle Bens 23 Jkt was an emotional rollercoaster. Let me get straight to the point: The view is Mantap, the food is Anjay! 🤦♀️
To be fair, the ambiance is truly impeccable. On the 8th-floor rooftop, the breeze is super comfortable, and as the city lights slowly start to twinkle at dusk, the atmosphere is just maxed out[1]. There's also live music on site, and any photo you take looks like a masterpiece. It's great for coming to Nongkrong and chatting with friends or for a date with your doi; just for the view, it definitely passes.
BUT! When my pasta was served, I was stunned. I ordered a Fettuccine Carbonara[2], which cost almost 80k, and the noodles were not only a bit undercooked but also had a faint, not-so-fresh taste… My friend's seafood pasta was the same; the shrimp had absolutely no springy texture. Seriously, the quality was worse than street-side fried noodles. The only thing worth praising was probably the Kopi Susu Pandan[3]; the taste was decent enough.
What really pissed me off was the service. I don't know if they were understaffed or just untrained, but the waiters were incredibly slow to respond; you could call for ages and no one would come[4]. I especially heard that during Eid, even with reservations and pre-orders made a week in advance, food was served more than an hour after Iftar[5]. This kind of operation... I'm speechless… Plus, with these prices, a snack platter is almost 100k. Where's the value for money? I'm seriously making the confused black guy meme face. 🤷♀️
Editor's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls (You're Welcome!)
- 1. Just Drinks, No Food: If you're really craving this view, just come for a drink. Order a coffee or a safe beverage, take your photos, and leave. Do not have any expectations for the food, especially the Pasta[6]!
- 2. Wait for Your Food Like a Zen Master: If you decide to go, be mentally prepared. The waiters might"go missing" at any moment, and the speed of service depends on fate. Not for the impatient.
- 3. Bring Your Phone/Card: They only accept cashless payments here[7], so don't be a fool and bring a pile of cash.
- 4. Parking is a Matter of Luck: Parking spots downstairs are hard to find, and the separation between smoking and non-smoking areas is very confusing, so for those of you who mind, take note.
- North Jakarta's 8th-floor rooftop boasts epic city light night views. Dusk brings vibe instantly 100%[1] for IG shots.
- A Kopi Susu Pandan[2] hits the spot, complementing the charming night view.
- With live music, it's the perfect spot for Nongkrong with friends or a date.
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